Cot for backpacking?

[grossklw]

Before people jump on me and say just use a decent pad, I get it, just getting options to add to my current thermarest sleeping pad to increase the depth. I am a side-sleeper and often wake up with at least one sore shoulder and have a difficult time staying comfortable when sleeping in the backcountry. For you side-sleepers was a backpacking cot worth it in your opinion to pack in? Anyone ever tried cutting a cheap mattress topper the width of your pad as another layer to increase comfort? Any opinion one way or the other is appreciated.

I'm not completely ignoring weight, as a heavier pack does not bother me, I'm a dumb 28 year old in good shape.

 

[dotman]

A cot is well worth it but expensive. Just depends what comfort is worth.

 

[Daniel_M]

I've got both a Helinox and the Thermarest LuxuryLite. I don't like a heavily inflated pad and my 2 current pads are the XTherm and Big Agnes IAC. I prefer the Helinox.

I love my cots. More comfy, and I sleep better. Keep in mind that being off the ground, you will have colder air circulating under your body so plan accordingly.

 

[paleraider]

If you are going the cot route why not look at hammocks as well?? Both get you off the ground and you have to content with cold air circulating underneath you.

 

[sveltri]

I just added the thermarest sol to my helinox cot and finally figured out how to sleep comfortably in the backcountry. The pad is big but I just attach to the outside of my pack next to the cot. The pad is really only to provide a barrier between my bag and the cold air under the cot.

 

[WoodBow]

I love my luxury lite cot. They are much cheaper now than they used to be. Backcountry.com is running a 4th of july sale too.

I'm not a back sleeper and always slept like garbage without the cot. Yea they weigh 2 or 3 pounds but I will be on that thing for 8 hours a night.