|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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. 
|
|
|
|
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..
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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+
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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..
|
|
|
|
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 
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #62
Gerry, how do you know it's breathable. It doesn't mention being "breathable" on the cotswold or mountain equipment websites.
And how can a sealed bag be breathable, surely all the air would leak out 
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #62
I just bought one yesterday should arrive today.
I bought a Solar SP C Tech bedchair as everyone was saying they were the best out there but ive had worse lower back ache from being on that than my last Chub bedchair...
Im a side sleeper normally, but ended up on my back last time which I think caused it... plus the sleep system I could not get on with as too restrictive on my feed.
So i am using my Trakker 365 bag instead of the sleep system and the Helium 3.8 off your glowing reviews Gerry, hope it makes an improvement this time around!
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #59
Again
I can only tell you about the Helium 3.8
that I have owned and used for a good few YEARS fishing in Europe on trips of upto 29 nights in the summer often 30c to 40c
at the time I was 17stone xxxl chest 50" not fat either trust me !
and seen people saying its too small ? LMFAO
WELL I had it on a Trakker ELS bedchair it fitted perfect inside the raised edges and comfort was super provided you followed the instructions and did not fook it up by blowing in it and turning it into an air bed !!
and it does not move around either remember these things are designed to lay on the bloody ground !! so putting them on top of an already padded bedchair you get my drift ?
I did NOT find it to hot at all as it breathes EDIT IT MAY NOT breath SORRY
I have used it on the ELS then the Wychwood tactical compact and now its on my Solar CH08
but its your money and your choice 
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #60
Try a camping forum for advice on best low R rating sleeping mat.
Paul messner on you tube is a good source of info. You could try contacting him direct.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #59
Exactly what I'm struggling with now! Helium has a hot spot, thermarest base camp is 4/5 season. Like you say all are designed to give some sort of warmth which I don't want at all, I overheat enough as it is especially in the summer. Just want the comfort.
Currently looking at some of the 2/3 season thermarest ones but not sure anyone on here has purchased one of them so doubt I can get a review.
NeoAir Venture R is only 2ish seasons and looks thick enough to be comfortable, over twice the price of the helium though.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #3
they keep advertising about how hot they are, I want one that doesn't get hot at all really..
I just want the mattress, what should I get to keep cooler?
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #57
Thank you 👍🏼 hope you sort your pillow / shoulder issue!
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #56
It's about 170cm.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #53
What's the length of that inner space as well please?
I take 2 pillows now, one synthetic for the bottom and one feather for the top I can shape a bit.
Very much worth playing with various heights etc, it's massive overkill taking 2 pillows but if it helps me sleep and don't wake up with a crook neck I don't care 🤣
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #52
The helium 3.8 fits perfectly on the solar Sp tech & is highly recomended real game changer.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #50
I bought a nash pillow to go with my ss3 sleep system found it too high so I just use some spare clothes made to form a pillow. Also found the sleep system too restrictive, and I'm a side sleeper so now use a sim and trakker 365 bag. Seems best combo so far.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #52
I have my C-Tech set up in the sitting room for this very reason - at it's widest, it's just over 53cm.
I've thrown on a SIM that my kids used for scouts etc, that I'd forgotten about. It's not exactly self inflating and I can't be bothered to blow it up much, but it seems to make the base of the bed feel a little bit more forgiving. Having said that, my head feels like it's raised far too high on my pillow now that it's been talked about here and I am thinking about it more. Some experiments to be done with the CIM and the pillow, but perhaps making progress.....
|
|
|
|
Long shot but has anyone put a sim on a solar SP C-Tech and knows the dimensions in between the raised side parts?
My bed is unfortunately not accessible for a couple of weeks and can't find the info online anywhere!
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #50
Your bed at home will have more give than your bedchair (fishing bed) and will contour a bit to your body including allowing your shoulders to sink in a bit. The fishing bed at best may have a tiny bit of padding / foam top that will make next to no difference to a side sleeper.
A sim should help a lot. I tried a sim a few years ago and loved it, although I bought a cheap one that let out air every night after a few trips so I moved to a normal inflatable sleeping pad. These pack up far smaller and for me work just as well for my side sleeping. But if / when this one needs replacing i will try a quality sim next time instead of a cheap one.
