Fishing Pillows: The Secret to a Rejuvenated Bankside Morning
An often overlooked component of the sleep system, a dedicated fishing pillow is the difference between waking up with a stiff neck and rising feeling fully refreshed for a dawn cast. While many anglers attempt to use home pillows or rolled-up clothing, these often slip off the bedchair or become damp and flat. Professional bankside pillows are specifically engineered with attachment systems, dual-sided fabrics for seasonal temperature control, and moisture-wicking materials to ensure your comfort in the unique environment of a bivvy.
At Gerry’s Fishing, we curate a selection of pillows from the industry’s leading brands, ensuring you have the support you need whether you are on a standard bedchair or a massive “Wideboy” system.
Technical Specifications & Seasonal Versatility
Selecting a pillow involves more than just picking the softest one; you must consider the dimensions relative to your bedchair and the type of lining that suits your skin and the current season.
| Feature |
Compact/Standard Pillow |
Dual-Sided Thermal Pillow |
XL/Wide Support Pillow |
| Common Width |
50cm – 60cm |
65cm – 70cm |
80cm – 90cm |
| Summer Lining |
Peachskin Cotton / Smooth Nylon |
Soft Cotton / Polyester |
Micro-Fleece (Thin) |
| Winter Lining |
Micro-Fleece |
Polar Fleece / Plush Fabric |
Deep-Pile Heavy Fleece |
| Filling Material |
Hollow-Fill Fiber |
Grade-A Silicone Fiber |
High-Density Memory Foam |
| Attachment Type |
Elasticated Loops |
Velcro Straps / Toggles |
Integrated Bedchair Clips |
| Washability |
Removable Case |
Removable Case |
Full Pillow Washable |
Pro Tip: The Flip-System Strategy
For year-round comfort, always look for a “dual-sided” pillow. During the summer months, use the peachskin or cotton side against your skin. These materials are breathable and stay cool, preventing the “sweaty” feeling of fleece in a humid bivvy. When the temperature drops in autumn and winter, flip the pillow to the fleece side. The fleece traps a layer of warm air against your face, providing instant thermal comfort and helping to maintain your core temperature throughout the night.
Applications: Enhancing Your Bankside Comfort
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Summer Overnighters: In warm weather, a lightweight pillow like the Fox EOS or Trakker Small Pillow provides just enough lift without adding unnecessary heat. Its compact size makes it easy to pack into the smallest of barrows.
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The “Luxury” Week-Longer: For long stays where comfort is non-negotiable, an XL memory foam or hollow-fill pillow—such as the Solar Universal XL or Nash Indulgence Wide—provides the same level of support as your bed at home. These are designed to span the entire width of a wide bedchair, preventing the pillow from falling into the “gap” at the head end.
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Novelty & Gift Options: If you want something a bit different or a great gift for an angler, the Gaby range of fish-shaped pillows (like the Pike or Carp models) offers a fun yet surprisingly comfortable neck support for day sessions or chair-based lounging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use my pillow from home for fishing?
A: You can, but it is not recommended. Home pillows lack the waterproof or moisture-wicking outer shells found in fishing-specific models. They will often absorb the damp morning air (condensation) and become heavy and cold. Furthermore, they lack the straps to keep them fixed to your bedchair, meaning they often end up on the bivvy floor during the night.
Q: Are the pillowcases machine washable?
A: Yes, almost all premium fishing pillows, like the Fox Camolite or CarpLife Eclipse, feature a high-quality zip that allows you to remove the outer case for machine washing. We recommend washing on a cool cycle to prevent the technical fabrics from shrinking or losing their “soft-touch” feel.
Q: How do I attach the pillow to my bedchair?
A: Most pillows use a system of elasticated loops or toggles that wrap around the top frame or the “head” legs of your bedchair. This ensures that even if you move around frequently in your sleep, the pillow stays exactly where you need it.
Q: Is memory foam better than hollow-fill?
A: Memory foam offers superior orthopedic support for your neck and spine, making it the best choice for those with back issues. Hollow-fill is lighter and more “crushable,” which some anglers prefer as it allows them to mold the pillow to their exact liking. Hollow-fill also tends to be slightly more compact for transportation.
If you are looking for a specific size to match your current bedchair model, I can check the exact measurements for you to ensure a perfect fit. Would you like me to do that?