Backcountry Forum
Backpacking & Hiking Gear

Backcountry Forum
Our long-time Sponsor - the leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear
 
 
 

Amazon.com
Backpacking Forums
---- Our Gear Store ----
The Lightweight Gear Store
 
 WINTER CAMPING 

Shelters
Bivy Bags
Sleeping Bags
Sleeping Pads
Snow Sports
Winter Kitchen

 SNOWSPORTS 

Snowshoes
Avalanche Gear
Skins
Hats, Gloves, & Gaiters
Accessories

 ULTRA-LIGHT 

Ultralight Backpacks
Ultralight Bivy Sacks
Ultralight Shelters
Ultralight Tarps
Ultralight Tents
Ultralight Raingear
Ultralight Stoves & Cookware
Ultralight Down Sleeping Bags
Ultralight Synthetic Sleep Bags
Ultralight Apparel


the Titanium Page
WM Extremelite Sleeping Bags

 CAMPING & HIKING 

Backpacks
Tents
Sleeping Bags
Hydration
Kitchen
Accessories

 CLIMBING 

Ropes & Cordage
Protection & Hardware
Carabiners & Quickdraws
Climbing Packs & Bags
Big Wall
Rescue & Industrial

 MEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 WOMEN'S APPAREL 

Jackets
Shirts
Baselayer
Headwear
Gloves
Accessories

 FOOTWEAR 

Men's Footwear
Women's Footwear

 CLEARANCE 

Backpacks
Mens Apparel
Womens Apparel
Climbing
Footwear
Accessories

 BRANDS 

Black Diamond
Granite Gear
La Sportiva
Osprey
Smartwool

 WAYS TO SHOP 

Sale
Clearance
Top Brands
All Brands

 Backpacking Equipment 

Shelters
BackPacks
Sleeping Bags
Water Treatment
Kitchen
Hydration
Climbing


 Backcountry Gear Clearance

Topic Options
Rate This Topic
#202457 - 01/21/19 08:14 PM backpacking cot under quilt?
IDK678 Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/21/19
Posts: 6
Loc: Oklahoma
I have a Helinox cot lite that I take backpacking. I have noticed that its pretty much like a small hammock when it gets cold out with air traveling under my cot I freeze. I was wondering if anyone knows somebody that makes custom under quilts that would make on for a cot. I already contacted EE but they said they don't have the man power to make a custom under quilt for me.

Top
#202458 - 01/21/19 08:38 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
Glenn Roberts Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 12/23/08
Posts: 2208
Loc: Southwest Ohio
Why not just lay a closed-cell pad on top of it?

And, by the way, welcome to the forums.

Top
#202459 - 01/21/19 08:49 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: Glenn Roberts]
IDK678 Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/21/19
Posts: 6
Loc: Oklahoma
Because I am looking for something more packable and light weight.

Top
#202460 - 01/21/19 10:08 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
balzaccom Offline
member

Registered: 04/06/09
Posts: 2232
Loc: Napa, CA
If it compacts easily it will do so under the weight of your body...
_________________________
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/

Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-Rocks-Paul-Wagner/dp/0984884963

Top
#202463 - 01/21/19 10:44 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
Glenn Roberts Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 12/23/08
Posts: 2208
Loc: Southwest Ohio
What about the Klymit Inertia pads? The full-length X-Frame weighs 8 ounces and has a 3x6 inch packed size; the short (42-inch length) X-Lite weighs 5.5 ounces and has a 2.5x5.5 inch packed size (you could use your empty pack to insulate your lower legs.) Their theory is that their pads, which are mostly holes, provide a frame that supports your body; the bottom fill of your sleeping bag can then loft downward to fill the holes, giving much the same effect as an underquilt.

Clearly, these pads would not be a good solution if you use a quilt (or a sleeping bag that isn’t insulated on the bottom and relies on a high-R pad for bottom insulation.)

I’ve never used a Klymit pad, nor do I know anyone who has; I have read some good (and bad) reviews. However, based on the information on the Klymit website, they might come close to your requirements.

Top
#202464 - 01/22/19 01:20 AM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
Bill Kennedy Offline
member

Registered: 02/27/18
Posts: 332
Loc: Portland, Oregon
Goosefeet Gear says they'll make custom stuff. Just Google the name...not sure if it's OK to include a link.

