Photos: Gardner Tackle · supplied retailer imagery
Sleep systems · Bankside pillows · Our take
Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow
Compact DPM Camo Pillow · HCPC
A tidy little bankside pillow that saves space without leaving your neck feeling like it’s done a night on the bivvy floor.
- Compact, lightweight bankside pillow designed to pack smaller than the full-size Gardner DPM Camo Pillow.
- Approximate dimensions are 50cm x 30cm from Gardner, with one retailer listing approximately 50cm x 35cm x 13cm.
- Camo fleece finish on one side, with a soft khaki-green cotton or smooth fabric reverse.
- Removable cotton/polyester pillowcase and heavy-duty zip allow the inner to be removed.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow, manufacturer code HCPC. It’s the compact version, not the larger Gardner DPM Camo Pillow.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A tidy, good-value compact pillow for anglers who want comfort without loads of bulk.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality8.6/10
- Performance8.5/10
- Impact on Fish Catching7.9/10
- Ease of Use9.2/10
- Value for Money8.8/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Carp anglers running a compact overnight setup. It gives you proper head and neck comfort without taking up the room of a full-size pillow.
- Anglers who like a softer, cosier feel. The generous Holofil filling and fleece side are geared towards comfort rather than a hard, rigid pillow.
Maybe skip if
- Anyone who prefers a big, firm pillow. The compact dimensions and softer feel may not provide the broad, solid support you’re used to at home.
- Anglers with very tight bedchair clearance. The listed thickness and slightly differing retailer dimensions mean it’s worth checking the fit before buying.
The lowdown
Introducing the Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow
A tidy little bankside pillow that saves space without leaving your neck feeling like it’s done a night on the bivvy floor.
- Compact, lightweight bankside pillow designed to pack smaller than the full-size Gardner DPM Camo Pillow.
- Approximate dimensions are 50cm x 30cm from Gardner, with one retailer listing approximately 50cm x 35cm x 13cm.
- Camo fleece finish on one side, with a soft khaki-green cotton or smooth fabric reverse.
- Removable cotton/polyester pillowcase and heavy-duty zip allow the inner to be removed.
Quick verdict
Small, simple and properly handy
The Gardner Compact DPM Camo Pillow is a cracking choice when you want a bit more comfort on the bank without giving half your carryall over to a pillow. It’s compact, lightweight and comes with a removable pillowcase, so there’s not much faff involved.
It won’t suit anyone after a huge, hotel-style pillow, but for overnight carp sessions, short socials and anglers trying to trim their sleep system down, it looks spot on. At an RRP of £18.99, it sits in a sensible bit of kit territory too.
A tidy, good-value compact pillow for anglers who want comfort without loads of bulk.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 8.6/10
- Performance
- 8.5/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 7.9/10
- Ease of Use
- 9.2/10
- Value for Money
- 8.8/10
The removable cover, heavy-duty zip and sensible two-sided finish give it a practical, well-thought-out feel.
The generously filled Holofil inner should provide comfortable support, although the compact size limits how much room you have.
It won’t catch fish directly, but better rest can leave you sharper for bite-time, recasting and those early-morning runs.
It’s simple to pack, easy to flip between surfaces and straightforward to remove from the pillowcase for cleaning.
At an £18.99 RRP, it offers useful bivvy comfort and a supplied removable cover without a hefty spend.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Gardner Tackle
Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow (this one)
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow
There’s nothing worse than getting your rods sorted, settling into the bivvy and then realising your pillow is about as supportive as a folded hoodie. You can put up with it for a night, mate, but by first light your neck’s complaining and you’re moving around like you’ve done ten rounds with a spod rod.
That’s where the Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow comes in. It’s a small, lightweight bankside pillow aimed at anglers who want a bit of proper comfort without lugging a massive bedroom job down to the swim. Simple idea, really. Keep it compact, make it comfy and don’t add loads of faff.
The shape is cuboid, with Gardner listing the size at roughly 50cm x 30cm. One retailer gives a slightly different set of measurements, around 50cm x 35cm x 13cm, so there’s a bit of variation in the listings. Either way, this is clearly the compact option rather than a huge full-size pillow.
That smaller footprint should make it dead handy for modern carp setups. If your bedchair, sleeping bag and carryall are already fighting for space in the bivvy, a compact pillow is much easier to slot in. It should also suit short overnighters, quick midweek sessions and anyone who likes travelling light.
Comfort comes from the generously filled Holofil fibre inner. Gardner has designed it to feel comfortable without being overly firm, which is probably the sweet spot for most anglers. You want enough filling to support your head, but not a brick that pushes your neck up at a daft angle.
There are two different surfaces to choose from. One side has a DPM camo fleece finish, giving you the warmer and cosier option when you’re tucked up on a chilly night. Turn it over and the reverse has a soft khaki-green cotton or smooth fabric finish, which should feel a bit less warm when the bivvy’s stuffy.
That two-sided setup is a nice little touch. Sleep systems aren’t one-size-fits-all across the season, and what feels spot on in October can feel a bit much on a mild summer night. Being able to flip the pillow instead of carrying another cover keeps things straightforward.
The pillowcase is supplied and removable, with a heavy-duty zip allowing the inner to come out. That matters on the bank. Pillows pick up condensation, bivvy dust and the odd splash of bait water, so being able to remove the cover and give it a proper airing is far better than having everything sewn shut.
The DPM pattern also fits neatly into the usual carp scene. It’s not trying to be flashy, and that’s probably the point. This is practical kit for the bivvy, designed to pack smaller than the full-size Gardner DPM Camo Pillow and give you a more comfortable place to rest your head between bite-times.
