jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,060 
|
Post by jazzmom on Jan 23, 2017 8:38:02 GMT -8
Does anyone have and/or used either the Helinox or Thermarest UL cots? I'm talking about the nutty expensive folding cots that are 6-8" off the ground. If yes, can you share your experience? Right now, I'm leaning toward the Helinox "Cot Lite".
|
|
gabby
Trail Wise!
Posts: 4,539 
|
Post by gabby on Jan 23, 2017 12:06:59 GMT -8
I have the Thermarest Luxurylite UL (large). I've only slept on it a couple of times with a closed cell mat on top. It's not a bed by any means, but it reduces the "mush" feeling of an inflatable (which I do still use) and it feels like there's actually something "solid" underneath you. I got this particular one because I put it in my Amazon "wishlist", and they put it on sale sometime before Christmas for about $175. I see that REI Garage has the regular on right now for $164.73. I'm not suggesting the Luxurylite over the Helinox Cot Lite, since the Helinox is a few ounces lighter: Helinox Cot Lite: 2 lbs, 9.6 ozs, Thermarest Luxurylite UL (regular): 2 lbs, 12 ozs (The "large" - which is the one I bought - is 3 lbs, 2 ozs. I figured that, in those rare instances when I'd use the thing - when condemned to the living room by the wife, for instance - the weight wouldn't matter all that much. Assembly is not either "quick" or "straightforward", since there are a number of ways to set it up, and there are 2 different sets of leg types.) The Helinox is, at least as far as I can see from videos on Youtube, a lot easier to assemble. Section Hiker has a review of the Thermarest: sectionhiker.com/therm-a-rest-luxurylite-ultralite-cot-review/Sadly, the NYX cot, which was on a Kickstarter campaign, but only got 51 subscribers, was cancelled. The NYX cot was shooting for a sub 2 lb weight, with a cuben fiber surface and carbon fiber legs that didn't require assembly. In addition, it was going to be capable of use as a chair. It was going to ultimately go for $250, like the other 2. I had high hopes, but pulled the trigger when the price went down a bit on the Thermarest. Maybe a large gear mfr will pick up the NYX design; and maybe there were other problems that weren't public. |
|
|
|
Post by dirthurts on Jan 23, 2017 15:35:14 GMT -8
I use the Thermarest UL when I'm car camping. It's far more comfortable than a pad alone. My biggest issue is the plastic feel can crush the fabric of the tent againss roots and rocks, wearing out the coating very, very fast. A quick solution is to slide some poole noodle sections over them, or buy the relatively cheap covers for them.
I'd recommend the cot, but it is expensive.
What are you wanting to use the cot for?
|
|
swiftdream
Trail Wise!
the Great Southwest Unbound
Posts: 546
|
Post by swiftdream on Jan 23, 2017 16:38:15 GMT -8
We have two of the Helinox Cot Ones, not the UL version but we use these for car camping. They are super comfy, like floating on a cloud. They go up and down pretty fast and they are durable. I do know a guy with the Helinox UL version and he likes it very much. Campsaver and Moutaingear have them on sale from time to time.
We have some of the Helinox ground chairs that we take for both car camping and backpacking, super comfy chairs that weight less than 1.5 lbs. They make some very good, solid and light camp furniture.
|
|
jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,060
|
Post by jazzmom on Jan 23, 2017 18:22:45 GMT -8
I'm looking to get one mostly for car camping and the occasional float trip. Partner and I recently split and a lot of the car-camping gear went with him, along with the big SUV. So, I'm rebuilding and down-sizing. I have a lot of backpacking gear, so I don't absolutely need new gear but it's kind of nice to have a roomy tent and be off the ground, especially if I have to deal with my big dog and wet weather at the same time. My car is tiny, though, so considering some UL/compact options. Very, very unlikely that I would ever take a cot backpacking.
|
|
|
|
Post by Lamebeaver on Jan 24, 2017 14:23:31 GMT -8
I do not have any experience with any of the cots mentioned, but I have found that cots all have one thing in common....they need an extra layer like a fleece blanket on them to keep the cold from coming through in cooler weather.
|
|
|
|
Post by johntpenca on Jan 24, 2017 14:55:59 GMT -8
Partner and I recently split Sorry to read that. Breakups are never easy. Never cotted, but as I get older it is more appealing. These daze I tend to do the hotel thing rather than camp on the ground other than when I'm hiking. |
|
jazzmom
Trail Wise!
a.k.a. TigerFan
Posts: 3,060
|
Post by jazzmom on Jan 24, 2017 15:15:05 GMT -8
I do not have any experience with any of the cots mentioned, but I have found that cots all have one thing in common....they need an extra layer like a fleece blanket on them to keep the cold from coming through in cooler weather. I've been using a cot when car-camping for a while and I always use it with an old prolite-plus, not just for insulation but also for comfort. I actually don't think cots are, by themselves, all that comfortable to sleep on, but it's nice to be off the ground. When I sleep on a pad on the ground, my dog thinks he's sharing it with me. My dog weighs 115 lb. I'm not sure that these UL cots will be high enough to discourage him. |
|
