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Solar SP C Tech MK2 Sleep System (67 posts / 14,053 views)
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #1 13 May 2024 11:44
0
Hi looking for anyone who has recently got one and can give an honest initial review please?

Thanks
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #2 13 May 2024 12:55
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In reply to Post #1
Got the bed with fortis bag on and it's so comfy.Its well built the new leg system is great and how it folds and straps down is a huge improvement on the original sp c tech bed.Im sure on the sleep system it now zips to the bed not velcro like the original
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #3 13 May 2024 13:21
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Is this the memory foam one bradders? Is it comfortable?
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #4 13 May 2024 14:48
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In reply to Post #3
Yes it is and I haven't put my self inflatable mattress on it and it's not needed at all.I absolutely love mine,just had best two nights sleep on bank.
pinhead79
Posts: 1,191
Post #5 13 May 2024 15:33
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In reply to Post #1
Can only echo what Bradders has said.
This is a proper bit of kit and a big improvement on the mk1 for me.
I've gone for the standard sleep system and the bag is mega, first memory foam bed I've gone for and can genuinely say it's the best I've ever slept on the bank.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #6 13 May 2024 17:18
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Im very tempted to get the new wide bed to replace my current wide sp c-tec but wasnt sure if it would be worth the outlay.
tazi tazi
Posts: 4,859
Post #7 13 May 2024 17:40
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In reply to Post #2
Can't beat having a fortis tone bag on your bedchair.
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #8 13 May 2024 18:39
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Cheers all..... Gonna order one!
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #9 13 May 2024 19:36
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In reply to Post #2
Whats the Fortis like in terms of warmth / bulk? Currently using mk1 SP C Tech and Gardner Compact (which I rate) but its bulky when folded into the bedchair - does your combo pack down flat?
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #10 13 May 2024 20:57
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In reply to Post #4
T, you're probably the man for this, any sign of the wide being available bed only, no system?
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #11 13 May 2024 23:46
1
In reply to Post #10
Ive messaged johnson ross that very question.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #12 14 May 2024 08:20
1
In reply to Post #9
It is on 3kg all in I believe and it folds down alot flatter on this bed without the sim on it I have never been cold in mine and have fished in minus temperatures a fair few times.I was worried the material might not last but it's still like new,I'm very happy with it
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #13 14 May 2024 08:21
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In reply to Post #10
I believe they are releasing it,not quite sure why it's not been released at the same time as the others though 🤔.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #14 14 May 2024 08:41
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In reply to Post #13
Thank you
Wayne Wayne
Posts: 18,777
Post #15 14 May 2024 09:19
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Very nice bit of kit and good if this one actually folds flat unlike the mk1..........Shame it weighs as much as the sun though.........
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #16 14 May 2024 10:10
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In reply to Post #15
It's strange as it does not feel that heavy,I like how it straps down at both sides instead of the one strap in the middle.They have put metal rings at the end so you can get a good grip and really crank them down,there is a handle to help slide it out of car and lift on/off the barrow and a velcro loop to hold legs folded up.It folds different to the mk1 too,I think it's so there is no fold in middle of the memory foam as it folds more towards the foot end
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #17 14 May 2024 10:13
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Can you actually sleep under the top cover in the summer months?
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #18 14 May 2024 10:19
1
Apolgies, another Q, does it creak like hell when you get on it? (my levelite can wake the dead, I think it's the material on the frame, maybe all bedchairs do it, my old Fox did too?)
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #19 14 May 2024 10:46
0
In reply to Post #16
Will the new SP bedchair still allow you to open the main legs when on a barrow to act as side bars (this is how I've always loaded my barrows) . . .?

Annoyingly the mk2 'standard' is 10cms wider than the current (90cms not 80cms) . . .this is also only 10cm narrower than the wideboy at 100cms
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #20 14 May 2024 11:21
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In reply to Post #19
Yes it does
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #21 14 May 2024 11:22
1
In reply to Post #18
No it does not creak at all,well not yet anyway
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #22 14 May 2024 11:29
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In reply to Post #21
Thank you once again all knowledgeable one