At £18.99 RRP, it looks like a sensible bit of kit rather than a big spend. If you’re building a sleep system on a budget, or just want to replace the sad old cushion that’s been in your carryall for years, the Gardner Compact DPM Camo Pillow makes a fair bit of sense. Just don’t expect the support or width of a full-size home pillow.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Product type
- Compact bankside pillow
- Approximate size
- Gardner lists approximately 50cm x 30cm; retailer dimensions are approximately 50cm x 35cm x 13cm
- Shape
- Cuboid
- Filling
- Holofil fibre
- Cover
- Removable cotton/polyester pillowcase
- Finish
- DPM camo fleece on one side; soft khaki-green cotton or smooth fabric on the reverse
Specs checked with Gardner Tackle, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The real appeal is the size
This is all about making your nights on the bank a touch more comfortable while keeping the load sensible. The compact cuboid shape should tuck neatly into a bedchair, carryall or sleeping-bag setup, and the two-sided finish gives you a choice of feel against your face.
The camo fleece side is the warmer, cosier option when the temperature drops. Flip it over and you’ve got the smoother khaki-green fabric side, which should feel less fleecy in warmer weather. Dead handy when one pillow needs to cover a few different conditions.
Closer look
A compact pillow with two useful sides
The Gardner Compact DPM Camo Pillow is a straightforward bankside pillow with a cuboid shape, DPM camo styling and a generously filled Holofil fibre inner. It’s designed to pack smaller than Gardner’s full-size DPM Camo Pillow, so it’s aimed squarely at anglers who need to keep their sleep system neat and manageable.
The two-sided finish is more useful than it might first sound. The camo fleece side gives you a warmer, softer surface, while the khaki-green cotton or smooth reverse offers a less fleecy option. That means you can choose the feel that suits the weather and your own preference.
The removable cotton/polyester pillowcase is another practical win. The heavy-duty zip lets you take the inner out, making the cover easier to clean and air after a damp night in the bivvy. Keep it aired between sessions and it should stay fresher for longer.
Worth knowing. Gardner lists the pillow at approximately 50cm x 30cm, while a retailer lists approximately 50cm x 35cm x 13cm. Dimensions are approximate, so check your bedchair and storage space if the fit is tight.
Who it suits
Best for compact overnight setups
This is a good match for carp anglers who want comfort without carrying a bulky pillow. It should slot neatly into a compact bedchair setup and won’t dominate your carryall. For short sessions, socials and quick overnighters, that smaller size is a proper bonus.
The softer, non-overly-firm feel will suit anglers who like to sink into their pillow a bit. It’s also handy for anyone who gets warm or cold easily, as you can swap between the fleece and smooth sides. One pillow, two different feels — nice and simple.
It’s less suited to anyone who likes a very firm, broad pillow with loads of structure. If you need a big surface area to keep your head perfectly supported, the compact dimensions may feel a touch restrictive. Likewise, check the thickness against your bedchair if clearance is limited.
FAQs in full
The bits you’ll want to know before buying
What does the package include? The pillow comes with its removable pillowcase, so there’s no need to buy a separate cover before heading to the lake. The inner can be removed through the heavy-duty zip.
Is it warm or cool to sleep on? You get both options. The camo fleece side is the warmer, cosier face, while the khaki-green cotton or smooth fabric reverse should feel cooler and less fluffy. Flip it to suit the night.
Will it fit every bedchair? It should suit compact bankside sleep systems, but dimensions can vary slightly between listings. If your bedchair has a tight head section, measure the available room before spending your quid.
Worth knowing. The Compact DPM Camo Pillow is about balancing comfort and packability. It’s a sensible bivvy pillow, not a replacement for a huge firm pillow from home.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Compact and easy to fit into a smaller sleep system.
- Two different surfaces, with fleece on one side and smooth khaki fabric on the other.
- Generous Holofil filling aims for a comfortable, non overly-firm feel.
- Removable pillowcase makes cleaning and airing easier.
- DPM camo finish blends neatly into a carp setup.
Worth knowing
- The compact shape won’t give the same broad support as a full-size pillow.
- Listed dimensions vary slightly depending on the retailer, so check the space in your bedchair setup.
- A softer, generously filled pillow won’t suit anglers who prefer a very firm, structured feel.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01What are the dimensions of the Gardner Compact DPM Camo Pillow?
What are the dimensions of the Gardner Compact DPM Camo Pillow?
Gardner gives approximate dimensions of 50cm x 30cm. A retailer listing gives approximately 50cm x 35cm x 13cm, so allow for a little variation and check the available space in your sleep system.
02Does it come with a pillowcase?
Does it come with a pillowcase?
Yes. The pillowcase is supplied and can be removed using the heavy-duty zip, making it easier to clean and air between sessions.
03Which side of the pillow should you use?
Which side of the pillow should you use?
Use the camo fleece side when you fancy a warmer, cosier feel. Flip it to the smooth khaki-green side when you’d rather have a cooler, less fleecy surface.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: small, simple and properly handy. The strongest reasons to choose it are compact and easy to fit into a smaller sleep system. and two different surfaces, with fleece on one side and smooth khaki fabric on the other.; the main trade-off is the compact shape won’t give the same broad support as a full-size pillow..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Compact and easy to fit into a smaller sleep system.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Carp anglers running a compact overnight setup: It gives you proper head and neck comfort without taking up the room of a full-size pillow.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The compact shape won’t give the same broad support as a full-size pillow.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow
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Owner reports
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Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Gardner Tackle Compact DPM Camo Pillow. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
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