How to Make a DIY Camping Pillow - Easy and Cheap

Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and have some fun with your friends or family. But if you want to have a good night’s sleep, you need a comfortable pillow to rest your head on.

However, buying a camping pillow can be expensive and bulky. Plus, you might not find one that suits your needs and preferences.

That’s why making your own DIY camping pillow is a smart and creative solution. You can use simple materials and techniques to create a pillow that is self-inflating, comfortable, and easy to pack and carry.

In this guide, we will show you how to make a DIY camping pillow using memory foam, a Ziploc bag, some fabric, and a strap. We will also give you some tips and tricks on how to customize your pillow and some alternatives you can use if you don’t have these materials.

What You Will Need

To make a DIY camping pillow using memory foam, you will need the following materials:

• Memory foam: You can use any type of memory foam, such as a mattress topper or a cushion. You can also buy memory foam online or at craft stores. The amount of memory foam you need depends on the size and shape of your pillow.
• Ziploc bag: You will need a gallon-sized Ziploc bag to store the memory foam. Make sure the bag is sturdy and has no holes or leaks.
• Fabric: You will need some soft and breathable fabric to cover the Ziploc bag and make it more comfortable. You can use any fabric you like, such as fleece, cotton, or flannel. You can also use an old shirt or towel if you want to recycle.
• Strap: You will need a strap to secure the rolled-up pillow and make it easier to store and carry. You can use any type of strap, such as a belt, a ribbon, or a cord.
• Tools: You will need some basic tools to make the pillow, such as scissors, an iron, aluminum foil, sewing pins, and a sewing machine. If you don’t have a sewing machine, you can also sew by hand or use fabric glue.

How to Make the Pillow

Follow these steps to make your DIY camping pillow:

Step 1: Cut the Memory Foam

The first step is to cut the memory foam into the shape and size of your desired pillow. You can use any shape you like, such as round, oval, or rectangular. You can also measure your head or use an existing pillow as a reference.

Use scissors or a knife to cut the memory foam carefully. Try to make the edges smooth and even.

Step 2: Put the Memory Foam in the Ziploc Bag

The next step is to put the memory foam in the Ziploc bag. This will make the pillow self-inflating and prevent it from getting dirty or wet.

To do this, open the Ziploc bag and push the memory foam inside. Make sure there is no air trapped inside the bag. Then close the bag securely.

Next, poke some small holes in the bag using a needle or a pin. This will allow the air to escape when you roll up the pillow and enter when you unroll it.

Step 3: Seal the Ziploc Bag

The third step is to seal the Ziploc bag permanently using an iron and aluminum foil. This will prevent the bag from opening accidentally or leaking air.

To do this, set the iron to medium temperature. Be careful not to set it too hot or too cold, as this might melt or damage the plastic bag.

Then place some aluminum foil over the seam of the bag where the zipper is. This will protect your iron from getting ruined by the plastic.

Next, press the iron over the aluminum foil for a few seconds until you create a seal along the seam. You can then cut off the excess zipper part of the bag.

Step 4: Sew the Fabric Cover

The fourth step is to sew the fabric cover for the Ziploc bag. This will make the pillow more comfortable and attractive.

To do this, cut two pieces of fabric that are slightly larger than your Ziploc bag. You can use any color or pattern you like.

Then turn these two pieces upside down and sew them together along three sides using sewing pins and a sewing machine. Leave one side open so you can insert the Ziploc bag later.

Next, turn the fabric cover right side out and insert the Ziploc bag inside. Make sure the bag fits snugly and evenly inside the cover.

Finally, sew the remaining side of the fabric cover to close it completely. You can also add some decorative stitches or buttons if you like.

Step 5: Attach the Strap

The last step is to attach the strap to the pillow. This will make it easier to roll up, store, and carry the pillow.

To do this, cut a piece of strap that is long enough to wrap around your rolled-up pillow. You can use any type of strap you like, such as a belt, a ribbon, or a cord.

Then sew or glue one end of the strap to one corner of the pillow. Make sure it is secure and sturdy.

Next, roll up your pillow and wrap the strap around it. Then fasten the other end of the strap to the opposite corner of the pillow using a buckle, a knot, or a velcro.

You have now made your DIY camping pillow!

How to Customize Your Pillow

You can customize your DIY camping pillow according to your preferences and needs. Here are some ideas on how to do that:

• You can adjust the size and shape of your pillow by cutting the memory foam and fabric accordingly. You can also make multiple pillows of different sizes and shapes for different purposes.
• You can choose different types of memory foam and fabric for different levels of comfort and warmth. For example, you can use softer or firmer memory foam or thicker or thinner fabric.
• You can decorate your pillow with different colors, patterns, or designs. For example, you can use fabric paint, embroidery, applique, or patches to personalize your pillow.
• You can add some extra features to your pillow, such as a pocket, a zipper, or a button. For example, you can add a pocket to store some items inside your pillow, such as earplugs, eye mask, or phone.
• You can also add some scent or aroma to your pillow, such as lavender, mint, or chamomile. For example, you can spray some essential oil on your pillow or insert some dried herbs inside your fabric cover.

Alternatives to Memory Foam

If you don’t have memory foam or don’t want to use it for your DIY camping pillow, you can use some alternatives that are also easy and cheap. Here are some examples:

• Clothes: You can use some clothes that you don’t need or wear anymore, such as shirts, sweaters, or socks. You can stuff them inside a Ziploc bag or a fabric cover and use them as a pillow. You can also layer them for more thickness and comfort.
• Leaves: You can use some dry leaves that you can find in nature, such as pine needles, grasses, or ferns. You can collect them in a large plastic bag or a cloth sack and use them as a pillow. You can also mix them with some clothes for more softness and warmth.
• Wine bladder: You can use an empty wine bladder that you can buy at liquor stores or online. You can inflate it with air using a straw or a pump and use it as a pillow. You can also cover it with some fabric for more comfort and style.

Conclusion

Making your own DIY camping pillow is a fun and easy way to save money and enjoy camping more. You can use simple materials and techniques to create a self-inflating, comfortable, and easy-to-carry pillow that suits your needs and preferences.

You can also customize your pillow with different sizes, shapes, designs, features, scents, or alternatives. You can experiment with different options and find what works best for you.

We hope this guide has inspired you to make your own DIY camping pillow for your next camping trip. Happy camping!