I got both of these camping pillows because I couldn’t find a proper comparison online. I’m 6’2” and like backpack camping, so here’s my take:
Materials
Therm-a-Rest: A soft pillowcase filled with foam pellets. It feels like a bag of squishy foam.
Nemo Fillo: A soft microfiber pillowcase with an air bladder and a thin foam layer (about 1 inch thick) on top.
Size
Therm-a-Rest: Slightly thicker at about 13 cm compared to Nemo’s 10 cm. However, the Therm-a-Rest compresses more when you lay on it, so it’s hard to compare directly.
Nemo Fillo: Smaller and thinner overall.
Packability
Therm-a-Rest: Folds into itself using a built-in pocket. Super easy to pack and unpack but doesn’t compress very small.
Nemo Fillo: Comes with a built-in stuff sack. You need to inflate/deflate it before and after use, which takes a bit more effort but makes it much more compact.
Comfort
Therm-a-Rest: Feels closer to a real pillow. The foam inside shifts around, which makes it feel natural and soft.
Nemo Fillo: Very comfortable for an air pillow. It supports the head well but doesn’t feel like a home pillow.
House Pillow Comparison
Therm-a-Rest: You could use this on your bed if you wanted to. It’s that comfortable.
Nemo Fillo: Definitely a camping pillow. Not something you’d use at home.
Weight
Therm-a-Rest: 300g
Nemo Fillo: 260g
Who Should Get the Therm-a-Rest?
If you don’t mind a slightly bigger packed size, this is the one for you. It’s easier to use, more like a home pillow, and cheaper (£28 vs £38).
Who Should Get the Nemo Fillo?
Great for those who need a smaller pack size. It’s one of the best air pillows for comfort, but the setup (inflating/deflating) is a bit more fiddly compared to foam pillows.
Verdict
Both are excellent options! Neither compares to a full-sized house pillow, but they’re both very comfortable. Here’s my breakdown:
Therm-a-Rest: My favorite. It’s durable, easy to pack, and has a cinch strap to adjust the thickness and shape. Perfect for those who prioritize comfort and ease of use.
Nemo Fillo: A close second. It’s perfect for trips where space is tight, and the comfort is impressive for its small size.
If I had to pick one, I’d go with the Therm-a-Rest, but I’d be happy with the Nemo too—especially for space-saving trips. I hope this helps you pick the right pillow for your next adventure.
I appreciate how you included the thickness comparison photos. It’s frustrating how camping gear ads never clearly show pillow thickness. It’s such a key factor, especially for side sleepers.
Flynn said:
I appreciate how you included the thickness comparison photos. It’s frustrating how camping gear ads never clearly show pillow thickness. It’s such a key factor, especially for side sleepers.
Totally agree! Marketing often makes the pillows look fluffier than they really are. The Nemo Fillo is about a third as thick as a standard house pillow, while the Therm-a-rest is closer to half. Seeing these in person would help a lot since buying them online can be tricky.
Oakley said:
I stack two Fillo Elites with added shock cords to keep them in place. Side sleeping has never been so good!
That’s a clever setup! Sounds like a solid solution for long backpacking trips since the Elites pack down so small. Are the shock cords enough to keep them from slipping apart?
Oakley said: @Quince
Yes, the shock cords hold them well. I inflate the bottom one fully and the top one just enough for softness. Packs down easily with my quilt.
Nice! The compression sack idea is a game changer for packing them together.
@Jamie
The Elite is simpler and more compact than the regular Fillo. Without the foam layer, it feels softer, especially when under-inflated. Works for me, but it’s not for everyone.
Oakley said: @Jamie
The Elite is simpler and more compact than the regular Fillo. Without the foam layer, it feels softer, especially when under-inflated. Works for me, but it’s not for everyone.
Thanks! I might give it a try. The regular Fillo’s cover was also a letdown.
I use the Therm-a-rest (medium) and upgraded to the large after realizing the cord on the back lets you adjust firmness. Super comfy for 30+ nights now! Inflatable pillows always felt stiff and unstable to me. If someone could design one with multiple air chambers, it might solve that, but it would ruin the portability.
I use a mix: Therm-a-rest pillows for comfort, Nemo pillows for travel, and Sea to Summit for compact situations. Each has its strengths, but the Hest pillow is my favorite for car camping—it’s bulky but incredibly comfy.
