My camp during the day (I pull the tarp sides down at night for extra protection).
It was a sad day indeed that I had to give back the UltraLite Sleeping Cot. But it was borrowed, and that usually means it’s got to be returned to its owner. Now I think about going back to my sleeping mats and I miss the UltraLite.
It’s just so darn comfy! The UltraLite easily supported my XX stone in weight (I’m not telling, don’t ask, it is double-figures, that’s all you need to know!) It was quiet when I rolled over, unlike my old blow-up mat but not as warm. [Read an earlier review of the UltraLite]
I’d had the UltraLite Cot on loan and had already kept it for two months and it’s a good job. The other half pinched it at the Wilderness Gathering and Elliot of Snowline Productions whipped it when I went to see Hen. So I just HAD to go out to the woods again.
Beginning of October I headed to South Wales and spent a wet and windy couple of nights under cover of mixed deciduous woodland. The tarp kept me dry and the UltraLite was a joy to sleep on.
The only failing I found was insulation. This could be easily remedied by using a foam mat on top of the UltraLite, but what’s the point of carrying two things to sleep on? I used leaves. I stuffed leaves under the UltraLite and felt immediately warmer, the breeze ceasing to blow under the tarp, and under the cot.
Now I’ve not done much in the way of expeditions, but Elliot has a fair few thousand miles under his belt with the work they do at Snowline – here’s his review:
What do you usually sleep on?
For lightweight backpacking – ¾ length Ultra Light Thermarest.
For expedition use – Theremarest Ridge Rest (closed cell foam) combined with above.
How did the camp bed compare?
Most comfortable camp bed I’ve used, way more comfortable than above Exped set up. No noise but could put a Thermarest on it to improve warmth.
Would you use one again? If so, what type of expedition/hike/camp do you feel it suits?
I’d use the UltraLite Sleeping Cot again. It’s low enough to fit in a mountain tent and the legs won’t damage the groundsheet.
I think it’s best used for expedition and base camp, ie. In places where you’re camping for longer periods of time. AND it’s light enough to trek in with.
Need I say more? Except it’ll be the best Christmas present your outdoor adventurer ever received!
