Are you planning to bow hunt out of state this year? Are you on a budget and do you plan to forgo the expense of a hotel? If so, then camping is the way to go. I’m not talking about pulling that old camper behind the truck either. I’m talking about sleeping under the stars and breathing that fresh mountain air. You get the picture. I’m talking about a sleeping bag and a tent. If you plan to go this route this season, then boy do I have a nifty product that is sure to make you sit up and take notice. I’m talking about the new Tent Cot produced by the folks at Kamp-Rite.

Ever sleep on a cot?

If you have done a fair amount of camping, then you know all about the benefits of sleeping on a cot inside of a roomy tent. The tent provides protection from the elements but a quality cot provides a comfortable sleeping surface. A cot (when set up properly) is level, off the ground and insures that you won’t have to feel a rock or pebble digging into your back all night. Also, being off the ground keeps you and your sleeping bag away from ground moisture. Ever have a snake, rodent or insect make its way into your tent or worse into your sleeping bag? Sleep on the ground long enough and you will. A comfortable cot is without question a beneficial camping accessory but is often considered secondary to the tent and sleeping bag. To many, a cot is viewed as just another bulky item to pack and thus is often overlooked or left behind. What a shame. If only fellow campers knew how much a quality cot could improve sleeping comfort.

Why not combine a ‘Tent’ and a ‘Cot’ - literally?

The Tent Cot combines the weather protection of a personal tent and the sleeping comfort of a quality cot. The legs of the Tent Cot keep you a full 11 inches off the ground, keeping you away from moisture, snakes and rodents. It sets up in seconds and best of all there are absolutely “zero” parts to loose. Simply pull the Tent Cot out of the handy carry case provided and fold it out. Situate it on a level piece of ground, toss in your favorite sleeping bag and you are ready for a great night of sleep.

The frame of the Tent Cot is constructed with lightweight yet durable tubular aluminum. The frame is assembled with anti-vibration aluminum nuts and bolts that won’t loosen over time and won’t rust. The “tent” portion of the Tent Cot is constructed with quality features you would expect to find in a high-end tent product. The shell is constructed with durable 420-denier nylon fabric and features interior No-see-um mesh doors and windows that open on all four sides. With the outer nylon doors zipped open and the interior No-see-um mesh doors zipped closed, the Tent Cot is 100 percent insect proof and provides 360° air flow for use in warm climates. The durable one- piece Cordura nylon-fabric sleeping surface is firm and level.

For even greater sleeping comfort, an optional custom-sized, self-inflating airbed is available for all models. It self inflates to a comfortable 1 1/2 inches thick and conveniently rolls up to a compact 8-inch diameter. If you encounter severe stormy weather, an optional “total encapsulation” rain fly is also available.

The versatile Tent Cot also can be folded flush to give you a full reclining cot: and by tilting one end you can enjoy the relaxing comfort of a lounge chair around the campsite.

The Tent Cot is available in an “Original Size”, an “Oversized” model and a “Double Size” model, which sleeps two. The Tent Cot is also available in an affordable kid size.

I used a Tent Cot on several outings last year and I can tell you, the product is no gimmick. The Tent Cot folds down to just 6-inches thick and conveniently packs away in a manageable carry case. It can be stored neatly behind the seat of any pickup truck. Last year I packed a Tent Cot into my fishing boat and camped on the bank of a river in an area I frequently bow hunt. The Tent Cot is lightweight but not as compact as a typical bag tent, so it may not be your first choice if you plan to hunt several miles from your vehicle. However, if you plan to camp close to your vehicle or a short distance away, the Tent Cot is a great choice.

Try a trouble free Tent Cot this season and sleep comfortably. Good Hunting.

For more information about Tent Cot models and accessories, visit the company’s web site at http://www.tentcot.com/