AdventuresNW
For 20+ years, my backpacking sleep system looked pretty much the same: pitch the tent, inflate the pad, then shove a few layers into a stuff sack and call it a pillow. If you’ve done the same, you already know how that usually goes. It works in theory, but after a long day on the trail, a lumpy bundle of clothes under your head rarely leads to great sleep.
Before hiking the Hoh River Trail this last summer, I spontaneously picked up a Therm-a-Rest Air Head™ Lite Pillow for my fiancée and me. At just 2.8 ounces and small enough to tuck into a pocket, it was a low-risk addition to the pack.
What surprised me most was how quickly it became a staple of my backpacking kit. It takes only a few breaths to inflate and provides about four inches of support. I found it most comfortable, slightly underinflated, which gave it a softer feel and cradled my neck more naturally. The rounded shape fits nicely inside a sleeping bag hood, and the fabric feels comfortable on my skin.
After sleeping through the night (a minor miracle in itself), I woke up rested for the push toward Blue Glacier. That alone sold me. It’s a small piece of gear, but one that noticeably improved both comfort while sleeping and my time on the trail.
Backcountry Essentials is an outdoor specialty shop located at 1417 N State St, in Bellingham, WA
