RikkiTikki Ultralight Backpacking Pillow Review

The Ultralight and Small Inflatable Backpacking Pillow

As an outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring the wilderness, I understand the tradeoff between comfort, space, and weight in my backpack. That’s why I always seek gear to enhance my camping experience, but I am very conscious that adding something new to my pack is worth the space and the weight it will take up. Recently, I tried the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow, and I must say, the trip I tried on was one where quality rest was a must. In this RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow Review blog post, I’ll review the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow and share why it has quickly become my go-to sleeping accessory in the backcountry. So, let’s dive in and discover this pillow’s comfort and convenience.

Unveiling the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow

The RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow is designed to provide comfort and support during outdoor adventures but best of all, it takes up very little space and weighs next to nothing. It is a foldable, compressable pillow with the travel bag sewn into the pillow. It stowes away in your backpack just about anywhere.

When ready to use, you take the pillow out of the bag and blow it up with the amount of air desired for a comfortable sleep. Yes, it’s inflatable, but no special tool is needed to inflate it; it has an easy blow-up mouthpiece.

Here are some key features that make this pillow stand out:

Ultralight and Compact Design

Weighing only 4 ounces but expanding to a comfortable pillow size of 15 x 12 x 4.5 in, the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry. It compresses to a compact size slightly larger than a soda can, fitting perfectly in your backpack without adding unnecessary bulk.

It’s the perfect item for backpacking, allowing you to sleep better with virtually no weight added to your pack.

Ergonomic Design for Comfort

The pillow’s ergonomic shape and soft, supportive material ensure optimal comfort during sleep. The contoured design provides proper neck and head alignment, reducing strain and promoting more restful sleep. Best of all, you inflate to the level that is comfortable for you that night.

Adjustable Thickness and Firmness

The RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow features an adjustable air valve that allows you to customize the pillow’s thickness and firmness according to your preference. Whether you prefer a soft and plush pillow or a firmer support, you can easily adjust it to meet your needs.

Durable and Easy to Clean

Made from high-quality materials, the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow is built to withstand rugged outdoor conditions. It is resistant to tears, punctures, and moisture. Cleaning the pillow is also a breeze—wipe it down or use a damp cloth.

My Experience with the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow

Comfort and Support

From the moment I lay my head on the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow, I was impressed by its exceptional comfort and support. The contoured design perfectly cradles my head and neck, relieving pressure points and ensuring proper alignment. The soft yet firm material strikes the right balance, providing a cozy and luxurious feel. Even after a long day of hiking, I could rest easy knowing I’d wake up refreshed and ready for new adventures.

I sleep in a hammock which also helps with comfort after long hikes, and the pillow is the perfect compliment to a great night’s sleep. After all, after food, rest is among the top things to prep you for the next day’s hike.

Lightweight and Compact

I tested the pillow on a 2-day, 17-mile trip through a 3,500-foot elevation change.

I definitely appreciate lightweight gear that doesn’t take up much space in my pack. The RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow exceeds expectations in this regard. Its feather-light weight and compact size make it a breeze for multi-day trekking trips. I was pleasantly surprised by how little space it occupied in my pack, leaving ample room for other essentials. Because of the challenging terrain I would be hiking, I had already trimmed items out of my pack because of extra weight. My final weight was still 43 pounds. 4 ounces was not a concern when factoring in a better night’s sleep on the trail.

Customizable Support

The adjustable air valve of the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow allows for personalized support. I found this feature invaluable as I could quickly inflate or deflate the pillow to achieve my desired level of firmness. It turned out that the first night after hiking over a 2,500-foot elevation change, the softer pillow was a welcome relief from my soreness. However, on night 2, having a firmer pillow felt much better.

Durability and Ease of Cleaning

I had packed my pillow hanging on the outside of the bag along with some other small items, and after the bumping and poking on my pack from the trail, I most certainly had concerns if the bag would have any holes or still be intact.

The rugged construction of the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow impressed me. The pillow was unaffected despite a small trail with thick timber, fallen trees, and countless other obstacles.

In the photo on the left, the pillow hangs on my backpack’s left side. I hung it from a carabiner in its original bag. The bag is also durable, and the drawstring I hung it from held up perfectly.

We camped by a creek, and it was in the low 40s that night, so I did have moisture concerns. Its moisture-resistant properties ensured I didn’t have to worry about damp conditions compromising its performance. The pillow’s easy-to-clean design also allowed me to maintain its freshness effortlessly. A simple wipe-down or a quick rinse with water was all it took to keep it clean and ready for the next adventure.

Pros and Cons of the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow

Pros

• Ultralight and compact design for easy portability.
• Ergonomic shape and supportive material for enhanced comfort.
• Adjustable air valve for customizable thickness and firmness.
• Durable construction and moisture-resistant properties.
• Easy to clean and maintain.
• Worth the investment of under $20

Cons

• Some users may prefer a larger pillow for extra surface area. This is a one-person pillow.

RikkiTikki Ultralight Backpacking Pillow Review Conclusion

After thoroughly testing the RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow, I can confidently say that it has become a permanent part of my overnight outdoor gear collection. Its exceptional comfort, lightweight design, and adjustability make it a standout choice for backpackers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The RikkiTikki Backpacking Pillow promises a restful night’s sleep in the

backcountry. Whether embarking on a multi-day hike or camping under the stars, this pillow is a dreamy companion that will elevate your sleeping experience.

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