Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are an affordable and comfortable option for sleeping when camping. Some cots, like the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op provide extremely high levels of comfort, whereas others can be tucked away to the size and weight of the bread loaf.
Some cots are more expensive specifically those that are designed for backpacking.
Price
If you're looking for an inexpensive camping cot but don't have much money to spare you can get a simple car camping cot that will cost you about $100. These models are typically made of aluminum or steel frames and have fabric stretched over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground, and they prevent cold air from stealing heat from your sleeping bags. If you're looking to increase your comfort, you can invest a little bit more on a model that has options for organization and cushioning. However, these cots often aren't as strong and are often heavier and bulkier than the lower-end models.
Size and weight are crucial aspects for backpackers who have to carry their gear on their backs. They will sacrifice comfort to fit in their rucksacks and a lot of backpacking cots come with insulation that blocks cold that would otherwise seep into their sleeping bags. Some cots come with built-in sleeping pads to provide extra warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots may be easy to put together, others require an enormous amount of effort and time and might be difficult for those who are unable to move around to set up. Those who want an ultralight option that they can easily take on backpacking trips will likely need to opt for a tent with integrated cot capabilities, like the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the most important considerations for cot buyers is comfort. Cots lift campers up off the ground to provide an easier night's sleep. It also prevents cold from transferring from the ground to sleeping bags. The cots are heavier and bulkier, which makes them harder to store and transport. If you intend to camp a short distance from their vehicles, camping cots could be an excellent choice.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot was the most comfortable cot we have tested. It's lightweight, and it can be set up in only five minutes. The cot features a huge sleeping area that measures 27 inches wide and can support up to 300 pounds. It also features an adjustable headrest that offers support for back sleepers.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another cot that's both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot, or as a lounger. Its construction is surprisingly robust, and its soft feet won't scratch the flooring of your tent or cabin. It is lightweight and can be carried in a compact case. The cot comes with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to various recline positions when it is used as a chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple to set up and durable enough for adults. The cot could be too narrow for those who need more space for their legs.
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op also scored highly for comfort. Both are more expensive than other cots, however, they offer more space for camping and additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially ideal for back and side sleepers because it has an additional layer of padding on the side of the cot that helps prevent people from rolling off the edge. The cots also have sturdy legs made of steel and aluminum.
Durability
When shopping for camping gear, the durability of the tent cot is an important factor to consider. Cheap cots are not sturdy enough and could cause you to be exhausted and aching. This isn't a good reason for sleeping outdoors. Cots must be able to support the weight of the person using them, and withstand injury from sharp objects that might be in contact with it. This is especially important if you intend to use the cot outside, where it might be exposed to dirt and animals that may chew or claw at it.
Certain cots have additional features that make them more comfortable. Some cots, for instance come with a built-in mattress that can be filled with pumps. This makes them appear more like an actual bed. Others have securing systems to prevent the sleeping pad from sliding off in the night. These options are more expensive than standard cots, but they can offer a greater level of comfort.
The design of a cot may also impact its durability. For instance, a cot that has an iron frame is more durable than one with thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is more sturdy than one that has only four points of contact. nursery cots reduces the chances that it will topple over or sink into mud or snow.
When choosing the right cot for you, it's crucial to consider how often you'll use it. If you're planning to use it for camping in the car or occasionally for backpacking trips, an incredibly light cot with a sleeping pad built in is the best choice. This kind of cot weighs usually less than three pounds and can be packed in a small bag for backpacking.
Another factor to think about when selecting a cot is whether you want it to fold down into an armchair for easy transport and storage. Some cots can be folded into chairs for easier storage and transportation, but they are not rated well for their reliability or ease of use. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a compact bag and transported by teachers or campers on field trips.
Setup
When shopping for a cheap cot you should consider the ease with which it is to put up. Some models are simple to arrange and unfold, while others require more parts and require multiple steps. These cots are generally heavier and bulkier than cots that are easier to assemble however they can provide greater comfort at camp. Some cots are fitted with cutting-edge technologies that reduce the number and complexity of the pieces needed to set them up. However, these may raise the cost.
If you plan to use your cot mostly for car camping, choose one that can slide easily into the rear of your truck or SUV. Some models come with a lot of rings that are difficult to line up and snap into place, but they're an excellent choice for those who don't want to shell out extra cash for a tent.
It's best to get an cot that is designed specifically for hiking if you're planning to go on an excursion with backpacks. The most affordable options, such as the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as they can to be carried in your backpack without too much trouble. They're also comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances and will provide you with a great night's rest on your backpacking adventure.
Some cots are designed to be used as an alternative to sleeping pads for extra comfort. They tend to be heavier than backpacking cots, however they provide an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather instead of sleeping on the ground. These are good for backpackers who prefer to camp in their cars but need to sleep in the wilderness.
If you intend to use your cot exclusively in your camper or RV then you should choose a model with a mattress and pillow built-in for maximum comfort. best cots for newborns are even made with air mattresses that are inflated prior to going to sleep, so that you can have a cozy, comfy night's sleep no matter where you're staying.