Combo tent & cot - perfect solution?

[green427]

Saw this over at advrider.com, looks like a perfect solution...a cot that is also a tent. Keeps you off the ground. Folds to a 8x8x40 size, not that much wider than my NH with hardbags:







More choices here: http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/index.html


Cabela's has one that appears to be higher-quality, but is much larger folded and a lot heavier.

[Option13]

Hammocks are lighter and by far less bulky.

[ariwhiteboy]

Ohh I like that, but speaking from experience I would caution you that cots do not always equal comfort. In my military days when space was at a premium I found something like this to be a very packable solution to hard ground.

[bajakirch]

I personally prefer a complete tent when camping, even if it's a small one. When space is a concern, I use a Thermarest Z Lite. Folded up, it's about 18" x 4" x 3", not much larger than a deflated and rolled-up air mattress -- and a lot more comfortable if you ask me.

I'd hate to see someone try to change clothes in that contraption. Then again, I think I WOULD like to see that. 

[Bumblebee]

More choices here: http://store.kamprite.com/catalog/index.html

I've been solo camping too long in horrible of conditions.
No place for your gear. Unstable design for 50+mph winds during a typhoon.

"Fitted Waterproof Rain Cover (Outside USA Only)"
Showstopper.

[thevulture]

That looks neat, perfect for when it rains. No more digging trenches! 

[burgh83650]

baja has got it right with the z rest.  cheaper than the inflatable pads, never gets a hole, and grips so you don't slide to the bottom of the tent.  If I'm not carrying it on my back, Colelman tents are made with a tarp for the bottom that comes a foot up the sides.  You could pitch it in a kiddie pool and still be bone dry in the morning, just a bit heavier.

[travelafar]

I use my Hennessy Hammock when ever possible.  I also carry a tent with me just in case I can't find any trees!

[bajakirch]

I don't think I've ever been in a hammock so comfortable I'd want to spend the night in it. An afternoon nap, sure; but not the night.

[Option13]

I don't think I've ever been in a hammock so comfortable I'd want to spend the night in it. An afternoon nap, sure; but not the night.

It's very hit or miss, in terms of whether or not you will be comfortable. I love sleeping in the hammock, some hate it. It's also subject to how well you set it up and how you sleep (on your back, stomach, side, etc.) in the first place.

[green427]

Hammocks are out of the question for me. I have to sleep with a CPAP machine. Gotta have some kind of shelter with a fairly flat surface.

[LOKi]

I don't think I've ever been in a hammock so comfortable I'd want to spend the night in it. An afternoon nap, sure; but not the night.

It's very hit or miss, in terms of whether or not you will be comfortable. I love sleeping in the hammock, some hate it. It's also subject to how well you set it up and how you sleep (on your back, stomach, side, etc.) in the first place.

The Hennessy Hammock is not like other hammocks. While it's not for everyone it's much more comfortable than most hammocks. They are asymmetrical. So unlike regular hammocks where they are tied off directly above your head and feet the Hennessy hammock slings the wight at an angle to how it's tied off. Sorta like if you lie in a hammock cross ways. The pull from the rope is from the side making a flat surface to sleep on. Your not stuck sleeping just on your back. Actually I have fallen asleep on my stomach in mine.

When it's cold you will want some kind of thermarest to insulate yourself from the exterior. In the summer a sleeping bag is needed on all but the warmest nights. Good thing too, while the bug net works perfectly the material your laying on is still thin and misquotes can bite right through it.

As BB pointed out about the cot. There is no place to store anything. But it is stable in high wind (even relaxing as the wind swings you) and keeps you dry. On the plus side finding a place to set up a hammock can be easier than a tent sometimes. No worries about sticks, rocks, uneven terrain, or water runoff. All you need is two trees >12' apart. It's biggest advantage is that it packs down to the size of a nalgene bottle and weighs in at less than 2lbs (rigging and all).