Whenever I go on backpacking trips, I always have to leave simple comforts behind. One of the first to go? My camp pillow. No need to have a bulky pillow taking up space when I can lay my head on a bunched-up jacket. Well those days are gone with the Cocoon Air-Core Ultralight Camp Pillow.
This unique pillow is pretty simple. It inflates with a few breaths, has synthetic fill inside for insulation and support, and it packs down to the size of a Red Bull can.
Features include:
- Microfiber shell on one side
- Ripstop nylon on the other side
- Twist valve for inflation/deflation
- Weighs under 4oz
- Includes stuff sack
I’ve had the Cocoon pillow with me on every camping adventure this summer; from Monroe Mountain, to the Goshutes, and the San Rafael Swell. I even took it winter camping in the La Sals. One common theme of every night’s sleep was that I felt a hell of a lot more comfortable sleeping on this pillow than with any other camp pillow or rolled-up jacket under my noggin.
The first time I slept with the Cocoon, I didn’t like it. I felt my I was resting my head on an inflatable pool toy. But the beauty of this pillow is that it is inflatable, so you can inflate and deflate it to your desired comfort level. With my head still laying down, I twisted the valve and let some air out until I found my comfort zone. It also feels real nice on the microfiber side, and the rounded top means it fits perfectly inside the hood of my mummy-style sleeping bag.
I dig this pillow so much, that I’ve been taking it on car-camping trips, as well as backpacking. It’s small enough and light enough that you won’t even notice it in your pack, and it fits inside a glove compartment or anywhere in a car for an emergency or if someone forgets their own. Once inside the stuff sack, it fits inside the palm of my hand.
What more is there to say? It’s a pillow. It’s light, small, and there’s no reason not to have one whether you are a serious backpacker or a casual car camper.
The Good: So light, very small, adjustable, comfortable.
The Bad: An inflatable pillow takes some getting used to.
Final Word: If you like a good night’s sleep in the outdoors, you can get it without adding weight with the Cocoon Air-Core Ultralight Camp Pillow.