Cot,sleeping mat or both?

Big Ears · May 11, 2017

Hi
Planning a backpacking hunt in Montana in the fall (end of October) 2018. What am I best taking for sleeping on? Is a cot a good idea? Is a foam/air pad enough? Would I be better if with both?

Thanks for your help.

BE

Dan O · May 11, 2017

I think a cot would be a pain to take backpacking

Deleted member 16014 · May 11, 2017

The primary purpose of a sleeping pad is to keep you from losing body heat to the ground surface via conduction. Secondary is comfort. Something with an R value of 4+ will probably suit you best in late Oct, but can get by with less with some rigging.

Muskeez · May 11, 2017

I have been researching the ultralite cots. I don't sleep worth a crap in the mountains, probably mostly cuz my brain won't shut off. I have found the Klmit static V blow up pad to be quite comfortable for me as a side sleeper but I still struggle to stay on it as it slides around on the floor tent when I flip many times to the other side during the night. I did not like my Big Agnes air matress with the baffles running lengthwise.
Here is some good reading;https://onyourownadventures.com/hunttalk/showthread.php?274877-air-or-foam-sleeping-pad

Anyway, I am thinking this cot may be the ticket to a better night's sleep, maybe? a HT member suggested it in the thread above;
https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-U...qid=1494516144&sr=8-9&keywords=thermarest+cot
Big Agnes has one also;
http://www.bigagnes.com/Lite-Cot
https://www.amazon.com/Helinox-Cot-...8-1-fkmr0&keywords=big+agnes+helinox+lite+cot
and there are several other knock-off brands on Amazon - has anyone tried any of these cots?

Big Ears · May 11, 2017

Thanks muskeez. It was that thread that got me wondering about the thermarest cot as I too am a side sleeper and always struggle camping on foam only. If it will be good enough by itself I may invest in one and take the hit on the extra weight.

JBS · May 11, 2017

I have the cot formally known as luxury lite before thermarest bought it 2.2 lbs. It is amazing and take it even backpacking. Using it by itself without a pad is really cold. I use a very light foam pad with it.

WapitiBob · May 11, 2017

Some light silicone beads on a pad will help with a sleeping bag sliding off.

Big Ears · May 11, 2017

JBS said:
I have the cot formally known as luxury lite before thermarest bought it 2.2 lbs. It is amazing and take it even backpacking. Using it by itself without a pad is really cold. I use a very light foam pad with it.

Does the pad need to be thick or is a thin layer enough?

AggieOutlaw · May 11, 2017

I don't find cots the least bit comfortable. If you have the space/weight for a cot, just use one of these babies:
https://www.rei.com/product/896042/therm-a-rest-luxury-map-sleeping-pad

You'll sleep like a baby. It may be more comfortable than my bed.

1_pointer · May 12, 2017

On a backpack hunt/trip, for the weight of a cot, I can pack enough whiskey and Ambien/benedryl to allow me to sleep on just about anything!

windymtnman · May 17, 2017

I realize this is a backpack hunting forum, so my comment may not apply. Going into my 67 year here, I pack in with horses/mule/burro, so I don't want for gear. I mean to enjoy my camping, so it follows I enjoy my creature comforts. For sleeping, I take a cot that sits about 8" off the ground. I put an inch thick Thermarest mattress on the cot, and find it extremely comfy. The cot weighs 9 1/2 lbs and isn't much bigger than the rolled Thermarest. No more tossing and turning all night trying to get comfortable.

utahminer · May 18, 2017

If weight is not an issue I always take a cot, but the minute I am worried about weight i grab my thermarest neoair. The thing is pretty impressive. They weigh next to nothing and are a couple inches thick. I never touch the ground, unless I mess up and let out way too much air. To be honest, when I blow it up I usually put in too much air and have to adjust a little after I get in by sleeping bag.

Cot,sleeping mat or both?

Big Ears

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Dan O

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Deleted member 16014

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Muskeez

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Big Ears

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JBS

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WapitiBob

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Big Ears

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AggieOutlaw

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1_pointer

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windymtnman

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utahminer

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