sleeping cot

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markhait

markhait

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Does anyone have a good link to a internet store with good quality and reasonable priced sleeping cots? I've tried air mattresses, but I've given up on them as they just don't have enough support. I've done the floor with a pad, but id like a bit more comfort.

Thanks
 
i have seen some cots on cheaperthandirt.com i would advise trying some out in person if you can though in a store, just for the sake of it.
 
Cabela's has a selection that ranges in price, weight, and size. My selection was an oversized aluminum copy of the traditional US army cot, topped with a 2" Thermarest. You might also give some thought to the inflatable beds which are real comfort and likely to be lighter weight to move around than the cots. Good Luck! A good night's sleep is the basis of most any getaway...

Doc:yawn:
 
How high, wide, long are you looking for?

Does it have to fit a given tent?

I found a French mil-surp item that's only 6" off the floor and, so, fits my tent where higher models would not (due to angle of sides). It uses four steel legs that snap into the steel side rails and is quite comfortable.

I bought a tubular aluminum jobbie with three legs that stood 8" off the floor. Mistake. Although rated for fifty pounds over my weight, the side rails started to bend.

The Coleman folding bed sold at Walmart is comfortable, but it has a design defect and is good for maybe ten weekends. This is the experience of several. The cloth sheet that supports you has a steel cable in a tube sewn around it's perimeter. Springs attach the cloth to the frame by attaching to the cable, but the area between the folding halfs is too long, increasing stress. With use, the steel cable cuts though the cloth in the area between the folding halves. As more and more of the cutting takes place, the cloth sheet sags more and more. A flexible steel tube should protect the cloth against this failure. I see such materials but can't find a source.

I have seen what appear to be the identical cot selling for $x.xx, for twice $x.xx, and for 2.5 times $x.xx, so look around before buying.
 
I use Cabelas' Outfitter XL cot at Scout summer camp. It is big - big big big - (85"x40") and built like a tank.

Their Heavy-Duty Army Cot does look like a great AND SMALLER (77"x28") alternative.

If you're planning to fit this cot into a tent, be careful to consider the tilt of the roof. I have a 6-person dome tent and the Outfitter XL barely fits into that tent.

Also, consider floor protection to keep the cot's feet from destroying the floor. I cut three 1x6x?? MDF boards, routed the edges, and put them between the legs and the tent floor to distribute the weight a bit.
 
I'm 6'3" and weigh 240 lbs. I'm guess you'd say I'm big by most standards. I do plan on using it in a tent. I haven't even bought the tent yet, so if I get a cot first I should be able to determine what size tent I should need. I was thinking of a 6-8 person tent. There will be my wife and I and our 2 boys. She wants a tent with a center divider so she can change her clothes in private. I don't think I'll have a problem with the tent, but the cot may be a issue.
 
There are several cots rated at 300-350 pounds. I have the Cabela's Outfitter XL noted above. It would give you lots of room and is strongly built. I found three strips of 1/2" plywood to set the legs on, protecting the tent floor.
 
Markhait,

I'm 6'6" and over 300 lbs. My Cabela's Outfitter XL has survived three full weeks of summer camp and continues to go strong. I highly recommend it. Unfortunately a mouse chewed through the carrying bag one week.

I was using an Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6-person, which is 10'x10'. It should have lots of room, but seemed like a tight fit. I suppose the wall angle is such that at least one foot on each end is lost at cot level, so that makes sense.
 
kenk said:
I use Cabelas' Outfitter XL cot at Scout summer camp. It is big - big big big - (85"x40") and built like a tank.

Their Heavy-Duty Army Cot does look like a great AND SMALLER (77"x28") alternative.

If you're planning to fit this cot into a tent, be careful to consider the tilt of the roof. I have a 6-person dome tent and the Outfitter XL barely fits into that tent.

Also, consider floor protection to keep the cot's feet from destroying the floor. I cut three 1x6x?? MDF boards, routed the edges, and put them between the legs and the tent floor to distribute the weight a bit.
Click to expand...

Ken I've been using the lids off say, yogurt, sour cream, margrine type plastic containers for over 25 years under my cot legs inside a tent. They let you slide the whole rig around even loaded up with no damage to your tent's floor.:D Oh, I DO cut the inside of one plastic lid and glue it into a second lid to make it more firm. Depends on the plastic lids you find, check around the products some are thicker than others. I also used chair leg floor protectors but they vary in size, and may not fit your cots.
 
kenk said:
Markhait,

I'm 6'6" and over 300 lbs. My Cabela's Outfitter XL has survived three full weeks of summer camp and continues to go strong. I highly recommend it. Unfortunately a mouse chewed through the carrying bag one week.

I was using an Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6-person, which is 10'x10'. It should have lots of room, but seemed like a tight fit. I suppose the wall angle is such that at least one foot on each end is lost at cot level, so that makes sense.
Click to expand...

What, that mouse did'nt see you BEFORE it chewed a whole in the bag:confused: Now THAT is a mouse with big cajones:D
 
Another vote for Cabelas. Lots to choose from. Heres a new one they offer that not only folds up but also can be used as a lounge chair.
s7_518361_imageset_01


http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0054762518361a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=cot&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=cot&noImage=0
 
Why don't you guys just use an inflatable air bed? They are light and comfortable compared to the cots. They have some with rechargeable pumps that make them easy to use for car camping. They are perfect for a pickup with a canopy.

I've found that I can use a really basic pad for sleeping on the ground-- it is the pillow that makes the difference. For hiking I got one from Mont Bell that is just two ounces and it makes all the difference in the world. The army surplus MASH type pillows are great too, but more like 6 ounces.
 
I know cots have been used in tents for a while now but I would be careful using a cot in a tent. They could have sharp edges on their feet that could tear a tent.
 
orrey45 said:
I know cots have been used in tents for a while now but I would be careful using a cot in a tent. They could have sharp edges on their feet that could tear a tent.
Click to expand...
As noted in a couple of posts above - with suggested solutions.

You can sit on a cot.
You can store gear under a cot.
These are benefits when compared to a matress on the floor, although the big air matresses are quite comfortable.
 
I just got back from Cabelas and bought their Heavy Duty Army Cot. Regular price was $89, but it was on sale for $50. To make matters better, when I got to the cashier I discovered I had enough Cabelas points to pay for it! :-)
Can't get much better than that!
About the air mattress.....they hurt my back for some reason. I'm 6'3" 240 lbs but, I'm sure that can't be the reason :-)
 
I bought a cot with the tent on top of it for my car fishing trips where I am by myself and just need a "free" place to sleep. Kind of like it, but it is heavy to transport. Vans do come in handy. Sets up in minutes. Toss in a sleeping bag and a air mattress or pad and it is pretty comfortable.

Old thread, but what the heck. Welcome alexbrentwood.
 
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