Ground, Cot or Air Mattress: Make and model please.

[Nickel]

It looks like Camp TIme has several new cots designed to be used with air mattresses, I think these would be worth laying on. I agree that air mattresses can be a pain, I had one go flat on me at the bottom of the Grand Canyon once. They are not fun to fix in the field although it is possible.

Maybe someone who has access to these can chime in?

Green polyester Ibex Roll-a-Cot®, 74"L x 28"W x 15"H with sleeve for your air mattress

View attachment 37490

The slide in air matress seems like a solution looking for a problem. Why not just lay a standard sleeping pad on top?

 

[MidOH]

Because some of us like to spin and toss.

My GF says I like to beat her with my Thermarest while I'm asleep. I rarely wake up completely on it.

I use a Trest Expedition, and a Z fold foam pad.

 

[Nickel]

Because some of us like to spin and toss.

My GF says I like to beat her with my Thermarest while I'm asleep. I rarely wake up completely on it.

I use a Trest Expedition, and a Z fold foam pad.

Weird, my mat stays in place and I toss and turn like mad.

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Just tested out using 2 Big Agnes 25x78 air mats side by side with the other half. "Lashed" them together simply by using a queen size fitted sheet and it seemed to work well. We had an air core and a q-core deluxe. The other half wasn't a huge fan of these mats, but I suspect that was due to not having her air pressure dialed in for her liking. I slept well with mine. I wouldn't say not to any additional foam padding, but having a sleeping bag or blanket as another layer will definitely help. The fitted sheet definitely helps with keeping the air mats clean and more protected.

 

[MOAK]

To each his own but I have been using a Camp Time Roll-a-Cot for 20+ years and can set it up and take it down in about 2 minutes. I find it extremely comfortable. I use a sleeping pad on top of it. I am not sure what you mean by twisting the aluminum tubing together. Stand up, hold the cot vertical, and the tubing just slides into place.

Instructions link here with a video. I don't know why they don't show the standup, let it slide method, but it works better than trying to slide the pieces together when it is on the ground.

Roll-a-Cot® assembly and video instructions

Roll-a-Cot®- assembly and video instructions: Assembly diagram- Remove all cot components from carry-pouch by pulling them through the top openings of the pouch, at either side of the pouch's handle. Unroll & open the cot fully on the ground. Examine the side rails and confirm...

www.camptime.com

Fair enough; they were always a pain getting them to slide together easily, especially in sub freezing temps. We gave them to the kids, and now the grandkids use them. Our Easy Cots are up in the barn as we no longer use cots. The RTT mattress is the best sleep I’ve ever had while out and about

 

[MiamiC70]

For you tent campers out there I am curious as to what you use to get you and your companions off the ground. I have been using a Thermarest back packing mattress am am thinking of moving to a cot but before I do I would like to get some other opinions.

EasyCot

With no loose pieces to lose or misplace, the EasyCot is the simplest and fastest cot to set up on the market.

byerofmaine.com

or

Heavy Duty Camping Cots for your Tent | Davis Tent

The legendary Big Boy Camping Cot is the stongest, most comfortable camping cot you can buy. Quality materials and durable construction make a great cot!

www.davistent.com

plus in XL

LuxuryMap™ | Car Camping Sleeping Pads | Therm-a-Rest®

The top-rated Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap offers stetch pressure-mapped thick self-inflating comfort topped with soft fabrics for your camping adventures.

www.thermarest.com

 

[MiamiC70]

For you tent campers out there I am curious as to what you use to get you and your companions off the ground. I have been using a Thermarest back packing mattress am am thinking of moving to a cot but before I do I would like to get some other opinions.

EasyCot

With no loose pieces to lose or misplace, the EasyCot is the simplest and fastest cot to set up on the market.

byerofmaine.com

or

Heavy Duty Camping Cots for your Tent | Davis Tent

The legendary Big Boy Camping Cot is the stongest, most comfortable camping cot you can buy. Quality materials and durable construction make a great cot!

www.davistent.com

plus one of these in XL

LuxuryMap™ | Car Camping Sleeping Pads | Therm-a-Rest®

The top-rated Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap offers stetch pressure-mapped thick self-inflating comfort topped with soft fabrics for your camping adventures.

www.thermarest.com

 

[Jeep'n It Simple]

For you tent campers out there I am curious as to what you use to get you and your companions off the ground. I have been using a Thermarest back packing mattress am am thinking of moving to a cot but before I do I would like to get some other opinions.

EasyCot

With no loose pieces to lose or misplace, the EasyCot is the simplest and fastest cot to set up on the market.

byerofmaine.com

or

Heavy Duty Camping Cots for your Tent | Davis Tent

The legendary Big Boy Camping Cot is the stongest, most comfortable camping cot you can buy. Quality materials and durable construction make a great cot!

www.davistent.com

plus one of these in XL

LuxuryMap™ | Car Camping Sleeping Pads | Therm-a-Rest®

The top-rated Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap offers stetch pressure-mapped thick self-inflating comfort topped with soft fabrics for your camping adventures.

www.thermarest.com

When I bring my big tent and my cot, it’s the Coleman Comfort folding cot. When we move camp every day I bring my smaller 2 man tent a Coleman single high slim air mattress works well. I do carry two air mattresses in case one pops a leak, but at around $40.00 each not a lot to bring a back up. Both very comfortable to me.

 

[jimmyjamson]

I have tried tons of the backpacking style air pads and I think they all suck. I wanted to side sleep without feeling the ground at all, have enough insulation that I can cold camp.. and just generally not feel like im falling off the sides or be to short (im 6'2").

They are a bit large, but I have Alps Mountaineering Comfort Series Self inflating air pads. I have the XL 3" thick and XXL 4" thick. I think the 3" is probably plenty, but they are very comfy. I'm not sure a cot would be more comfy because these have some give blocks dust mites, but you don't feel like you are on an air matress as much (they aren't mostly air, they feel MORE foamy than most). They give just the right amount.

Hugely subjective and hard to say how different people will feel about them... but ya. Only downside is they are a little large packed which is a bit of an issue.. space is tight.

If you’re considering a move from a Thermarest mattress to a cot, there are a few things to keep in mind. Cots offer excellent off-the-ground comfort and more airflow underneath, which can help with ventilation. They also provide a more stable, supportive sleeping surface, especially if you tend to toss and turn. However, cots can be bulkier and heavier, which may be a factor if you're trying to keep weight down or need to pack light. Many campers like the Helinox Cot One, which is lightweight, durable, and easy to set up. Another option is the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot, which is budget-friendly and has a thicker mattress for added comfort. If you enjoy the lighter, more compact feel of a mattress and plan to hike or backpack, you might want to stick with the Thermarest or similar sleeping pads, as they pack down much smaller than a cot. Ultimately, the decision depends on your preference for comfort versus portability. If you're car camping and weight isn't a major issue, a cot could be a great option for added comfort.