Does anybody use a cot?

[vanguard]

I normally use an air mattress when I'm camping. However, setting up and breaking down camp takes too long. Also, if it's wet I have to unpack it at home and dry it out. Finally, I expect frost on the ground during my next trip so I'm looking for something warmer, like a closed cell foam mat.

I was talking to a friend and he was convinced after years of camping that a simple mat on the ground would not be comfortable enough. That led me to a foam mat on a cot. It seems like it's quick to set up, warm/insulative(with foam mat), and dry.

What do you guys think? Is there a cot on this page that you like?
http://www.campersstore.com/camping-military-cots-by-style-cs-39~37.html

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

my friend uses cots, I borrowed one he had on the Rubicon and it was very comfortable.
The only downside I can see is that it is bulky but if you have the room, seems like a good solution. you can still set up tent on less than smooth ground and still be ok w/ the cot too.

 

[Robthebrit]

I have a cheapish cot that I got at, er, REI (there I said it). I cannot find a picture of it anymore but it folds pretty small and it comfy.

I like cots because I feel more comfortable sleeping outside of the tent when I have a cot, which is great to do in the desert in the summer months. In the SW (or anywhere else the wildlife bites back) you have to be outright crazy to sleep on the floor!

Rob

 

[Scott Brady]

Even though I have the Eezi-Awn I still sleep under the stars frequently, and on a cot. It works great (just a cheap one).

They are a bit of an issue on the beach. Mine has deposited me into the sand in the middle of the night on more than one occasion. Hell of a way to wake up

 

[vanguard]

Good feedback guys. I got a chance to set up one like this at REI so I wouldn't mind buying it but I was a little worried it would poke holes in the bottom of my tent. What do you guys think

http://www.campersstore.com/military-style-p-227.html

 

[Robthebrit]

That is the one I have and could not find a picture of, except mine only has 2 two legs.

I have had no problems with feet in the tent, if you camp on a rock base you might get some problems.

Rob

 

[atavuss]

I have three tent cots, a little different than you are asking about. I find them comfortable with a thermarest pad. no poles or stakes to mess with ever again!

 

[goodtimes]

Chuck (Ursadie or however the hell you spell that) seems to be really happy with his Big Black Cot. And he isn't ashamed to let people see it either. :sombrero:

(seriously....)

 

[SEREvince]

A few squares of old carpet under the feet will prevent any wear and tear on your tent.

"egg crate" style foam works the best for padding and insulation. My Therm-a-rest sleeping pads always slid around and ended up halfway on the floor. Not to mention they cost ten times as much.

Cots do suck for couples, since even if you tie them together there's two metal bars in the middle.

They are much better all around camp furniture. i.e. impromtu campfire bench.

My favorite summer cot set up in areas where mosquitos aren't a huge issue is a "improved star shelter". Buy a roll of clear plastic sheeting, commonly used as paint drop cloths and some light "parachute style" cord. Make it as large as you like, staying clear of any stray sparks from the fire. In order to secure the line to the plastic use "buttons" a small rock or handfull of sand/ dirt with a slip loop at the edges of the plastic sheet. The best way I can describe it is making a little Halloween "ghost" like you see people do with Blow Pops, only the "ghost" has a noose that leads to the nearest tree, vehicle etc.

Do make sure rain will drain off, or if needed you can collect precip by creating a low point. (Bonus- any H2O that falls from the sky requires no purification before using!)

You can do this on the ground, but after an incident with some very friendly skunks in my "bedroom" I decided a cot is a better idea.

 

[BajaXplorer]

While I carry a tent when traveling in Baja and the Arizona desert, more often than not I just set my cot next to truck and sleep under the stars.
Its a Slumberjack and is very comfortable used with a sleeping pad.
BX

 

[vanguard]

I ended up ordering this cot from this store: http://www.campersstore.com/military-style-p-227.html

I added this mat for a little insulation from the cold: http://www.campersstore.com/convoluted-foam-camp-p-1149.html

I had a chance to set up the larger version of that cot from REI and felt like the quality was up to snuff. I didn't buy from REI because their price is high and they work to shut down 4x4 trails. I went with the smaller one so that I could fit two of them in my tent if the need arises. (Maybe I'll get another for my son or daughter at some point.) Also, I've been looking to gain a little tent room and a 6' 3" cot should be big enough.

Thanks guys.

 

[datrupr]

I used t have a cot that I slept on all the time. Then I got together with a lady and it was not good for couple sleeping. Got rid of it. I now have a huge memory foam air mattress, very comfy, but big, bulky, and takes a while to set up. Now that I am not couple camping any more I might have to go back to the military surpluss cot that I used to sleep on.

 

[vanguard]

Yeah, big comfy bulky, and hard to set up describes my air mattress too. Another thing I'm looking forward to with the cot is the ability to stand in the tent. My mattress takes just about all the floor space. With a cot I should be able to stand (bent over) and I'll be able to sit up and put my shoes on.

<- master of selling things to himself

 

[devinsixtyseven]

i have a similar cot, folds in half, with three hoop legs...one center, one at each end. while it is comfortable, it squeaks like a massive wet balloon with the slightest weight shift (the fabric dragging against the metal frame), and anyone sleeping nearby eventually gets on your case.

any good way to take the squeak out of the cot? other than the noise, it's pretty comfortable.

-sean

 

[vanguard]

/vanguard has tons of things to say but decides they should all be censored.