Fancy Camp Beds

I do like that Target folder and will be taking a serious look at it. I was out of the country for most of this discussion and didn't have access to My "Book of Buckskinning" and couldn't remember which volume it was in but it is an easy cot to build and looks right. I've done quite a bit of non traditional camping using a WW2 GI cot and found it to be easy to transport and set up as well as comfortable with a little padding. I don't know how accurate it migtht be but one could modify that design a little.

Black Hand said:

When one has a Lady along

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That there is a long shot out of the universe for me... If it doesn't involve a camper/ luxury life wifey will be a no go! Fine with me though! Hehe

Dave a bit of redoing such as re-placing the hard ware with iron or brass, perhaps a set of wooden wheels iron banded and wood spoked and zappo. the second version you have shown could also be used as wheel borrow for hauling wood to your camp. I am sure the legs could be modified to fold. Also once set up in your tent with the bedding and blankets I really feel no one would notice especially if you allow the blankets to hang down a bit over the edge. GOOD LUCK

Crewdawg445 said:

That there is a long shot out of the universe for me... If it doesn't involve a camper/ luxury life wifey will be a no go! Fine with me though! Hehe

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I am a fortunate man indeed!

appalichian hunter said:

Dave a bit of redoing such as re-placing the hard ware with iron or brass, perhaps a set of wooden wheels iron banded and wood spoked and zappo. the second version you have shown could also be used as wheel borrow for hauling wood to your camp. I am sure the legs could be modified to fold. Also once set up in your tent with the bedding and blankets I really feel no one would notice especially if you allow the blankets to hang down a bit over the edge. GOOD LUCK

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Yes, I was thinking of swapping out the hardware too, and perhaps doing something about folding or removable legs....= easier to car-top.

I think I will price what my "chair that converts to a cot" plans will cost vs. just buying something like this, and then decide. The advantage of the chair/cot would be that at home in the basement family room I could have it out and use it, no need to store it, and IF we suddenly have an extra guest beyond our guest-room capacity, then that becomes a bed for them.

The advantage of the very first bed is that while it isn't a chair when not being used, it could be broken down and stored, and probably would work better when lashed to the car-top rails on the outdoor-vehicle.

LD

when the TARGET one is covered with a bed roll and blankets who is gonna know? remember at an event your tent is your house! only invites are allowed in. that is the way it used to be when I used to go to FT. TICONDEROGA every year.

I always used an old army cot.
I got to see the living quarters in the back of a vendor's giant marque once. He had a full sized or queen sized brass bed and a wood stove, which felt great on that very cold spring day.
There is definitely something to be said for getting a good night's sleep and being able to walk the next day.

A wood stove makes a huge difference. My tent is usually the one full of people due to its size and warmth...

Black Hand said:

A wood stove makes a huge difference. My tent is usually the one full of people due to its size and warmth...

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LD

I want a stove bad...

Crewdawg445 said:

I want a stove bad...

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Where are you gonna put it in your lean-to....?

Black Hand said:

Where are you gonna put it in your lean-to....?

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Ya ya! Fire does fine for that, however when busting out the bell back Hilton, it would be nice to have a bed and stove... However can't seem to ever settle on one.

Black Hand said:

Where are you gonna put it in your lean-to....?

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All joking aside, I've considered that very thing, putting a pipe insert into a tarp or diamond fly.
It would make a great alternative to a smoky fire in front. Two tarps could be joined together for a winter shelter.
It get's my wheels turning.

Crewdawg445 said:

Ya ya! Fire does fine for that, however when busting out the bell back Hilton, it would be nice to have a bed and stove... However can't seem to ever settle on one.

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Nice in the canvas Hilton indeed! I'm still wrestling with the bed issue myself. A wedge creates unique challenges....

Black Hand depends on the size of wedge I use a army cot and it works great if you place it across the back of a 6ft. panther wedge, allowing plenty of space for you and your gear if camping alone. When the wifey goes we use 2 cots in a 9ft panther wedge with the cots placed long ways in the tent. With enough room for all her gear (ha ha) When we really set a heavy camp the 10ft. wall is the tentage of choice but we still use the army cots. Hand built her a double take down bed but as we get older it is more easy to use the cots with matresses purchased from panther as to set up and loading the wagon. Which ever camp is set we always have a awning to add living space. With the exception of the 6ft all other camps will allow a small wood stove to be added.

Still thinking dimensional pine would be great, cheap and very strong when properly constructed. After I get my woodburner installed in the shop I'm thinking this bed may be a side project between the next rifle build.

Crewdawg445 said:

Still thinking dimensional pine would be great, cheap and very strong when properly constructed. After I get my woodburner installed in the shop I'm thinking this bed may be a side project between the next rifle build.

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My friend who built the cot used straight-grain Douglas Fir for strength. Watch your grain direction, especially on the long side pieces.

Absolutely agree, only problem with pine is the funky run out. Big fan of fur!

Here's the one I made. The plans were from one of the buckskinner books. Is it heavy? yes! Is it a pain to haul? yes!
But it is the most comfortable cot I've ever slept on. So it is worth the trouble!

To resurrect an old thread, thought I’d post this. Not trying to pass it off as anything documentable, I simply needed something to sleep on other than on the ground. Not the ground that is the issue, it’s the getting up!!!!!! Bad knees, hip, and back. (Out-lived my warrenty).



Just finished throwing all this together about a hour ago. Held together with 4, 5/16" bolts, some washers, and wingnuts. Breaks down quick and all fits in back of my truck. Did almost 2 weeks at the RMNR sleeping on ground and glad I had old wood chair and a tent pole to pull myself up with. Im not too heavy at 195 lbs but This should work better for me.