I've got a Trakker RLX Flat 6 superlite bed which is extremely comfortable. I've got the Trakker 365 sleeping bag which is extremely warm. However last week it got down to 2°c at night and I was really cold from below. The bedchair mattress seems to be completely lacking in insulation and the sleeping bag insulation is being crushed beneath me. In a hammock I would use an underquilt and if camping on the ground I would use a mattress with a high R value. I'm a bit disappointed with the lack of insulation in the bedchair mattress but can compensate with a camping mattress laid on top. Just surprised I should need to do that. Anyone have any other solutions? I do have both down and synthetic underquilts which would attach under the bedchair but it's a bit of a faff.
In reply to Post #1
A self inflatable mattress,extra comfort and insulation
A self inflatable mattress,extra comfort and insulation
In reply to Post #1
Could have the 2 layers below you and throw a bedchair cover above so 2 under 2 over
Or as said a SIM
Could have the 2 layers below you and throw a bedchair cover above so 2 under 2 over
Or as said a SIM
Put your unhooking mat on the ground under your bedchair.
What about a heated blanket ? I'm sure there was a thread on here about one 
In reply to Post #1
I bought one after oldgeezer recommended it before. Comfortable and warm, go for it!
I bought one after oldgeezer recommended it before. Comfortable and warm, go for it!
Pretty sure solar have just released a heat Matt. Might be worth a look.
I've a trakker oval v2 and I've fished in minus temps before and always been really warm. Not sure if or how the bags differ.
I've a trakker oval v2 and I've fished in minus temps before and always been really warm. Not sure if or how the bags differ.
I also bought the blow up mat recommended by old geezer for it's insulation properties, stopped cold coming up through the bedchair best £50 I spent when it comes to winter fishing 👍🏻
In reply to Post #5
Really?! Then you get a fish... great idea buddy
I just a) use a groundsheet, b) have the bedchair as high as it'll go and c) use a good sleeping bag. Easy as that.
Really?! Then you get a fish... great idea buddy
I just a) use a groundsheet, b) have the bedchair as high as it'll go and c) use a good sleeping bag. Easy as that.
In reply to Post #4
As old geysers says
Just get one of these .... Takes warmth and comfort to another level
Just don't fully inflate it .. Let is self inflate if you can
As old geysers says
Just get one of these .... Takes warmth and comfort to another level
Just don't fully inflate it .. Let is self inflate if you can
In reply to Post #8
You cannot compare the Trakker levelite with the rlx, the levelite is of a much higher level, i have them both the rlx oval (keeping for my son if he is abit older) and the oval Levelite Tall, the mattresses of the Tall is much thicker and better shielded at the bottom.
On my Oval levelite there is absolute no need for a Sim.
You cannot compare the Trakker levelite with the rlx, the levelite is of a much higher level, i have them both the rlx oval (keeping for my son if he is abit older) and the oval Levelite Tall, the mattresses of the Tall is much thicker and better shielded at the bottom.
On my Oval levelite there is absolute no need for a Sim.
Is the underneath of bedchair getting damp due to cold air hitting the warmth from underneath you, a bit obvious but a heavy duty groundsheet helps and also filling the space under bedchair with luggage etc to fill the space that's creating cold zone leave just a small clearance between luggage and underside of bed for circulation works for me as the damp moisture is creating the cold.
In reply to Post #10
Yes been doing it for years.
Yes been doing it for years.
In reply to Post #12
I didn't compare them. I said I'm not sure how they compare as I only have the oval
I didn't compare them. I said I'm not sure how they compare as I only have the oval
Well I've decided to get the following: EXPED - SIM - Sleeping mat - 197 x 65 x 3.8. Weight 1.225. R value 4.6. Should off plenty of insulation below be and at 65cm wide is a lot wider than the suggested mat so offers more coverage. Doubt I'll need it now until next winter though.
In reply to Post #4
Will these fit a sleepsystem with a bag attached to the bed?
Will these fit a sleepsystem with a bag attached to the bed?
I had a Nash ss3 sleep system, but found it a bit too restrictive when trying to move around in the bag. I got a Gardner compact bag to replace the sleep system, . But found the zips weren't great and the toggle in bag wasn't really to my liking as I like to sleep on my side with the zip undone, so need a good overlap to stop draught. I bought the new trakker 365 bag and it's perfect for me . big enough to allow an overlap on the open side. No fleece inner so easy to move around inside bag.inner bag easily removable for summer use. Check it out if you need a new bag.
