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Last Updated 19 April 2024

Best Comfortable Travel Pillows for Camping, Campervans and Motorhomes

Check out the Destiny River Round-up

by Geoff K.

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Inflatable vs memory foam vs folding quilt - we compare price, comfort and storage size

Hello, fellow outdoor enthusiasts, canvas-abode aficionados, and those who, like me, trust a van's engine more than room service. Geoff K. here, with my trusty sidekick Jess - reporting from the great outdoors once again. This time, we have ventured into the battle of the bulbous, the tussle of the tufted, and the dispute of the downy - yes, dear readers, it's the great 'Travel Pillow Showdown.' We've discovered in our wilderness wanderings that our choice of head-rest can truly mean the difference between waking up chirpy with the birds or grumpy with the bears. Applying forty years of camping expertise, and countless interrupted nights of sleep, I've tested three of the most sought-after snooze-enablers on the market. The iBeani Quishion, Alkamto Travel Pillow, and Milestone Camping Inflatable Pillow will go head-to-head (pun absolutely intended) to impress us with their comfort level, convenience, and durability. I wager you're already on the edge of your camping chairs to find out which pillow reigns supreme. Don't nod off now, read on to find out which product we recommend.

Editors Choice
Image of iBeani Quishion - Combination Throw, Blanket and Cushion

​iBeani Quishion - Combination Throw, Blanket and Cushion

Soft, light, easy to fold and versatile - easy to recommend over a traditional cushion due to it's versatility. Quality pretty much justifies the price.

Read our Full Destiny River Review
Weight1.18 kgs
MaterialCotton 
Dimensions45 x 45 => 190 x 140 cm
Overall
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Runner Up
Image of Alkamto Travel Pillow - Orthopedic Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

​Alkamto Travel Pillow - Orthopedic Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

Well made and comfortable, squashes down very small - much softer and more supportive than inflatable equivalents, but pricey for full size.

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Weight0.6 kgs
MaterialPolyester Memory Foam, Cotton Rayon 
Dimensions40 x 25 x 10 cm
Overall
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​Worthy Alternative
Image of Milestone Camping 88070 Inflatable Pillow with Flocked Surface

​Milestone Camping 88070 Inflatable Pillow with Flocked Surface

Superbly cheap and deflates extremely small for pack storage, however comfort is only so-so.

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Weight0.17 kgs
MaterialFlocked Plastic 
Dimensions37 x 10 x 53 cm
Overall
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​#1 Product Recommendation

iBeani Quishion - Combination Throw, Blanket and Cushion

Soft, light, easy to fold and versatile - easy to recommend over a traditional cushion due to it's versatility. Quality pretty much justifies the price.

Weight1.18 kgs
MaterialCotton 
Dimensions45 x 45 => 190 x 140 cm
Overall
Image of iBeani Quishion - Combination Throw, Blanket and Cushion

Overview

In summary, the iBeani Quishion is a fascinatingly versatile product, perfect for those who enjoy the great outdoors. It's a feat of convenience, quickly transforming from a cushion to a blanket as required, and is compact enough to join me on various adventures, from travels in our motorhome to quiet fishing retreats. The quality seemingly matches its functionality - warm, cosy, and pleasing both as a contemporary scatter pillow and a full-scale quilt. It's definitely more than just a product, it's an accessory that profoundly enhances our wilderness experiences.

However, it's not without its shortcomings. I found the quality of fabric to be underwhelming, feeling inferior and lacking the delightful softness you'd want from a product of this kind. I also spotted some loose threads - not an encouraging sign, but easy to fix. Additionally, the size may leave you feeling shortchanged if you're expecting a full-sized throw pillow, and the cost to quality ratio might not hit the mark for some.

