Nash Carp Care Air Cradle Camo (T0070) review
An inflatable cradle that packs small for its size - the trade-off is a pump and a puncture risk.
An inflatable cradle that packs small for its size - the trade-off is a pump and a puncture risk.
Best for: Anglers on waters that ask for a cradle who carry kit on a barrow or in a small car.
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Where this kit fits in
Many UK waters ask for a cradle rather than a flat mat once fish get bigger, because a raised, walled cradle stops a lively carp sliding off onto the bank. Rigid-frame cradles are bulky to carry; inflatable ones like this pack into a much smaller space.
How it actually works on the bank
Retailers list a reinforced 210D nylon cover and a heavy-duty PVC base. One retailer states it was tested to over 60 kg. Because the support comes from air rather than a frame, how firm it feels depends on inflation: pump the base tubes firmly and the containing tube a little softer so the fish is held rather than squeezed. For bigger fish, Nash makes a larger Monster version (T0071) with a 125 × 58 cm internal area.
The full picture
The Carp Care Air Cradle uses three heavy-duty inflatable tubes: two lift the base off the ground and the third forms the wall that keeps the fish contained during unhooking and photos. Internal size is 100 × 55 cm, it packs down to 50 × 50 × 20 cm and weighs about 3 kg. A foot pump is included.
What we like
- Packs to 50 × 50 × 20 cm
- About 3 kg
- Raised base and walled sides keep the fish contained
- Foot pump included
What we don't
- Needs inflating at every session
- A puncture puts it out of use until repaired
- 100 × 55 cm internal is tight for very big fish
- Costs more than a flat mat
Key specifications
| Internal size | 100 × 55 cm |
| Packed size | 50 × 50 × 20 cm |
| Weight | about 3 kg |
| Construction | 3 inflatable tubes, 210D nylon cover, PVC base |
| Included | Foot pump |
Long-term ownership notes
Inflatables age through their seams and valves rather than through foam compression. Store it dry and partly deflated, out of direct sun, and keep a puncture repair patch in the tackle bag.
Care & maintenance schedule
The routine that keeps the Nash platform running for its expected lifespan.
- After every session: rinse with clean water and let it dry fully before packing
- Wet the fish-contact surface before every use
- Check valves and seams at the start of each season
- Carry a repair patch for the PVC base
Common issues owners report
Problems reported by long-term users, plus the practical fixes.
- Slow leak through a valve - fix: clean the valve seat and re-seat it
- Puncture on rough ground - fix: patch, and lay a groundsheet underneath
- Soft base on a cold morning - fix: top up the air, cold air contracts
If you'd rather spend more or less
Upgrade
Fox Carpmaster Camo Air Unhooking Mat XL - £210
For bigger fish, the Fox Carpmaster Air XL is a larger inflatable mat (125 × 70 cm inside), at about £210 in UK shops in November 2026.
See on Amazon UKDowngrade
Common questions
Is the Nash Carp Care Air Cradle Camo (T0070) worth the price?
At about £170 in UK shops (November 2026), we score it 4.4/5 from its specs and published owner reviews, because an inflatable cradle that packs small for its size - the trade-off is a pump and a puncture risk. Whether that is worth the money depends on how the strengths above line up with your session type and venue.
How does it compare to other mats in this bracket?
See our full unhooking mats & cradles comparison for direct alternatives at higher and lower price points.
Where should I buy it in the UK?
Amazon UK is usually the fastest route with the strongest return policy on kit over £100. Tackle-specific retailers (Angling Direct, Nash Direct, Trakker UK) sometimes match on price and add extras like matched accessories. Check both before committing.
Others in the same category
Fox Carpmaster Camo Air Unhooking Mat XL
A large inflatable mat for big fish: 125 × 70 cm inside, with walls you can turn into a flat surface.
Read review