I use a shredded memory foam pillow but removed a lot of the foam from it as it was a bit too high on the fishing bed.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #49
The thought had crossed my mind; it's one of those bamboo / memory foam jobs and I use an identical one at home which is fine. Though I have wondered if it's "too big" on the bed chair, and along with the pretend built in pillow on the bed chair perhaps that combo is raising my head too high which contributes to the shoulder pain.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #46
From experience I'd say the shoulder pain is more pillow related.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #47
Cheers - for the price it could well be worth a punt.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #46
I always suffered lower back pain sleeping directly on bedchair mattress tried so many bedchair over the years gave up wasting money buying different ones stuck with my fox mk2 flatliner the last 5 years with the inflatable mattress but couldn’t say about shoulder pain but it’s got to worth a try it’s not silly amounts of money to waste . I’ve used these slightly thicker inflatable sleeping mattress for a good few years now stopped all back ache for me
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #45
I have the SP C-Tech and it's killing my shoulders (side sleeper) - is this gonna help?
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #43
Look on Amazon at the Unigear ultralight inflatable sleeping mat £19.99 exactly what I use on my fox mk2 flatliner no more back ache at all I use 2 of them under my sleeping bag
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #43
I think if you stick to proper backpacking quality makes like Helium and Thermarest you should be fine
its the ones that dont breath and the inner foam is not perforated like the cheapo ones that you will sweat like a rapist in the summer you do get what you pay for in this instance IMHO
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #42
Any in particular to avoid? Just been looking at either the helium or a Thermarest ( seen the base camp model suggested on here) but only fish for carp April to Oct so don't need it for warmth purposes. Note that the base camp is 4+ season and did wonder if that meant it would be too hot
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #41
My helium 3.8 is great ALL year
some will make you get too hot in summer so be careful of some suggestions
|
|
|
|
What model Thermarest did you all purchase? They seem to vary from 50-200 quid.
Mine is to fit in a standard size Solar SP C-Tech. Bed is comfy when sleeping on my back, but I don't sleep well on my back and also wake myself up snoring 🤣 I'm generally a side sleeper but don't find it overly comfy on my side. Hoping a sim will help.
Also, do they not make you warmer in the summer? I overheat all the time so slightly concerned this will warm me up even more.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #38
Cheers Zack 👍
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #37
Cheers Baitman
|
|
|
|
I have two self inflating mattresses, the Helium 3.8 and a Dutch army thermarest, I find the Dutch army one far better than the Helium, its narrow enough to keep folded inside a bedchair, very warm in winter, perfect to just sleep on in Summer, very robust and the price is right.
The British army one is similar but only 3/4 length.
|
|
|
|
|
Thermarest are decent. A 3/4 mat is well better.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #35
Thanks Braders
|
|
|
|
|
Helium 3.8 on ebay,only on at £10 at moment with 4.20 p+p
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #33
Will do, Looks like the cheapest price at the moment is £50
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #32
Let me know if you manage to get a good deal on one please mate.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #31
Thanks for that. I’ll order one!
Hope you are fully recovered and still able to go fishing
Cheers
Dave
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #30
I have a Helium 3.8 mat and prior to my illness was 17 stone and a 50 inch chest and trust me its plenty big enough fits inside the recess of any bedchair I would think
IF you were laying on the ground you would need a thicker wider one but you are putting it on a bed chair so its perfect no need for anything thicker or bigger its quality you need not some cheap ****ty one that lasts only a season IMO
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #19
Me being thick here. I've bought a second hand Nash bedchair which looks like its a Nash Scope Air Lite? I've measured the dimensions which are length 182cms. Width from edge to edge 71cms, the centre non raised bit is 50 cms wide.
So picking your brains is the Helix 3.8 too narrow or should it fit in the inside bit?
Thanks guys
Dave
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #28
Same with a lot of things ... You tend to get what you pay for .... Thicker SIMS, better quality, better valves, insulating qualities etc ... The decision you make is whether the extra quality is worth the extra cost
|
|
|
|
|
I presume a thicker SIM is in general comfier and more insulating. What do the better/more expensive SIMs add? Is it primarily just a longer life span or do they also have superior performance vs a cheaper SIM of the same thickness?
