Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Backcountry Hunting => Topic started by: Odell on May 08, 2016, 02:40:23 PM

Title: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: Odell on May 08, 2016, 02:40:23 PM: These are expensive but I sleep horribly in the backcountry. I was wondering if this might help. Has anyone tried it? Yes I know I am a wuss.

https://www.rei.com/product/866263/therm-a-rest-luxurylite-ultralite-cot
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: THunt on May 08, 2016, 03:19:15 PM: Tylenol PM
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: ghosthunter on May 08, 2016, 03:26:49 PM: Make a bed of fir boughs.
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: kentrek on May 08, 2016, 03:40:11 PM: I've heard very good reviews...no first hand experience tho

I wouldn't hesitate if I wasnt worried about space
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: Tbob on May 08, 2016, 05:27:16 PM: I've got one and have been using it for a few years now. If I'm packing backcountry I'll take this instead of my Thermarest pad. If car camping or weight isn't an issue I'll throw my Thermarest on top of the lowride cot. It takes a few min to set up, but after the first couple times it's super quick and easy. I love being off the ground at night. I definitely sleep better and much warmer. I also like that my bag is off the ground. When I leave camp I put everything I don't want to get wet on top of the cot. I've only had my tent leak once but it sucked! So just out of habit I put everything on the cot just in case. It rides super low to the ground and i find it pretty comfy.. I'm a bigger guy at 6'3 and about 215lbs. I "fit" on it, but it could be just a bit longer.. Anyways, I really like it and use it a bunch.
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: Skyvalhunter on May 08, 2016, 06:05:30 PM: If you want the longer version Cabelas has it, a bit heavier. Lots of reviews on it there
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: Miles on May 08, 2016, 06:26:04 PM: Too much added weight and space for me to lug around. A hammock is a better alternative in my opinion.
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: pd on May 23, 2016, 10:00:26 PM: If you can afford the weight and space in your pack, the do it. Just remember that cots are colder due to the air flow below them---in cold climates you will need insulation below your sleeping bag. A Thermarest is ideal, but newspaper work just fine (and can be used as firestarter). When I sleep on a cot, I also use a Thermarest, and I can be comfortable even in very cold weather.
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: Bushcraft on May 23, 2016, 10:59:31 PM: The better you sleep, they better you'll hunt.

Those cots are awesome but there is a pack weight and volume drawback for self-propelled backpack hunts. As previously mentioned, they can help get you and the rest of your sleep system and other gear up off a potentially wet ground. What I like about them most is that they really help even out and flatten your bed so it's more like home. If the ground is uneven, you can always find ways to shim up parts of it or dig dirt down a bit. In my elk camp, I have cut out some notches in larger rounds of wood to match the cot's supports and am about a foot off the ground and well into the warmer air of the tipi, like a regular cot.

If you haven't already, you might consider looking at one of the thicker inflatable mattresses instead of a cot. I nearly always use a 3/4 Ridgerest under an UL Synmat 7 from Exped unless cooler late fall temps warrant stepping up to the Downmat 9XL. If the air mattress springs a leak and you can't fix it with a patch kit, at least you'll still have a fall back option with the closed cell foam. Another thing to consider is a chair kit for the air mattress. Given how many hours are spent sitting and glassing, a big, warm, comfy chair is pure backcountry bliss.

Regards,

Allen
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: kselkhunter on June 01, 2016, 08:21:56 PM: I use the Thermarest ultralight cot with the Thermarest Neo Air mattress on top. Totally worth the extra weight for vastly improved sleep. If you want to go ultralight, they make a mesh top for it and can just pack that without tent, or with just light tarp above in case it rains.
Title: Re: Any first hand reviews on a backpacking cot?
Post by: millerwheeler on June 08, 2016, 07:54:30 PM: I can speak first hand I used that exact cot on ten day hunt last year bent the support rods and half of my body touched the ground was really uncomfortable I totally would say a nice first bed our get a nice air matress and have a patch kit