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Masterblaster,
We're not worn out...we're just "well versed!"

Wish I could join you in the 2010 Hoka Hey...that sounds like an absolute blast; unfortunately, I have far too much already booked on my 2010 calendar for June / July / August

Potential Sleeping bag options (note: yes, they're expensive, but worth the $$ to keep warm/comfortable, especially on this challenge you'll be doing!!)

 

REI is the place I would start.

Every few years I buy a new tent for camping in locations that vary from AZ, NM, TX, IL, WI, MN, Canada etc. I start with reading Backpacker Magazines annual "Gear Review" issue to get an education then I head to REI and meet the gear up close and personal.

I spent 11 years in Boy Scouts and I learned long before becoming an Infantryman that a ground cloth is worth it's weight in gold and insulating yourself from the heat sapping ground are key to comfort and sleep that equals recovery.

REI sells tent specific ground cloths (exact shape as the foot print of a specific tent). A perfect ground cloth will be just a tad (inch or so) smaller than the actual tent foot print. this will prevent water (rain) from hitting the ground cloth and getting between it and the tent floor. The ground cloth itself keeps moisture from penetrating the tent floor and sapping you of body heat.

ThermaRest makes great inflatable but really tough insulating sleeping pads. The one I prefer is a 3/4 inch thick 3/4 body length pad. They self inflate to about 90% full and deflate in second too. They pack up pretty small (6ish" dia x 10ish" long roll). You can get full length pads and last I looked they were available in a 1 inch thick version too. I choose the thinner/shorter/lighter version since I carry it on my back.

Tent pref for me - a dome tent that does not require stakes if I know the weather is going to be really good. Make sure your tent selection has repair sleeves/splints for fiberglass poles. Had to fix a pole once..... glad I had the repair stuff.

 

I have a Coleman 2 man dome tent, fits in the tourpak and a blow up pool floatie with a pillow built in. I like to camp for a few days if the weather is good, helps on the cost

 

Army pup tent heavy but I slept in one. In Dec in Snow.

 

Marmot makes some great ultralight tents that are easy to pack.

 

I have the Clip Flashlight from Sierra Designs, and it's perfect for what I wanted: small, light, not expensive. Not sure how it would do with your cot, but with a ThermoRest, it's a great option.

 

I used to use a tarp, cordage and bungies and attached to the bike as a lean to or complete cover. Depending on waether conditions and climate. Hot pipes and other engine components put off enough heat to stay warm until ya fall asleep. If Warm outside, allow a gap between the ground and the tarp for ventilation or install in the direction of the wind. You will figure out the first time you are too hot or too cold.
Good luck and be safe.!

 

I use an old peanut butter jar... labelled appropriately!

For sleeping bags: http://www.bigagnes.com/ I use the storm king with integrated pad

For tent: http://mountainhardwear.com/Home.aspx I use the lightwedge 3

Of course, when backpacking, I just used a Contrail tarp tent: http://www.tarptent.com/. However, have to warn you, this isn't great in freezing temps... best for late spring to early fall... in the south!

As with any camping endeavor... if it's a short stay, one time use... just about anything will work. Can suffer through. However, if you're looking at a lot of use, long-term investment... you get what you pay for. I do TONS of camping and backpacking with my son in the Boy Scouts... plus camping on the bike too.

 

I really like this idea... I would love to do this. In the Marine Corp we just swept away the rocks enough to make a slight dip and it was just fine. Depending on where you are don't be surprised if you have to sweep a few crawling 'things' off your face while you sleep. I swept what I thought was a mouse off my face once in the Mohave Desert... I upped myself onto one elbow to see a Tarantula crawling over my Deuce Gear... Not one to be bothered by bugs I tried to find it to kill it - no joy - assumed the sleep position... LOL! Had one buddy that started to roll his bag up to find about an 8" -10" baby rattler under his bag. Things out there just love that you are warm! Almost always though it just some tiny thing that is looking to stay warm... don't be freaked out. Just sweep it off and dance around like Ricky Bobby in his skivvies then go back to sleep - ha ha!!!

 

Hang your boots up high or have those mesh covers that go over the top and slide down the shaft of your boots and then bang the hell outta them the next morning!