In reply to Post #1
Might be a daft question but your are using a groundsheet?
Some good tips,, I have a JRC fleece bedchair cover, put that under the bag. Nothing worse than feeling the cold penetrate through to your back in the night though
If I was looking at buying something else I would have a look at the snugpack arctic mat, made for just that, packs down nice and small too
Might be a daft question but your are using a groundsheet?
Some good tips,, I have a JRC fleece bedchair cover, put that under the bag. Nothing worse than feeling the cold penetrate through to your back in the night though
If I was looking at buying something else I would have a look at the snugpack arctic mat, made for just that, packs down nice and small too
In reply to Post #4
Took Oldgeezers advice and got one of these too
Took Oldgeezers advice and got one of these too
I've seen it mentioned on the forum before by Dave (Baitman).
I quote:-
"Id highly recommend only getting a 3/4 length self inflating mat rather than a full length.
If you get a full length then most of your weight is on the top half (shoulder to hips) and the extra air is pushed to the foot end so you end up virtually flat on the bedchair with little mattress padding."
Has anyone else experienced that? I know it's slightly off topic as I'm not concerned about heat-loss as I use a bedchair cover for that and don't experience a 'cold bedchair', it's more for the comfort really.
I quote:-
"Id highly recommend only getting a 3/4 length self inflating mat rather than a full length.
If you get a full length then most of your weight is on the top half (shoulder to hips) and the extra air is pushed to the foot end so you end up virtually flat on the bedchair with little mattress padding."
Has anyone else experienced that? I know it's slightly off topic as I'm not concerned about heat-loss as I use a bedchair cover for that and don't experience a 'cold bedchair', it's more for the comfort really.
In reply to Post #21
I have been using my Mountain Equipment Helium 3.8 Warm Zone Sleeping Mat for a few years and never had this at all ?? maybe depends on the make of matt ?
some are truly awful they dont breath and you sweat your nuts off
as far as size and thickness goes the Helium fits perfectly on any size bed Ive used it on (3) as beds all have a bit of a raised edge this sits inside and does not move around when I bought mine I was 17 stone with a 50" chest and it was plenty big enough and thick enough I initially bought it due to feeling cold coming thru my back this instantly fixed the problem and as an unexpected bonus the level of comfort improved too
the Helium is designed to be laid on the ground and slept on it gets over 150 5 star reviews from the back packers that use it like this
so obviously putting it on an already padded bed
you can buy thicker wider ones but I dont see the point at all you get what you pay for in this case
biggest mistake is blowing them up they AINT an air bed lol
simply follow the makers instructions to the letter
I have been using my Mountain Equipment Helium 3.8 Warm Zone Sleeping Mat for a few years and never had this at all ?? maybe depends on the make of matt ?
some are truly awful they dont breath and you sweat your nuts off
as far as size and thickness goes the Helium fits perfectly on any size bed Ive used it on (3) as beds all have a bit of a raised edge this sits inside and does not move around when I bought mine I was 17 stone with a 50" chest and it was plenty big enough and thick enough I initially bought it due to feeling cold coming thru my back this instantly fixed the problem and as an unexpected bonus the level of comfort improved too
the Helium is designed to be laid on the ground and slept on it gets over 150 5 star reviews from the back packers that use it like this
so obviously putting it on an already padded bed you can buy thicker wider ones but I dont see the point at all you get what you pay for in this case
biggest mistake is blowing them up they AINT an air bed lol
simply follow the makers instructions to the letter
In reply to Post #22
Personal choice......I find my helium pointless without me giving it a good few puffs to get it nice and comfortable ....... 
Personal choice......I find my helium pointless without me giving it a good few puffs to get it nice and comfortable .......
In reply to Post #21
It's definitely the case that a 3/4 mat support's you better than a full length one.
Get a lilo and blow it up to about a quarter capacity and lay it on a hard floor. Lay on it on your back and your main body area between your shoulders and butt will be on virtually on the floor.
Now turn on your side... how hard is the ground now.
