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i'm considering a camping equipment change...

Rapturee

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Although most of you here already know that i really enjoy using my Sprawl*Mart Cot-Tent. Even though it is about 4' long closed and weighs about 30lbs, If it wasn't for it's amazing comfort and easy set-up i would never use it on the bike to travel. So, with that being said i'm going to modify/update my review of the Cot/Tent.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Tr...hguid=03541e50-bc1-16c497b386d83d&athena=true

Cot Tent on the bike.jpg

3step vac hole in the rock elephant.jpg


*Positives...

First, i really do like using it and am very satisfied with it. Even at my size 6'6"(2m) and 230lbs(104kg), I sleep very comfortably on it, no complaints. When it is open and set up, it is 8' long and has a ton of room. The cot material is comfortable/breathable material and holds my weight well. It has a large enough "Vestibule" in front that you can sit on the edge of the Cot and remain inside of the tent, thus out of the weather. There is even enough room there to change clothes or boots and remain inside.

*Complaints i do have with it.

First and foremost, it is stinking heavy and huge! When it is packed up and ready for travel it is 4' long and weighs an astounding 30lbs! Because it is so comfortable for a guy my size, I've made special attempts to be able to use it. I've made custom brackets to carry it like a rifle scabbard(pictured in other threads) however that cost me the use of my left side luggage bag. I purchased a Dale's Rack and moved it to the rear seat area, although now it sits cross ways and thus sticks out like a parasail. On the interstate that thing is like a fat kid wrestling around behind me!! :{P

Secondly, On the interstate the wind really grabs it and throws me around. Big gusts of wind/passing trucks now slow me down 4-6 mph! Again, although i've tolerated this because of it's comfort each trip, I'm realizing, no, i'm accepting the fact that this is just miserable.

Selkirk Loop Japanese WWII Internment camp new denver BC.jpg


Lastly, there are no roof vents to keep the moisture away. Consequently, and as all of you know, then moisture collects badly all around the upper half of the rainfly and thus soaks everything inside or at least makes everything noticeably damp. Now I have to pack it up and my sleeping bag damp or noticeably wet.

Selkirk Loop first campsite2 just south of Crawford Bay BC.jpg



**Here are some thoughts about all of that.

I do not want to give up the/a Cot to sleep on. I'm too old-arthritic to sleep on the ground for any length of time and not be miserable. Afterall, we enjoy/like/love to ride our beloved NC's all over the place right!!?? So it might as well be FUN/Enjoyable!


Here is what i have come up with as a resolution to the problem, mostly because i'm cheap haha...

New Cot- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075F3GWH...olid=291AIN61W9SLU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

New Tent- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727Y4XL...olid=291AIN61W9SLU&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it



I welcome your thoughts, comments and suggestions about gear you have that might work better for a guy my size. I'm re-evaluating everything i have on the NC and tour wiyth i preparation for my Alaska trip June 2020! :{)
 
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I know nothing of the 2 brands you linked to.

I only hear very positive things about HELINOX cots.

As my wife and I are primarily long distance backpackers, we value low weight with strength and Helinox makes among the very best ultralight stuff out there. Lots of brands copy designs, but not the quality, typically using lower grade materials which add on weight, change the flex characteristics, etc and those all affect the performance.

I've used enough backpacks, tents, bags, etc in my life to know that I won't skimp on another one. I'll bypass discount brands like ALPS (and I do own an ALPS tent) and gladly will pay double or triple for a higher quality because I know it will perform better long term. (want to buy a very lightly used ALPS 2 person tent at half the price of the tent you are looking at?) I own this one, its not bad, but its not light enough for me to want to carry in a backpack => https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountai...x=alps+lynx+tent+2+person,sporting,219&sr=1-2

Find the best design and buy it, you will never regret getting better gear (even if it costs more, oftentimes it cost less in the long run)

Y.M.M.V.
 
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This is the tent I was looking at

Hewolf Camping Tent 3-4 Person [Instant Tent] Waterproof [Quick Setup] 3 Season Family Beach Tent UV Protection https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BV9DR5N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0JDBDbSGPHZNZ

I was looking at different cots
But I like this the best

Alpcour Folding Camping Cot - Small Collapsing Extra Strong Single Person Bed in a Bag w/Pillow for Indoor & Outdoor Use - Deluxe Comfortable Extra Heavy Duty Design Holds Adults & Kids Up to 440 Lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S2ZRDXX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_o1DBDbJAJE33J

Edit: the cot is only 6 foot 2 inch long
(I'm 5,10) if I see anything longer I'll post it here
 
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personally i think if you take the time to prepare a flat surface , you might beable to be comfortable on 2 therma rest z pads. heck you can buy 1/8th plywood cheap, cut it up and tape into a z pad. couple of advil in the morning and you might not ever return home.
 
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After a couple more trips and several more nights on the Cot/Tent, it is going to be awfully hard to replace.... So, with that in mind i guess it's going to be a keeper and make the Alaska 2020 trip with me! :{)
 
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