Therm-a-Rest Compressible Travel Pillow for Camping, Backpacking, Airplanes and Road Trips, Amethyst

So, I'm not sure if this will show up verified, because I ended up returning this pillow to exchange it for a Nemo Fillo. The nemo suits my needs better, but I was really reluctant to return this guy because he's pretty awesome. I got the large size because it was actually cheaper and prime at the time in comparison to the more popular medium size, and I wanted to compare it to the medium reviews I've seen.This pillow was awesome. It felt great, slept great, compressed into more than half it's size without too much effort, and if you're car camping or stay over at other peoples' places often this pillow is a great thing to roll up into your car and unpack when needed. Just give it a few for the loft to return to it. I am a side sleeper, and I loved it.I compared this on a camping trip to Exped's compact pillow. They are about as opposite as you can get... The thermarest stayed cool throughout the night while exped being basically a fancy balloon heated up and made my cheek sweaty (nothing a pillow case couldn't fix for comfort), the exped is incredibly light weight and packs down into something the size of my palm while the thermarest is giant even compressed. The mediums are more popular, and there is a size difference, but honestly not that much of one. I'd probably stick with the large if space wasn't a factor at all. The thermarest was more suitable for side sleeping, but the exped did better on airplane rides where one is sitting upright.In comparison to the medium pillow that I tried out at REI, the large has a bit more width and oomph to it, and I like truly being able to switch side to side without having to adjust my pillow to follow my head. To me, if weight/size isn't an issue at all (and really, it probably isn't if you're using this thing) then go ahead and go with the large. The small pillows are actually great for kids and slumber parties, but I'm a small adult and I still think the large offered the right amount of luxury and comfort to packability. To me, the medium and large aren't THAT huge of a difference compressed down, but the large felt more like at home than the medium when expanded.The thing is, if you're camping for size of items this is NOT your thing. I think if you want a good blend of comfort and compression, go with a Nemo Fillo .. more pricey than the thermarest, but there's a layer of memory foam and comfortable fabric with an inflatable element underneath to adjust the softness or firmness. If you're looking for size and compact ultralight, exped was absolutely amazing and I'll write a review of it as well.But if you want comfort in your camping/glamping, a pillow to offer guests that will stow away after, a minimalist that wants their bedding at home to double up on functionality by being more portable, or car camping... this guy is really incredible and will offer a great night's sleep no matter where you are.

I ordered the Thermarest pillow to use while motorcycle camping. I have tried several other pillow methods, always with the same poor results: either the pillow was too small and too uncomfortable, or it was way too large for carrying on a bike, along with all the other gear. So I took a chance on the Thermarest. My results:First and foremost, it is comfortable - very comfortable. I bought the largest size, and once it reaches its full loft, it's the size of a standard pillow, and nearly as comfortable as one. It does feel a bit lumpy, as if there are a few ping pong balls inside. But compared to laying your head on a rock, that's a very acceptable compromise.I was leery at first. When I first bought the Thermarest and opened it up, I was disappointed; it seemed too small, too flat. But once it had been left unrolled for 3 hours or so and gained its full loft, I was pleasantly surprised. So the lesson here is -- when you reach your campsite and get your tent pitched, open the pillow and give it time to do its thing.Let's talk about travel size. As I mentioned, I bought the largest pillow. As you can see from the picture, it rolls up and simply tucks into a permanent pocket. So, there's no extra pieces rolling around inside your tent, no stuff bag to get lost. Rolled up, it is maybe 4" in diameter - plenty small enough to store on the back of a midsized bike along with other sleeping gear.The Big Test - I just got back from 10 days and 2,000 miles of motorcycle camping in Colorado and New Mexico. Using the Thermarest in combination with my Stansport air mattress, I slept like a baby every single night. Absolutely the best I've slept, while tent camping, in many years.In fairness, the pillow isn't thick enough to lay on the ground at the end of an air mattress. I had to wad my riding jacket up to bring it even with the mattress, so to speak. But the Thermarest was plenty thick enough that I didn't feel the jacket's armor. It just felt like, well, a pillow.The Thermarest pillow is definitely a success, and definitely a great value at Amazon's price. Whether you're a motorcycle or bicycle camper, or a backpacker, I can't recommend it highly enough.