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 New Posts  Choosing a SIM
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Baitman
Posts: 4863
Baitman
   Old Thread  #79 21 Feb 2026 at 12.55pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #78
Yes. No real benefit in having a longer sim as no weight or pressure on your feet!
Also, if you have a full length sim there is an element of your heavy area (from shoulder to hips) pushing the air out to the foot end, so you loose support where you need it.
0nslow
Posts: 1309
0nslow
   Old Thread  #78 21 Feb 2026 at 12.44pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #77
Thanks, yes that's the one I've found, I'm guessing the last quarter is for the leg end?
Baitman
Posts: 4863
Baitman
   Old Thread  #77 21 Feb 2026 at 12.13pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #76
The 3/4 length sim is ideal. LINKY POOâ„¢ https://ebay.us/m/ykylZn

I have a 3/4 length thermarest, its only thin but adds some cushioning to the bedchair that makes a massive difference. I am a side sleeper with hip problems but I can do three nights with no problems.
0nslow
Posts: 1309
0nslow
   Old Thread  #76 21 Feb 2026 at 11.37am  0  Login    Register
I fancy giving a SIM a try on a lighter bed with a bag rather than using my Solar dura wide thing which is heavy but most annoyingly doesn't fold flat so always sits wonky on the barrow

I'm gonna start on a budget so looking at the British army surplus for 18 quid.

Anyone using one of these frequently and are they OK on top of a bed chair? The longest I'll spend on one will be 2 nights but mostly one night.

Also any budget breathable bags worth having a look at?

Cheers

vossy1
Posts: 8100
vossy1
MODERATOR
   Old Thread  #75 10 Jun 2025 at 11.29pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #72
That's exactly my problem. We have a Vango Shangri-la 15, honestly, as comfy as a home mattress once you get the inflation right, but getting up...hmm
I looked into putting it onto a army type ali framed camp bed, and I think iirc outwell make a similar version too. I also stumbled upon air frames for air mattresses, I think that was Decathlon. I didnt find many that could be levelled as I think the assumption is camping grounds will be flat.

My final thought before my head hurt...frames of most bedchairs would do the job, just get some thick none stretching webbing straps on the frame. Any old manky bedchair as all you want is the frame...hmm...maybe tbh one day.
JackWhitstable
Posts: 231
JackWhitstable
   Old Thread  #74 9 Jun 2025 at 9.37am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #70
Hi Wandle, I totally agree - there is going to come a point when something gets made, and all these crazy heavy, huge bedchairs will be a thing of the past.

I know of anglers that move several times in the night on fish - but they are much smaller guys than me. Being tall does have plusses but its hard with bechairs etc.
JackWhitstable
Posts: 231
JackWhitstable
   Old Thread  #73 9 Jun 2025 at 9.34am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #71
Hey Fred.

Thank you for the below, I had a look and I'd be fine with the lowness, and it looks fairly non saggy (I prefer a harder bed), and with a sim it will be great.

My issue with it (aren't there always compromises?!) is that I am 6ft 6, and these are 6ft tall and narrower. Also, watching various videos on putting one up, and taking one down, even with camping youtubers who look far more fit than me, struggle heavily.

I'm weighing it all up (pun intended!), and there are many benefits to the carpy BC's, including the length and width (my solar is not the wide version, and is plenty wide enough). These sizes are important to me to rest/sleep. But why oh why they have to be so heavy and cumbersome is beyond me.

And like a few people have commented, there is so little available for people getting taller in society.

808
Posts: 157
   Old Thread  #72 9 Jun 2025 at 5.40am  0  Login    Register
Interesting thread - my only issue would be being so low down and having to get up of the floor. I had a look at some beds that are thicker about a foot but that looks to big for going under my brolly.
OatcakeFred
Posts: 1419
OatcakeFred
   Old Thread  #71 8 Jun 2025 at 4.16pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #69
Jack

You could try one of them camping bed things that they sell at Go Outdoors:

https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/19592723/oex-ultralite-camp-bed-19592723

Pretty comfy and pretty light, you can always add a SIM for extra comfort. Only downside is you can't push bulky things under them, but you can't with a SIM only.

Pop along to your local Go Outdoors and try before you buy.
wandle1
Posts: 7375
wandle1
   Old Thread  #70 8 Jun 2025 at 4.07pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #69
I use a Thermarest adventure SIM ..,under a tarp sometimes plus a small inflator ,similar to a flextail ..if the bank is not totally level you'll be slipping and sliding due to the material on the SIM ,unless you dot the SIM when inflated with small silicone blobs to stop the sliding

Also ,getting up fast when on a SIM ain't so great neither.. I've long been on about the Helinox or the knock off versions of the low level 'stretchers 'the minute a company ,again like Helinox does one with longer adjustable legs I'll be on it ..!!

When that time comes ,all these big heavy bedchairs and sleep systems will disappear into the night ..fast..

JackWhitstable
Posts: 231
JackWhitstable
   Old Thread  #69 8 Jun 2025 at 3.33pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #68
Agreed. I am 6ft 6ins, and 13 stone, sleep on my side. Do you find that JRC bedchair you have sags, or is it easy to tighten up?

Something like this is appealing, then just leave everything else on the barrow, or in the rucksack: https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/jupiter-lite-bivi-shelter-p82727.aspx/Option%20/?srsltid=AfmBOornb5M1tlm0tSOSluU6UHDiQ9pJQ_GF6TSHjWs3b_wgHpNw2QrsyNE&gQT=1#001/

My issue with this is some of the lakes I fish have differing bankside steepness and lumps etc.

Atleast with the link you can get a sleeping bag and SIM in.
g4fne
Posts: 15055
g4fne
   Old Thread  #68 8 Jun 2025 at 1.51pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #67
The situation with bed chairs and sleeping bag sizes have been bonkers for a long time. People are just getting bigger I guess and there is a market for comfort. The lightest and smallest pack down size I have got is a JRC x-Lite bed chair and an Aqua (non fleece) sleeping bag which still comes in at a total of 10kg+
JackWhitstable
Posts: 231
JackWhitstable
   Old Thread  #67 8 Jun 2025 at 1.36pm  0  Login    Register
Hi all,

Been camping with the fam this weekend, we've got good quality SIM's and it made me think of doing away with the bedchair for over nighters.

I've the Solar SP-Tec MK1 - which is the best bedchair I've ever seen, but fk me it is heavy. 17.5k with bag.

I'd have my Tempest 100T, and maybe the ground sheet, and just sleep on the SIM with a sleeping bag.

Anyone doing this?! I know it's not very carpy, but I couldn't care less - I prefer being able and quick to move, and that bedchair is a ballache, and also being able to sleep - I slept far better than I do on a bedchair.

nicky_napkins
Posts: 558
nicky_napkins
   Old Thread  #66 26 Jul 2024 at 2.19pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #65
bump

🙂

I need a new sim, but i don't want it to keep getting too hot, i don't suppose there is a way of keeping them cool is there..
oldgeezer
Posts: 27037
oldgeezer
Mr Linky Poo
   Old Thread  #65 5 Sept 2023 at 9.07am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #64
well in the winter or summer condensation has never got on the back of it
or on the top ? as when I used to use just a foam mat it was something you had to be very careful of the bed getting wet underneath it in winter due to severe condensation

so I assumed it must be breathable but to be fair you got a point
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