I don't know what lives in your pack, but I've found something that works for me. I carry an MSR Dromlite for when I need to carry extra water (2 or 4 quart, depending on trip.) I discovered that, when you just open the little flip-valve on the cap, you can inflate it by blowing into it. Voila! It puffs up into a nice pillow shape. I place my boots at the head of my pad, lay the Dromlite on the toes (the ankles help hold it in place), and it makes a great pillow. It works equally well whether it's filled with water, air, or some of each.