Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsMan, these are the best d**n camp pillows out there. Once you get one you'll never go back.
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2020
I camp and travel a lot, so does my family. We like to be comfortable. I've tried every method of pillow. I motorcycle camp a good bit, so I used to have the "jacket with your spare clothes tucked in" method, then I tried the inflatable pillow method, then I tried the inflatable wrapped in your fleece jacket method. Well? None really worked. Were they better than nothing? Yeah, I suppose so, but being in mid 40's I just wasn't getting a good night's rest on those pillows anymore. Upon the recommendation of a friend, I decided to try these. I guess I have been using the brand Therm-a-rest since I started Scouting in the early 80's, and they've always made a quality product. I've owned quite a few pads over the years (of every description and I have always been pleased with them) and I was impressed to see the pillow was about the cheapest you could get. Why not?
When the item arrived I was really pleased to see the fabric. It's poly, but not that slick, noisy junk that SO MANY of these pillows are covered with, it was more like a faux suede, soft, supple, and comfy on my cheek. The pillow doesn't pack down tiny, like some of the inflatables, but it isn't heavy either. When I first pulled it out, it was lumpy and rather under-filled... but after sitting for 15-20, it filled up. Therm-a-rest right? The pillow felt good enough for an overnight, so I decided to keep it and take it on an upcoming 3 night motorcycle camping trip.
Well, to make a long story short, I've never slept so well. I am a bit of a sleep gear snob, I like fine sheets, quality blankets, and good pillows... this pillow is a no compromises, home-like sleeping experience. I guess pillows are subjective, but to me, this is hands-down the best camping pillow that I have ever used. How much do I like it? Well, if it is any clue, I purchased one for my wife, each of my kids, and I give them out as gifts. We never go on a road trip without them anymore. When I car camp, and can take whatever I want, I take these pillows. Combined with my Byer of Maine cot, my memory foam sleeping pad, and my Slumberjack "Country Squire" bag, I get a night's rest that's comparable to just about any road-sleep I could buy in a hotel or resort.
Yes, I know backpacking gear has its place, and this may not be the perfect pillow for that (though I will never be without one on the trail), it's kind of bulky, even packed down (think about the size of a oil-can of Foster's lager) and it's probably not the lightest for weight-weenies, though it is not heavy, but it's the best "camp-pillow" you can get. Period. Also, it's totally machine washable and handles it just fine (ours have probably been washed 100 times), and loses no comfort over time (we've had them for several years now).
Try one out, they're fairly cheap, and I promise you will not be disappointed.