I don't have enough leftovers (extra clothing, etc) to make a big enough pillow. My pack rolled up isn't tall enough either...that and the buckles don't feel too good pressed into my head or ear. I have used dried grass in my sleeping bag stuff sack with good results. Dried rush and leaves work well too but are a bit noisy. Of these, grass is the most readily available where I go but even it isn't always handy.

What are some low cost, sizable and light (~2 oz) things people are using and/or making?

Edited by rustyb on 11/13/2010 19:41:06 MST.

When in my hammock I use a chunk of foam rubber in a tiny (fleece) pillowcase. Light, comfy, and CHEAP!

I made one awhile back that I am in love with. I have never been able to find a comfy backcountry pillow until now!

I made essentially a down filled pillow case with a velcro closure. I used Momentum .9 fabric and some leftover 800fp down I had from my Quilt project. I made each side of the pillow case with a few sewn thru boxes, filled them with down, closed them and then the opening at the top is closed with velcro. Now I just thrown any stuffsacks and clothes I am not using inside to give the pillow some loft while having the outer layer having the feel of a down pillow.

For the past year I've been using one of Bender's inflatable. Best pillow I've ever had.

Half a dead grizzly bear...

Cheers

A bit of extra clothing, supplemented with an inflatable water wing to gain height (I'm a side sleeper).

2/3 of a still warm wombat?

A portion of "passed-on" porcine porcupine?

Edited by redleader on 11/14/2010 07:26:53 MST.

I don't bring one. If side-sleeping, my arm finds its way under my head. Much less stink than dead grizzly, less to carry too.

+1 for Bender's inflatable.

2 ounces in a homemade polyester and silnylon pillowcase.

Party On,

Newton

Can someone tell me more about the Bender pillow or direct me to a link?

Portions of grizzly and wombats sound softer than a bag of rattlesnakes.

Sounds interesting, Kris. If you happen to have some pics, would love to see them. Thanks.

Edited by rustyb on 11/14/2010 09:17:42 MST.

I have a Mont Bell that is light and I have glued velcro on it and my sleeping pad to keep it from wandering around the tent. The Mont Bell pads have mating toggles to accomplish that. The $20+ dollar price didn't impress me. Exped has one that looks like a better shape to me.

I have been looking at the Cocoon Ultralight Air Core pillows and I think that is the design to copy if you are going for a MYOG.There is an air bladder with a layer of polyester batting and a fabric cover. You get the support of the air bladder, the comfort of the batting, and the stay-put qualities of the fabric. The lightest model is 3.5oz, so you have your work cut out for you. If you buy one, they run about $25. They have a 6.5oz model that is more like $20.

A Platypus bladder looks like a good start to me. One of the 1.8 liter models are more square than the 2 and 3 liter ones. A Platypus is pretty tough and you may be able to find other lighter sources for an air bladder. Adding a padded fabric bag to one of the Flexair pillows sold on BPL is a reasonable alternative to me.

It would be great to get some multiple use-- a fleece stuff sack that you can put a Platypus in-- that sort of thing. The idea of having to empty a water bladder every night doesn't seem practical, but it does provide a good backup water carrier in a pinch.

2 litre Platy

cheers,
fred

@rusty

kookabay.com

You can also find some info by searching this site. I have the prototype he showed here. I like it, but I can't comfortably use it because I move around too much. Maybe I should velcro it to my pad. Lately I throw either my R1 or down jacket into a stuff sack. I don't wear those when I sleep because of the VBL quilt.

I have been using the Exped Air Pillow. Like it quite a bit.

Joe

Rusty,

Follow this link to see Bender's Pillow on his website.

Follow this link to see my pillow from Bender in its MYOG pillowcase if you are interested.

A few dots or stripes of seam sealer will keep it from wandering around in the middle of the night.

Party On,

Newton

This will give me some things to contemplate over the winter.