Lightweight cot?

[cap6888]

Anyone use a lightweight cot for camping or as part of their bugout gear? I know that hammocks have a huge following here, but I'm not a big fan of them. I figure a lightweight cot and tarp would be an easy, quick shelter. I found three possibilities, but was wondering if anyone had any input.

http://www.campingcot.com/?section=original

This is the heaviest of Them at 8 1/2 pounds, but seems he easiest to set up

http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html

This is the lightest at 2 pounds 12 ounces, and most compact, but is very expensive, and has a lot of parts to ut together to set up.

http://www.luxurylite.com/cuulzindex.html

This isn't labeled as a cot per se, but seems to fit the bill. It's 5 1/2 pounds, and seems to be the middle ground of size and ease of set up.

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Whiskey]

Why are you looking for a cot exactly? Back problems? Dont like the ground? Just wondering.

[jamoni]

This is an idea I've been thinking about, but I just can't get past the weight issues. I get a much better sleep on a cot, and my back loves me in the morning, but just too heavy. So it's a hammock for me.

[Caenus]

Not if backpacking, but casualty litters tend to be fairly light.

[Whiskey]

Ive slept quite a few nights on TALON litters. Not terrible, only good if you are dead "no roll" tired.

[cap6888]

Why are you looking for a cot exactly? Back problems? Dont like the ground? Just wondering.

A bit of both I suppose. I have tried all sorts of pads, and no matter what, I wake up feeling like crap. It usually takes me finishing out the trip, a healthy dose of Aleve, Johnnie Walker, and a hot tub soak to feel better.

Part of the bad sleep, I'm sure comes from the creepy crawlies. I hate getting woken up by the various bugs and what not crawling on my face.

In the end, if humping the extra few pounds gets me a good nights sleep, it might be worth it. I was hoping someone had some experience with any of these cots.

I have slept on a litter a few times, they are comfortable enough, but way to heavy and bulky to be considered.

[maldon007]

Someone on here posted pics with a sweet looking very low slung, light weight looking cot, don't remember who or brand... But it was blue material & white hardwear I think... I will search.

[majorhavoc]

When I car camp, I love my folding cot, a generic aluminum and green fabric affair bought at Dick's Sporting Goods. Like sleeping on a firm mattress.

But it never occurred to me to consider a cot, any cot, for bugging out. I switch to Thermarest when I backpack (not often, these days).

In the context of a true bug out situation, I figure comfort takes a back seat to practicality. I hear what you're saying about feeling like crap the following morning, but in a true, high-stress disaster scenario, those issues would probably sort of take care of themselves. True challenges have a way of focusing the mind and body. YMMV.

[cap6888]

When I car camp, I love my folding cot, a generic aluminum and green fabric affair bought at Dick's Sporting Goods. Like sleeping on a firm mattress.

But it never occurred to me to consider a cot, any cot, for bugging out. I switch to Thermarest when I backpack (not often, these days).

In the context of a true bug out situation, I figure comfort takes a back seat to practicality. I hear what you're saying about feeling like crap the following morning, but in a true, high-stress disaster scenario, those issues would probably sort of take care of themselves. True challenges have a way of focusing the mind and body. YMMV.

This is how the idea came to me. When I car camp with the kids, I have a instant fold cot from sportsman guide. Comfortable, but way too heavy to even consider.

I figure a quick easy sleep shelter can be put together with a cot and a tarp in just a minute or two. No muss no fuss. Don't have to worry about ground conditions, or snakes or bugs.

As far as a true bug out situation, comfort does take a back seat, but I'm thinking no tv and no beer. If we practice how we play, and I get used to humping a lightweight cot, in a PAW, it would be second nature.

I can attest to sleeping ( or lack thereof) in a stressful environment. I can tell you that trying to get comfortable in a foxhole is just about impossible, and leads to a bad nights sleep. After a few nights of that, I felt like shit all the time. When I finally got sent on a run with our platoon sergeant, I was able to sleep on a litter for a night. I felt like a million bucks after that.

While I generally agree with the whole creature comforts moving to the back burner, if you don't include some good rest in your operational plan, you will inevitably have problems.

[ninja-elbow]

I have no input regarding a cot but I can say that getting rest is VERY important - like water and shelter. Camping, woodsbummin, disaster evacuee... you need rest.

[maldon007]

I missed clicking on the high dollar luxurylite, that was the one I have seen pics of on here... One of the bugout contests I think... But anyway, it looked real nice under a tarp tent... but damn, the price

I love our fold out coleman cots, a light weight version would be awesome.