The best carp fishing bedchair should have excellent lumbar support, be comfortable, and be easily manageable when trekking with your gear to the swim.
A bedchair is an important piece of equipment alongside a carp fishing shelter if you’re planning on getting out fishing overnight. Staying comfortable is paramount if you want to fish effectively over long periods and it’s all the more important for those of you that suffer from back issues.
In this article, we’ll be looking at these 8 highly-rated carp fishing bedchairs:
- Nash MF60 Indulgence Sleep System
- Nash Scope Ops 4 Sleep System
- Trakker Levelite Oval Sleep System
- Fox R2 Sleep System
- Avid Benchmark Leveltech System
- Fox Flatliner Bedchair
- Solar Tackle SP C-Tech Sleep System
- Fox Duralite Bedchair
I’ve also devised a quick four-point guide that will help you understand what to look for when purchasing a bedchair sleep system that’s good for your back.
1. Nash MF60 Indulgence Sleep System
The Nash Indulgence MF60 Sleep System is a bedchair for those of you that are looking for maximum comfort and protection at all times of the year.
The Indulgence range includes several different models from the small “Compact” to the super-wide “Emperor”. We’ll be looking at the standard MF60 4 season Indulgence in this section, but all models have the same features just measure up differently.
The MF60 Indulgence features an MF60 fleece-covered memory foam mattress with a zipped in all-season hollow fibre luxury duvet. Large body baffles are attached inside the duvet to improve insulation and warm-up times inside the sleep system.
The main reason the indulgence made it onto the list is because of the adjustable lumbar support and incredible body-hugging memory foam. The bungees underneath the mattress make it possible to adjust the firmness of the bed. This makes the Indulgence perfect for people with back pain that want to adjust the mattress to suit their comfort needs.
The MF60 also comes with a range of other cool features. USB connectivity is included, so power packs can be connected and used to charge phones or heated blankets inside the bed. Side mesh pockets for storing valuables and keeping your phone to hand are also included. You’ll also find a three-position rake that can be used to elevate the head section of the bedchair.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 200 cm x 77 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 75 cm x 70 cm x 42 cm
- Weight: 22.5 kg
- Bedchair Type: Full Sleep System
- Season Rating: 4 Season
- Back Support Features: Memory Foam & Full Lumber Support
- Best For: Extreme Comfort Over Long Sessions
- Stand Out Feature: Adjustable Lumbar Support & Memory Foam Design
2. Nash Scope Ops 4 Sleep System
The Nash Scope Ops 4 Sleep System is a bedchair for those of you looking for a lightweight bedchair that offers all-season qualities and portability that won’t strain your back.
If you suffer from back pain I think transportation is an important aspect to consider. Of course, you should consider the comfort of the bedchair in question so you stay well-rested for the duration of your session. But, thinking about weight and transportation size may well save your back on the walk to the swim.
The Scope Ops 4 Season Sleep System ticks all the boxes. It’s extremely comfortable, folds four times to reduce pack size, and weighs only 12.4 kilograms!
The Scope Ops Sleep System features a high-density mattress configuration that provides comfort but also allows the bedchair to fold into four sections. Of course, you won’t beat the comfort levels of the Indulgence here, but if you’re looking for the best sleep system with a balance of comfort, weight, and pack-down size, then this is the one.
This sleep system has adjustable six-leg support for leveling on uneven ground, a zipped in four-season hollow fibre luxury duvet with battles and fleece-lined foot liner, as well as heavy-duty crash zips for a quick exit. If you suffer from back problems but still want to be as mobile as possible, the Scope Ops bedchair is a great choice.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 195 cm x 77 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 60 cm x 78 cm x 40 cm
- Weight: 12.4 kg
- Bedchair Type: Full Sleep System
- Season Rating: 4 Season
- Back Support Features: High-Density Foam & Reclining Section
- Best For: Staying on the Move
- Stand Out Feature: It’s Miniscule Weight and Transport Size
3. Trakker Levelite Oval Sleep System
The Trakker Levelite Oval Sleep System is a bedchair for those of you that want maximum support combined with great portability. This Bedchair is definitely a contender to the Nash Scope Ops, coming in at 11.7 kilograms without the additional sleeping bag, and 15.2 kilograms with the three-season multilayer bag.