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #26
Cheers Chuffy
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #25
I just leave it for 10 minutes or longer after I've opened up the bedchair, packing it away just undo the valve and fold the bed up
|
|
|
|
Have just purchased the Mountain Warehouse Helium 3.8 which I intend to leave permanently under my sleeping bag which is attached to my bedchair. A Couple of questions to owners of this SIM please
1. How long does it take to inflate?
2. How long does it take to deflate after I open the valve?
If anyone has any other useful nuggets of advise that would be really helpful
Thanks
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #23
Thanks
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #20
Longevity will be a factor
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #16
I have not had any probs with the Trakker one . . . but makes me think . . am i missing out something by not having the Helium ?
|
|
| | | Belch | | Posts: 4099 |  | | MODERATOR | |
|
In reply to Post #17
. . .the helium is narrow - perfect for compact beds but not anything wider. Before you buy whatever SIM measure the width between the perimeter padding and the length. IMO length is not as important but depends how tall you are and where your feet end up. . .
My standard Wychwood is 600mm + between the perimeter padding . . .
|
|
|
|
|
agreed ... thickness does make a difference ... not only in comfort but also in warmth. I have Helium 3,8, Glacier 5.0 and Thermarest Trail Pro (5cm thick) and there is a difference
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #11
Ive got the helium 3.8 as had that for ages but there was a big gap either side on my wide solar bed and i kept rolling off the edge, the wider glacier 5.0 fits perfectly to edge of the inner mattress so no issues with rolling off it. The extra thickness definitely makes it more comfy as i have tried both.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #12
NOOOOO
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #14
Ps ,stay away from the Trekology,80ul..it has deflation issues,although very comfy i hear..
|
|
|
|
I use a Thermarest Venture,both on my bedchair and for tarping out on the cliffs sometimes,it has the new dual valve system..
What can I say,its good..very comfy..
Just don't over inflate any self inflation, or sim,especially on a bedchair,worst thing you can do..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Is the Trakker sim recommended?
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #8
correct
you DONT need it wider than the helium ? as it fits perfectinside the raised edges of the bedchair so it dont move packs up better
I was17stone 50" chest and its perfect you DONT need it any thicker your not lying on the ground ? biggest mistake people just dont get the fact it should NOT be blown up its not an air bed !
and of course you DO get what you pay for backpackers dont buy shyte 
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #6
Theres still always room for improvement. My solar bed is the comfiest bed ive owned and ive had most of them including the avid and a sim always makes it that little bit better.
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #8
Ive got the mountain equipment glacier 5.0 on my wide solar sp bed. Its quite a bit wider and thicker than the helium 3.8 mat and fits perfectly inside the padded outer bit of the mattress.
|
|
|
|
Thanks all for the unput, size wise the SIMs do tend to appear narrow - I imagine you only need it inside the frame though.
Will have a play with a few in Cotswolds to compare.
|
|
| | | Belch | | Posts: 4099 | | | MODERATOR | |
|
In reply to Post #1
. . .'normally' I would go with a mountaineering brand for all things outdoor . . including fishing clobber and accessories however this one has lasted a season and fits my standard Wychwood perfectly . . .would be happy to buy one every season for three seasons and still pay less than the helium!
Adtrek SIM
Never had to top it up . . .100mm wider than a helium as well . . .
|
|
|
|
|
I’ve used a SIM for 20 years stopped using it once I purchased n Avid bedchair 7 years ago no need to carry extra imo, good for an upgrade else get a decent bedchair
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #4
If you intend to sleep on the bed chair lol
Get a good sim or thermorest mat
Best thing I ever bought , yourll definitely catch more or care less👍🏻
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #1
Dont skimp on SIMS ... its not worth it ..... Helium 3.8 is pretty good but the Thermarest is better (more money)
|
|
|
|
In reply to Post #1
Not a self inflating mattress but have a look at the Navaris inflatable sleeping matt of Amazon £16.99 they are nice and thick you have to blow air into them to inflate them doesn’t take much to inflate . I use 2 of these on my bedchair and their nice and comfy. I perfer them over a self inflating mattress as their thicker and still found with a so called self inflating mattress u still had to blow air into it to to firm the mattress up .
|
|
|
|
Hi all,
I know the ME helium 3.8 gets rave reviews but I'm wondering if this is suitable for the majority of bedchairs and if there is anything other good options which are cheaper.
I have discovered I am having a Trakker RlX superlight for my birthday from the girlfriend and thought I'd get a new bag and SIM to go with it. I've never used a SIM before or felt the need to but am hoping to get a lot more nights in this year. Will a helium fit this bed/will it make much of a difference?
Cheers,
James.
|
|
Tackle