"Go-Kot" for camping

[Fieldsher]

Planning to try some motorcycle camping this year. Having never done any, was intrigued by this very compact cot which would eliminate need for a Therma-Rest type pad. Presumably more comfortable too.

Available at Whitehorse catalog for $99.

Thanks, George

 

[worldbound4now]

linky linky

 

[rammer9460]

Fieldsher,

I have not used a cot while camping, but that one looks interesting. Earlier this winter I had been looking at cots on the internet, but haven't taken the time to check them out in a store yet.

The self inflating type camp pads just don't do it for me. Maybe I'm getting too old to sleep on the ground. I've been using the twin size Coleman air bed and the 4D battery "quickpump" to inflate it. So far so good.

Erik.

 

[warsw]

Fieldsher,
I've been using the twin size Coleman air bed and the 4D battery "quickpump" to inflate it. So far so good.

Erik.

+1 the best I have found so far. Much more comfortable than a cot.

When using a cot you need to put something between you and the cot (foam pad, a couple of blankets etc.) to give padding and to stop the cold from coming up through the bottom. If you don't it will not be much better than sleeping on the ground and you will not be able to stay warm.

 

[Barabus]

Airhead123 uses one. He likes it and says that he doesn't miss leaky airmatresses that have let him down. Get it!!

 

[okmac]

I have not used the Go Kot but have used some other ones while camping. They are great in warm weather, but if you have a cold night and don't have something to put underneath you you are going to freeze your buns. So if you watch the temp. they are great.

Mac

 

[Timbo2015]

I would be very carefull about taking someone else's opinion on this topic. Years ago, after reading loads of positive comments, I bought a self-inflating mattress pad. I found it borderline useless, little better than a plain blanket. I, like some others mentioned above, now use a twin-size air mattress. It packs better, weights about the same, and has never lost air pressure during the night. It is at least as comfortable as my regular bed. When posting these comments on a different forum, I was supported by some, and lambasted by others. It appears that what is comfortable to sleep on is a very personal, individual choice.

Second point: If you need a pad under your sleeping bag to keep warm in typical summer camping weather, you probably have a cheap, Walmart type of sleeping bag. I paid about $100 for my sleeping bag as a Cabelas clearance item. I have slept in weather as cold as 40F and I have yet to sleep through the night without opening the bag because I am too hot, and I am definately not a warm-blooded person. I would spend a bit of money on a decent sleeping bag and skip the extra pad.

Third point: A knit ski type of hat will do wonders for helping stay warm if your sleeping bag isn't the type that can cover your entire head.

 

[E1Allen]

You can also be el cheapo and use a water air mattress. +1 on the good sleeping bag. I spend however many years in the Boy Scouts(long enough to make it to Eagle) and one thing we had was good sleeping bags. Also staying warm in a sleeping bag means wear a hat like tim said, and avoid wearing layers of clothes and socks. As for padding. Your preference, test them out

 

[Scab]

I haven't used that particular brand of cot, but I have used cots. I, for one, am not a fan. Maybe I move too much or something. Anyway, after many nights of camping a la motorcycle, just give me the air matress. I find the cots not much different than a sleeping bag only.

 

[FJR Gary]

Fieldsher,
I've been using the twin size Coleman air bed and the 4D battery "quickpump" to inflate it. So far so good.

Erik.

+1 the best I have found so far. Much more comfortable than a cot.

+2. Works fine for me too

 

[wheatonFJR]

foam pad and sleeping bag works for these old tired bones...

 

[brazos parker]

I agree w/ the comments that you'll still need a pad of some kind to put on the cot...otherwise, you'll be able to "feel" the cold from underneath.

Thermarest + sleeping bag for my tired old bones is good enough for me.

 

[radman]

 

[luvtoride]

I'm also a fan of a twin blow up mattress. You're going to need something between you & the mattress, though. Same as with a cot. If the air outside is cold, you're going to be cold on that air mattrees w/ no insulation between you and it. A good quality sleeping bag should do it.

But seriously... a small air mattress & pump don't take up much room.

 

[Fieldsher]

Thanks all. You've convinced me to go the mattress route. Not cheap but I think I've found a great solution. Big Agnes (brand) REM insulated mattress (2.5") coupled with one of their sleeping bags. You blow mattress up and it slides into a sleeve in the bottom of the sleeping bag. Benefits: Bag has less weight/bulk because there's no insulation on mattress side of bag. I'm a toss and turn sleeper but you can't roll off the mattress! Sounds perfect for me but I'll report back.

George

PS Serious $: Mattress & Bag @ $250 but I won't do much camping if I can't sleep!

PPS Back problems have me about to buy a Kermit chair, too. Any better options??

 

[HaulinAshe]

If you have an '05, use a length of plastic tubing on the intake side of the air pump to draw air from under the fuel tank. Guaranteed that air to be hot enough to keep you toasty warm all night long!

 

[weekend rider]

I am with the Radman