Shop carp pillows in compact, large, fleece and memory foam styles, with prices from reputable online tackle shops so you can find the right size and feel for the head of your bedchair.
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Avid Benchmark Ultra Memory Foam Pillow
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About Pillows
A carp pillow is a compact pillow made for the bankside, with a fleece, camo or hard wearing cover that sits at the top of a bedchair or sleep system.
Most buyers are overnight anglers whose bed came without a pillow, or who want something warmer and firmer than a rolled up jacket. Size is the choice that matters, as the pillows listed run from about 40cm by 50cm up to 80cm wide.
Small pillows tuck into a rucksack or bag pocket, while large ones fill the head of a wide bed. Memory foam versions keep a firmer shape, at around 550g for the one that lists a weight.
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How to Choose a Carp Fishing Pillow
A bankside pillow has to survive mud, damp and being stuffed into a bag, yet still feel soft at two in the morning. That means a tougher cover and a filling that springs back after packing.
Compact pillows here measure around 40cm by 50cm or 50cm by 35cm, standard ones sit near 60cm to 65cm by 40cm, and large ones reach 70cm by 50cm. Wide versions up to 80cm suit wide bedchairs and anglers who move about in the night.
Fibre filled pillows squash down for packing and feel soft under the head. Memory foam keeps a firmer, set shape, and one listed pillow measures 49cm by 30cm and 10.5cm deep.
Depths of about 10cm to 15cm cover most of the range. A deeper pillow lifts the head higher, while a slimmer one packs away smaller.
Many carp pillows have two different faces, such as soft fleece on one side and camo or tougher fabric on the other. One model lists 230gsm fleece on its warm side.
Fleece feels warmer against the face on a cold night. A smoother face stays cooler when the bivvy warms up in summer.
Separate camo pillow cases and covers are listed too, which slip over a pillow to keep it clean or freshen its look. Check the size before buying, as one cover listed measures 69cm by 44cm.
The pillows listed weigh from about 0.36kg to 0.9kg where a weight is given. A light, low profile pillow suits short sessions, while a large camo pillow is worth the bulk on long stays.
Some bed ranges have a pillow cut to the same width as the mattress, so it sits neatly at the head end. An oval pillow, for example, is made to match an oval shaped bed.
Searches for a carp pillow also turn up soft pillows shaped like a fish, often bought as gifts. One plush fish pillow is listed here, in 70cm and 90cm sizes.
Take off any case and air the pillow after a damp session so it does not turn musty. A removable case is far easier to wash than the whole pillow.
What a Carp Pillow Costs
Leaving out the separate cases and covers, the dearest pillow listed costs about four times the entry one. Pillow prices are gathered from reputable online tackle shops and move with their stock.
Extra money buys memory foam, wider sizes, two sided fleece and camo covers and pillows matched to a bed range. Entry pillows are soft, fibre filled shapes that pack small.
Every pillow links through to its own page with the measurements and the filling. To pair a pillow with a warm bag, see our best carp fishing sleeping bags guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a carp pillow?
A carp pillow is a pillow made for fishing overnight, with a tough fleece or camo cover that sits on a bedchair. The name also covers soft fish shaped plush pillows sold as gifts.
What size is a carp fishing pillow?
Most carp fishing pillows are 40cm by 50cm for compact sizes and 65cm to 70cm by 40cm to 50cm for large ones. Wide versions reach about 80cm.
Is a memory foam pillow good for fishing?
Yes, a memory foam pillow gives firm, even support and keeps its shape night after night. It is heavier and bulkier than a fibre pillow, so it suits longer sessions.
Do bedchairs come with a pillow?
Some bedchairs have a built in pillow or raised head pad, but many come without one. A separate pillow lets you choose the size and firmness you like.
Do you need a pillow case for a fishing pillow?
A pillow case is not essential, but it keeps the pillow clean and is much easier to wash. Camo cases also let you change the look without buying a new pillow.
Can you wash a carp fishing pillow?
It depends on the pillow, so check the maker's care label before washing it. A removable case is the simplest way to keep a pillow clean.
What is the best carp fishing pillow?
The right pillow depends on your bed width and how you sleep, so start with size and filling. A large fleece pillow suits wide beds, while a compact one suits mobile anglers.
What is a fish shaped carp pillow?
A fish shaped carp pillow is a soft plush pillow made to look like a carp, usually sold as a gift. It is a novelty rather than a bedchair pillow, though it still works for a nap on the bank.