Rowan

I used this method for years. But I never could come to terms with how the clothes would compact, and unless they were nicely folded, there were always lumpy bits to contend with. And the "pillow" was never consistent in thickness.

Then I started experimenting with self-inflating pillows. The issue always was the thickness and general size when inflated was too small for me, and when deflated, the size was too large (odd equation, but true for me). I've also used compressible pillows, but the filling was always too soft to sleep with.

We acquired these while away last year. I bought mine in an outdoor shop in Switzerland. It is by far and away the best pillow I have had in terms of the above equation as well as comfort. I am, however, looking at the next size up for my next purchase. I think then I would be in pillow nirvana.

I have found, that as with the Exped mats, slight underinflation is better than pumping it up hard.

Yes, it has indeed changed tremendously in the past three years with the event of the Exped pillows that are very well made, small to pack, and are apparently durable.