So, to address whether the iBeani Quishion is worth the investment, weighing up the balance between the convenience and the quality is the key. If you place higher importance on the utility, versatility, and compactness, overlook the fabric quality and size issues, this could be an exceptionally handy addition to your outdoor activities. Its transformed usability makes it an easy recommendation over a traditional cushion. That said, for those seeking premium quality, the iBeani Quishion might not fully satisfy. In a nutshell, for an outdoor enthusiast like me, despite the flaws, the Quishion's versatility and utility make it worth having around. Ultimately, you'll have to decide what your camping comfort essentials are and gauge whether the Quishion aligns with them.

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​Our #2 Recommendation

Alkamto Travel Pillow - Orthopedic Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

Well made and comfortable, squashes down very small - much softer and more supportive than inflatable equivalents, but pricey for full size.

Weight0.6 kgs
MaterialPolyester Memory Foam, Cotton Rayon 
Dimensions40 x 25 x 10 cm
Overall
Image of Alkamto Travel Pillow - Orthopedic Neck Support Memory Foam Pillow

Overview

In conclusion, it's clear from my experience that the Alkamto Travel Pillow is a remarkable product that ticks most boxes for those seeking comfort and convenience in their outdoor adventures. It impresses with its viscoelastic memory foam construction, admirable comfort levels, and smart sweat prevention features. The pillow truly set itself apart when it comes to providing supreme neck and shoulder support, the essential components for a restful sleep.

That said, it does falter slightly when it comes to some crucial aspects. The dimensions were not as advertised, and the durability of the carrying bag did leave some room for improvement. Also, despite being quite compact, it's slightly smaller than ideal for daily usage. Lastly, while it is capable of compressing to a degree, it may not be the best option for backpackers who must prioritize size and weight.

Weighing in all factors, the Alkamto Travel Pillow is definitely a solid investment for short trips or occasional use, but perhaps not the best fit for hardcore backpackers seeking extreme lightness and portability. If your primary concern is utmost comfort and are willing to compromise a bit on size and dimension accuracy, this pillow is well worth the price. The Alkamto Travel Pillow is hence a largely impressive product that ensures a fair trade-off between comfort and portability, and that alone makes it worth considering for your next adventure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which pillow is the most compact when packed?
The Alkamto Travel Pillow is the most compact when packed, with dimensions of 26 x 13 cm. The iBeani Quishion, when folded as a cushion, measures 45 x 45 cm, and the Milestone Camping 88070 Inflatable Pillow can be deflated and folded to less than half of its original size.
Which of the three pillows is the lightest?
The Milestone Camping 88070 Inflatable Pillow is the lightest, weighing only 0.17 kgs. The Alkamto Travel Pillow weighs 0.6 kgs, and the iBeani Quishion is the heaviest at 1.18 kgs.
Which pillow offers the most versatility?
The iBeani Quishion offers the most versatility as it can be used as a cushion, a quilt, or a blanket. It unzips and unfolds into a full-sized quilt measuring 190 x 140 cm.
Which pillow is the best for preventing sweating?
The Alkamto Travel Pillow is the best for preventing sweating. It features ventilation channels that allow fresh air to flow throughout the pillow and sweat to be drained from the surface.
Which pillow is made of the highest quality material?
The Alkamto Travel Pillow is made of high-quality viscoelastic memory foam from BASF and features a dust-proof 100% cotton inner cover. It is also hypoallergenic and made according to the OEKO-TEX standard with natural materials.
Which pillow is the easiest to inflate and deflate?
The Milestone Camping 88070 Inflatable Pillow is the easiest to inflate and deflate. It can be inflated by an electric pump in a very short time and deflates just as easily.
Which pillow is the most hypoallergenic?
The Alkamto Travel Pillow is the most hypoallergenic. It is completely safe and nontoxic, and it is made according to the OEKO-TEX standard with natural materials.
Which pillow is the best for home use?
The iBeani Quishion is the best for home use. It is a contemporary scatter cushion that unzips to become a quilt or blanket, making it a great home accessory.
Which pillow has the best heat regulation?
The Alkamto Travel Pillow has the best heat regulation. It features temperature-regulating fibers in the thermo cover that dissipate heat when you get cold and emit heat when you get hot, keeping it at the ideal temperature all night.
Which pillow is the best for outdoor use?
The Milestone Camping 88070 Inflatable Pillow is the best for outdoor use. Its flocked design gives it waterproof properties, and it is easy to set up and use while travelling, camping, or at festivals.
Which pillow is the most space-saving?
The iBeani Quishion is the most space-saving. It is a combination cushion and quilt, saving you the need to carry separate items for these purposes.
Which pillow is the best for neck support?
The Alkamto Travel Pillow is the best for neck support. Its specially developed luxury viscoelastic memory foam adapts perfectly to the contours of your head and neck, providing soft comfort and support.

