HEST Camp Pillow: Bringing Home Comfort to the Campsite
Finding a good pillow for camping can be a challenge. Whether you’re backpacking, overlanding, or car camping, a good night’s sleep can make or break your trip. There are many different options out there, but I have yet to find a pillow that combines portability with comfort—until I started using the HEST Camp Pillow.
Design & Build Quality
The HEST Camping Pillow is engineered for durability and comfort. It features a memory foam and polyester blended filling, a soft sleep surface, access to the fill so you can adjust it to your desired level of loft, and an integrated travel cover for a compact travel size that protects the sleep surface from dirt.
The HEST Camp Pillow comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large. The small pillow is 10” x 15” and weighs 1.2 lbs, the medium is 15” x 22” and weighs 2.2 lbs, and the large is 20” x 26” and weighs 3.2 lbs. I bought the large size for camping in my Four Wheel Truck Camper.
I always struggle with sleeping while backpacking, so I may purchase the small in the future to try on those trips. At 1.2 lbs, it is a heavy and bulky pillow option compared to other backpacking alternatives, so it would definitely be considered a luxury item. However, not being able to sleep on a multi-day backpacking trip can be miserable, so I think it might be worth the weight.
Comfort & Performance
The HEST Camp Pillow is by far the most comfortable camp pillow I have used. It is a high-quality pillow that rivals the ones I use at home. In fact, I would have no issue using the HEST Camp Pillow on a daily basis. The combination of the fill and thoughtful design creates a pillow that is both supportive and plush. It isn’t an inexpensive pillow, so I was a little hesitant to make the purchase, but after using it for over a year, I have no regrets. It is one of the best camping purchases I have made.
Portability
For overlanding and car camping, the HEST Camp Pillow is a no-brainer. It comes in three sizes and compresses down to half its size when traveling. You can easily find a size that works with your setup. For backpacking, I am curious but skeptical. As I mentioned, even the small size at 1.2 lbs is heavy and bulky for backpacking. That said, being able to get a good night’s sleep on a backpacking trip can make the experience so much more enjoyable. It might be worth the weight and bulk if it helps me sleep better in the backcountry. This is something I plan to test out in the future.
Price
The HEST Camping Pillow is on the higher end of the price spectrum. This is a well-built, premium pillow, and with quality comes a higher cost. At the time of writing, the pillow costs between $75 and $120, depending on the size. I also added the optional pillowcase, which costs an additional $24. The pillow has proven to be very durable, so I expect it to last many years into the future. While the initial cost is higher than other options, I think it will prove to be a worthwhile investment over the long run. For campers who value a good night’s sleep and are willing to invest in it, the HEST Camp Pillow is an excellent option.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable, with memory foam support
- Plush, machine-washable cover
- Durable and long-lasting
- Insulated, ideal for cold conditions
Cons:
- Bulky and less portable than inflatable options
- Higher price point
- More suitable for car camping or overlanding than backpacking
Conclusion
The HEST Camp Pillow is an excellent choice for those who want to sleep as well at camp as they do at home. The pillow is comfortable, durable, and easy to clean. It comes in three sizes to fit most people’s needs. If you’re willing to invest in a good night’s sleep on the trail, the HEST Camp Pillow is a great option.
