The Dreaded Cold from the Ground in Winter Camping! Cot is Effective for Countermeasures
When winter camping, you can consciously warm yourself with a stove during the day.
However, when sleeping, the stove is turned off, so body temperature is maintained by warm clothing, sleeping bags, and perhaps a hot water bottle.
The biggest problem is the cold from the ground. Due to the weight of your body, the loft of the cotton on the ground side inevitably gets compressed, reducing insulation and allowing the cold air from the ground to transfer.
The most effective countermeasure for this is using a cot.
A cot is a foldable or disassemblable simple bed, and it's an item that has recently been gaining attention among campers.
Not only does a cot physically keep you off the ground, but the air between you and the ground increases the insulation effect.
As a tip, if you cover the cot with a blanket, the air underneath stops moving, which can further enhance the insulation effect.
Choose Your Sleeping Bag and Mat Together
Even if you physically distance yourself from the ground with a cot, if your sleeping bag (what we call a "shura-fu" in Japanese) and mat are not suitable for the temperature of the campsite, you won't be able to prevent the cold.
Choose a sleeping bag and mat appropriate for the season to ensure a comfortable night's sleep.
Sleeping bags are mainly divided into 3-season models for spring to autumn, and winter-specific models.
With 3-season models, you adjust the temperature by wearing appropriate clothing when sleeping in spring and autumn, and by opening the zipper in summer.
In contrast, for winter camping, if you don't choose a robust winter model, you might find yourself too cold to sleep.
There are various types of mats, such as foam and inflatable, which can be confusing, but for winter camping, an air mat is recommended for its high insulation properties.
Air mats are inflated for use, so they have excellent insulation and are perfect for winter camping.
While it might seem troublesome to inflate them, recent models often have an integrated pump, making them easy to set up.
Of course, they can be stored compactly by deflating them, so even if you have enough for the whole family, they won't take up much space.
Recommended Cots for Winter Camping
Hilander Lightweight Aluminum Low Cot Brown
| Storage size (length × width × height cm) | 188*68*16 |
| Usage size (diameter × length cm) | 14*55 |
| Load capacity kg | 80 |
| Weight kg | 2 |
I own a Helinox cot, and I would say this is roughly on par. It creaks a bit, but it's tolerable. Easy to assemble, lightweight, and I think even women can use it. I'm really glad I bought this high-cost-performance Hilander cot that I'd been curious about. I'm thinking of checking out other Hilander products!
From Amazon reviews
Advantages not found in other cots
As mentioned earlier, covering it with a blanket increases its insulation effect.
This product is a low-type cot, so it can create a sufficient air layer even with a small blanket.
Its load capacity of 80kg is not eye-catching compared to other products, but it achieves this with a total weight of 2kg.
In addition, while many other products have main poles that are split into 3 sections, this product is split into 4. This naturally reduces the storage space and allows for a smaller packed size.
Making your gear lighter and more compact allows you to bring more heating equipment, which is a significant advantage for winter camping, where luggage tends to be bulkier than in summer camping.
Points of concern
To achieve lightness and compactness, this product has 3 legs, whereas other products have 4.
While there are no problems with its use, you might unexpectedly fall if you sit on the very end. Since it's low, it likely won't lead to serious injury, but be careful when a stove is nearby.
Also, as mentioned in the advantages, the 80kg load capacity can become a disadvantage depending on how it's used.
There's no problem for an average-weight person to sleep on it, or for two small children to sit side-by-side, but if you jump or bounce on it, or if a couple uses it as a bench, it will exceed the load capacity.
It won't break suddenly, but caution is advised.
DOD Hampen in the Sky
| Storage size (length × width × height cm) | 44*25*22 |
| Usage size (length × width × height cm) | 190*78*39 |
| Load capacity kg | 180 |
| Weight kg | 5.9 |
The sleeping comfort was superb.
It was so fluffy, I might have slept better than in my bed at home...
From Amazon reviews
Advantages not found in other cots
The biggest selling point is that it has a built-in air mat and, true to its name "Hampen" (meaning "fluffy" in Japanese), it offers a fluffy sleeping experience.
Air mats have excellent insulation, so when combined with a winter sleeping bag, you can sleep soundly until morning.
It can be used in both low and high styles, and when used in high style, it can seat three people as a bench. This sense of security comes from its 180 kg load capacity.
The mat inflates by adding air, and with an attached pump, it can be inflated easily.
Points of concern
With a load capacity of 180 kg, it's unavoidable, but a weight of approximately 6 kg feels heavy when considering it for the whole family.
The width of 78 cm is also a concern. If your tent space isn't generous, placing three or four of these might make it feel cramped.
Fieldoor Outdoor Cot T/C
| Storage size (length × width × height cm) | 92*8*17 |
| Usage size (length × width × height cm) | 190*69*40 |
| Load capacity kg | 180 |
| Weight kg | 5.1 |
Glad I bought it! It helped me endure a winter camping trip at -8 degrees with a heater.
From Rakuten Ichiba review
Advantages not found in other cots
T/C stands for polycotton, a blend of cotton and polyester fabric, which is resistant to sparks from bonfires, making it an ideal material for winter camping.
With a load capacity of 180 kg, it can also be used as a bench near a bonfire.
Since it has a height of 40 cm and 3 legs, you can place a lot of luggage underneath. Placing luggage under the cot when sleeping can further prevent coldness from the ground.
Points of concern
Despite its sturdy load capacity, the width is a bit narrow. It's fine once you get used to it, but it might feel unsettling for first-time cot users.
The storage size is a bit large, so if you're getting three or four, you'll need ample loading space.
Hilander Cot Fleece Cover
| Usage size (length × width cm) | 220*93 |
| Material | Polyester |
これほしい Hilander(ハイランダー) コット用 フリースカバー HCA002A <楽天> https://t.co/0ZGUzIYLpF #RakutenIchiba pic.twitter.com/2ucNNQTThm— うまみちゃん (@umnk_mor) October 7, 2020
Recommended points
With its warm, fluffy, and cozy brushed material, laying it on a cot can further block out cold air.
Since it's polyester, you can easily wash it at home, which is also great for keeping it clean at all times.
Points of concern
Since the bristles of the nap are long and tend to shed easily, when washing at home, put it in a laundry net.
Also, since it's brushed polyester, static electricity can easily occur. If you are sensitive to this, you can alleviate it by washing with a fabric softener that has high antistatic properties.
