Has anyone tried to or at least checked into any kind of cots that are lightweight and compact enough to bring to the BWCA???

I have not, but that is because the lightweight pads seem to do what is needed and they are very compact. Between the self inflating and those that require blowing up and the fold out hard foan ones you have many options.

Are you looking at a cot because of the height advantage vs sleeping on the ground on a pad? If so, have you looked at the hammock's that are also tents?? That might be a good option.

I have tried a couple of different pads and they all seem to be uncomfortable for me. Do you have any recommendations Bogwalker??

I will start by saying that I can sleep anywhere so the pad that works for me may not work for you.

I have a thermarest pad that inflates to 1.5" thick that I sleep on. It is the Prolite 3 model from Thermarest. I know some who swear by the Big Agnes inflatables which are more like an air mattress. They now have one with a down lining which helps with warmth. Make sure the pad you buy is wide enough for you-some pads are narrow for packability-going a little wider might help. Getting a good nights sleep will easily make up for any additional bulk and weight. My pad is only 20" wide but is plenty for me-most people feel 25" or more is a better width for them.

The primary purpose for the pad is insulation from the cold ground and then to provide some comfort against rocks and the hard ground. You will be hard pressed to find one to duplicate your home mattress.

Many of the sporting goods stores (REI, Cabellas, Gander Mountain) have places where you can lay down and test the mats in the store. I would suggest trying that approach and find one that works for you.

I recently purchased a self inflating pad from Cabela's, their luxery version. It is 76*25*4 and weighs 7lb 6oz. I have used therm-a-rest pads 20*72*1 in the past.
I found the new Cabela's pad extremely comfortable, I was looking at buying a cot to use for car camping, most of what I do and then having the kids sleep on the sleeping pads but, after using the new sleeping pad I no longer feel the need to get a cot. I am about 40 and slightly overweight and 6'2". I found I could sleep on my side or back without any problems. While the new pad was not as good as a mattress I could actually get up in the morning, my biggest problem was the pillow kept slipping out. I had a Qualfill (sic) pillow and had to use it with some clothes to get comfortable.
Several manufactures have the thicker versions, I found I would sacrifice the extra weight and volume to be more comfortable, I am just a little spoiled.
Going to BW causes one to make decisions about what to take and what not to, I felt that I needed the best sleeping gear so I could function the next day. Others like bogwalker do not have that issue, so you will need to make a decision that is best for you. Most places will allow you to return an item if you take good care of it, so maybe you will need to sleep on one or two as a test.

Thanks for the input fishinbuddy you and I are about the same I am 41 6' and a little overweight. LOL I like to actually enjoy my time in the BWCA without being tired all the time so a good nights rest is essential. I have actually found a few cots online that only sit off the ground 6 to 8 inches and they are fairly reasonable. $18 for one @ http://www.ourcampsite.com/15040.html That being said I wouldn't mind finding another sleeping pad but the ones that look the most comfortable are $100 like the Big Agnes pads. That is a lot to pay for something you might not like.

with the cots, I would be sure the legs arent such that they would poke holes in your tent floor.....I have seen some that would.

just a helpful FYI

paul1264, if you end up getting a cot post how it works, if I could find something light enough I would get a cot and put a 1" pad on top of it. Spoiled? You bet! Someone should start a discussion on luxery camping.

I found a British military cot @ the Sportmans guide for $30. Its 81 x 26 3/4"w., weighs 10 1/2 lbs. Keeps you 7" above the ants. It looks pretty comfy. Might have to check it out.

I am 6' 5 and weigh 285 and I sleep on a Thermarest Camprest Pad long... it is 77 x 28 x 2.25 and I sleep very well. I do not trust lightweight cots... and the ones that will fit me, weigh too much for me to be carrying into the BWCA. Sad thing about it is that I do not think they have the Camprest like mine anymore... I think it has been changed to the Basecamp and is not as thick...

Bruce

I took a cot to Dissapointment and it broke. We managed to cobble it together but had to be very careful when I got on and off it. I went to a coleman air matress for the next few years and now use a self infating pad from campmor. 1.5" X 72 X 25. Nice, I like it. 29 bux.

Jethro