​Conclusion

In conclusion, our extensive search for the best comfortable travel pillows for camping, campervans, and motorhomes found some serious contenders. Among three top-rated products, the iBeani Quishion emerged as our top recommendation. Being a dual-purpose quality quilt and cushion, it offers exceptional comfort, space-saving capabilities, and versatility for any camping enthusiast like me. The Alkamto Travel Pillow excels in offering home-like comfort and therapeutic support, with added bonuses of lightness and easy packing. Lastly, the Milestone Camping Inflatable Pillow stood out for its convenience and ease of use, proving particularly handy for those who prioritise easy setup and packability. Each of these products has its strengths, and your choice may depend on specific camping or travel needs. However, before making any purchase, be sure to check current prices, as deals fluctuate regularly and you might find more value buying the cheapest option at the time. Happy camping!

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Geoff K.
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Co-founder of Destiny River, with over forty years of experience camping throughout Europe, I'm happier sleeping under canvas than sleeping under a roof! I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect the remarkable landscapes that our planet has to offer.

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Trade-offs : comfort vs weight vs size : a buyers guide to travel pillows and cushions

A Comprehensive Guide to Camping Cushions and Pillows

When embarking on a camping trip, a good night's sleep is paramount to enjoying the great outdoors. One of the key factors in ensuring a comfortable rest is your choice of cushion or pillow. There are primarily three types: memory foam, inflatable, and traditional cushions. Memory foam cushions conform to the shape of your head and neck, offering optimal support. While they're unmatched in comfort for some, they are bulkier and heavier than their counterparts. Inflatable pillows, on the other hand, provide the advantage of compact storage and light weight. Their firmness can be adjusted by the amount of air you pump in, but they might not offer the same level of comfort as memory foam. Lastly, traditional cushions are often filled with synthetic fibers or down. They strike a balance between comfort and portability but may not offer the specialized support of memory foam or the adjustability of inflatables.

Price Points: Getting Bang for Your Buck

Memory foam pillows are typically on the pricier side due to their specialized material. Inflatable pillows are generally more affordable and offer excellent value for those prioritizing portability. Traditional cushions vary widely in price depending on their filling; synthetic-filled pillows are more budget-friendly, whereas down-filled cushions are at the premium end of the spectrum. It's essential to consider how often you'll be camping and what you're willing to invest in comfort when setting a budget.

Considering Weight and Storage Size

The weight and packability of your pillow can significantly influence your camping experience, especially for backpackers. Memory foam is the heaviest option and consumes more pack space. In contrast, inflatable pillows are the lightest and most compact, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space or those covering long distances. Traditional pillows fall in between, with down-filled options being lighter and more compressible than synthetic ones.

Other Differential Points to Ponder

When choosing a camping pillow, also consider factors such as the durability of the material, ease of cleaning, and whether the product comes with a warranty. Allergies are another consideration; for instance, some people are allergic to down and should opt for synthetic fills. The choice of fabric can also influence comfort, as some materials can be warmer or cooler, wicking away moisture or retaining heat. Reading reviews and perhaps trying out a few options can be beneficial in making a well-informed decision.

Our Editor's Recommendation

iBeani Quishion - Combination Throw, Blanket and Cushion

Soft, light, easy to fold and versatile - easy to recommend over a traditional cushion due to it's versatility. Quality pretty much justifies the price.

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Image of iBeani Quishion - Combination Throw, Blanket and Cushion