Okay, the Levelite is definitely heavier than the Scope Ops bedchair when you consider the additional weight of the sleeping bag but it may well be more comfortable.
With fully adjustable lumbar support, a high-density contoured foam mattress, a zip-in box section sleeping bag, and a double-hinged mechanism for reduced pack-down size, the Trakker Levelite definitely combines great comfort with excellent portability.
The oval shape and six-leg system with a single leg at the head and foot of the bed help reduce weight and size. Regardless, with Trakker’s patented adjustable leg system the bed is incredibly stable over a variety of terrains. However, not everyone will enjoy the oval design, especially if they’re used to a typical rectangular bedchair or sleep system.
The oval design of the Levelite won’t affect your sleeping positions too much but keep in mind that there will be less space around the foot section and head area to move. This is not usually a problem for most anglers but if you suffer from back problems you may require extra wiggle room to get comfortable during the night.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 213 cm x 93 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 71 cm x 93 cm
- Weight: 11.7 kg (Without Sleeping Bag) 15.2 kg (With Sleeping Bag)
- Bedchair Type: Bedchair with Zip-in Sleeping Bag
- Season Rating: 3 Season (Adjustable Dependant on Sleeping Bag Option)
- Back Support Features: Fully Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Best For: Balancing Comfort and Portability
- Stand Out Feature: Unique Oval Design
4. Fox R2 Sleep System
The Fox R-Series Sleep System is another complete system for people that want a lay flat bedchair with adjustable lumbar support. It’s perfect if you want the best complete sleep system that’s good for your back but you don’t want to spend a fortune.
The R-Series range from fox features three different sizes of bedchair from compact to wide (R1, R2, & R3). We’re looking at the R2 in this section as it’s smack bang in the middle and what most anglers require size-wise.
The R2 packs down relatively small and doesn’t weigh a lot but I wouldn’t say it has comparable portability to some of the other bedchairs on the list. That being said, it’s extremely generous in its size when unfolded which makes it ideal for those of you that suffer from back pain and like a bit more wiggle room to get comfortable during the night.
This bedchair has all the features you’d expect from a Fox sleep system including fully adjustable legs, adjustable lumbar support, internal wind baffles, and a removable 4 season duvet.
If you’re on a bit of a tighter budget but still want a full 4 season system that’ll keep you warm and comfortable throughout your session, this one is a great option.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 212 cm x 98 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 90 cm x 90 cm x 36 cm
- Weight: 16.1 kg
- Bedchair Type: Full Sleep System
- Season Rating: 4 Season
- Back Support Features: Fully Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Best For: Best Comfort for the Money
- Stand Out Feature: Lay-Flat Design with Adjustable Lumbar Support
5. Avid Benchmark Leveltech System
The Avid Benchmark Leveltech Sleep System is a bedchair for those of you that want maximum support, comfort, and warmth. This isn’t one of the most portable bedchairs but it’s a contender for the best system for back support on the list.
Many anglers with back issues rave about this product and people have said that the Leveltech is the only reason they’re able to carry on carp fishing. This is due to Avid’s benchmark memory foam mattress and adjustable lumbar support system.
This bedchair packs a bunch of features. One of my favourites is the included spirit levels on the hinges which allow you to use the adjustable legs to get the system completely flat and level. Having a lay-flat system is an essential feature for prolonged comfort and support.
The Benchmark Leveltech System features an eight-leg design that ensures stability and support across the bed’s entirety. The 50mm fleece-lined memory foam mattress provides unrivaled comfort and the double layer duvet with internal and external baffles provides all-season warmth no matter the weather.
