Should I pack an Air Pillow

[Dreux]

Narrowing down my pack list for a TransAmerica ride in several weeks and down to one item in question. I'll be camping 80+% do the time and considering a Sea to Summit air pillow. I've used a stuff sack with a fleece jacket which is okay but looking to the pillow as a treat for a good night sleep. Is it worth 2.8oz's? Anyone use one on a long trip?

Thanks,

Dreux

[staehpj1]

Even when I go really light I still carry a pillow.   At sub-10 pounds the pillow is still on the list.   I didn't find that the sea to summit one worked for me.   The Exped feels far more comfortable to me.

[Venchka]

Even when I go really light I still carry a pillow.   At sub-10 pounds the pillow is still on the list.   I didn't find that the sea to summit one worked for me.   The Exped feels far more comfortable to me.

Amen to the Exped RED Air Pillow. 3 ounces of Heavenly Sleep.  3 sizes. I bought    the large for side sleeping. I now wonder if I couldn't use the medium or even the small. I'm keeping the large. It works. Not going to "fix it. "
Secret of air pillows: Don't over inflate. It takes very little air in pillows and pads to be comfortable.
A good nights sleep is worth the weight and the cost.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[chippedtooth]

I'm on day 42 and haven't missed a pillow yet. It took me a few goes to work out the best thing to use... I just roll up a few bits of clothing and it works fine. Obviously not as good as the real thing but does the job perfectly fine and I'm sure id have dropped the pillow by now if I'd had one with me.

Though everyone is different! If you do get one, I'd go inexpensive and then you won't care as much if you end up ditching it/giving it away.

[John Nelson]

I took a Sea to Summit pillow on my tour last year. Best gear addition I've ever made. Infinitely better than clothes in a stuff sack that I previously used.

[indyfabz]

I took a Sea to Summit pillow on my tour last year. Best gear addition I've ever made. Infinitely better than clothes in a stuff sack that I previously used.

+1. I was a die hard "clothes in the stuff sack" person. Pillows were for people who belonged in motels.  My GF wanted a pillow so I got her a Cocoon air pillow. While we had some fun trips together, she never really took to unsupported touring, which freed up the pillow for my solo trips. Gave it a try and really like the pillow thing.

[AlbertoC]

If you travel with a down jacket, they make incredible pillows if stuffed in a larger bag - we´ve used our thermarest stuff sacs with our down jackets with plenty of comfort.

[Venchka]

If you travel with a down jacket, they make incredible pillows if stuffed in a larger bag - we´ve used our thermarest stuff sacs with our down jackets with plenty of comfort.

That only works until you need the down jacket inside your sleeping bag. I also doubt that the jacket has enough down for someone like me who needs just the right amount of elevation to keep my old neck from getting stiff and sore in the morning.
My reason for LOVING the Exped Air Pillow.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[rickpaulos]

Taking a pillow has made all the difference for me. It enables me to sleep at night.  I can't sleep in my own bed without a pillow.  Being on the road its just as important.  I used to take an old bed pillow but a few years ago I got a stuff-able couch sized model that works okay.  It's still a bit bulky so an air pillow may work.  I think a pillow case will still be needed as any air pillow will be plastic and won't breath at all.  Skin on plastic = sweat.

But can you sleep at home without a pillow?  Try it at home now.  If you don't need one at home you probably can get by on the road without one.

[donald.stewart.92]

I've had a Cabelas blowup pillow for many years. Fairly cheap but has thick plastic. It rolls up small. Because the plastic is thick I have never put a patch on it. I also use it as a sit pad but I put an airline pillow cover on it when I use it for sleep. Another dual purpose item in my kit.

[Dreux]

Funny how things have a way of working out. I just completed my TransAm ride this week. I started with an REI air pillow as my one luxury item. It took several days, but I found just the right amount of air for max. comfort. Somewhere in Wyoming, a lost my pillow, they do pack up really small. Not having access to a store to replace I reverted to the stuff sack with a fleece jacket ...... how longed for my air pillow.
I still have an APB out for an air pillow in Wyoming. I will be replacing.

[Venchka]

In the past year I completely replaced my sleep system. Sleeping bag, air mattress and pillow. The pillow is an Exped RED air pillow. 3 ounces of all night sleep comfort. The only thing I would do differently: get the medium size instead of the large.

Wayne


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[SlowAndSlower]

IMHO pillows, at home and touring, are really personal preferences. I need very little pillow loft, if any at all to sleep comfortably. I have an Exped pillow-pump and it worked okay for both functions. But on the last tour I left it at home and did great without it. I did take the pillow cover and stuffed it with my wind shirt for sleeping.