I've only cold tented it on four total winter trips now and decided, as go solo, wanted a bit more things to do in the evening, like read, write, etc., so bought a hot tent & stove to gain a bit of time post sunset. My question, with a stove and warmer temps inside the tent, how do I stay dry? If I don't cut boughs - do I need to get cot or something to raise myself up? Any advise would be appreciated.

I use a cot while winter camping. I like the extra storage space created underneath.

A cot is not necessary for hot tenting. Some people do use them and probably more don’t. I have never used one in winter but am considering one for car camping type winter trips only - not for BWCA trips. Either way you will need insulation under you. I use an 8x10 blue poly tarp as a base under where I sleep and pile gear (not under or near stove), then a folding z-rest pad, then an Exped downmat 7. The R value of the two pads is additive, and I like the security of the Zrest in case my Exped should fail.

If you watch hot tenting videos on YouTube you will see a lot of people using spruce or fir boughs, but most of these are in Canada on Crown land where people are few and boughs abundant. There are far fewer places in the US where it is legal and sustainable. Do not do it in the BWCA! I’ve had the good fortune to be able to do it a couple of time (private land) but even then did not do the whole tent - just a small area not covered by my blue tarp near the door. If ever in a place where it’s allowed, be sure to only take a few boughs from the borrow of each of several trees, and scatter them widely when done.

I have never used a cot in 12 years of hot tenting. I sleep on the floor - Tarp used to cover the floor or at least where I am going to put my Pad and bag down on. Never had a problem staying dry. No need for boughs.

Thanks for suggestions and let me be clear, not planning on cutting any boughs. In lieu of cutting boughs . . . .is what I should have said.

Certainly not needed, but I use one when I'm sleeping in the tent and am liking it. I however oftentimes sleep outside in a hammock and we use the hot tent as a gathering place, cooking, drying out stuff, out etc.