If your number one concern is comfort and back support and you care less about pack size and weight, the Avid Benchmark Leveltech sleep system is the bedchair for you.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 85 cm x 210 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 35 cm x 85 cm x 100 cm
- Weight: 15 kg
- Bedchair Type: Full Sleep System
- Season Rating: 4 Season
- Back Support Features: 50 mm Memory Foam, Leveling System, & Fully Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Best For: Unrivaled Comfort and Back Support
- Stand Out Feature: The Leveltech System & Mattress Material
6. Fox Flatliner Bedchair
The Fox Flatliner Bedchair is the ideal carp fishing bedchair for people that suffer from back pain and need a flat, firm, and supportive bedchair that will keep you comfortable no matter how long the session.
The Fox Flatliner is based on a completely flat frame and is designed to be as rectangular as possible, providing a more “bed-like” experience. The double hinges allow the elastic to flow through the frame which gives this bedchair equal firmness throughout its entirety — a fantastic feature for back support.
This bedchair features a fully adjustable lumbar support system that’s present throughout the entire length of the 50 mm memory foam mattress. This allows you to evenly adjust the firmness of the system from head to feet. These features ensure zero sagging or flat spots which allows you to sleep in any position comfortably.
The outer edge of the mattress is constructed using a high-density foam that protects you from the hard frame, and a raised pillow section provides you with built-in head support.
These bedchairs come in eight or six-leg options depending on whether you favour stability or portability.
Whichever option you opt for, you’re ensured a comfortable night’s sleep whether you have back problems or not. This is another great option for the angler with back issues that favours comfort over portability. Just keep in mind that you will need to purchase a separate sleeping bag to make this into a complete system.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 84 cm x 215 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 47 cm x 47 cm
- Weight: 16 kg (8 Leg) 14.75 kg (6 Leg)
- Bedchair Type: Bedchair with Optional Zip-in Sleeping Bags Available
- Season Rating: 3 to 5 Season Depending on Sleeping Bag
- Back Support Features: 50 mm Memory Foam, Lay-Flat Design, & Fully Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Best For: Comfort on Long Sessions
- Stand Out Feature: Lay-Flat Rectangular Design
7. Solar Tackle SP C-Tech Sleep System
The Solar Tackle SP C-Tech Sleep System is a complete system for the angler that wants a bedchair for all seasons that will keep you warm and dry no matter the weather conditions.
Starting with the mattress, it’s made from a heavy-duty mesh that allows complete breathability, ensuring that heat is retained inside the sleep system without collecting moisture. Moving on to the sleeping bag, it comes in a multi-layer design of which part lays over the mesh base, part is zipped in with baffles to provide warmth, and part is a waterproof shroud.
The waterproof shroud is fleece-lined and can be used as a single skin duvet for summer conditions, removed completely, or used in conjunction with the full bag for colder conditions. The shroud also features a large skirt that blocks wind and prevents cold air from penetrating the sleep system.
This system doesn’t have any adjustable lumbar support but the mattress is extremely firm and supportive. It has equal tension over its entirety and is comfortable to sleep on in most positions. However, without adjustability, if you’re more comfortable on a softer mattress you can’t change anything.
This bedchair weighs 17 kilograms with the full sleeping bag and shroud attached, so it’s definitely not the system for you if you like to stay mobile. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality sleep system for all-season use and like a relatively firm mattress, the Solar SP C-Tech may be the bedchair for you.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 80 cm x 205 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 88 cm x 86 cm x 32 cm
- Weight: 17 kg
- Bedchair Type: Bedchair with Removable Bag System
- Season Rating: 4 Season
- Back Support Features: DuraDore Air-Pocket Mesh Mattress
- Best For: Comfort & All-Season Use
- Stand Out Feature: All-Season Comfort & Innovative Mesh Mattress
8. Fox Duralite Bedchair
The Fox Duralight Sleep System is a complete Sleep System bedchair for the carp angler that wants something that’s light, easy to transport, and supportive enough to keep them comfortable no matter the conditions.
This is one of the lightest bedchairs for a bad back on our list. It’s extremely comfortable and has fully adjustable lumbar support but only weighs 8.6 kilograms (without the sleeping bag) which is staggering! This is truly a bedchair for those that still want to stay as mobile as possible regardless of their back problem.
