v_hanna

I've designed a new backpack. It is not too different looking from a large camping pack.

The main difference is: Hidden away is a cot frame that gets you off the ground in 3 minutes.

Sure it's not a full size army or camp cot, but something that just weighs 3# [1.4kilo]

Oh by the way: the unit is an 'internal frame pack'
take a look and allow me your comments:
http://www.msnusers.com/fotiasbackpacksystem
It is not for sale yet. But will be at@$149.95
Thanks
vance hanna

elaine

I've had martinis get me off the ground in 3 minutes, but thanks.

Scarlett

elaine, A nice big Margarita will do it for me, but thanks v hanna.

Travelnut

Try it out on Rough Travel, Lonely Planet or Let's Go, more likely to find potential camping customers there...

ira

Hmmmmmm.

This isn't an advert, is it?

cmt

It's an interesting idea, but not something I would use becaue I don't backpack. I like lightweight daypacks for all-day hiking, and when possible I even try to get away with light bookpacks instead of the heavier, more high-tech, extra-sturdy hikers' daypacks. When I did go camping a few years ago in Idaho, my sleeping gear was in a waterproof sack carried by a raft, so I just had to lug it from the waterline to the camp site. One question I have about this combination backpack-bed are whether there's room in there for a sleeping bag. If not, then it seems that it would be useful only when you're sleeping in such a hot place that you don't even need any bedding under or over your body. If there will still be need for a sleeping bag, this pack will not give you everything you need. On the other hand, it will give you more than you need if you'll be camping in a place with a good smooth, dry surface, where it would be comfortable enough to put your sleeping bag directly on the ground and a raised cot might be unnecessary. Interesting idea, but just not for me.

Ira, I think the advertising rules may have been relaxed or suspended, since there is a long, active, very pleasant thread going on that is clearly advertising someone's website promoting her rental apartment in Dijon, and no one is complaining about it, and it hasn't been shut down or deleted. So really this thread is no worse (though it does look a bit like advertising to me, too). No skin off my nose anyway....

Christina

Mainly just a little marketing research from travelers, rather than an ad per se...

However, what do I think of it? I don't understand the point or who would want to carry a cot around on their back. It would not be remotely comfortable as it is just some fabric on a frame and is very very small in width (barely larger than an airline seat which is miniscule nowadays).

If I were interested in carrying around a bed, I'd probably carry one of those inflatable mattress things which sound better than this. It looks more uncomfortable than not having the "cot" as you couldn't stretch out in any way. When I have gone camping or wanted something to keep me off the ground, I just took a very lightweight foam pad that rolls up to insulate me from the ground and provide a light cushion. These are sold in camping stores and still would be my preference.

I find it hard to believe a 3 lb frame could support anyone of 200 lbs or so, as this claims. Anyway, it may be fine if someone wants such a product, I just don't know why someone would.

degas

Don't quit your day job!

suze

v_hanna, generally speaking i think Fodorites are NOT your target audience. As mentioned try it out over on The Thorn Tree at lonelyplanet.com

starrsville

I haven't followed the link to take a look, but my general comments -

A backpacker counts every ounce and won't want to carry a cot around on his/her back - too much weight

Someone else needing a cot is probably car-camping.

I can't imagine a time/ situation I'd want to carry a cot around on my back.