Fancy a job as a Solar rep
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #23 14 May 2024 11:37
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In reply to Post #22
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #24 14 May 2024 15:22
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In reply to Post #13
I got an email back saying that they are not releasing it in a wide version, which is a bit crap. That email was from the tackle tavern. If you want a wide one you have to buy the sleep system.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #25 14 May 2024 16:18
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In reply to Post #24
Bugger
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #26 14 May 2024 16:26
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In reply to Post #24
The sleep system has a zip running around the edge,that might cause issues if want use with a normal bag.Im shocked if they don't do a wide version of the bed unless it was not a big seller
RKB
Posts: 1,731
Post #27 14 May 2024 16:58
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95cm wide bag and a 90cm wide bed isn't a great combo, unless your name is Flat Stanley.
RKB
Posts: 1,731
Post #28 14 May 2024 16:58
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In reply to Post #16
Fox have had those side straps on their beds for ages.
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #29 14 May 2024 16:59
1
In reply to Post #26
Shocked me as well Tony. Ive emailed solar so will see what they say if they ever reply as never responded to my last query 🤷‍♂️
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #30 14 May 2024 17:02
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In reply to Post #29
They don't normally reply
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #31 14 May 2024 17:57
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In reply to Post #27
Those were my thoughts - why not stick with an 80cms width bedchair on the standard? Big enough for normal sessions (unless your name is Fat Stanley)
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #32 14 May 2024 19:20
0
In reply to Post #30
Or answer their phones...yes I tried!

EDIT why not stick with an 80cms width bedchair on the standard? Big enough for normal sessions (unless your name is Fat Stanley)

Fat Stanley here I've got the Levelite ELS, it's 88cm wide but probably only 70cm between the bars, if that.
That means my back is against 1bar and my knees on the other, not very comfortable at all especially as it means due to the inevitable slope near the bar I feel like I'm being pushed into the bed.
Luckily my SIM means it negates most of it but I'd like a wider bed for the option of not using a SIM.
bigfishnet bigfishnet
Posts: 283
Post #33 15 May 2024 09:46
0
In reply to Post #32
TALL Fat Stanley here and I agree completely with the wider bedchair frames much more comfy
I am curious about :

"......95cm wide bag and a 90cm wide bed isn't a great combo, unless your name is Flat Stanley...."

I would have thought that a 95cm bag (not sleep system) is exactly the same space wise on what ever width bed its put on?

The reason I ask is that I'm thinking about the bed and have a Fortis bag which I love but cant use with my Fox Flatliner as the bed is too long for the top and bottom sleeves



vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #34 15 May 2024 10:15
0
In reply to Post #33
Dam, I forgot the tall bit, does 6'1" count

I don't get matching bag size to bed, am I alone? I hate being restricted in the bag. I used to have a British Army bag, great for straight or phoetal but a combo of both is how I often sleep (mostly side sleeper), no chance in a mummy. And the good old days of collapsing the end of the bed while trying to get out, comical in a mummy...omg..pmsl jusy thinking about it and my friend hopping to his rods in the bag

The Mrs had a super king duvet on hers last time out, folded in half, now that was comfy
r0bertb00th r0bertb00th
Posts: 2,398
Post #35 15 May 2024 11:13
1
In reply to Post #34
Im keen to have a look at the new one to see the improvements - currently got a standard sp c tech with fortis bag and sim plus a wide sp ctech sleep system both have been greta and a biog upgrade on previous beds Ive had

regards the straps to tighten it Ive always used a ratchet strap from ebay on my beds to really crank them down to fold flat so that aside and a foam mattress what else is different as I feel my sim and ratchet does the same job?

regards the overflow on the bags - I get that as for me Ive always found sleep systems restrictive (The nash ones anyway) hence prefer a seperate bed and bag as rule of thumb
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #39 15 May 2024 12:21
0
In reply to Post #35
New spring loaded legs that are even better,folds differently as said in previous post.I also like how legs velcro down so can't catch on anything as slide in car
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #40 15 May 2024 15:02
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Well mine will be here tomorrow so will post back my initial thoughts
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #41 15 May 2024 15:32
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In reply to Post #40
Will be interested
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #42 15 May 2024 17:00
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In reply to Post #34
I'm also 6'1" but find my current SP C Tech at 80x205 bed with Gardner Compact Duvet at 98x230 ideal - ie the bag is bigger than the bed; plenty of room to roll around in (without feeling squished) and being able to sleep with my size 12 feet 'upright' when sleeping vampire style . .

