Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: DLH on February 01, 2020, 10:21:25 pm
-
Any one use truck tents? I’m considering one but don’t know if there are any advantages over a regular tent on the ground? My son is 5 I thought it might make it easier with him along. I see most people use air mattresses too for these. I’ve not slept on an air mattress that I like better than the ground yet seem to make me sore the next day. I thought I would ask around before May and I might get to test it out in March if it’s not too cold for my son at night. Thanks
Daniel
-
I've never had a truck tent, but I have a topper on my pickup. Throw in a couple air- or memory foam-mattresses, and it sleeps two pretty comfortably.
-
Makes it harder to backpack. ;D
-
Five year old's can sleep anywhere, on anything, in any position. Do what you need to keep yourself comfortable and he will be too. Regardless, he will think its neat and have fun.
-
You are right he can sleep anywhere as long as he don’t get cold. I thought about a camper top too. I’ve got another little one who might want to tag along.I want to feel this out before back packing we went on a hike this week and his little legs were tired pretty quick. I became his pack mule on the last leg out. :)
-
This has probably changed over the years but when I was a kid sleeping on an air mattress was the same as sleeping on the ground. They were always flat in the morning :D
-
I agree with BC. With temp changes over the night the air pressure decreases and the air mattress gets soft. Also without good insulation between you and the air mattress it can get pretty cold. I stopped using them years ago and went to a cot.
-
I lived under a camper topper for months. It's hard as hell to get dressed under those things, and sitting up isnt easy with an air mattress. I reccomend a canvas camping cot like a chase lounge. They are easier to deal with. Get a sleeping bag to stay warm, or a propane lantern. Those things can really put out some heat.
-
Makes it harder to backpack. ;D
Well, it depends how tough your kid is...
-
Like couple guys have mentioned, cold temps and air mattress is challenging combo. Without plenty insulation between you and mattress, it can be like sleeping on block of ice. I use 'em on my cot ... with layer or 2 of foam between me and air mattress.
-
I use 'em on my cot ... with layer or 2 of foam between me and air mattress.
Cot, air mattress and foam! You like to be comfy, don't you? ;D ;D ;D
-
I use 'em on my cot ... with layer or 2 of foam between and air mattress.
Cot, air mattress and foam! You like to be comfy, don't you? ;D ;D ;D
Well he certainly isn’t a five year old. ;) :o I’m not going to talk to much trash. If my wife is going we’re taking the tin tee pee.
-
I use 'em on my cot ... with layer or 2 of foam between me and air mattress.
Cot, air mattress and foam! You like to be comfy, don't you? ;D ;D ;D
Yep, good night's sleep makes morning camp coffee sooo much tastier. 8)
-
Daniel, I think your best bet is a large tent and cots. You can get in and out without waking the boys, its easier to get dressed, and you will have room to store items. I think the Cabelas Outback is one of the best tents going. Its affordable and very easy to set up. I sold my 10x10 to Mr Pat B. I have since bought an 8x8 because the price was very right. I still haven't taken it out of the box 2 years later :) I just couldn't let the deal slide by as much as I didn't need it.
-
I think I’d have to agree Pearl. I always have so much stuff in my truck to haul with me that there wouldn’t be any room for sleeping.
Bjrogg
-
Thanks for all the ideas and advice glad I asked first. I forgot about cots I’ve slept on them at a camp a few summers they are nice for sure. I checked that outback out too Chris I think you have me convinced looks nice especially with kids. Since you haven’t opened yours might want to consider parting ways with it :). Anyone one have preferred cots or they all the same? If all goes well I’m gonna test it out late next month and again at Marshall.
-
I slept on a folding walmart camping cot for 3 months, until the frame started to bend from always putting my weight on one spot as I got in and out. I doubt you will log as many nights in one as I have, so I'd recommend that.
-
Cots are neat with foam - tents are great with a center pole for getting up, not so great when trying to get up of an air mattress with no base! I think Wally World has an expandable base bed for about a C note.
Hawkdancer
-
Like my cot to be well off the ground ... makes it easier to tie the shoes. ::) :o ::)
-
I like the over size cots, more room to wiggle. I think I bought Cabela's brand on super sale for about $50 per. They are heavy duty and sturdy.
-
The best cot I've slept on is a military surplus cot with a foam piece under my sleeping bag.
But, be sure and set it in the sun to warm a little because it can be really tough stretching enough to get the ends set. But when you do there is no sag.
-
The best cot I've slept on is a military surplus cot with a foam piece under my sleeping bag.
But, be sure and set it in the sun to warm a little because it can be really tough stretching enough to get the ends set. But when you do there is no sag.
I have a old military surplus cot to. It is very comfortable
Bjrogg
-
I like hammocks
-
I remember those wood frame "army cots" - usually a real pain to set up, but we normally left them up a week or more! Harder than heck to pack on a special ops type mission, though! But that was many years back! As SGM, I got to choose the softest rocks for me and the "old man", I.e., the commander. Throw out the foam pad, sleep, load up, beat feet, eat on the run, repeat! Little Fiddle Woman just doesn't seem to understand the joys of sleeping on rocks - come to think about it, neither do I! (lol) (lol) (lol)
Hawkdancer
-
I remember those wood frame "army cots" - usually a real pain to set up, but we normally left them up a week or more! Harder than heck to pack on a special ops type mission, though! But that was many years back! As SGM, I got to choose the softest rocks for me and the "old man", I.e., the commander. Throw out the foam pad, sleep, load up, beat feet, eat on the run, repeat! Little Fiddle Woman just doesn't seem to understand the joys of sleeping on rocks - come to think about it, neither do I! (lol) (lol) (lol)
Hawkdancer
That was a great reply. Lol, thanks for that!
-
Ah, to be young and dumb again...
-
Young!!??, heck, I was 34 when I went to jump school! I was the oldest guy to graduate! Dumb? Well there is no such thing as a perfectly good airplane - they are only good to get you to the drop zone, so you can get out before they crash! Had a retired AF LTC who flew C130s tell me he thought we were crazy for jumping out of his "perfectly good airplane" - then one day, he had to get the heck out before if crashed! Then he knew why we jumped! >:D (lol)! On the other hand, "Puff, the Magic Dragon" had lots of friends on the ground.
Hawkdancer
-
I have never had the "opportunity" to jump out of an airplane. I'm glad there are guys like you out there who do. I was just reminiscing about the old days when I used to actually sort of enjoy sleeping on a rock. ;D
My dad served in Viet Nam, and he says there was always a lot of relief, and even some smiles, when they heard that Puff was on the way.