All the air is being pushed to where there is no weight on it.
A 3/4 mat will support the areas where you need it, shouder to hips, and that's the most important thing.
It's definitely the case that a 3/4 mat support's you better than a full length one.
Get a lilo and blow it up to about a quarter capacity and lay it on a hard floor. Lay on it on your back and your main body area between your shoulders and butt will be on virtually on the floor.
Now turn on your side... how hard is the ground now.
All the air is being pushed to where there is no weight on it.
A 3/4 mat will support the areas where you need it, shouder to hips, and that's the most important thing.
In reply to Post #21
And just to make sure you're all paying attention
It's definitely the case that a 3/4 mat support's you better than a full length one.
Get a lilo and blow it up to about a quarter capacity and lay it on a hard floor. Lay on it on your back and your main body area between your shoulders and butt will be on virtually on the floor.
Now turn on your side... how hard is the ground now.
All the air is being pushed to where there is no weight on it.
A 3/4 mat will support the areas where you need it, shouder to hips, and that's the most important thing.
And just to make sure you're all paying attention
It's definitely the case that a 3/4 mat support's you better than a full length one.
Get a lilo and blow it up to about a quarter capacity and lay it on a hard floor. Lay on it on your back and your main body area between your shoulders and butt will be on virtually on the floor.
Now turn on your side... how hard is the ground now.
All the air is being pushed to where there is no weight on it.
A 3/4 mat will support the areas where you need it, shouder to hips, and that's the most important thing.
Bit of flatulence and you'll be toasty!
Don't try too hard though 😂
Don't try too hard though 😂
In reply to Post #25
Do you have any suggestions on a 3/4 mat Dave?
Wayne, I know plenty that do the same, ultra marathon runners/wild campers and smelly carp anglers.
Whatever makes you comfortable I suppose.
Do you have any suggestions on a 3/4 mat Dave?
Wayne, I know plenty that do the same, ultra marathon runners/wild campers and smelly carp anglers.
Whatever makes you comfortable I suppose.
In reply to Post #27
I have an old therma rest mat, but any half decent 3/4 length mat should do fine.
This one looks good and gets good reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Peak-Compact-Self-Inflating-Green/dp/B08964H3M9/ref=asc_df_B08964H3M9/?918789699585
I have an old therma rest mat, but any half decent 3/4 length mat should do fine.
This one looks good and gets good reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Peak-Compact-Self-Inflating-Green/dp/B08964H3M9/ref=asc_df_B08964H3M9/?918789699585
In reply to Post #26
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
In reply to Post #23
I will take peoples word for inflatable mats. I tried an Outwell one quite a while ago now, admittedly not overly expensive but found it to be utter *****, worse than just the bedchair!
I will take peoples word for inflatable mats. I tried an Outwell one quite a while ago now, admittedly not overly expensive but found it to be utter *****, worse than just the bedchair!
In reply to Post #28
Had a look at that and seen them in GoOutdoors. I was looking at them for a camping trip. I believe you need to be very,,very careful with mat selection especially for winter use, some do not have the insulating properties and transfer the cold very well
Had a look at that and seen them in GoOutdoors. I was looking at them for a camping trip. I believe you need to be very,,very careful with mat selection especially for winter use, some do not have the insulating properties and transfer the cold very well
In reply to Post #1
I know it has been asked, but do you have a groundsheet down?
What are you setting your bivvy up on?
Rock hard earth is nasty, it does get cold. You want the longest grass you can find, even an extra layer of rushes helps.
This winter I have been out to -6⁰ in an All Season sleeping bag on either a Chub Flatbed or a Solar bedchair, with no problems other than slightly cold feet.
I have put 2 groundsheets down and my spare unhooking mat rod holdall, bags etc go under the bedchair.
I have tried a SIM, (years ago) and just couldn't get comfortable with it on the bedchair, yet on the ground it was fine.
I know it has been asked, but do you have a groundsheet down?
What are you setting your bivvy up on?
Rock hard earth is nasty, it does get cold. You want the longest grass you can find, even an extra layer of rushes helps.
This winter I have been out to -6⁰ in an All Season sleeping bag on either a Chub Flatbed or a Solar bedchair, with no problems other than slightly cold feet.
