Jory Brass
Editor

Jory has hiked 15,000 miles over the past thirteen years while trying to shift his perspective from “live to work” to “work to live.” In 2017, he voluntarily walked away from a successful career as a professor to pursue writing opportunities more aligned with his commitments and passions—including his love of hiking, paddling, and adventure travel.

Growing up in the Midwest, Jory has since lived and worked across much of the United States and Australia, hiking the Grand Canyon, Rockies, Appalachians, Tour du Mont Blanc, Australia’s Great Ocean Walk, and Tasmania’s Overland Track. His gear chops were honed at Appalachian Outdoors and Backcountry, where he was a gear expert and copywriter with expertise in the hike, camp, paddle, fish, travel, and outdoor lifestyle categories.

When he’s not pecking at his keyboard or tromping down the trail, Jory is probably paddling, fishing, biking, or scheming a trip with his wife that involves a hodge-podge of hiking, paddling, wine tasting, live music, and foodie experiences.

Articles by Jory Brass

Exped Mega Pillow Review
The author rests on the Exped Mega Pillow with a relaxed look on his face

Exped Mega Pillow Review

Author
Our gear analyst took this pillow to the wilderness to test its comfort, packability, support, and ease of use. Here’s what we learned.
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Camp Pillow Review
Close up of the Therm-a-rest Compressible Pillow propped up by a piece of twisted driftwood

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Camp Pillow Review

Author
We’re split on if this is a backpacking pillow or not, but it’s undoubtedly a comfortable camping pillow, wherever we use it.
Klymit LUXE Camping Pillow Review
Close up of the Klymit LUXE pillow fully inflated with mountains blurred in the background

Klymit LUXE Camping Pillow Review

Author
This is a large inflatable camping pillow with a quilted pillow top. Here’s how it compared to other luxury air pillows in our side by side testing.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Backpacking Pillow Review
Close up shot of Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Regular Pillow sitting on a boulder with blurred mountains in the background

Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Backpacking Pillow Review

Author
As one of the best backpacking pillows on the market, the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow scores high on comfort, weight, packability, and support.
Trekology Aluft Pro Camp Pillow Review
Close up of Trekology Aluft Pro pillow with mountains in the background

Trekology Aluft Pro Camp Pillow Review

Author
Do you want a budget camping and backpacking pillow that holds its own against more expensive pillows? Meet the Trekology Aluft Pro, winner of our best buy badge.
Weekender Gel Memory Foam Camping Pillow Review
The cushioned cover of the Weekender Gel Memory foam pillow is partially pulled off to reveal the pillow's solid block of gel memory foam

Weekender Gel Memory Foam Camping Pillow Review

Author
We tested the Weekender Gel Memory Foam against other camp pillows. Here’s how it stacks up in comfort, packability, support, and ease of use.
NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow
Close up of NEMO Fillo camp pillow with mountains blurred in the background

NEMO Fillo Backpacking Pillow

Author
The NEMO Fillo is a hybrid air/foam pillow that adds cushioning to the traditional inflatable camp pillow for a comfort upgrade. Is it still backpacker-friendly?
Western Mountaineering Cloudrest Pillow Review
Cloudrest Down Pillow propped up with the Sandia Mountains in the background

Western Mountaineering Cloudrest Pillow Review

Author
What happens when Western Mountaineering makes a backpacking pillow with 800-fill down? Learn more about its comfort, weight, packability, and support.
REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow Review
Close up of the REI Trailmade Pillow on a boulder as the sun sets in the background. The pillow looks lumpy due to the foam blocks inside.

REI Trailmade Mummy Bag Pillow Review

Author
Are you looking for an affordable camp pillow that’s comfortable in the campground and packable enough for backpacking? Here’s one that won’t break the bank.
NEMO Fillo Elite Wide Backpacking Pillow, Tested & Reviewed
A side sleeper's neck is clearly crooked on the NEMO Fillo Elite Luxury pillow

NEMO Fillo Elite Wide Backpacking Pillow, Tested & Reviewed

Author
A fraction of the weight and packed size of the popular Fillo Pillow, NEMO’s Fillo Elite Wide pillow is a premier pick for backpackers. Learn more in this first-hand review.
HEST Camp Pillow Review
HEST camp pillow on a rock with mountains in the backgroun

HEST Camp Pillow Review

Author
The most comfortable camping pillow we tested this one is our splurge pick for luxurious comfort at the campground.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow Review
The partially transparent Hyperlite Stuff Sack Pillow shows a puffy jacket stuffed inside

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow Review

Author
The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Stuff Sack Pillow is an ultralight stuff-sack-as-a-pillow. Here’s how the HMG stuff sack stacks up compared to the other products in our gear guide.
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