Cot in tent?

[tplife]

Re: Cot in tent?

The US military only uses cots in hot arid climates or where heaters are in use. They use ThermaRest self-inflating sleeping pads to prevent heat loss that occurs when cots or air mattresses are used in cold (less than 50-degrees F) weather. I do like the idea of having electric blankets where electricity is available as they are fairly safe and allow campers without high-end subzero gear to enjoy some winter camping.

[renodesertfox]

Re: Cot in tent?

Good to read from you again TP! Thanks! Gotta whip this forums back into a forum. Way too many spammers.

[Rokkitsci]

Re: Cot in tent?

A pad on top of the cot doesn't remove the empty air space underneath (or the hollow tubes of an air mattress). The air will absorb heat in an effort to reach equilibrium, that heat will be coming from you right through the pad to the bottom of the cot - you only slow the effect slightly. You need a solid barrier between you and this transfer effect. Placing a pad underneather your bag insulates you from the air as its cellular interior prevents the constant heat transfer. Take some time to understand the laws of thermodynamics and heat transfer. There is a reason niether the Boy Scouts nor the military use air mattresses or cots in unheated enclosures. It is the risk of hypothermia, and most cases occur between 30 and 50-degrees F. Don't trust your safety to somebody's opinions, rely on hard science and have a better camping experience. I guarantee you warmer sleeping and colder beer!

I've only been on this forum five minutes, and am in the market for a new cot to take on my trip this summer. I have slept on cots in tents for 40 years = winter hunting in West Texas where temperatures were as low as 10 deg. I camped all over the west 3 years ago in June/July with a cot in the tent with total comfort. I used nothing but a sleeping bag - in my earlier years it was synthetic hollow-filled fibers - now I use goose down mummy bag.
In really cold nights I also had a blanket to put over the the top.

On three trips out west 4-7 years ago, I was on a motorcycle = hence no cot. Slept on the floor of the tent on sleeping mats - a couple of varieties. Not nearly as comfortable as sleeping on a cot.

Just my 3 cents worth - noticed the title because I am out to buy a cot today and thought this would be about types of cots. I had no idea there was a controversy about the efficacy of cots in tents.

It is a no-brainer to me ==== cots are far more comfortable and I never felt any undue coldness. Of course my experience is limited to winter in west Texas and summer in the high country.

btw - I am looking for a canvas cot - like the military ones - but with curved aluminum tubing for a frame so that the 'poking a hole in the floor' problem is averted.

I look forward to good discussion on this forum.

Thanks for having me.

[zack0109]

Re: Cot in tent?

Sleeping on a cot reduces the amount of moisture that accumulates over you and your sleeping bag throughout the night

[tplife]

Re: Cot in tent?

Hey! Welcome to the forum Rokkitsci, great to have another new member around the "campfire". :cool:

[jon46]

Re: Cot in tent?

I am new to tent camping, but we went for 3 days last year trial run. My wife and I are retired so we need the cots as we cannot get up and down very good any more. 33 years ago we started out camping in tents went to pop-ups then travel trailer and last fifth wheel which we sold last year, so now back to tents. On the 3 days in the cots (colmen cots) we used sheets and blankets and was very warm it was late aug. in northern NY. Our next trip is Memorial Day weekend in lake George, NY. So we will see how that works.

[kycamper]

Re: Cot in tent?

My wife developed severe spinal issues. A good cot and thick pad has allowed us to resume tent camping after two years of cabin fever. More to pack, but its either that or stay home.
UGHH !

[jon46]

Re: Cot in tent?

Our Memorial day weekend in lake George went good. The cots with sheets and
blankets did keep us warm.
But it was also a nice weekend in NY.

[NYCgrrl]

Re: Cot in tent?

I've a Eureka Copper Canyon and find the floor, suspect, durability wise. At least in my mind. Sooo I bought a fold able plastic rug, lay it out and have used cots with nothing more added to the base with great success.