Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot (Review 2021)


Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot

Looking for a lightweight and small packed size folding camp bed? The Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot is just one of the top and trusted portable beds you can have. This cot is supported with shock-corded poles and bow with the reflector on the bed’s fabric to retain your body temperature in cold weather.

Let’s further discuss the features and performance of this camping bed based on the following topics: comfort and warmth, versatility, weight and packed size, ease of use, and durability. We will also be talking about the pros and cons of this camping bed to further help you decide whether this equipment is good for you or not.

 

Size:

Dimensions: 24” x 72” x 4.5”
Weight: 2lb 10oz
Material: Nylon, Ripstop Polyester, and Aluminum Poles
R-Value: N/A

Click here to see the Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot on Amazon.Opens in a new tab.

 

Verdict

From our evaluation, there are many features you can have with the Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot but there are remarkable and unique ones. The cot style is a smart idea to elevate your body,  preventing it from getting in contact with wet, cold, and hot surfaces. 

The ThermaCapture technology also caught our attention as it adjusts the bed fabric to your body temperature making you feel the moderation under extreme weather conditions. The only downside we found in this sleeping bed is the complicated set-up because of the poles and stand that you need to attach in order for you to use this camping bed, but be informed that this challenging set-up also goes in all of the cot types of camping beds. 

 

There are tons of camping cots available in the market today for every kinds of sleeper. If you’re looking to purchase one for yourself, check out our top recommendations of the best camping cots that will greatly improve your camping experience. 

 

Comfort and Warmth

Most of the portable beds are designed with lay and inflate systems however, Therm-A-Rest has manufactured another idea of equipment for your camping or hiking needs. This is their UltraLite Cot. 

Unlike those inflatable beds we have reviewed, this type looks like a literal cot with stands and poles underneath your resting fabric. Now let’s scrutinize why this is a potential gear to be noted. 

Why should you use a cot? From our evaluation, this design can elevate your back from wet, hot, and cold grounds. This way, you can prevent your resting pad from sustaining damages caused by rough grounds or intense temperatures. This is like a bed but converted to be portable. 

You may ask if this can assure comfort when you sleep. We can only say that it is dependent on your sleeping positions because the materials under are bent poles. Some testers we talked to have expressed their disappointment in this section.

However, you can align the cot on a diagonal position to avoid the poles from distracting your legs or knees. We suggest you bring some foam to provide more comfort and relaxation especially if you are experiencing back pains. 

On the other hand, Therm-A-Rest has engineered a technology which is called the ThermaCapture. There are numerous inflatable beds that have deficiencies in this sector that will leave you under cold and hot weather without regulating your body temperature. With this cot, you can ensure that this equipment will adjust to your body heat and protect you from the cold that surrounds you. 

Our testing has proven the special ability of this cot which is a notable feature we can’t forget. The cover of this cot has a reflective element that works in the role of this temperature regulation aspect. 

There are not many comfort features we can express in this cot since it is made with a thin material. It is just the advantage that it can raise your body from the ground surface. 

 

Versatility

The structure and design of this Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot is a great advantage in any kind of place, may it be cold, wet, or hot. This cot can cover a variety surfaces.  If you plan to go on camping, hiking, trekking, or any of the outdoor activities you are planning to do, it won’t be a challenge. It will be a good companion for you. 

The whole cot materials are detachable for lightweight and small storage. It will be convenient for your backpacking plans because you can just compress it on the portable bag. It won’t eat much of the space in your bag. 

There are a lot of drawbacks that you need to watch out for in this sleeping equipment. As we said, the gears and materials of this cot are removable. There is a big possibility that these elements may be lost along your way, especially the poles and the bow stand. 

We suggest you properly secure these materials to avoid this problem. Always remember that if you lose one of the parts, it will impair the stability of your cot. It will be an extensive struggle and nuisance in the middle of your outing. 

All in all, the cot works fine anywhere. You should just be careful and meticulous in dealing with your cot. 

 

A camping mattress will definitely increase the comfort level of your campsite. This will allow you to rest better and enjoy your trip more. If you follow our suggestions, you can make your camping mattress even more comfortable than it already is. 

 

Weight and Packed Size

The body parts of this cot are detachable for compact and portable storage. If we discuss the packed size, we consider this as one of the small-sized sleeping equipment we have reviewed. Aside from being small, we discovered it to be lightweight as well. 

The total weight of the Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot is only less than 3 pounds. This is a great equipment to carry around, especially when you are going to a far place that requires walking. You can insert it inside your backpack without worrying much about the space that it will consume. Aside from the fact that this is naturally light, the packed dimension is also small. If you are planning to buy this cot, it is available in regular size with a measurement of 24 x 72 inches and a large size with a measurement of 26 x 77 inches. The packed size is 41 x 13cm.

The package of UltraLite Cot comes with a storage bag, bed cover, poles, and bow stand. The overall assessment comparing this to other cots available, this is one of the most compact and lightweight cot. This is an assurance for you while seeking added gears on your camping plans.

 

Ease of use

During our evaluation, we found out that the set-up features of this cot are complicated and challenging especially if you are a new user. This is far different from inflatable beds where you can just spread it on the ground then pump it. In the case of this cot, you still need to assemble the poles and connect to the bow stand to be able to install it.

Some reviews state that it is very easy to set up. We agree with that because you don’t need any tools to attach everything. As you gradually utilize it on your hiking or camping activities, you’ll get used to it and will find it effortless to assemble. But that is if you used it several times already. 

Let’s have a bit of an overview of how you install this cot. To assemble it, the first thing you should do is unpack the materials then insert one foldable pole on both sides of the bed fabric. It can be easily inserted since there is a passage for you to place it. The next steps are the connecting of poles to the bow stand. 

There are two types of assembly in this part which may depend on you if you want it to be more stable and sturdy to carry your weight. You just have to connect two poles in one stand on both sides then attach each other in the middle. After this, place the bow on the side poles you inserted earlier on the sides of the fabric. Do this on the remaining poles until you finish it.  

From our evaluation, this is a recommended material, but definitely complex to set-up. You can check ALPS Mountaineering Ready Lite Cot Roll for a less challenging set up of the poles.

 

Not sure about which kind of camping mattress to bring for your next camping trip? We’ve got you covered! We listed the pros and cons of each kind of camping mattress to help you figure out which one will suit your needs. What to choose between camping cots, sleeping pads, airbeds, and hammocks? Read our article to find out. 

 

Durability

If we talk about durability, this cot is definitely dependable. Aside from the small and compact storage, the materials used in this equipment are strong. The bed fabric is made of reflective material that is fit and doesn’t need to be inflated. The poles are shock-corded which is built with rubber strands for the bendable and durable carrying of the person’s body. 

What we like in this type of sleeping equipment is how it can raise your body from the ground. You can double the sturdiness of the base by putting two poles in one stand bow. 

We have no issues in the durability of the Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot since it can absorb and regulate the weather and your body temperature. Meaning, it can adjust to the surroundings. 

 

 

Pros

The Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot highlights these features:

  • Lightweight
  • ThermaCapture technology
  • Portable
  • Dependable 
  • Elevates your body against ground surfaces
  • Can strengthen the pole support for heavier capacity

 

Cons

Be aware of these disadvantages:

  • Complicated to set-up
  • Needs to adjust your position for comfort

 

Conclusion

We totally recommend Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot for your hiking and camping activities. The lightweight and portable features are best for backpacking and the ThermaCapture technology can retain your body temperature in any sort of weather. So if you are looking for a folding camp bed that you can carry around, this may suit your needs. 

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