I have put 2 groundsheets down and my spare unhooking mat rod holdall, bags etc go under the bedchair.
I have tried a SIM, (years ago) and just couldn't get comfortable with it on the bedchair, yet on the ground it was fine.
In reply to Post #32
I was using a SIM many years ago and a few others decided to get one and most hated it.
The problem is they over inflate it, it needs to be about 1/4 to 1/3 full of air so you settle into it rather than laying on top of a wobbly air bubble.
That's why I recommend a 3/4 length mat.
I was using a SIM many years ago and a few others decided to get one and most hated it.
The problem is they over inflate it, it needs to be about 1/4 to 1/3 full of air so you settle into it rather than laying on top of a wobbly air bubble.
That's why I recommend a 3/4 length mat.
In reply to Post #1
Hi Ian, I had a similar issue last winter so I bought a thermal matt, one with silver lining on it from Decathlon and it cost about £20.00.i placed it under my fitted sleeping bag and now my back isn't cold anymore. Hope this helps. 👍
Hi Ian, I had a similar issue last winter so I bought a thermal matt, one with silver lining on it from Decathlon and it cost about £20.00.i placed it under my fitted sleeping bag and now my back isn't cold anymore. Hope this helps. 👍
If your bed is comfortable and no need to improve on it, just get a heavy wool blanket and double it over on top off the bedchair and put the sleeping bag on top. I have done that for years and right through Winter.
As well as SIM's though, foam mats are good too to insulate from the cold coming through the bottom of a bedchair and far more durable than a SIM.
The blanket is also more useful than a SIM or a foam mat as on a cool evening or cold day, you can wrap it round yourself to keep warm as you watch the Sun go down.
These days, I occasionally use a SIM if I have too but only if I have had an uncomfortable first night or two. I have an Helium 3.8 but much rather prefer a Dutch Army thermarest. Its a full length size but the British Army one and I think it is made by the same contractor is the same and only 3/4 length. 120 cm.
As well as SIM's though, foam mats are good too to insulate from the cold coming through the bottom of a bedchair and far more durable than a SIM.
The blanket is also more useful than a SIM or a foam mat as on a cool evening or cold day, you can wrap it round yourself to keep warm as you watch the Sun go down.
These days, I occasionally use a SIM if I have too but only if I have had an uncomfortable first night or two. I have an Helium 3.8 but much rather prefer a Dutch Army thermarest. Its a full length size but the British Army one and I think it is made by the same contractor is the same and only 3/4 length. 120 cm.
In reply to Post #28
In reply to Post #27
I have an old therma rest mat, but any half decent 3/4 length mat should do fine.
This one looks good and gets good reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Peak-Compact-Self-Inflating-Green/dp/B08964H3M9/ref=asc_df_B08964H3M9/?918789699585
Thanks Dave. Funnily enough I had that in the fishing wish list on Amazon
In reply to Post #27
I have an old therma rest mat, but any half decent 3/4 length mat should do fine.
This one looks good and gets good reviews on amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Berghaus-Peak-Compact-Self-Inflating-Green/dp/B08964H3M9/ref=asc_df_B08964H3M9/?918789699585
Thanks Dave. Funnily enough I had that in the fishing wish list on Amazon
In reply to Post #27
Horses for courses innit Cam......I blow mine up and then lie on it before deflating it to how I want it........ perfect comfort and insulation.......
Horses for courses innit Cam......I blow mine up and then lie on it before deflating it to how I want it........ perfect comfort and insulation.......
For fishing I'd recommend a Multimat ,it's a SIM,open the valve ,til the air inside warms up,coupla puffs to inflate to your preferred firmness..
I put the multimat inside my sleeping bag,makes a big difference..
For wild camping,either Tarp or Small tent,Thermarest adventure,coupled with a roll up foam ,silver reflector mat..its the only way you'll keep warm ,directly on the deck in a tarp or bathtub in a tent..
Always use a footprint or groundsheet ,regardless..
I put the multimat inside my sleeping bag,makes a big difference..
For wild camping,either Tarp or Small tent,Thermarest adventure,coupled with a roll up foam ,silver reflector mat..its the only way you'll keep warm ,directly on the deck in a tarp or bathtub in a tent..
Always use a footprint or groundsheet ,regardless..
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