Heated Seat Cushion for Fishing UK: Preston Thermatech Preview
Quick, honest bit first. I haven't used this cushion on the bank, so everything below comes from the maker's listing and the product page. I'll test it in the field when I can and update this post. That's how I do things here: I test the gear, and I tell you straight when I haven't.
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Cold bum, cold session. If you sit on a seatbox from dusk to dawn in November, you know the feeling. The cold comes up through the seat, not down from the sky. Campers and van lifers get the same thing on a folding chair outside the tent on a clear October night. So a heated seat cushion for fishing UK anglers, and anyone else who sits out in the cold, is worth a proper look.
What the Preston Thermatech heated seat cushion is
Preston Innovations is a well known name in match and carp fishing, and the Thermatech is their heated seat cushion. It's a padded cushion with heating elements built in, a branded strap and a robust clip, plus a short power cable. In the photo there's a small control pouch on the cable with a power button on it.
What the listing says
Padded cushion with Thermatech heated elements
Adjustable heat level
Branded strap and robust clip
Size: 420 x 310mm, so about 42 x 31cm
Supplied with a 1m power cable
That's the listing wording, not my results. I can't tell you how hot it gets or how fast, because I haven't sat on one. I couldn't verify a temperature or a run time, so I'm not going to guess. The full listing is on the Fishing Tackle and Bait product page.
The power bit (please read this)
A heated cushion needs a power source. From the pages I could reach, I couldn't confirm what powers this one, or whether a power bank is included. The product page is where to check that. Until you have, treat a power bank as something you may need to buy separately and add it to your budget.
Check how long a bank will run it for too. A flat bank at 3am is no use to anyone.
What to look for in a heated seat cushion
Whichever one you end up with, this is what I'd check first.
Power source. USB power bank, battery pack or something else? Is it included, and how long does it last on a low setting?
Heat settings. More than one level is handy. You want a gentle warmth for a long sit, not a roasting.
Size. Measure your seatbox lid or chair seat. This one is 420 x 310mm, so check that against yours.
Waterproofing. Damp banks, dew and rain are normal. Check the cover and where the cable and controls sit. The listing I saw doesn't say, so I can't tell you.
Weight and packing. Does it go flat in the bag? The weight isn't stated on what I saw.
Fixing. A strap and clip helps it stay put on a seat in the dark, but I haven't tried it.
Who it suits, and who should skip it
It could suit carp and match anglers on a seatbox through cold winter sessions, night-session anglers who already carry a power bank, campers with a folding chair, and van lifers who sit outside late in the year.
Skip it if you'd rather not carry and charge another bit of kit. Skip it if you fish in heavy rain a lot and the waterproofing isn't clear to you. Skip it if your seat is too small for a 42 x 31cm cushion. And if you want proof before you spend, wait for my test.
A heated seat cushion for fishing UK: what it can and can't do
It warms you from below. That's it. It won't warm your hands, your back or your head. Get your layers right first: a proper base layer, a warm jacket, a hat and good socks. A heated cushion is an extra on top of that, not a replacement for it.
If you're staying overnight, my sleeping bag for cold nights post covers the bag side, and the heated shawl preview looks at a wearable option. For the wider bankside setup, the UK carp fishing guide is the place to start.
Camping rather than fishing? The Traverseon hot tent first look covers a stove jack teepee for UK winter trips.
A camping pick: Wood to Water THAW
For camping and van life there's another one I've come across, the Wood to Water THAW heated seat pad. Their own site lists a 10,000mAh battery, three heat modes and up to 5 hours of warmth. I haven't tried it, and I'm not linking to it, so treat that as a pointer and not a recommendation. I mention it because of the battery. If the battery comes with the pad, that's one less thing to buy. It's worth comparing that against whichever cushion you look at.
Price
At the time of writing the Preston Thermatech Heated Seat Cushion was £37.99 at Fishing Tackle and Bait, down from an RRP of £41.99. That's 10% off in their Autumn Sale. Dispatch was listed as 4 to 7 days. Prices and stock change, so check the Fishing Tackle and Bait page for the current price.
Heated seat cushion FAQ
Does a heated seat cushion replace warm clothes?
No. It warms you from below only. Sort your layers first.
Do I need a power bank?
A heated cushion needs some kind of power. I couldn't confirm what this one uses or whether a power bank comes with it, so check the product page before you order.
Have you tested it?
Not yet. This post is based on the listing and the maker's specs. I plan to test gear in field tests and I'll update this post when I do.
Will it fit my seatbox?
It's 420 x 310mm. Measure your seatbox lid or chair seat before you buy.
Should you buy it?
If you sit out through the cold, you're happy to sort a power source and you're fine buying before I've tested it, this looks like a sensible bit of kit on paper. If you want proof first, hang on for my field test. Either way, read the product page for power and waterproofing details before you order.
Ready to look? Check the Preston Thermatech Heated Seat Cushion at Fishing Tackle and Bait for the current price and details.
Affiliate disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, Life Gear Lab may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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