THE PILLOW: Probably the most under rated item on a bikepacking trip. Other than being compact most riders do not think twice about this item. BIG mistake!
Due to limited space it has to be compact which eliminates your favourite pillow at home of ever making it onto the list of bikepacking items. Ok, so you are stuck with the self-inflatable option or the smaller inflatable version.
I first need to say that I have not tried all compact pillows available but from the few that I have tried price, size or method did not make any difference to my very uncomfortable pillow experiences. That said others had no problem with similar products. So what to do.
I found that deflating or inflation does not make for a big improvement. At some stage you lay on a hard surface as air moves about inside the pillow. My solution is to use a clothing item on top of the pillow as an extra layer to provide the comfort you need (use what you have). To stop the pillow from sliding all over the place put it inside your sleeping bag's hoody area.
During winter you could be wearing all your clothes so it might be an idea to pack that extra item as a pillow buddy.
Share your pillow solution with us...
Agree, a pillow makes all the difference for a good nights sleep. While hiking I use a blow up pillow, find that slightly soft is more comfortable. Using a buff as a pillow slip makes a soft landing :) Will definitely take one with my bikepacking setup....