CARPology Reviews 24-07-2015 00:00:00

Rod's new B&B

How do you create the ultimate when it comes to bankside living comfort? You combine Rod Hutchinson’s Big Kipper XL Bedchair with his Extreme 5 XL Sleeping Bag is how

The recently revitalised Rod Hutchinson brand has been quietly taking over our tackle sheds of late, filling our bait bags with their Gourmet Boilies, wardrobes with clothing and swims with their improved-for-2015 classic: the Cabrio bivvy. Not content to rest on their laurels, they’re now targeting the inside of your bivvy.

The Big Kipper Sleep System XL is the result of 40 years of hard fishing and living on the bank. Featuring eight legs, measuring a whopping 217cm by 94cm and coming complete with a 5 season sleeping bag, it’s an all-encompassing, home-from-home bed.

The Big Kipper XL lays completely flat

The brief head designer Max Cottis was given was a simple one: to create the most comfortable bed possible, and having just spent this spring on one, we can confirm the ex. Fox and ACE man has nailed it. Thanks to those eight legs, the Big Kipper XL provides maximum stability and strength which means you can sit anywhere along it (just like your bed at home) without fear of it tipping up or bending.

All packed away

When opened up, thanks to its no-cam-wheel design, it lays as flat as a witches tit and couple this with the detachable fleece-covered 50mm foam mattress, memory foam board and 94cms of width, it results in the best night’s sleep you’ll ever experience whilst bankside.

Visually it looks sharp too: all the metalware comes with a hardwearing textured green powder coated finish and the outer cover fabric is made from a dark green durable and hardwearing 600D polyester outer cover fabric.

Eazi-Grip ‘stirrup style’ pullers

Anti-Snag Zip Baffles and internal ones to prevent heat loss

And whilst all of this is lovely and comfortable, it’s what Max has done on top of the bed that’s really the jewel in the crown. Zipped on around the side of this behemoth-sized mattress is the brand’s legendary Extreme 5 XL Sleeping Bag. The top of the bag, which contains 30% of the fill for spring and summer use, is made from a 100% breathable and waterproof polyester material and this is then stuffed with 100% polyester silicone treated hollow fibre fillings to increase the ‘loft’ which dramatically improves heat retention. There’s then a second zip-in inner bag which holds an additional 70% and converts the bag into a full autumn/winter lifesaver. What’s more, all of these are reversible, giving the option of warm-to-the-touch fleece or soft peachskin.

Detachable fleece-covered 50mm foam mattress

All eight legs are fully adjustable

Getting cuddled up and warm or out in a hurry is all handled wonderfully thanks to the zip system used. There’s double 10mm quick-release ‘crash zips’ which come fitted with Eazi-Grip ‘stirrup style’ pullers which make closing up much easier. There’s Anti-Snag Zip Baffles, too, which ensures smooth zip operation and the internal baffles prevent heat loss through those zips.

So in summary? If you’ve never seen or used a system like this, the moment you do you’ll be sold. The advantages of having a sleeping bag in-built into the bedchair are ten-fold. It’s one less item to carry; the bag is fixed so you don’t get tangled up; it doesn’t fall off the bedchair; the two combined weigh less. In short, what you’re looking at here is a bed and bag which is probably more comfortable than what you have in your own bedroom. Good work, Hutchy and co.

“GIMME”: £399.99

Rod Hutchinson