A Simple Homemade Camping Cot

[1971player]

Hey there is a bear behind you!!

[phreshayr]

@1971player Yes he also catches me off guard occasionally for a split second or two before realizing oh it's only Buck, my dog.

[TheDavidMalachi]

Ooh that's nice! I carry a nylon tarp, just flat and grommeted, and I think I'm going to have to make an adaptation... thank you, sir.

[phreshayr]

@TheDavidMalachi You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[81eagle]

I love videos that show me something new. I like the idea and the simplicity of it. I always find when I'm out camping I have to do something to keep myself busy, I'm like that. Gathering the the poles and risers would be time well spent. Great video.

[phreshayr]

@81eagle Thanks. Not only is it a great project but is pretty comfortable as well after it is put together.

[phrankus2009]

I am wonderring if having sleeves really adds any strength or value. ?

If it *was* made from heavy ripstop nylon, there might be more utility in a design that does NOT have the sleves, as other configurations, such as a bivy, a tube-tent or even a hammock might be possible ... Could be stuffed with leaves or pine-needles ... could be used as a cargo sack or drag.

... I suppose you have seen the cots made from two seed sacks.

[phreshayr]

@phrankus2009 Both styles have benefits. My goal was to cut down on bulk and weight so I came up with the sleeve design. Back in those days nylon wasn't as easy to come by here in South-Central Alaska. I don't think I have heard of using two feed sacks but can see how they would work.

[zippyzoe]

Whats ur dogs name and what kind is he.

[phreshayr]

@zippyzoe The dog's name is Buck. He is half Bouvier des Flandres and half black lab mix. A very excellent dog and companion.

[FixedByDoc]

great cot there buddy. and i thought the dog was a bear at first lol.

[phreshayr]

@FixedByDoc Thanks. Yes I know what you mean about the "bear" He does that to me too occasionally. 

[animaltendencies]

love it, love it, love it! simple design, very little effort to build... great idea. thanks for posting.

[phreshayr]

@animaltendencies You are welcome. Thanks for watching.

[williesurvives1]

nice but allot of work to make right

[phreshayr]

@williesurvives1 Well, sewing the fabric really wasn't that time consuming or difficult. But yes gathering the logs and prepping them for the frame and supports does take a bit of time. It really isn't that convenient of a setup for a quick overnighter. But for an extended stay it can be pretty nice getting yourself up off the hard cold ground and with a comfortable support under you. It can also be nice to be off the ground so that fire heat can circulate under you with the right setup.

[lauderdaleflorida]

Very good bushcraft skills,for sure this video will be on my favor list. thanks again

keep the good work.

[phreshayr]

@lauderdaleflorida Thank you for watching and thanks also for favoriting the video.

[jacelyte]

DUDE ! wicked idea, light weight, compact and just a great way to be elevated from the cold ground ! love it ! personal 2 thumbs up on this !

[phreshayr]

@jacelyte Thanks for watching. Not only is the cot what you say about it but it is pretty comfortable besides. :-)

[paulpm1974]

I do light weight camping so i don't carry an axe or similar, I think I would need one to make that :(

A light weight axe might be in my kit soon though :)



[phreshayr]

@paulpm1974 You could fairly easily prep the frame using a pocket chainsaw. Thanks for dropping by and viewing

[muddog1561]

Nice cot, I'm going to remember this. Thanks.

[phreshayr]

@muddog1561 Thanks. Thanks for watching.

[wawhiker]

I am really enjoying your channel, and your style. That cot looks so comfortable - thanks for showing how it's made.

[phreshayr]

@wawhiker Thank you.  It is quite comfortable as it conforms to the body. Beats sleeping on the ground.

[gagalmg]

sweet

[phreshayr]

@gagalmg Thanks

[maxinpains]

Thanks Boyce. only Few knew this trick. you explained very well.

[phreshayr]

@maxinpains Thank you.

[genetrumbo]

One thing I like about your presentations is your humility. I am amused at some of these young bucks on YouTube showing off their survival rifle that they bought last night and acting like they are some kind of expert because they can repeat the sales pitch. It is quite an accomplishment to go off into the woods and be able to live well starting with a sharp rock, making a fire, a shelter, finding food. I couldn't have imagined doing it myself before YouTube. Thanks for sharing your brain.

