Fishing overnight in pursuit of specimen fish requires you to have somewhere to sleep, and means you need to one-up your fishing chair to a fishing bedchair. Fishing bedchairs offer great levels of comfort whilst on the bank to ensure you can fish to the best of your abilities. As anglers we all dream of sleepless nights due to our high-tech bite alarms singing constantly, but in reality, this seldom happens, so having somewhere to rest whilst waiting for bites is essential.
The demand for fishing longer sessions has led to the evolution of fishing bedchairs and as such, you can get some incredibly versatile options, with most offering fully adjustable leg systems, allowing you to position yourself in your bivvy or shelter whichever way you find to be the most comfortable. Improved lumbar support systems have been introduced to prevent people developing or worsening back problems when sleeping outdoors, as well as preventing the bedchair sagging overtime so you can get much better longevity out of them too.
The best fishing bedchairs at a glance:
• Best In Class Fishing Bedchair: Nash Indulgence MF60 5 Season SS4 - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Fishing Bedchair For Comfort: Avid Benchmark LevelTech - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Fishing Bedchair For Overnighters: Wychwood Tactical X Compact Flatbed - View on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Fishing Bedchair For Stability: Fox Flatliner 6 Leg - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Whatever your criteria, there are some great fishing bedchairs available and they are a much better standard than they used to be. Whether you need a six or eight leg version, a light frame for carrying or a deluxe sleep system, there is a bedchair for you. Below we check out some of the best available to suit all budgets...
Best in class fishing bedchair
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Since the introduction of the Indulgence range from Nash a few years ago, they have developed a reputation for ultimate bankside comfort. The latest Nash Indulgence MF60 5 Season SS4 addition combines all the features anglers have enjoyed from the past systems, and with some great new updates, these are sure to continue to grace the banks for years to come.
The legs of the bedchair now include double-leg support to increase stability, whilst the legs still have the spring loaded extension mechanism so they can be operated with one hand, making the process of levelling the bedchair really efficient.
The MF60 memory foam mattress is really comfortable, with the raised pillow section a great addition, especially if you forget yours. The mattress also benefits from adjustable lumbar support via elasticated cords, to allow you to tailor the mattress to your preferred firmness, perfect for those who suffer with a bad back and need the extra support. Being a sleep system, the sleeping bag zips onto the mattress to keep everything secure and stops the bag slipping down or coming off when you get up, it also helps keep the warmth in.
The Indulgence also features a USB power pack slot underneath to allow you to charge items, plus a mesh valuables pouch, perfect for keeping phones and receivers at arm’s reach.
Pros
- Very comfortable.
- USB pack a great addition.
Cons
- It is quite heavy.
Best fishing bedchair for comfort
www.ebay.co.uk
The Avid Carp Benchmark LevelTech Bedchair has been developed to allow you to get your bedchair into the optimum position for the most comfortable sleep possible. The Benchmark has been designed to be completely flat, which allows your weight to be evenly distributed over the bedchair, helping to relieve any pressure points and providing great support for your back and body. The hinges even include built-in spirit levels to ensure you can get it precisely level.
The LevelTech comes with a 50mm, fleece-lined, memory foam mattress which is sat on top of the lumbar support bungee system, again designed for comfort and support in mind. The LevelTech leg system is very sturdy and simple to use, featuring a pivoting, magnetic lever that releases the leg with one touch, allowing you to position the bedchair even on the most uneven ground. Once the lever is released, the leg is very securely locked into place.
The bed is available in Standard and Xl, and as a sleep system in both sizes too.
Pros
- Completely flat profile, with spirit levels incorporated into the frame.
- Extending leg system is great.
Cons
- Can get warm in summer due to the thick mattress.
Best shaped fishing bedchair
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Unlike a standard rectangular bedchair, Trakker have designed the Trakker Levelite Oval MF-HDR system into a unique oval shape, the purpose being that it can be pushed to the back of a bivvy to allow the user to maximise the space in their shelter. The shape is also claimed to increase the thermal properties by decreasing the time it takes to warm up, as well as retaining the heat for longer, meaning if you get up for a bite in the winter, the bag won’t have lost all its heat when you return!
A completely flat profile and fully adjustable lumbar support system offers great support, whilst the micro fleece, high density, sculpted mattress offers an amazing level of comfort when out on the bank. Trakker have positioned their six adjustable legs on each end of the bedchair to create the optimum load distribution, further increasing comfort and durability. The Legs include rotating mudfeet to help accommodate any uneven bankside.
Pros
- Very spacious.
- Great shape for creating space in oval shaped shelters.
Cons
- Not the best shape for flat-back shelters.
Best fishing bedchair for mobility
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Not everyone has an unlimited budget to spend on a bedchair, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a reliable and comfortable bed. Prologic have released the Prologic Avenger to cater to all anglers and we have to say, for the price, it is very impressive.
