I use two single chamber FlexAir pillows sewn together along the excess material outside the heat seal. The double pillow creates what is basically a big water wing style pillow... which is much more comfortable than a single chamber... since it creates a place for your head to rest.

Also, since actual water wings are made out of relatively heavy vinyl... they are usually actually heavier and smaller than my 1.0 oz doubled up Flexair. My water wing pillow made from an actual water wing is 1.5 oz and 1/4 the size of my flexair "water wing". I bought a box of 50 for $25 rather than paying $6 for 3 on BPL.

On not crazy about the double chamber FlexAir. I prefer my "two singles sewn together" option.

Edited by davidlewis on 04/03/2007 15:20:45 MDT.

Water wing, Walmart, $1

THE END

>>They checked with all the stores in Japan and unfortunately the pillow has been sold out everywhere until mid-April. Very popular item.

I was in the Montbell Boulder store today and was told that the pillows would be arriving on April 27th. Apparently, they have become a cult item (with good reason ,IMO) and sell out as soon as they arrive. Anyone looking for one should be prepared to act quickly.

Hi Dondo,

Do you know if the other stuff marked "available soon" will be arriving at a similar date? I've got my eyes on the 90 Pad and 30 extension piece, plus the pillow.

Thanks!

Hi Daniel, I haven't checked the Montbell site in a while, so didn't think to ask about the other items. The guy I talked to, who seemed pretty knowledgeable, said something about a big spring shipment coming in soon. I think you'll really like the 90 Pad + pillow combo. The 90 pad is way more comfortable than the only other torso pad I've slept on, the POE Uberlite.

I've heard good things about the pads. I'm currently using the BPL Torso Pad but it's 17 inches wide by 32 inches long. The Montbell pad is longer and wider at the same weight. I'm guessing this is at the expense of durability, but I'm pretty easy on equipment. I'll probably get the folding closed cell extension pad with it. I actually have one of the pillows but I foolishly cut off the toggles. I'm thinking of getting another one as a spare. Oh, and the other day I saw one of the new UL super stretch bags with 800 fill down (a number 3) and could not believe how much loft that bag had! I just about bought it on the spot. I'm going to probably get one for my wife.

>>I actually have one of the pillows but I foolishly cut off the toggles.

In a weight saving frenzy, I almost did the same thing. Then I figured out that they could be removed without cutting. Total weight of the two toggles: 2 grams. ;-). IMO, that 2 grams is worth carrying to keep the pillow and pad together. I did end up taking the strap off the 90 pad with a seam ripper (carefully now!) to reduce the pad's weight to 9 oz. even.

I was just at the Montbell store in Boulder and was told that Customs held up the shipment. It's now due around May 1st.

I am pretty much down on the WalMart water wing thing. This was an idea that changed the way I sleep big time. This is what I love abuot backpacking... there is this massive spectrum on how to approach it and what works. You can dump cash into a blow-up pillow or go to WalMart and get a pair of Sponge Bob water wings on clearance and get _2_ pillows for $1... I am still on my first of the pair. :)

James, last year Walgreens had some orange water wings that were slightly lighter and hold air well overnight. That one pair will last me years hopefully.

I've tried the BPL Flex pillows and gave up on them. I haven't tried the dual compartment pillow yet and want to try it. I bought a vinyl pillow from some company that sells them as beach accessories (3 oz.) It's bigger than the Flex pillows and I find I need the height to get proper neck alignment. The trouble with these pillows is they tend to squirt out from under your head all night long. Then I bought a Granite Gear Air Space zippered stuff sack (in medium.) The space of this stuff sack is rectangular instead of rounded. I put a Flex Pillow in it and then stuff in whatever extra clothes I have around it (gloves, socks, bandana) and I now have a more squarish, flatter pillow.
I think the market is ripe for a more comfortable pillow that's lightweight.

I bought a Walmart inflatable pillow, with microfleece cover and memory foam the other day for $5. haven't weighed it yet. Gonna replace the vinyl air bladder with a BPL one.

I am a convert of the dual chamber pillows from BPL. I actually carry and use 2 of them together.

I often don't have spare clothing to stuff into an often uncomfortable carry sack as the wet gear is being dried, the day clothes are hanging to freshen up and the warm gear is being worn... so... 2 underinflated pillows are just wonderful after a hard day

I have had very good luck with this pillow as well. I bought a pack of three but after a a couple of dozen nights I'm still on the first one. Much more durable than I expected - I've even sat on the thing accidentally. I agree that under-inflation is the way to go.

Cheers,

Less is more!
With some air blown in to your platy, wearing thin balaclava or put between your bag and pad, not too inflated overall, you're good to go! They can be slippery, but my ridgerest grips it pretty well. Inflatables may not be as grippy.

It keeps your water from freezing and dual use, so 0 grams.
It could make your head a bit colder, if that is a problem for you. Make sure you have enough air so you are not down to the water, at least in cold temps. Easy night hydration and height adjustment via the tube, but a secure valve is imperative.

I filled one with hot water and fell asleep with it in bed 2 nights ago, so couldn't be THAT uncomfortable..

Edited by Paul_Tree on 12/25/2008 11:20:41 MST.

I like (need) a big pillow when I sleep. The issue of a true ultra-light camper creates the quandry - if you go SUPER light - you wear it all to sleep (because you go with the lightest sleeping bag possible)...

So - if you wear it? You aint got nuthin' extra.

The platy is pretty good. I use it empty making sure not to fill it too much.

- or -

The 1.1 ounce FLEX-air pillow. Again, don't over fill.

a stuff sack is helpful for the noisy "crinkle" factor (for both options).

im in the floatie school. turned myself onto them about 3 years ago. after summer sale at Wallyworld is 25¢ for a pair.
tried single chamber flex-air (medical) pillow, no bueno. maybe the dual chamber addresses the squishy factor.
arm floatie is best, for ME

Recently looking for something else I found the double chamber Flex Air pillow so I used that for a couple of nights out. Very nice...
I did make a few water wings versions (different sizes) , one of them worked well for me but it has disappeared (?) In between I have been using a 1L wine bladder covered with my shirt/top , works but not as comfortable as the medical pillow or the water wings.
Franco

Ben wrote:"For those of you looking at inflatable pillows, I own both the aforementioned MontBell UL pillow, as well as the Entex I-Beam inflatable sold at REI. Both are very comfortable:

Entex - http://www.rei.com/product/610507

19" x 12.5" - 6oz - $3

Cheap as heck but very comfortable because the I-Beam construction provides uniform thickness even when only partially inflated.

MontBell - https://www2.montbell.com/america/asp/products/Spg_shosai.asp?cat=&hinban=1124290

18.5" x 10.6" - 2.3oz - $29.
UL and comfy -- a tad expensive, and often unavailable -- unless you ask either Brett or Miguel, the resident MB pimps -- to buy and ship to you from Japan."


Ditto on the Mont Bell. Outrageous price, but it works. Best pillow for the weight.

BPL pillows work too. Best pillow for the weight and price. Durability is an issue and the environmental impact because of it.

Ben, the REI link it to a discontinued model. Looks like their new offering is http://www.rei.com/product/765993. Size is good and reported weight is 7oz on this one.

There are Army surplus MASH pillows out there that are tough and cheap, but 6oz weight.

If you want a fleece-sided stuff sack, anyone who can operate a sewing machine can make one pretty quick. At least you get some dual purpose for the weight.

I wonder how a Sea to Summit roll-top silnylon stuff sack would work? I use one for my sleeping bag, so it's empty when I'm camped. Testing in store.....