[at-l] That Crazy Cot/Pack Again

[RoksnRoots at aol.com (RoksnRoots@aol.com)]

      Somebody remembered an idea I posted 3 years ago about a hybrid pack 
and mailed me privately. Thought my response might be of interest:


              I appreciate that somebody remembered that post from probably 3 
years ago. I'm not a private gear developer or anything. I just put it out 
there on the list hoping somebody on the inside would see it and maybe run with 
it. 

           I looked up foldable cots in the Campmor catalogue, there's 
nothing there that looks backpackable on a long-distance basis. Most are 5 pounds + 
or so. Too heavy for carrying. 

       Nobody inquired, but my actual idea was not a foldable cot. It was a 
hybrid cot/backpack. Someone on the list suggested it was a lunatic idea 
(that's a good sign). Anyway my idea was to design a large frame pack that had a 
sleeve-type pack body that slid over the frame while walking. When you got to 
camp you detached the pack body and assembled the cot by sliding the frame 
members from their pack position into the cot position.

           I did have a minor conversation on Wingfoot's list about this with 
another hiker. We agreed that the titanium pack frame would have to be of 
long-length when in the pack mode and then have overlapping, sliding members in 
order to extend long enough to become a cot. The pack material would then also 
have to unfold and extend so it could double as the cot fabric. 

         By doing this you would add some weight to the overall pack, but not 
have to carry a cot. Lightweighters wouldn't have to carry a mattress. 2-3 
inches clearance would be enough space to have running water in the rain run 
under you and not get you wet. That's another plus in not worrying about perfect 
site location after a long day. Stick a tarp over it and you are up and off 
the ground and snug under the tarp. Another weight saver. Breathing comfort in 
addition to sleeping comfort.

         The man I discussed this with on ATML agreed that the problem would 
be the design. You would have to figure out how to get the legs to fold and 
become part of the pack frame. I suppose they could be added to the top and 
bottom "U" bars and detached and reattached when needed as legs. For me it would 
have to be at least 6 foot and 4 inches to fit all of me on the cot. This means 
you would have to figure out how to make the pack short enough in length to 
serve as a pack without being cumbersome while also stretching to 6 foot 4. 
Doubling sliding members would do this.

             Interesting project for someone with the ability and ambition...