Anyone have any experience using a cot tent. I just picked one up off craigslist for $75 with rainfly. Looked almost brand new other than hole i carry bag. It is a kamprite single person model.
cot tent
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Hi all,
I have a 'wheeling buddy that uses a "tent cot" (what he calls it) on every 4wd trail he takes that is overnight. He swears by it, likes how easy it is to set-up and pack-up.
I actually borrowed it for an overnight trip and it seemed to work fine, but at like $150 I can't rationalize it, since I have a perfectly good 2 person tent.
So, if you like being off the ground, and can transport in your rig it (it is still somewhat bulky even when folded) go for it!
Regards,
Alan
I have a 'wheeling buddy that uses a "tent cot" (what he calls it) on every 4wd trail he takes that is overnight. He swears by it, likes how easy it is to set-up and pack-up.
I actually borrowed it for an overnight trip and it seemed to work fine, but at like $150 I can't rationalize it, since I have a perfectly good 2 person tent.
So, if you like being off the ground, and can transport in your rig it (it is still somewhat bulky even when folded) go for it!
Regards,
Alan
I have thought enough about it to put a wanted ad for one on CL.
What I can guess:
main pro: very easy to set up and convenient if a bit bulky and heavy.
main con: seems very confining, not much room to move around, change etc esp if it's raining.
What I can guess:
main pro: very easy to set up and convenient if a bit bulky and heavy.
main con: seems very confining, not much room to move around, change etc esp if it's raining.
I used one, once. It was extremely uncomfortable. There was a strap across my back that damn near incapacitated me for the weekend and it was extremely hot and humid with the rain fly on. It rained all night and I still got pretty wet. Not sure which was worse, the back torture or steam bath. I ended up giving it away.
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- #5
Set up.
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- #6
I agree about the bar. Noticed it 1st thing. Gonna use an egg crate or something.
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- #7
Pretty neat how it folds up but definitely big.
Not much bigger than a lawn chair, I don't see any issue with the size, especially for car camping.
Nice score Gabe.
Nice score Gabe.
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- #10
Will be using it tonight thru Sunday. Suppose to get down to the 20's! Will let you know how it goes!
to keep the chill from icing your backside I would put a reflective emergency blanket under your eggcrate, it will reflect heat back at you when the cold air is flowing under you...but you might sweat against it, hence under your eggcrate.......enjoy your weekend
I have taken to using a re-usable rescue blanket (ie - space blanket) as a ground cloth under my tent. Amazing how much difference it makes.
I have been using a Kamprite for car camping. I use a Thermarest mattress for a little extra padding. Works great compared to sleeping on the ground or in the truck. It sets up in 2 minutes and doubles as a lounge chair. I am getting to old to rough it any more.
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- #14
Well night #1 is over. Was in the low 20's and very windy. Never felt a breeze but definitely some condensation. My brand new airmattress has a hole in it and i need a new sleeping bag. I have had this one since i was like 16 and it is not rated for this kinda weather. Comfort wise no real complaints even with a flat mattress. You can definitely feel the cold coming up under you though. Will try something different tonight.
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- #15
Ok so night #2 was much much better. This time i opened up the vents at the foot and head of the tent. No condensation what so ever. The unit has rather thick walls and a great rainfly. As for comfort yes you need a air mattress or a thermarest etc.
Cruiserdrew
On the way there
I've used one for at least 5 years. I've also had it in nearly every condition including blowing rain. They work exceptionally well with the rain fly.
Condensation is a major issue. It's normal, you just have to deal with it. In a rain, I fully zip the fly and open all the windows.
Air or wind blowing under it is also an issue and you need very good insulation on the floor of the cot. I use a thermarest closed cell foam pad, with a real inflatable thermarest on top of the foam. WIth those two layers it's toasty in any condition.
Pros:
-Comfort-you are off the ground
-Dry-Never once been wet even in significant rain
-Warm-It's a small space to heat up and warmer than a 2 man tent
Cons:
-Condensation-No way around this-Not good for a down sleeping bag
-Coffin like space-if that bothers you
-Heavy and awkward-It's 35 pounds and kind of a pain to wrestle around
Still, I like it and have used it a bunch over the years. I'd buy another. Newer models have a peaked roof, making condensation a smaller concern.
Condensation is a major issue. It's normal, you just have to deal with it. In a rain, I fully zip the fly and open all the windows.
Air or wind blowing under it is also an issue and you need very good insulation on the floor of the cot. I use a thermarest closed cell foam pad, with a real inflatable thermarest on top of the foam. WIth those two layers it's toasty in any condition.
Pros:
-Comfort-you are off the ground
-Dry-Never once been wet even in significant rain
-Warm-It's a small space to heat up and warmer than a 2 man tent
Cons:
-Condensation-No way around this-Not good for a down sleeping bag
-Coffin like space-if that bothers you
-Heavy and awkward-It's 35 pounds and kind of a pain to wrestle around
Still, I like it and have used it a bunch over the years. I'd buy another. Newer models have a peaked roof, making condensation a smaller concern.
I use a cabela brand double as a rooftop tent. Definitely use a pad. Feels roomy, and the steel frame makes it stable and secure. Flat floor and to me a great improvement over uneven ground tent sleeping. Fast setup and leaving it on the roof means no wrestling and interior is not filled with the cot.
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- #19
Did you literally sleep in it on top of the truck?
Do you have any pictures of the setup?