11-02-2025
The Best Travel Pillows
I'm sorry, but I personally find this travel pillow hideous. It's just so big and dorky. But damn if it isn't effective. It's actually really comfortable. It's sort of like a scarf that you wrap around your neck, with a built-in frame that cradles your head securely and comfortably. The scarf part is nice and made of soft fleece, similar to other travel scarves or blankets. The hook-and-loop attachment point isn't too loud when you adjust it, so you won't disturb your neighbors. The Trtl comes in a few different colors depending on where you purchase from. I'm usually a side sleeper and I found that I was able to get comfy and doze off while using this pillow—even on an airplane as a sometimes-fearful flyer. Once you get the ideal tightness and positioning, it's stable and warm. And I woke up with zero neck pain. The Trtl comes with a carrying case that I don't love: The carabiner is small and the pillow flops around uselessly—I accidentally whacked a few people with it in the airport when it was attached to my backpack before deciding to just rearrange my bag and cram it inside. The pillow itself is too bulky to be stored easily. Because of the built-in frame, it's not squishy or compressible or flat. But if you don't overpack your belongings or you find other travel pillows difficult to use, the Trtl might be exactly what you're looking for. I'll definitely be using it again—even though it makes me a tad self-conscious. One thing to note is that the Trtl is not compatible in the slightest with over-ear headphones. If you've got earbuds, you should be find, but if you prefer over-ears and want to be able to listen to music while you nap, try a different pillow out. Materials Fleece, foam Washable? Yes (remove insert first)
Coalatree Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket
The Coalatree Puffy Kachula is primarily an outdoor blanket. With bold patterns, a silky, water-resistant ripstop nylon shell, a 48-by-71-inch footprint, and a built-in optional hood, it makes a great camping companion. There are handy snaps built-in to secure the blanket around your front, superhero-style. But you can stuff the whole thing in on itself to convert it to a travel pillow. I tested it on my floor with a camping pad, and it wasn't as fantastic as something like the Honeydew pillow (above), but it wasn't definitely more comfy than typical camping-style pillows.
In pillow mode, it can be a little lumpy until you rearrange the blanket innards, but the zippers are durable and there's plenty of room so you aren't stuck trying to cram excess material in. And once you get it arranged to your liking, it is super comfortable. Pillow mode also has a loop near the zipper for a carabiner. If you camp frequently, this would be a smart purchase. It'll double as an extra layer if needed, or a softer place to rest your head at night. Materials Recycled ripstop nylon with DWR coating, ComforMax insulation Washable? Yes (spot cleaning recommended, but machine washing is OK when necessary)
