How to Make a Backpacking Pillow

When it comes to backpacking or hiking, many people would consider a pillow a necessity. Whether you’re looking for a more economical option or you want to get started on a new project, making a backpacking pillow yourself can be a quick and simple process, even for beginners. Follow our DIY instructions to make your own lightweight backpacking pillow.

Project Overview

Skill Level	Estimated Time	Estimated Cost
Beginner	30 to 60 minutes	$

Materials and Tools

Materials Needed:	Tools Needed:
14″x18″ ARGON 67 or ARGON 90	Sewing Machine
~55 Grams of Climashield or other fill	Scissors
4″ of 1/2″ Grosgrain	Ruler/Tape Measure
Thread of your choice	Marker or Chalk

Purchase full kit here: https://dutchwaregear.com/product/climashield-pillow-kit/

Notes: Seam allowance is 5/8″. Backtack beginning and end of all seams. Shiny side of fabric is the “wrong” side.

          1. Cut Material to 14”x18”.

        2. Fold in half crosswise, twice.

        3. Snip corner roughly 1/8” to mark middle of longest seam.

        4. Unfold once, sew one end.

           5. Fold tab in half, turning one end over to make tab stand open. It may be helpful to secure with a pin.

          6. Sew long seam, placing the tab between the two layers of fabric , pointing inwards. Backtack over tab for reinforcement.

         7. Turn pillow right side out.

         8. Weigh and measure out 55 grams of climashield.

         9. Pull apart climashield , “shredding” it to create loft.

        10. Stuff pillow.

         11. Turn end seam inwards, and finish with a topstitch.

 

Check Out Our Other DIY Guides

• DIY Pack Cover
• DIY Drawstring Backpack
• DIY Compression Stuff Sack
• DIY Winter Tarp