Or, if you have a sewing machine, making a rectangular underquilt using synthetic insulation like Climashield Apex would be easy.

Or, find a cheap down quilt at the Goodwill and cut it down.
_________________________
Always remember that you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else. -Margaret Mead

Top
#202465 - 01/22/19 01:32 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: Bill Kennedy]
Petro1234 Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/16
Posts: 101
Loc: engeland
Id go for sometning on top. Trouble with the camp bed and inflating mats is that they go hard when you lie on them due to the pressure.

This mat is 5 mm thick and small. Not too tough though, trim the sides and fold it it should be quite small.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Camping-Mat-Foam-Yoga-Sleeping-Ground-Beach-Roll-Up-Mats-5mm/141409340011?hash=item20eca74a6b:m:mtzwONqdZEPIcwWzUDvMG6A&redirect=mobile

Top
#202466 - 01/22/19 01:52 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: Petro1234]
snapper Offline
member

Registered: 03/07/13
Posts: 56
Loc: NY
Don't assume that an underquilt will be less weight than a pad. I have a 20 F underquilt that comes in at 15 oz. from a well known manufacturer and I have full length pads that weight less than that.

As to the packability issue, that may be true but again, not a guarantee based on what you get or may already have. Just something to consider.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper

Top
#202467 - 01/22/19 04:38 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: snapper]
OregonMouse Online   content
member

Registered: 02/03/06
Posts: 6799
Loc: Gateway to Columbia Gorge
As mentioned above, the underquilt insulation will compress under your body weight and will not be very insulating.

An inflatable insulated pad sounds like your best bet. The "R" rating should be 5 or above for cold weather. Don't pump it up full; for the best comfort it needs to be a bit squishy. It will be a bit less insulating when squishy, but really comfortable.

With my Exped UL Downmat, in squishy mode, I have never felt the need for a cot, even though I'm in my 80s and getting rather decrepit, with corresponding aches and pains.

For any sleep system, or new components, I do strongly recommend several nights of trial at home before taking it on a trip, while you can return it!


Edited by OregonMouse (01/22/19 04:51 PM)
_________________________
May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view--E. Abbey

Top
#202468 - 01/22/19 07:12 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: Bill Kennedy]
IDK678 Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/21/19
Posts: 6
Loc: Oklahoma
I did contact Goosefeet gear and he said he would give it a shot but couldn't get to it till May. I'll be getting him the measurements and pictures of my cot so he can quote me a price. Thank you so much for the suggestion.

Top
#202469 - 01/22/19 07:15 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: OregonMouse]
IDK678 Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/21/19
Posts: 6
Loc: Oklahoma
The under quilt I want will hang under my cot so my body weight will not be compressing it but will provide a barrier between me and the air space between the underside of my cot and the ground. Think of it as a small hammock. Same rules apply really which is why I don't know why there aren't more under quilts for cots. I guess there just aren't that many cot users out there.

Top
#202471 - 01/22/19 08:46 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
Glenn Roberts Online   content
Moderator

Registered: 12/23/08
Posts: 2208
Loc: Southwest Ohio
You’re right - there aren’t many cot users (at least not in the Ohio/Indiana/Kentucky area where I hike.) I’ve seen one, and I’ve been backpacking from a long time before cots were available.

Since most of us aren’t familiar with cot camping, except in a theoretical sense, what do you like about it? What is the weight of your cot? Do you just put it inside a normal tent (I’ve seen Thermarest cots which have specific “tents” that attach to them)? Any other information you’d like to share would also be useful.

Top
#202472 - 01/22/19 09:35 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: Glenn Roberts]
IDK678 Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/21/19
Posts: 6
Loc: Oklahoma
Well the Helinox cot lite comes in at around 2lbs 9oz. So that runs off most backpackers because of the weight. I like my cot because I its comfortable and I don't have to worry about puncturing it like a inflatable sleeping pad. The cot I use easily slides into a tent, I would be lying if I said I haven't thought about a inflatable sleeping pad but I get a really good nights sleep on my cot well that is if its not to cold out LOL hence the under quilt I'm looking to have made. I can say I stayed nice and warm on my last backpacking trip to colorado. It got down around 40 degrees one night and I was in a 40 degree sleeping bag and stayed plenty warm. I have switched over to a EE 30 degree down quilt which is why I kind of need the under quilt now dropping my Kelty 40 synthetic sleeping bag. I can't say a cot is more comfortable than a sleeping pad because I have not slept on a really nice sleeping pad. If you get a chance to try a backpacking cot I would say go for it to see if you like it more. If I ever get a chance to try out like a therm-a-rest neoair or something like it I will try it out. I'm just not willing to spend the money on it just to see if I like it more than my cot.