New mk2 SP C Tech is 90x208 just feels it could be a little 'tight' for the Fortis Techlite bag (Standard) at 95x210 but fine with the Gardner . . .so I'll either be replacing my bag or the bedchair but not both!
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #43 15 May 2024 18:21
0
In reply to Post #42
Do you feel any pressure from the top or bottom Bar of the bed at all Belch. I'm thinking only 10cm ish either side of space isn't a lot hence the Q. Any bed I've ever sat on sags slightly at the bars, regardless of skirt.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #44 15 May 2024 18:30
1
In reply to Post #42
It fits no problem at all,I have the fortis bag on mine
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #45 15 May 2024 20:27
0
In reply to Post #44
Does the Fortis have plenty of wiggle / footroom?
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #46 15 May 2024 20:38
1
In reply to Post #45
Not for your big boats I'm not small and found it OK but I don't sleep on my back
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #47 15 May 2024 21:42
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In reply to Post #45
I had the biggest size fortis bag and it was far to small for me. Im 6'3 and i lie on my side with my knee up so i couldnt zip it up as my knee was sticking out the side. I sold it and bought a fox ventec xl which is brilliant but bulky. I might be getting soft in my old age but i didnt think the fortis was very warm and i was cold in it even in september and zips were not the best.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #48 16 May 2024 06:41
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In reply to Post #47
Agree about the zips,they can catch on the material from time to time
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #49 16 May 2024 07:14
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In reply to Post #48
Yes the zips were a nightmare for that. Great weight and pack down size but sadly not for me.
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #50 16 May 2024 09:46
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In reply to Post #49
Mmm - looks like I'll be sticking with my Gardner; it too has annoying zips and a weird baffle around the shoulder area but its roomy, versatile and warm - it was the pack down/fold in the bed size I was interested in but not over comfort and my large planks
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #51 16 May 2024 09:50
0
In reply to Post #43
I rate the original SP C Tech and haven't noticed any bars / pressure at 80cms width - saying that I've only owned it a couple of seasons so maybe time will tell. I've ditched the SIM as don't find I need it on this bed (compared to previous Wychwood Tactical X which I also own 2x of) as for 48hr sessions its firm which I like and comfy enough. . . . a week in France might be a different issue . . .
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #52 16 May 2024 09:57
0
In reply to Post #51
Thank you
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #53 16 May 2024 17:35
0
So my sleep system turned up today my first impressions are as follows

The sleep system is really high quality and the extra 10cm width is perfect for me as I'm 6ft 1 17 stone and have a wide shoulder to shoulder frame. My previous SPC tech standard Bedchair with a Fortis Techlite sleeping bag and SIM always felt a little cramped when I turned around and was always a bit of a struggle to zip up the bag. The MK2 extra 10cms is a winner for me personally being wider.

The sleep system has 2 layers the first layers top quarter is fleece and the bottom 3 quarters is a smooth material which I think is a nice touch. This layer can be removed

The second layer is smooth and I guess is predominantly used for summer the only down side is this layer has no baffle unlike the top layer but I guess in summer would you really need it.

The memory foam definitely adds to the comfort, however I haven't slept on it all night yet to fully give an honest view.

On the frame you have better quality tension straps which really do improve getting it as compact as possible. It also has straps for the legs to keep them in place and underneath it has an elasticated compartment to store (I guess a summer shroud) me I'll store my bivvy slippers there

That's my initial views so far..... hope it helps
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #54 16 May 2024 17:36
0
So my sleep system turned up today my first impressions are as follows

The sleep system is really high quality and the extra 10cm width is perfect for me as I'm 6ft 1 17 stone and have a wide shoulder to shoulder frame. My previous SPC tech standard Bedchair with a Fortis Techlite sleeping bag and SIM always felt a little cramped when I turned around and was always a bit of a struggle to zip up the bag. The MK2 extra 10cms is a winner for me personally being wider.

The sleep system has 2 layers the first layers top quarter is fleece and the bottom 3 quarters is a smooth material which I think is a nice touch. This layer can be removed

The second layer is smooth and I guess is predominantly used for summer the only down side is this layer has no baffle unlike the top layer but I guess in summer would you really need it.

The memory foam definitely adds to the comfort, however I haven't slept on it all night yet to fully give an honest view.

