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EQUINOX ARMADILLO PILLOW
BY MIKE PEARL
OWNER REVIEW
December 16, 2010
TESTER INFORMATION
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NAME:
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Mike Pearl
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EMAIL:
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mikepearl36@yahoo.com
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AGE:
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36
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LOCATION:
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Woodstock, Vermont, USA
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GENDER:
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M
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HEIGHT:
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5' 9" (1.75 m)
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WEIGHT:
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155 lb (70.30 kg)
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My backpacking experience began six years ago, after years of car camping. Most trips are for two or three days, some lasting a week. I hike with a group of two to four, with plans for a multi-day solo hike next summer. I pack a tent or tarp depending on availability of trail shelters. My average mileage is 15 mi (24 km). While aware of weight, it is not my primary concern. I strive for enjoyable outings with functional, reliable gear. I usually travel in woodland mountain terrain. I am a three-season camper, but enjoy hiking all year.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Manufacturer: Equinox Ltd 
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Manufacturer's Website: www.equinoxltd.com
MSRP: US$ 10.95
Listed Weight: Not Listed
Measured Weight: 11.6 oz (329 g)
Listed Dimensions: 19 x 10 in (48 x 25 cm)
Measured Dimensions Rolled: 10 x 6 in (25 x 15 cm)
Measured Dimensions Open: 18 x 10 x 5 in (46 x 25 x 13 cm)
Other Size Available: 18 x 17 in (46 x 43 cm)
Color Reviewed: Salamander Red / Charcoal Gray
Other Colors Available: Sky Blue/Charcoal Gray, Celery Green/Charcoal, Midnight Blue, Pine Green, Pine Green/Sand Tan
The Armadillo Pillow is a travel pillow that is rolled when not in use. It is held closed with a nylon web strap and a small plastic side release buckle. The sleeping side is made of soft microfleece. The storage side is water repellent Supplex nylon. The Armadillo is stuffed with polyester fill.
EXPERIENCE
The Armadillo Pillow is a regular in my pack. I was resistant to a pillow at first. I use to pack extra clothes in a stuff sack. But needing to wear all my clothes to sleep one cold night ended that practice.
I tried an inflatable which was lighter and compressed smaller. However it was very noisy and did not have good loft or shape. These are not good qualities for my sleep style. I start on my back, then roll to my side, to my stomach, to the other side, ending on my back. So, a good pillow is a pretty high bar to reach.
The Armadillo Pillow accommodates this style. When unrolled and laid flat, it is comfortable while on my back or stomach. When on my side, the Armadillo easily and quietly folds in half to provide support to the neck. The pillow has enough fill to hold up my head while forming to the shape of my head. The microfleece is soft and feels nice against my face.
The first time I used the Armadillo the compression strap looked like it would be a problem. I thought I would get wrapped up in it or roll over on the buckle. Neither has happened. It sometimes flops around but never interrupts my sleep/rolling.
I have used the Armadillo about two dozen times without any complaints. All use except for two nights has been in a tent. Temperatures ranged between 30 to 90 F (-1 to 32 C) with rain encountered on several trips, once for two straight days. I spent two nights in two different shelters, fours walls, one door, one window and one hard wooden floor. Both nights were in the mid 30's F (-1 C) and windy, happy not to pitch a tent. The Armadillo has performed well under all conditions. I never experienced a sore neck.
When it's time to pack up, just roll and click the buckle. I store the Armadillo in large zip top freezer bag. This is the only minor downside, no stuff sack. The Armadillo then stows next to my sleeping bag near the bottom of my pack.
SUMMARY
The Armadillo Pillow is a quality item. It well constructed and simple to use. The Armadillo has always provided a comfortable place to rest my head.
POSITIVES
Comfortable
Quiet
NEGATIVES
No stuff sack
SIGNATURE
Mike Pearl
This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1.
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