Top
#202474 - 01/24/19 12:09 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
BZH Offline
member

Registered: 01/26/11
Posts: 1189
Loc: Madison, AL
I'm a bit late to the game, but had some thoughts I wanted to share.

First, I think a Goosefeet underquilt would be a great solution if you are willing to pay for it. I've heard he has good prices (and great quality) for custom down equipment, but it is still going to be a custom piece of equipment. It won't be the same price as a mass produced item from China.

You could try hanging an emergency Mylar blanket between the bottom of the cot and the ground. As long as you maintain a gap you will get good radiation insulation. You would still have quite a bit of area to move air, so you won't be able to cut out all convection.

Another option, that would be quite messy in a tent, but would work out better in a floorless shelter is to use some locally sourced leaves. You could pretty easily make a skirt to go around the perimeter of the cot and then stuff leaves underneath it. A moderator on this forum that I haven't seen in a while (Phat) I remember once posted how he had a piece of cloth he hung below his hammock and then stuffed it with leaves for a free insulation you don't have to carry in.

Top
#202477 - 01/24/19 02:35 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: BZH]
IDK678 Offline
newbie

Registered: 01/21/19
Posts: 6
Loc: Oklahoma
As long as my gear lasts and is of good quality I don't mind paying for it.

Top
#202481 - 01/24/19 08:28 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
Petro1234 Offline
member

Registered: 10/27/16
Posts: 101
Loc: engeland
You have a cot with I expect a cloth top ? So take some very lightweight insulation, and some lightweight material and sew it to the underside? Then post it in the myog section. You shouldnt need more than a dab of insulation as is shown in compressed sleeping bags on mats. Most heat loss will come from ontop of you.

Top
#202530 - 01/28/19 10:07 PM Re: backpacking cot under quilt? [Re: IDK678]
Rick_D Offline
member

Registered: 01/06/02
Posts: 2939
Loc: NorCal
Curious, I looked up the cot to see how it's made.

Could you cris-cross 1/8 inch bungee underneath, using the cot legs as anchors, and hold your clothing beneath you for insulation? A parka, a shirt or two and pants might give enough coverage. The bungee would perhaps also hold a purpose-built underquilt but what's the fun of carrying yet another piece of stuff?

Back when Eddie Bauer was but one outfitting shop in Seattle they carried a goose down cot that had tubes of down sewn into the underside. As a kid I thought is was the dumbest thing I'd ever seen but now, it sounds like a little slice of camping heaven.


Edited by Rick_D (01/28/19 10:08 PM)
_________________________
--Rick

Top

Shout Box

Highest Quality Lightweight Down Sleeping Bags
 
Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags
 
Lite Gear Talk - Featured Topics
Backcountry Discussion - Featured Topics
Make Your Own Gear - Featured Topics
Featured Photos
Spiderco Chaparral Pocketknife
David & Goliath
Also Testing
Trip Report with Photos
Seven Devils, Idaho
Oat Hill Mine Trail 2012
Dark Canyon - Utah
Who's Online
0 registered (), 199 Guests and 0 Spiders online.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Newest Members
Noodles, McCrary, DanyBacky, Rashy Willia, WanderBison
13240 Registered Users
Forum Links
Disclaimer
Policies
Site Links
Backpacking.net
Lightweight Gear Store
Backpacking Book Store
Lightweight Zone
Hiking Essentials

Our long-time Sponsor, BackcountryGear.com - The leading source for ultralite/lightweight outdoor gear:

Backcountry Forum
 

Affiliate Disclaimer: This forum is an affiliate of BackcountryGear.com, Amazon.com, R.E.I. and others. The product links herein are linked to their sites. If you follow these links to make a purchase, we may get a small commission. This is our only source of support for these forums. Thanks.!
 
 

Since 1996 - the Original Backcountry Forum
Copyright © The Lightweight Backpacker & BackcountryForum