On the frame you have better quality tension straps which really do improve getting it as compact as possible. It also has straps for the legs to keep them in place and underneath it has an elasticated compartment to store (I guess a summer shroud) me I'll store my bivvy slippers there

That's my initial views so far..... hope it helps
SouthMark45
Posts: 112
Post #55 17 May 2024 09:14
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In reply to Post #54
Forgot to mention there is a bag provided to put the top layer cover in for storage.... Again a nice touch
moanybill moanybill
Posts: 649
Post #56 25 May 2024 08:46
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In reply to Post #50
I removed the bottom shoulder baffle from mine, unpicked the end stitching and pulled out the filling. Much better.
vossy1 vossy1
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 9,047
Post #57 31 Aug 2024 18:19
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In reply to Post #54
Hi mate, any chance of a update and your thoughts please?
shilts
Posts: 684
Post #58 31 Aug 2024 20:18
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In reply to Post #57
I've been looking at the sleep system also . As I've never had memory foam I was wondering if it was hot to sleep on in the summer , thanks.
Teddybare
Posts: 994
Post #59 31 Aug 2024 21:29
1
In reply to Post #58
We have a **** off expensive memory foam bed, never any issues in the summer

Memory Foam is a lot different today to when it came out, today the heat BS is just that today, wasn't 20 years ago though.
reubenmills reubenmills
Posts: 1,067
Post #60 12 Mar 2025 22:18
0
Resurrecting an old thread.. Does the new sleep system have any more foot room than the mk1?
I have size 12 feet and occasionally sleep on my back when fishing and from memory the bag was always a little tight?

Also just to confirm you can fully remove the top layer(s) and just have it with the memory foam bottom and thin 2 season top layer?

I only ever used the actual sleep system maybe 3 times, I found it way too hot and there was not a layer to remove. Also found the baffle a bit thick and annoying!
Belch Belch
MODERATORMOD
Posts: 4,661
Post #61 13 Mar 2025 09:11
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In reply to Post #60
Haven't ever used a sleep system but my fear is also one of 'constriction' especially if you are tall / have big planks etc and are used to a bigger / more roomy bag. . .only way is to try before you buy I suppose . . .also dont like fleece lining in bags - smooth synthetic much more comfy as it doesn't grab you if you switch from side to back sleeping etc
reubenmills reubenmills
Posts: 1,067
Post #62 13 Mar 2025 09:21
0
Saw that one is fleece and one is smooth? Which seemed odd.

There's no tackle shops anywhere near me that stock them unfortunately, West Sussex.
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #63 13 Mar 2025 09:26
0
In reply to Post #62
I have the Wideboy version. The main bag is smooth and although I only have size 10 feet there is plenty of room by my feet. Cant see size 12 being a problem.

That being said I also dont have my bags zipped up both sides. they are over sized and cover your body without it zipped closed which gives additional space. Great bed though. Even with memory foam on the stiff side which I like. I am 21 stone and it doesnt sag at all unlike my old nash MF60 Wideboy. The bag is also a lot warmer than the 5 season system on the Nash and the quality cant be compared. My nash chair the arms split as made out of thin metal badly welded. I can jump on the Solar and it wont budge an inch
reubenmills reubenmills
Posts: 1,067
Post #64 13 Mar 2025 11:54
0
Thanks, is the thin top layer fleece underneath? As the videos I've watched suggested one of them was.
djstrauss281 djstrauss281
Posts: 923
Post #65 13 Mar 2025 12:09
0
In reply to Post #64
Yeah pal the main bag is soft with side baffles, top 2nd top layer bag fleece. I can only assume they have done this as the fleece would warm up the cover of the main bag quicker? The bed itself also comes with a soft liner over mattress which is a nice touch. Nice and cool in summer and keeps mattress clean. Can be zipped off to wash etc. They have thought of everything IMO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88rN4R5wzHo
James_9
Posts: 502
Post #66 14 Mar 2025 09:08
0
In reply to Post #1
Best bedchair by a country mile - my only gripe is the weight
colors colors
Posts: 1,069
Post #67 14 Mar 2025 19:51
0
In reply to Post #66
Any side sleepers who suffer from back pain tried it yet? Had the original c tech and it made the back pain worse. Does the memory foam solve that? Obviously to the people that had the same problem with the original bed
Scratch25 Scratch25
Posts: 798
Post #68 15 Mar 2025 22:19
0
Are there any front sleepers out there that use one of these?
goochy goochy
Posts: 1,271
Post #69 16 Mar 2025 16:50
0
In reply to Post #68
I have a Oval V2 and thinking of upgrading to this bed as cannot get on with the V2, system torestrictive and find bed is too stiff for me and get dead arms and never comfy compared to my old Levelite

Does it feel stiff or some movement in it?
mistercarp
Posts: 1,305
Post #70 26 Oct 2025 10:01
0
How do you find the warmth of the build in sleeping bag of the Solar memory foam sleep system? I feel the cold nowadays much better and I have a feeling this is less warm than my Trakker 365 sleeping bag.
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