Making a Cot Bed

[Pandabean]

I was watching a youtube video at the weekend about an American guy (Econochallenge) making a raised bed shelter using 2 tripods, with some material to make the bed. Basically sewn with a tube at either side so that you can slide the poles through whilst making up your bed.

I would post the link but YT is banned at work. But if you search for Bushcraft Cot you will see the video that I mean.

Has anyone tried this here? It would seem a bit more advantageous over a hammock in that you have a flatter area, carrying less weight (compared to the DD) and no or little knot tying (yes yes I know there are no not tying setups as well ).

Would anyone know what sort of material it would be made out of? It appear synthetic so wouldn't be great next to the fire.
I have seen the ex-army ones which seem to be made out of a canvas type material, but I guess they would weigh a lot more than the material this guy's bed is made out of.

 

[udamiano]

Have tried it a number of times it needs two poles to act as spreaders for the material and the tripods act as the tensioners the more you press down the more the material is spread apart, but is stopped by either the seam, or a belt, or whatever method you use to secure them to the tensioner poles, a simple and comfortable raised bed.


work really well with canvas ponchos

 

[Retired Member southey]

I have lived out one for three months in south america using an issue jungle hammock which is made with the tubes either side, it isnt heavy at all being just a single sheet of what ever it is folded and sewn either side, extremely comfy and sturdy, I have some pics but dont know if they show the bed well, will dig them out, you could easily knock one up but you do need strong poles for the sides else if they flex to much they put strain one the middle section of the tubes stitching,

 

[Biker]

Here ya go Pandaman. I REALLY like that set up, it's almost as if you could rig a hammock in there too. Not to sure about the cooking inside if the weather gets bad though, no smoke hole if the tarp goes from end to end. but otherwise that a top notch piece of work.

[video=youtube;HZtBB-MwhMk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZtBB-MwhMk[/video]

 

[udamiano]

instead of using the tripods as stand-alones you can also use two close standing trees and put your A-pieces tied to those, exactly the same principle with everything else the same

 

[decorum]

I was watching a youtube video at the weekend about an American guy (Econochallenge) making a raised bed shelter using 2 tripods, with some material to make the bed. ... if you search for Bushcraft Cot you will see the video that I mean.

This one, I think:

[video=youtube;6NYWd1NjjYs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYWd1NjjYs[/video]

The look and weight of the material would inline me to think it's synthetic

A slight varient (no tripod/A-frame) on the idea is:

[video=youtube;fRYWXL62R1o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRYWXL62R1o[/video]


I keep meaning to try both types .

 

[Retired Member southey]

sorry for the poor pic of a pic

its two A frames with a ridge pole, better than a hotel! though i would have thought that in this country you would still have the same need for a bit of under insulation like hammocks,

 

[Pandabean]

Those videos are the ones I mean.
It does look simple to construct and comfy to use.

I think in his first video he talks about having a double layer of fabric and stuffing something in for insulation. So I guess a mat of some kind would do or even dried leaves. I was thinking about an underblanket in between (not hanging) but then that would pose the same problem with the hammock with the material being compressed.

Maybe it is something we can give a go up here at our next meet if we can get the material.
I have seen examples where the material doesn't have places for the pole to go but rather your weight keeps the bed from unravelling. Not sure how confident I would be with that way though.

I have made a raised bed in a shelter before using 2 long poles with mini bars going across them and then your bedding material on top of it. Which was fine, if a bit solid but still good.

 

[Dreadhead]

thanks for those links, fancy trying the second one out sometime seems simple enough without the need for a-frames n whatnot

This one, I think:

[video=youtube;6NYWd1NjjYs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NYWd1NjjYs[/video]

The look and weight of the material would inline me to think it's synthetic

A slight varient (no tripod/A-frame) on the idea is:

[video=youtube;fRYWXL62R1o]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRYWXL62R1o[/video]


I keep meaning to try both types .

 

[Elines]

.......................Would anyone know what sort of material it would be made out of? It appear synthetic so wouldn't be great next to the fire.

I have seen the ex-army ones which seem to be made out of a canvas type material, but I guess they would weigh a lot more than the material this guy's bed is made out of.

Looks interesting what would be the materials to use or to avoid;would cheapo builder's tarp be good enough or would it have to be a more expensive silnylon (not that I know what that is - just heard it mentionned)

 

[udamiano]

you could make it out of a blanket, the weight is distributed along the whole length, so apart from really light material, almost anything would work, I've used those canvas dutch ponchos in the past, as well as a army blanket, both proved to be equally durable for the purpose.

you will need however that the side poles be about 50mm in diameter or there abouts, so they don't flex. same with the A-frame, but this depends on the loaded weight. A leather belt like the type you hold your trousers up with, looped at each end restricts the amount of spread and is simple and effective.
You don't need to use material, and can substitute rope woven across the gap. I've used jackets (zipped up), and even a ladies skirt (Don't ask!).

And yes a builders tarp would probably do the job if double folded, and secured probably

Day

 

[Elines]

Ok - thanks Damian