Available in a six or eight leg version, they also feature a completely flat profile as well as a sculpted, padded mattress designed to offer exceptional comfort and support whilst on the bank. The padded sides are constructed in a 600D waterproof camo fabric that gives the bedchair a very premium finish to it. The fully adjustable legs come with sturdy mudfeet to ensure you can create a level and stable structure regardless of the terrain.
The double hinged fold-flat frame is something we usually see on more expensive models, but Prologic have included it on the Avenger to allow you to fold the bedchair up super compact with your bag on it if you wish to do so.
Pros
- Very light bedchair, great for mobile angling.
- Looks great.
Cons
- Not the longest bedchair, especially if you are tall.
Best fishing bedchair for stability
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you are looking for a bedchair that is both comfortable and extremely stable then look no further than the Fox Flatliner 6 Leg. Stability comes from two sets of double legs on the central section and an additional single leg at the head and foot end to stop the bedchair sagging down or tipping up. Once positioned how you want it, it is going nowhere.
The bed folds out completely flat and thanks to the extra legs and additional lumbar support system that runs through the entire underside of the 50mm memory foam mattress, the bed offers fantastic back support. Once you have adjusted the elastics underneath, the firmness will be consistent throughout the whole mattress, reducing the chance of sagging and aiding comfortable sleep.
The Spring Lok legs are very useful and easy to use. Simply touching the mechanism will cause the leg to be pushed out under tension via a spring, so no more shaking the bedchair or hoping the leg will fall out of its own accord.
Pros
- Very stable thanks to the additional legs at each end.
- Spring-Lok legs make fishing on uneven ground really easy.
Cons
- It isn't the lightest bedchair available.
Best fishing bedchair for overnighters
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The first thing you notice about the Wychwood Tactical X Compact Flatbed is it looks fantastic with its camo finish, but it’s not all appearance and no performance with this product, as it is very comfortable to sleep on too. The bed has six legs in total, with one pair under the head end and the other two pairs located towards the central area to offer support where you need it most.
Adjustable lumbar support is included and can be manipulated as with most other bedchairs via an elasticated system. The mattress is fleece lined to offer extra comfort and better heat retention, and also has a raised and padded pillow section. If you like to convert your bedchair into a sleep system, the chair can easily accommodate a sleeping bag and be folded up thanks to its twin hinge system. Two hinge points create a large gap in between the bed, which allows the thickest of bags to be easily folded up and stored within the bedchair.
The aluminium frame keeps the weight down to just 7.5kg in the compact version and the bedchair folds up so easily it can be setup and packed down in seconds.
Pros
- Very easy to erect and pack away.
- Fleece lined mattress for increased comfort.
Cons
- Bedchair can tip if you sit too far down.
Best summer fishing bedchair
www.ebay.co.uk
If you’re on a budget, then the Shimano Tribal Tactical Bedchair System is the choice for you and is a premium quality bed at an excellent price. It features a three-season sleeping bag, high grade hollow fiber padding and is available in two sizes, Standard (73cm) and Wide (78cm).
With weights of 11.5kg for the Standard and 12kg for the Wide, the magnesium frame makes this bedchair super-light and perfect for the mobile angler. Both models include Shimano’s LEG-LOK tech, which incorporates a durable push-button spring-loaded mechanism. Making it easy and effortless to adjust the bed level to suit any terrain.
Pros
- Quality fabric.
- Light, stable and easy to erect.
Cons
- Bag can be a little cold in the winter months, take a look at Shimano's Trench system as an alternative.
Best fishing bedchair for lumbar support
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Available in a standard or wide version, the Solar SP C-Tech Bedchair has been built for longevity. The frame is made from a high tensile aluminium to prevent any bending or buckling, and Solar’s unique lumbar support system eliminates any sagging. You can therefore be confident this bedchair will last the test of time.
The mattress is made from the exclusive 3D DuraCore material, which is an air-pocketed mesh that is breathable and helps increase the comfort of the bed. We can confirm it is very comfortable indeed. The bedchair offers a true, flat sleeping position to further aid support, and the unique Spring-Loc Legs help to adjust the level easily on any type of uneven ground, with the large mudfeet preventing the legs sinking into the floor.
Pros
- Air-pocketed mattress is very comfortable.
- Lumbar support system is very good.
Cons
- Quite heavy.
Best value fishing bedchair
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
Crafted with a high-tensile steel, the JRC Defender Level Bed offers fantastic strength and durability whatever the angler throws at it. The mattress is constructed from high density foam to ensure it is comfortable and that it won’t begin to collapse or sag even with prolonged use, it is also covered in a durable polyester cover to prevent against tearing or similar damage.
As the name suggests, the bedchair has a completely flat profile to ensure you can get the best possible night sleep, without any back issues, whilst the elasticated perimeter allows for you to personalise the comfort.
A double hinged system allows the bedchair to be made into a sleep system, whilst the fully adjustable legs and swivel, fold flat mudfeet allow for ultimate adjustability on the most uneven banksides. If you’re looking for a durable, comfortable bedchair at a great price point, the JRC Defender is well worth considering.