[genetrumbo]

Thanks for your reply. I have been watching all kinds of bushcraft, foraging, and survival videos on YouTube in the past week. Some of those who post don't understand their subjects well. A few understand very well and can communicate their knowledge and skills effectively You are at the top as an expert and explain your ideas clearly. I discovered a lot more of your videos and will watch many more as soon as I have the time. Thank you again.

[phreshayr]

@genetrumbo thank you very much. I get frustrated with myself sometimes as I don't feel like I'm a good communicator. Your post here makes me feel better. Thanks again.

[genetrumbo]

This is the best easy-to-make camping bed I have found on YouTube, and I have been looking awhile. Thank you for your knowledge.

[phreshayr]

@genetrumbo Thank you. The cot is surprisingly comfortable as well.

[mooseyou2]

really cool idea

i'm going to have to try that

thank you for the idea and the video

-boyce

[phreshayr]

@mooseyou2 Thank you Boyce. I'm glad you like the video and found it to be of use to you. Thanks also for subscribing.

[MeAndMother2]

I suppose you are right. For the few who would make such a bed, there are plenty of trees.

[MeAndMother2]

That's nice. Now if everyone in the US did like you we would only have to cut down about 600 million little trees.

[phreshayr]

@MeAndMother2 You do have a point. However I live in Alaska and if anyone ever even finds where I cut those trees down they wouldn't give it a second thought. I realize if you live in places where people are thicker than mosquitoes in an Alaskan swamp then you just cant be cutting down what few trees there are. Incidentally those trees had been dead for several years before I cut them down and others will grow to replace them. Renewable. Thanks For commenting

[gladtidings4all]

Love your idea! Great video thanks! Will try it!

[phreshayr]

@gladtidings4all great.  Glad the info is useful for you.

[winnipegdiver]

Great video thanks. I have seen some cool cots for bushcraft. But this you have made is one of, if not the best yet

[phreshayr]

@winnipegdiver Thanks. It's been so long ago that I made this that I don't remember where I read about it (pre internet days).  But if I remember right what I came up with is a modification of something I'd read about. I think it was originally a cylinder of material that you stick two poles in and spread out to make the cot but I wanted less material and bulk on mine so I made a sleeve on both sides instead of one big loop. Anyway glad you like it.

[BlanketTruth22]

this video is really cool. Anyone got ideas for simple bamboo design? how about a natural material hanging cot shelter?

[phreshayr]

@BlanketTruth22 Thanks. I have never worked with bamboo since we do not have it locally where I live. All I can say is you could try it and see if it works. if using all natural material then i would lash the end logs on the top of the side logs and then use 1 1/2 to 2 inch logs laid across from side to side and lay against each other from one end to the other end. I would do a simple lash on each of these cross pieces to hold them in place. When finished I would pile evergreen bows on top

[wgfarmer]

I've been thinking about doing some type of cot sleeping system, typed in "Bushcraft Cot" in YouTube and this great video popped up. It's given me some ideas to incorporate in my design. Thanks guy!

[phreshayr]

@wgfarmer Your certainly welcome. That's great that the video helped you out and provided some ideas

[ghostofthewoods]

Great vid and so good to get off the ground, good job, Al.

[phreshayr]

@ghostofthewoods thanks al. Yes it is great to get off the ground and it's so comfortable as well. 

[mwillblade]

Nice to see someone is watching your back ! Nice dogie !

[phreshayr]

@mwillblade Yes Buck is a great companion. His eyes ears and nose are all better than mine and it's great having him as my sentry. Wouldn't want a bear sneaking up behind. :-)

[Ggreenvideos]

Yup! Very cool Idea Alaska man ;o) I'm going to give this a try...eventually...hehe! It's faved :o)

[phreshayr]

@Ggreenvideos Thanks To you to you old Yukon Mountain Man. Well perhaps not so old. :-) Glad ya enjoyed it.

[phreshayr]

Your welcome Bushbumming. Glad you liked it.

[phreshayr]

You betcha 1OldSchool4. Your Welcome. Hope it works out as well for you as it has for me.

[bushbumming29]

That is a great Idea thanks for posting

[1OldSchool4]

I like this idea. My wife and I are working on making a permanent camp on our property and this will make some good sleeping. Thanks for posting.