NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow Review
Reading Time: 6 minutes The NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow is an ultralight pillow designed for backpackers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a bit of comfort in the evenings.
In the world of ultralight backpacking, pillows are often considered luxury items, which means that many backpackers who subscribe to an ultralight philosophy (and thus mistakenly believe themselves to be superior) think pillows to be an unnecessary piece of kit. But let me tell you, a pillow is worth the weight of less than two candy bars for the added comfort it brings to a night’s sleep. According to the Pacific Crest Trail Hiker Survey and the John Muir Trail Hiker Survey more than 60% of thru-hikers bring a pillow with them.
And as you may notice, I have included photos of two different Fillo Elite Pillows in this review. That’s because I thought I had lost my initial pillow, and I liked it so much that I bought myself a new one (but it was striped instead of camo-colored).
Here’s everything you need to know about the NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow.
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Pros and Cons
+ Lightweight and compact: Weighs 2.8 oz / 80 g and packs down to about the size of a tennis ball.
+ Comfortable: Baffled I-beam air cell maintains shape and eliminates any balloon effect.
+ Insulated: A thin layer of PrimaLoft insulation adds cushioning and warmth.
+ Soft, washable cover: Soft polyester jersey cover is removable and machine washable.
+ Micro-adjustable valve: Allows for precise control of firmness.
– No sleeping pad attachment: The pillow can slide around during sleep since there’s no way to secure it to a sleeping pad.
– Valve size: The valve is a bit large – a low-profile version would be preferred.
NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow Specs
- Weight: 2.8 oz / 80 g
- Packed Size: 4 x 3 in diameter / 10 x 8 cm diameter
- Shape: Rectangular
- Fill Type: Recycled PrimaLoft insulation
- Insulation: Recycled PrimaLoft
- Fabric: Polyester Jersey
- Thickness: 3 in / 7.62 cm
- Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 3 in / 39 x 27 x 8 cm
- Stuff Sack: Internal stuff sack
- Colors: Black Pearl/Citron, Blue Horizon/Citron, Mango/Citron
- MSRP: $59.95
Photo Gallery
The Good
The Comfort
I try not to carry anything with me through the wilderness that can’t be justified, and a good night’s sleep is as good a reason as any to take the NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow. After using sad makeshift pillows made from stuff sacks, extra clothing, or down jackets, I finally broke down and tried a real pillow; it made a huge difference. The Fillo Elite wasn’t the first pillow I used (that was the Sea to Summit Aeros), but it’s the most comfortable one I’ve used and the one I’ve chosen to continue carrying on trails from the Hayduke to the Pyrenees High Route.
The Compactness
Oftentimes, people think I have an ultralight pack. Still, many self-described ultralighters would disagree with this assessment (I’m just happy to carry whatever I want and not care about what anyone else thinks). What I often have is an incredibly efficiently packed backpack, which makes it look lighter than it is. The Fillo Elite adds practically zero bulk to my pack. I store it in the same stuff sack where I keep my quilt and my liner. They all pack down nicely together, and the worst part (in my opinion) about packing them all together is the hard point, which is the nozzle on the pillow.
The Inflation
Inflating the Fillo Elite is easy and takes just a couple of breaths – nothing like the struggle that is inflating your sleeping pad. The valve allows you to easily release air without fully opening it, so I typically inflate the pillow as much as possible and then release air until my head rests comfortably on it. I always need less air than I think I do, but perhaps that’s just a matter of personal preference.
The Washability
The cover on the Fillo Elite is removable and washable, a significant benefit. On previous pillows I’ve owned (without removable covers), I typically used a neck gaiter as a makeshift pillow case because when there’s no way to wash your pillow, the dirt, sweat, and grime covering your face at the end of every day can add up quickly. Not having a removable cover puts a countdown timer on the usable lifespan of your pillow. That is not true for the Fillo Elite.
The Okay
The Sleeping Pad Connection
Some pillows have connectors, systems, gimmicks, or straps to keep them affixed to sleeping pads. The Fillo Elite does not have a sleeping pad attachment. Some may consider this a negative aspect, while others view it as a positive one. I can see the value of both. A universal strap like this one could be a solution, but it adds weight (and a small bit of bulk). Typically, I try to fall asleep on my back, but I always end up on my side. Once on my side, I like to stick my hand under my pillow, which wouldn’t be possible with many of the sleeping pad-pillow attachment systems available. So, the fact that the Fillo Elite can’t connect natively to a sleeping pad? Maybe good, maybe bad.
The Warranty
According to NEMO, “All NEMO products carry a lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and materials to the original owner, with proof of purchase from an authorized NEMO dealer.” It is not the worst warranty policy, but it is not the best either (since it discourages secondhand or gifted gear). Shipping is the customer’s responsibility. It can take between two and six weeks to process a warranty claim, according to NEMO. I had to send one of my pillows in for repair on the valve when it stopped working (it wouldn’t stop leaking), and I received it back without any fuss (minus my shipping cost).
The Bad
The Valve
The valve on the NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow is easy to open and close; however, I have two issues with it. One, it’s big (as in long), and it protrudes from the underside of the pillow (located on one side of the pillow, not in the center) when the pillow is inflated. It also serves as a hard point that I am always afraid will puncture, tear, or catch on my gear (specifically my sleeping bag, quilt, or liner) when everything’s stuffed together. I wish it had a lower profile overall, but I’m not that upset about it. The valve on one of my pillows also broke, which is why I sent it in for a warranty claim (which was processed successfully).
The Verdict
After a long time of making makeshift pillows out of spare clothing or simply using my puffy as a pillow, the NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow has been a welcome addition to my ultralight backpacking setup.
If you’re going to add a pillow to your backcountry sleep setup (and you should strongly consider doing so, or at least experiment with one if you’ve never tried), the Fillo Elite is a great option. I know you might be scared that you’ll try a pillow and then think to yourself, “What have I been doing without a pillow for all this time?!” and then your kit will forever be 2.8 oz / 80 g heavier. But it’s all worth it for a good night of sleep.
Do you have questions, comments, or personal experience with the NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow? Leave a comment below or get in touch, and let me know!
Check out the NEMO Fillo Elite Ultralight Backpacking Pillow here.