Pros
- Very strong frame.
- Durable fabric on mattress.
Cons
- Not the most comfortable mattress on the market.
Best budget fishing bedchair
www.ebay.co.uk
Cygnet are well known for their end tackle but they have recently developed a range of bedchairs that are both wallet and user friendly. For the angler who wants a no frills, lightweight bedchair, that is comfortable and easy to set up, the Cygnet Sniper Bed is a great option.
The bedchair offers a completely flat sleeping profile, with just a single leg at the head end to reduce the weight whilst still offering great support. The mattress is tensioned via a rope system, so it gives a very firm, comfortable bed to sleep on, particularly favourable if you like a firm mattress or suffer with back pain.
The legs are all fully adjustable and have swivelling mud feet on to stop the bedchair sinking into wet ground and grip uneven surfaces. The bedchair also packs down with a double hinge system, so you can leave the sleeping bag on the bedchair if you wish. All things considered, a great, budget bedchair that won't leave you wishing you spent more.
Pros
- Superb value.
- Simple, easy to use bedchair.
Cons
- Mattress firmness isn't adjustable.
What to look for in a fishing bedchair
Bedchairs are one of the most important items of tackle you will own if you are looking to fish effectively overnight, they provide a comfortable place to sleep and ensure your stay is as pleasurable as it can be. All bedchairs differ slightly depending on the manufacturer, some are longer, some lighter and some are waterproof, but we would say the most important thing is how comfortable you find them. Regardless of all the other factors, if you can't get to sleep on it, then it is useless to you as an angler.
A good lumbar support system is a great option to have, especially if you spend prolonged periods fishing or suffer from a back issue. The lumbar support will keep you in a comfortable position and allow you to adjust the bed to get it to suit your requirements, it also reduces any chance of areas sinking causing a pressure point as well as making the mattress last longer. A good thick mattress is also a nice luxury if you enjoy a softer, warmer bed. The thicker the mattress, the better it will retain heat. If you are an angler that gets too hot or prefers a firmer mattress, look for a bedchair with less padding.
Adjustable legs are an absolute must if you are to get your bedchair level and stable. Banks are rarely flat, so the adjustable legs allow you to alter the bedchair to suit any terrain you are faced with. A good quality set of mud feet will also stop the bed sinking into the ground, making sure it stays wherever you positioned it for the duration of your stay. If you want a really stable bedchair, look for an eight-leg option, six legs are very stable but the eight just gives that extra level of support.
Glossary
Bedchair: Foam mattress attached to a metal frame that is raised off the ground via legs. Provides somewhere to sleep when outdoors.
Mudfeet: A flat plastic cap that sits at the bottom of a leg to increase the surface area and prevent the leg sinking into the ground. Usually cylindrical or square in design.
Lumbar support: Lumbar support prevents back pain because it properly aligns your muscles and spine. Overall, it reduces the tension in your lower back. Lumbar support drastically improves your posture.
Sleep system: An all-in-one system that includes the bedchair, mattress and sleeping bag in one, the bag is usually zipped into the mattress to create a secure sleeping arrangement.
Extendable legs: Telescopic legs attached to the frame of the bedchair that can be manipulated to make sure they touch the ground.
Double hinge: A hinge that has two separate pivot points, creating a gap inbetween to accommodate a sleeping bag. When closed, it doesn't create pressure on the hinge like a single hinge can, reducing the chance of failure.
Memory foam: A polyurethane material that is sensitive to pressure and temperature, used especially in mattresses, where it moulds to the shape of an individual's body.
Frequently asked questions on bedchairs
What is the best bedchair to accommodate me and my child occasionally?
There are lots of great options out there for parents and kids to use, but there are two main factors to consider first. One is the width of the bedchair itself, many manufacturers offer them in varying widths, perfect if you require more room or are sharing with someone. Secondly, look out for the load rating, it is no good buying a bedchair that will not be able to sustain the weight of two people and collapses. The last thing is the amount of legs, we would say the more the better for the extra support it will offer you.
I suffer from back problems, what bedchair should I buy?
When suffering from back problems or if you are prone to getting them, it is really important you pick the right bedchair, as it really can make the world of difference to your fishing. Look for a bedchair that has a very good lumbar support system and preferably one that can be adjusted, as this will allow you to personalise every aspect of the mattress to get it just right for you.
How much should a bedchair cost?
As with all things in life, you can pay as much as you want for some things and bedchairs are no different. Whilst the top end bedchairs are incredibly comfortable and offer great support and extras like charging packs, that doesn't mean the budget versions are not up to the job too. Try to look at what you require from your bedchair and what your budget is, then compare what's on offer in that range and how well it stacks up to what you need.
Is there any benefit to having a lighter bedchair?
Most anglers these days transport their fishing tackle on a barrow or trolley, meaning the weight and overall size of the bedchair isn't that important. For this reason, we would certainly recommend going for a bedchair that is more comfortable, instead of picking one just because it is lightweight.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.