REI Co-op Backpacker Pillow
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Lightweight and compressible, the REI Backpacker pillow uses duck down and feathers combined with durable synthetic fill to create an incredibly comfortable backpacking pillow.
Shop similar products- Half-moon shape allows the pillow to be stuffed into the hood of mummy sleeping bag
- Synthetic insulation core is surrounded by an outer layer of soft, down and feathers for resilience and loft
- Sleeping side is a polyester/cotton blend for soft, moisture-wicking comfort; bottom is a durable nylon taffeta
- Self-stowing zippered pocket provides compact size for travel; packed size is 7.5 x 6 x 3 in.
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
Best Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Pillow Type | Traditional Pillow |
Pillow Fill | Down |
Fill | Duck down and feathers/polyester |
Stuff Sack Included | Yes |
Material(s) | Polyester and cotton blend/nylon taffeta |
Dimensions | 14 x 10 inches |
Weight | 6 ounces |
Sustainability | Down certified to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) From a Climate Label Certified brand |
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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Most Helpful Critical Review
Not enough support on its own
Great idea but this pillow just offers too little support used alone. Rather I sleep on my back or side, my head still bottoms out on the ground. On the plus side, since it is so light (6oz) I use it in conjunction with my therm-a-rest synthetic pillow for winter backpacking. I do really like the way it fits perfectly in the hood of my sleeping bag and stays in place. This combination offers extra warmth in cold situations with the down and ultra comfort using the therm-a-rest underneath. With a little effort, I have had no problems stuffing the pillow back into itself. The zipper will snag a bit if you don't take the few seconds to do it right.
Good in Combo with Clothes
Once I started cycle touring, I could no longer haul a full-size pillow around like I could car camping. I tried sleeping on my clothes and had horrible sleep. I got this lightweight pillow and am sleeping much better. I do not use it on its own. First, I fold clothes flat under it to get some lift. I use this pillow as padding on top, and sleep like a baby. I have no problems getting it in and out of its stuff sack, but prefer to leave it in its pillow state and just throw it into the same stuff sack that I put my bag in. It is one less step, and compresses neatly with the bag.
Washing instructions
My boyfriend and I both have one of these pillows that we take with us backpacking - it makes for a much more pleasant night sleep. And because it's down, it's warm if you camp in cooler/colder temps. One note: I couldn't find washing instructions so contacted REI and was told this: You can wash the entire pillow in your machine on gentle. You will want to use a "non detergent" wash. Something like this would be perfect: Please click the link to view http://www.rei.com/product/724681/nikwax-down-wash-20-10-oz
Like a pillow should feel... Soft.
First I tried some expensive air inflatable pillow that packed down really small. That was a big mistake! This is bulky in my pack, but worth it, cause I know I'm going to sleep well. I can see the down feathers poking out of the pillow which is why I only gave this 4 stars. The zipper compartment is an awesome addition for packing something delicate like a (camera) or something that needs some extra soft protection. This pillow is the same price as the tiny Air inflatable pillow I tried and hated....but 10 times more comfortable.
well, I guess it's better than nothing
if I were to choose one word, I'd choose "underwhelming." This pillow is decently well made, and somewhat comfortable for the price and size. I think the size is mostly what is the kicker is that I slept on it thinking I would have been just as well off using a sweatshirt stuffed with clothes. This pillow is really small, and if you are a side sleeper with broad shoulders I guarantee you'll wake up with a headache and/or a stiff neck. It is compressible, but the size difference is really minimal. Get the next size up, and don't bother with the small version
Better options out there
Thought I would buy this since it's down and the same price as the synthetic filled thermarest pillow. Turns out there's not enough padding, my head bottoms out against the ground. Also material is easily snagged on the zipper. Ended up buying the thermarest. Maybe the other down pillows are better but those were out of my price range.
Lumpy Pillow
I am just getting into backpacking and need ALL the gear. I shopped around for some different pillows and thought this one was a good price compared to another set up I was looking at. When I got the pillow and went to test it out at home I turned it inside out but could only get it half way and could barely get it back it. It felt like the thing was just stuffed with cotton balls and was lumpy. I fiddled with it for a max of 5 minutes and said forget it! Took it back to the store. You get what you pay for and so I am going to be going with the more expensive set up.
Very comfortable
This is a great little pillow! It compresses down into a little stuff sack which is sewn into the pillow, so that makes it easy to transport and keep clean. It is a little hard to get it back into the sack, but that's fine. I probably wouldn't bring this backpacking, but for car camping is wonderful! I slept so well on this pillow. It was very comfortable, just the right balance between firm & soft, and it fit perfectly into the hood of my mummy bag.
Not that great
I will be returning this. I find myself early in the AM hours grabbing this from my under my head and throwing it to the other end of my tent and sleeping on a jacket, backpack, clothing etc. I have never had a good night sleep with this thing. I usually sleep with on my side with my arm under the pillow and this is just too small to do that. It is also a task to fold back in and zip up. If you sleep on your back then this might work for you.
Its ok
Overall, I am not that satisfied with this pillow. It has goose down and compacts rather small, but does not provide enough support for a comfortable nights sleep.