While we are on the topic of sleeping (which we are), I have also really ‘lashed out’ and added an excellent $2 pillow to my sleeping arrangements from Aliexpress.
I should add that I have modified my Waratah Quilt so it is a little lighter and easier to enter and exit. It is already delightfully warm and comfortable. I am very happy with it on those sub-zero nights.
I buy half a dozen of these pillows at a time as they are not outstandingly robust though I have used one for dozens and dozens of nights whilst I have burst much more expensive pillows in less time.
My only gripe with them is their fiddly valve which I find difficult to squeeze tight enough with my arthritic fingers when inflating and deflating the pillow – so that I usually use my teeth!
They start life with a comfy velour finish which never strikes cold but after a time this surface does harden but long before the pillow has worn out. At about that time you can pass it on to someone else to try out, and go on to the next one of he half dozen you bought.
I usually buy them from Aliexpress or Ebay (ones such as this) but they come and go, so you will have to judge by the picture and size (about 34 cm x 22cm.
They weigh about 40 grams each.
I only about half inflate them as I always reckon people use too large a pillow for their good health anyway. In this configuration it is superbly comfortable anyway and also fits neatly into the hood of a sleeping bag which is a definite bonus.
BTW: Here is how my modification to the quilt works. I have largely ‘ditched’ the elastic straps which are intended to hold the quilt in place. I do not like elastic anyway: it is heavy and prone to fail over time – which gross-gain ribbon does so much less.
I noticed I could salvage some of the buckles from the straps it came with and just use two pieces of 3/4″ gross-grain instead. I sewed the ends over so they could not pull through. Instead of passing them under the pad which is what the manufacturers intended I have them on top of the pad. This turns out to work so much better.
I also replaced the (too heavy) drawstring and cord locks with a much lighter string and micro cord locks which work just as well. I have also added a cam snap to the top of the zipper so it does not come undone. This holds the quilt in place better. I toss and turn a lot.
These mods save nearly a 100 grams and make the quilt more comfortable (if anything) and more functional.
With my new pad, pillow and quilt I am very well organised for many delightful (warm) nights in the wilderness – even when it is quite frosty outside, as it has been of late.
I usually also use a light wool balaclava or if it is specially cold a down one to keep my face, ears and snozzle warm. See Ultralight Head Gear. I also carry a pair of Down Socks to make sure my toes are toasty warm too. A good (dry) night’s rest is the key to a great trip.
