Ultralite cot for under $30

On everyone of my camp outs, I always carry a big, heavy cot. I would sleep on a pad, but you can feel the rocks under the the tent. An self-inflating mattress seems pretty good too but in my experience, they deflate. So in my search for a reliable,portable, and lightweight cot, i found this: http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html . It's the perfect cot! BUT,with all good must come evil and that evil is the price tag.I thought I going to have to break open the piggy back (again) for this :( I didn't want to break the piggy bank (again) but i REALLY want that cot so, I do what i usually do- make it myself! It's quite simple. you see, you lay on the cot and the poles underneath stretch the fabric so you stay aloft! (What a marvelous invention!) 

Some notes:
I am around 100 pounds and I am an inch off the ground. if you are over 130 pounds, you may have to buy the actually cot.
This is not for those who toss and turn at night. sorry :(
I wouldn't use on a weeklong campout right after you finish making it. I suggest you try it for nap in your living room then a camp out. If you think its ready, take it wherever you want!

I am not responsible for any injuries that happen due to this cot.

If you trust your crafting skills, then proceed and good luck! :) 

Step 1 Materials

Material needed:

Fabric that doesn't stretch and is strong. i used tarp cause it was around :P you can use rip-stop fabric or the bottom of old tents for those who recycle.

8 to 10 3/8 inch diameter tent poles. mine are 25 5/8 inch long.

2 feet of 4  inch pvc

2 seven feet collapsable tent poles. its going to be longer than bed. that is fine.

3 feet of flat, thin wooden molding. mine is 1/4 inch thick. i suggest the same if home-depot has it

Tools:
drill
dremel
knife
saw
sewing machine
gorilla glue


I got my 3/8 inch diameter tent poles from 2 repair kits. they come in a pack of 4 and you have to cut them in half yourself. usually the stretch cord is provided. 

Comments

[kingsmanname]

I really like this, for the longest time I've looked for portable cots and I think this may be the answer I've been lookin for, Thanks!!!

[Isurvival]

Thanks for sharing-I've seen the design on the internet, but it was very expensive, and also hard to get (from Hungary)...anyway, great instructables!

[mad doctor]

thanks. hope you get around to making it! (somehow i found my password to my old account and forgot to logout so i may have replied under a different name :P)

[zazenergy]

Awesome! This is a great Instructable. Welcome to the community :)