Its light weight is thanks to the magnesium alloy construction that’s strong yet incredibly light. The six-leg design also sheds off the pounds but keeps the bedchair stable when unfolded, with a single leg at the head and foot end and four parallel spread across the middle.
The Duralite is similar to the Flatliner in terms of design but has been altered to cater to the angler with mobility in mind. It features a 3D mesh mattress to reduce weight and increase airflow as well as a built-in pillow and dense foam outer to protect you from the hard frame.
Sleeping bag systems in both three and five-season options are available for purchase separately and occasionally as a bundle to cater to your specific needs. There isn’t much more to say about the Duralite, but if you’re looking for the lightest bedchair with back support features on the market, then you won’t find much better than this.
Bedchair Specs:
- Mattress Size (Unfolded): 78 cm x 202 cm
- Transportation Size (Folded): 76 cm x 78 cm x 24 cm
- Weight: 8.6 kg (Without Sleeping Bag)
- Bedchair Type: Bedchair with Zip-in Bag
- Season Rating: 3 to 5 Season (Depending on Sleeping Bag)
- Back Support Features: Fully Adjustable Lumbar Support
- Best For: Comfort & Mobility
- Stand Out Feature: Incredibly Lightweight
4 Things to Consider Before Buying a Sleep System for Carp Fishing
Before purchasing a new bedchair with back support in mind, you should first know what to look out for in terms of features. If you’re unsure of what features make a bedchair ideal for back conditions, then be sure to read through this guide.
I’ve developed four important factors for the angler with back pain that wants to purchase a bedchair that’ll keep them fishing comfortably for years to come.
1. Think About the Stability & Leveling of the Bedchair
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a bedchair for back pain is its stability and leveling. Gone are the days of reclining bedchairs that sit at awkward angles.
Nowadays, you’ll find that 90% of the bedchairs on the market feature a lay-flat design. This is because they promote a far better sleeping position that puts less strain on your back.
There’s not much more to say on this matter other than when you go to purchase a bedchair for a bad back make sure it has fully adjustable legs, is stable, and features a lay-flat design.
2. Consider Purchasing a Full Sleep System
Most of the bedchairs listed above are sleep systems and there’s good reason for that.
Staying warm and dry is essential if you suffer from back problems (as you know). A sleep system or bedchair with an incorporated sleeping bag system provides the best protection from the cold and damp conditions outside. Preventing moisture and cold air reaching your joints will hopefully prevent you from stiffening up.
Bedchairs designed to include a duvet or zipped-in sleeping bag ensure warmth but also freedom to move. If you’re locked in a separate sleeping bag it can be easy to get into an uncomfortable position while you sleep which can lead to you waking up with back pain.
Look for a complete sleep system or a bedchair that allows you to pin a tailored sleeping bag to the frame. This will benefit you in so many ways and hopefully, give you a more supportive and comfortable night’s rest.
3. Think About Portability & Weight
Portability and weight are two other factors to consider if you’re looking for a bedchair for your back. It may not be something you originally thought about, but the most straining part of your session is getting to your swim and moving about the lake in search of carp.
Of course, if you’re one that wants the ultimate comfort and fish in one swim primarily for a long period, portability and weight are less of a factor. However, if you plan on moving a lot or you fish venues that require a lot of walking with or without the barrow, this is important.
If you’re looking to stay mobile, look for a bedchair that combines comfort, lumbar support, and portability well. Bedchairs such as the Nash Scope Ops and the Fox Duralite are great options if you want to stay on the move without putting too much strain on your back.
4. Consider the Insulative Qualities of the Bedchair
Tying back to the whole sleep system point, considering the insulative qualities of a bedchair is important if you suffer from back pain. Being well insulated will keep the cold off your joints and hopefully prevent you from stiffening up.
Look at the season rating of the sleep system or bedchair bag and be aware of features such as shroud skirts and baffles that help keep the cold air out. This will make a huge difference to the quality of your sleep and overall comfort throughout the duration of a session.
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