Hi - I've yet to find a pillow option for camping that I'm comfortable with, I sleep on my front, with my head on one side and one arm underneath whatever I'm using as a pillow, I can't seem to get to sleep any other way, unfortunately.
I've tried various "travel pillows" with a synthetic filling, but have never got on with them, they all seem to feel lumpy after a few uses, yet also too soft and too small. I recently tried a small "thermarest"-style pad, which was reasonably comfortable when semi-deflated, but my arm (the one I have under the pillow) was numb by morning. I've also tried the Anjungilak "Komfort Pute" pillow, but didn't find it that comfortable (I tried various levels of fill), nor did I like the fleecy cover against my skin and also found it noisy, squeaking whenever I moved.
I have, of course, also tried stuffing various bags with fleeces and clothing, which has at times worked okay, but it seems a bit hit and miss whether this works well or not, but maybe I'm not dong it right - does anyone have any tips and/or recommendations for a good camping pillow cover/bag - I was considering investigate this: http://www.climbers-shop.com/158/products/Thermarest_Stuff_Sac_Pillow_small_.aspx
The rest of my "sleep system" (an Alpkit Pipedream 400 sleeping bag and a Thermarest Prolite Plus mat) I'm getting on great with, its just the pillow letting things down at the moment. Any tips would be welcome!
I'm a side/front sleeper as well Paul. For me to be able to sleep on my side, i need a firm pillow that has a bit of height to it. If i don't have that, then i sleep like you do, with an arm under whatever i'm using as a pillow. Usually a stuff-sack filled with any spare clothes. I bought the Montbell UL 90 pad and the inflatable pillow in a sale from the US a while ago, when the exchange rate was a lot better. The pillow attaches to the pad, so it doesn't migrate during the night. The pillow is just the right height for me to sleep on my side, and it is the most comfortable solution i've found for me. Because i use it attached to the mat, i wouldn't be able to get an arm under it to sleep on my front if i wanted to.
If you want to try the Montbell pillow, give the Montbell shop in Switzerland an e-mail or phone call. I've bought from them in the past, and they are very easy to deal with. The pillow folds up into a tiny package, and the shipping from Switzerland will be minimal. I bought a jacket from there a few years ago and it only cost something like £5 shipping.
if the Montbell pillow attaches to the mat, can you still put you arm under it? This is a necessary requirement for me! Will investigate contacting the Montbell shop in Switzerland.
I don't think it would be very comfortable trying to sleep with your arm under the Montbell pillow, if it was attached to a Montbell mat, but that's just my opinion. On its own, that would be a personal choice again.
I just sent off an e-mail using the contact form on your link. I know others on here have phoned the Grindelwald shop, and haven't had any problems.
The Montbell pillow doesn't squeek Paul. Also, it isn't very clear on their website, the pillow is 'shaped' slightly. It has a slight depression for your head in the middle. I find it the comfiest pillow i've used for side sleeping when attatched to the Montbell mat. I've got the Anjungilak one and don't find that half as comfy.
A pic which shows a few examples (foetus, log and yearner) of where your arm might go, Paul
I tend to sleep in the recovery position in bed, but having your leg bent in a sleeping bag can be a bit awkward. I used to be a bit hung up on the idea that not being able to replicate the exact same position meant I'd never get a good night's sleep in a tent.
In reality after a tiring day and a few swigs of malt I can sleep in all sorts of positions.
I have a Thermarest pillow, got it after they changed the infill which used to be more bulky. Now it appears to be quite empty when you first roll it out of the draw-corded pocket you compress it into for backpacking, but it does loft up. The infill appears to be a kind of foam infinity cross-sectioned shape. It compresses by half and I find when it is stuffed in the hood of the sleeping bag and confined there it provides pplenty of loft. It also allows you to put your arm underneath which is how I found it most comfortable.
I sort of sleep in a stretched out foetal position, similar to the recovery position. The arm i'm sleeping on is in front of me, and my head is on my shoulder, as much as the pillow.
Unlees there is a chance of spooning!
If drink has been taken, then i can sleep in any position, in any place!
If drink has been taken, then i can sleep in any position, in any place!
Sorry Mike, not interested! Actually, not sorry at all.
If tired sleep is not a problem unless I forget my ear plugs. I find the biggest hindrance to a good nights sleep in a tent is the noise. Whether from the wind, rain, sleet or snow or from the river / stream / beck / ghyll or mates in the next tent or biker (trail bikes) going along late at night in Scotland or other mates who find talking across different tents late at night fun. Earplugs are the best thing to take (wel after tent, mat, sleeping pad and rucksack to carry it all in), so light for the positive effect on your sleep.
I only meant that when you pullk the cords to close the hood up it compresses the thin infill of the thermarest pillow to make it appear deeper and more supportive. I am not sure the Ajungilak (sp.) inflatable will do that.
BTW - I do like to state the obvious because if people like me don't it never gets said.
Of course if you use a sleeping quilt then you have no hood so not that obvious, or is it?
