Apple Tree Unveils a 60g 3D-Printed Travel Pillow Small Enough to Clip to a Backpack
Japanese manufacturer Apple Tree has introduced a tiny travel pillow designed for people who want a quick rest without carrying bulky gear. Called the 4D Makura Lattice mini, the compact cushion measures about 150 × 120 × 40 mm, or roughly 5.9 × 4.7 × 1.6 inches, and weighs only around 60g.
That makes it small enough to hang from a backpack, travel bag, or outdoor pack using carabiners. The pillow includes two attachment points on its underside, making it easy to carry during commutes, flights, camping trips, hikes, or long days at the office.
The 4D Makura Lattice mini is not meant to replace a full-size pillow for overnight sleep. Instead, it is designed for short breaks, naps, and moments when a bit of neck or head support can make resting more comfortable. Its lightweight build could appeal to frequent travelers, office workers, backpackers, and anyone who prefers minimalist everyday carry accessories.
What makes this mini pillow stand out is its 3D-printed lattice structure. Rather than using traditional foam or stuffing, Apple Tree uses an interconnected flexible grid that compresses under pressure and helps spread weight across the surrounding structure. The open design also allows air to pass through, which may help reduce heat buildup during use.
The mini model is a smaller version of Apple Tree’s larger 4D Makura Lattice 3000, which was introduced earlier in the year. Both products use a similar flexible 3D-printed construction, but the mini version focuses on portability above all else.
Apple Tree says the pillow is made from ERASTO1000 BIO, a flexible polyurethane-based material that includes some renewable, bio-based ingredients. The company also says the pillow can be cleaned easily with water and soap, which is useful for a product intended for travel, outdoor use, and public spaces such as airports or trains.
Possible uses include resting during airport layovers, taking a quick office nap, relaxing on a camping trip, or adding a small amount of support while sitting outdoors. However, its very compact size does come with limits. At just 15cm wide, it offers little room to shift position, so it may be best suited for people who rest fairly still or only need targeted support.
Apple Tree has not yet shared independent comfort or durability testing, so real-world performance remains to be seen. While the lattice design sounds promising for airflow and flexibility, buyers may want to wait for user impressions once the pillow becomes available.
The 4D Makura Lattice mini is scheduled to launch through a crowdfunding campaign on December 11, with the campaign expected to run until February 27, 2027. Early supporters will reportedly be able to receive discounts of up to 50%, though the final retail price has not yet been announced.
For travelers who value compact gear, the 4D Makura Lattice mini could become an interesting alternative to inflatable neck pillows and bulky cushions. Its combination of low weight, washable material, clip-on portability, and 3D-printed lattice comfort gives it a unique place in the growing market for travel accessories.
