I tried the Thermarest ultralight version and, while it is comfortable, it’s not the best built thing in the world. I found that I needed to be really careful about how I was laying on it because if I put too much weight in any one spot, I’d touch the ground. Not a huge deal if in a dry environment. However, in tundra or a wetter location, I could see it being problematic.
After a few days in the woods/mountains, my back will start hurting if I can’t find a way to be comfortable laying down for a few hours a day. I tried out the Helinox lite cot or whatever it’s called and I really liked it. I had to sacrifice a little weight, but for me it is worth it because it extends time out hunting by days and I can do more during the day because I wake up feeling good.
For any type of drop camp or base camp situation, even a float trip, I wouldn’t think twice about bringing it. Hell, I’d bring the chair zero, too. Comfort in camp = comfort in the mountains. If you’re still super fresh on day 7 because you sacrificed a little weight to make camp just a hair more comfortable, it’s worth it. I think the chair and the cot are about 4lbs total, maybe a little less with some modifications and leaving the storage sacks at the house. With a 70lb limit, they’d be on my short list.
