Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are an affordable and comfortable method of sleeping during camping. Some cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op offer incredibly comfortable levels of comfort, while others are smaller than the size of bread loafs and can be carried on backpacking trips.
Other cots, especially those designed for backpacking, are on the higher-priced side.
Price
If you're looking for a cheap camping cot, but don't want spend an excessive amount you can buy a basic camping bed for less than $100. These cots are usually made of aluminum or steel frames, and have fabric strewn over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground, and they keep cold air from taking warmth from your sleeping bags. You can spend more money on a model that offers more cushioning and options for organization. These cots can be heavier and bulkier than low-end models.
Size and weight are essential aspects for backpackers who have to carry their gear on their backs. They will sacrifice comfort to fit in their backpacks and a lot of backpacking cots are designed with insulation that reduces the cold that would otherwise penetrate into their sleeping bags. Some cots have sleeping pads built into the cot for extra warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots may be simple to set up, others require a lot of effort and time and could be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. People who are looking for an ultralight option they can easily take on backpacking trips will likely require a tent with integrated cot capabilities, like the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a major concern for cot purchasers. Cots lift campers off the ground, which makes for a softer night's sleep. It also prevents cold from transferring from the ground to the sleeping bags. The cots are heavier and bulkier, which makes them difficult to store and transport. For people who plan to camp just a few miles from their vehicles, camping cots can be a good option.
The most comfortable cot that we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot which is lightweight and has a fast setup time of about five seconds. The cot features a large sleeping surface that measures 27 inches wide and can accommodate up to 300 pounds. It also has a headrest to provide additional support to back sleepers.
Another cot that is comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can be used as an cot or lounge chair. Its construction is surprisingly sturdy, and its cushioned feet won't damage the floor of your tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be stored in a small carry case. The cot also has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to various reclining positions when used as a lounge chair.
Aside from being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple to set up and is sturdy enough for adults. The only downside to this cot is that it could be too narrow for people who want a bit more space for their legs.
Other cots that scored highly for comfort included the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. Both are more expensive than a few of the other cots that we reviewed but they have more space for camping and feature extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a thicker padding on the sides of the cot, which helps prevent the occupants from rolling over. The legs of these cots are strong made of stainless and aluminum steel.
Durability
When shopping for camping gear, the quality of a tent cot is a key aspect to take into consideration. Cots that aren't durable enough could leave you feeling tired and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots should be able support the weight of the person who is using them and withstand injury from sharp objects that might come into contact with it. This is particularly important if you intend to use the cot outdoors, where it might be exposed to dirt and animals that could chew or claw at it.
Certain cots come with additional features that can make them more comfortable. For instance some cots come with a built-in mattress which can be inflated with a pump, which makes them feel like a bed. Other cots have locking systems to prevent the sleeping pad from slipping off in the night. These options may cost more than conventional cots, but they can add an extra level of comfort to your camping experience.
The design of a cot can affect its durability. A cot with a solid frame made of metal is more durable than one with thin bars. A cot that has 10 points of contact to the ground is more stable than a cot with just four points of contact. This lowers the likelihood that it will tip over or sink in mud or snow.
When deciding on the ideal cot for you, it's important to consider how frequently you'll use it. If you're planning to use it for car camping or occasionally for backpacking trips, an incredibly light cot with a sleeping pad built in is the best choice. The cot usually weighs less than 3 pounds and fits in an incredibly compact bag for carrying, making it suitable for backpacking.
When choosing great crib , you should also think about whether it's possible to fold it into a chair, making storage and transportation easier. Some cots that fold into chairs are easier to set up, but they don't get the highest ratings for stability or user-friendliness. Some cots are able to be folded flat to fit into a small bag and transported by campers or classroom teachers on field excursions.
Setup
If you are buying a cot that isn't expensive take note of the ease of set up. Some models take less than a minute to fold and set up, while others have more components and require multiple steps. They are generally heavier and bulkier than cots which are less difficult to assemble however they can provide greater comfort at camp. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that reduces the amount and complexity of pieces required to set them up. However, they can raise the cost.
If you're planning to use your cot mostly for camping in your car, search for one designed to easily slide into the back of your car or SUV. Some of these models come with many rings that are difficult to line up and snap into the right place, but they're an excellent choice for those who don't want to shell out more money for the tent.
For backpacking trips, it's a better idea to buy a cot specifically designed for hiking. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the cheapest alternatives. It's designed to be lightweight so it's able to be carried in the backpack. They're also comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances and will give you an excellent night's sleep on your backpacking adventure.
Some cots are designed to be used in addition to sleeping pads for extra comfort. They are generally heavier than backpacking cots but they offer an elevated bed that feels more like the traditional mattress rather as opposed to sleeping on the ground. These are good for backpackers who prefer to camp in the car but want to sleep in the wilderness.
If you plan to use your cot exclusively in your camper or RV then you should choose a model with an integrated mattress and pillow for maximum comfort. Some cots are even made with air mattresses that are inflated before you go to sleep, so that you can have a cozy and comfy night's sleep regardless of where you're staying.