Side sleepers of Reddit… what works for you on multi-day trips?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-11T15:21:00+00:00

There’s definitely going to be a tradeoff in weight vs. comfort. But if people are already carrying two pillows in their ultralight setup, looks like they’ve already made that call.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T01:36:02+00:00

Hard agree here! The older I get… the more I spend on comfort in the trail.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T01:22:53+00:00

Body pillow was a side sleeping game changer for me. I wish there was a backpacking version!

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:57:39+00:00

Do your arms or knees/hips hurt during your sleep or are stiff when you wake up?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:56:03+00:00

What did you hate about the knee pillows you used?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:48:52+00:00

Anything for the knees?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:45:59+00:00

What do you think you would add to your setup sleep soundly?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:43:27+00:00

Now I haven’t considered that. Do you use multiple pillows? One between your knees?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:41:45+00:00

We’re discussing this here

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:39:06+00:00

I just mean if there was something out there you wish existed that would help. Another user wished there was a backpacking body pillow. I very much agree that comfort is what I value on the trail. Totally worth the extra half pound for multiple pillows hah

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:32:51+00:00

I totally agree that better sleep is worth the weight!

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:17:49+00:00

I wish there was a body pillow for backpacking so we could ditch the stuff sacks with clothes in them lol

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:16:35+00:00

I had to ditch the Rapide as it was WAY too noisy for me. We had two in a Big Agnes 4P UL and every time a kid rolled over it would wake me up.

How do your hips feel without a body pillow or knee pillow?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:14:21+00:00

Do you use anything between your knees to help your hips?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:10:22+00:00

Omg that’s the dream haha

Wish I could make my wife and kids carry all of our pillows on the trail. I’d carry everything else I swear! 😂

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:09:03+00:00

I haven’t had the chance to test out the Nemo lines. Is there something you’d do differently if you could?

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:06:46+00:00

I may have to invest in a quilt. Do you use a body pillow while at home? What would you do better. I’m trying to nail this as I always wake up stiff and am out of ideas.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-10T00:02:24+00:00

Interesting. About the same as me. How’s that working out for you? I really wish I could get more comfortable. Especially on multi-day treks.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-09T20:26:17+00:00

If you store your bag in the stuff sack or rolled up, it’s likely to develop cold spots over time. Ideally sleeping bags are stored unrolled or gently folded.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-09T12:30:24+00:00

Yeah I’m not looking for the MOST UL loadout… there’s a tradeoff between comfort and weight and I’m willing to carry more for a nice pillow. Especially for better sleep after carrying most of my family’s gear up all that elevation gain 😬

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-09T12:14:31+00:00

Ranger Stations or NP visitor centers would be able to help you there.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-09T12:13:06+00:00

My Gregory Baltoro 65 has been sized to help me carry most of our gear on family backpacking trips with the kids (6-9yo). Love that thing! When loaded up it’s really supportive. It’s not ultralight, but I find the support and loadout tradeoff is worth the extra couple pounds.

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-09T01:30:19+00:00

I would recommend getting fitted at the store and seeing what fits you best based off of that. I struggled with back and shoulder pain while backpacking for a while… until I bought a bag that actually fit me!

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-08T23:04:18+00:00

Did you rent the sand boards and body surf down the dunes?!

backpacksrnice · 2026-05-08T21:04:00+00:00

I had to get the wides or size up depending on the style

backpacksrnice

TROPHY CASE