JRC Extreme3 Bedchair

I like being comfortable, I like being warm and I like my rest when I’m fishing long overnight sessions; the days of struggling to sleep on a narrow, ‘barely there’ bedchair are long gone with the explosion of models now available for the ‘larger angler’ (of which I am one!).

JRC have recently released the Extreme range which perfectly suits me; if I had to choose a descriptive way to portray my body shape, if would have to be ‘short and fat’, and the Extreme3 offers plenty of room for me to get snug due to its generous dimensions. The main ‘bed’ of the product is approximately 215cm long and 100cm wide, (big enough for almost any angler) and is constructed of a high quality cushioned material to prevent rips or tears (ripstop nylon?) which can foster a wet night if water seeps into the internal stuffing. The ’bed’ has a couple of very handy zip pockets to keep mobile phones, keys and an alarm receiver in too. My favourite part of the ‘comfort experience’ is the removable padded peachskin mattress which is attached with strong Velcro strips to stop it slipping. Not only does the mattress give additional insulation to the angler, it’s also big enough to prevent any draughts creeping between the sides of the mattress and frame of the bedchair as it flexes under the anglers bodyweight.

So it’s comfortable; what else? The exceedingly strong aluminium frame is powder coated to protect it from knocks and scratches, and it can be speedily adjusted with a new feature only to be found on JRC products. The unique ‘cam lock’ system removes the need for handwheel arrangements, (no more grubbing around on the bank in the rain looking for lost wheels as you pack up) and can be operated with one hand to fix at the correct height and angle. To use the system, simply release the catch, select the required position and push back into place. The only issue I have with this particular innovation is that I am fairly ham fisted, so care must be taken to close the clasp near the pivot so that it doesn’t become weakened by excessive finger pressure. It does make configuring the bedchair really easy though, and once locked in, it stays exactly where it should! I like it! Available in 3 and 4 leg versions, it gives fantastic stability and removes the age old issue of finishing up in the back of the bivvy, after trying to get off it quickly during the night only for the bedchair to tip up and deposit the angler in a snotty heap unable to extricate from the tangled sleeping bag as the fish dumps the bait! (We’ve all done it!) All legs are adjustable and are locked into place with the ‘sprung pin’ to ensure the bed remains level at all times.

Another great feature of the Extreme range which I think is worth mentioning are the large flat mud feet which support the bedchair; I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve used a product where the mud feet have been neglected, and the bedchair does not have sufficient traction to stop it moving around on wet ground. JRC has fitted huge plastic plates giving the footprint of a small elephant, and, because they are fixed on a universal joint, it gives unrivalled grip in all conditions on all types of terrain.

The bedchair folds down to a reasonable size too; despite being by nature a fairly bulky item of tackle, it weighs only 11.5kgs (without sleeping bag attached) and will fit securely on most barrows. (The Extreme4 weighs in at 12.5kgs). I’ve had quite a few nights out on my Extreme 3 now, all have been pleasant. I have never woken up with any aches or pains, never experienced any discomfort, draughts or other issues, and would certainly recommend it to other anglers.

Priced at around £179, available from JRC direct (www.jrc-fishing.co.uk) or other retailers.

For more information on any of the JRC products, please click the image below to visit their website.