Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are a comfortable and affordable way to sleep when camping. Some cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op provide extremely comfortable levels of comfort, while others pack down to the size of a loaf of bread and can be taken for backpacking trips.
Other cots, specifically ones designed for backpacking, are on the higher-priced side.
Price
If you're in search of a cheap camping cot but don't want to spend a lot it's possible to get a basic car camping bed for about $100. These cots are usually made of steel or aluminum frames with fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and also help stop cold air from stealing the warmth from your sleeping bag. If you're looking to increase your comfort, you could spend some extra money on a higher-end model that adds organization options and additional cushioning. However, these cots usually compromise on strength and are often more heavy and bulkier than lower-end models.
For backpackers, who must carry all their equipment on their backs over long distances, weight and size are crucial considerations when selecting a sleeping cot. A majority of backpacking cots come with insulation to help reduce the cold that can otherwise get through sleeping bags. Some cots come with sleeping pads built into the cot for additional warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots are easy to put together however, others require lots of effort and time and might be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. Those who want an ultralight option they can easily take on backpacking trips may require an outdoor tent that has integrated cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the biggest concerns for cot buyers is comfort. Cots lift campers up off the ground to provide more comfort during their sleep. This prevents the cold from getting into sleeping bags from below. The cots are heavier and bulkier, which makes them more difficult to store and transport. Camping cots are a great option for people who want to camp close to their vehicles.
The most comfortable cot we tried is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot that is light and has a quick set-up time of around five seconds. The cot features a huge sleeping space that measures 27 inches in width and can support up 300 pounds. It comes with a headrest that can provide additional 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 lounge chair. Its construction is quite durable, and it has soft feet that won't mark the floor of a tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be put away in a small carry case. The cot also comes with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted for various reclining positions when used as an outdoor lounge chair.
The cot is not only comfortable, but it is also simple to put up. It's strong enough for adults. The only drawback to this cot is that it could be too narrow for some people who want a bit more space for their legs.
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op also scored high for comfort. Both are more expensive than a few of the other cots we looked at however they provide more room for camping and feature extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially ideal for back and side sleepers as it has an additional layer of padding along the side of the cot, which helps keep people from sliding off the edge. cots offers of these cots are sturdy made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
When you are shopping for camping equipment the durability of the tent cot is a crucial factor to consider. Cots that aren't durable enough could make you feel exhausted and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots should be strong enough to withstand the weight of the person using it and resist damage caused by sharp objects. This is especially crucial if the cot will be used outside, where it may be exposed to debris or animals that could attack or chew it.
Certain cots have additional features that make them more comfortable. For example certain cots have a mattress built-in which can be inflated by a pump, which makes them feel like a real bed. Other cots have locking systems to prevent the sleeping pad from slipping off in the night. These options are more expensive than standard cots but can provide a higher level of comfort.
The style of a cot could also affect its durability. A frame made of metal is more durable than one with bars that are thin. A cot that has 10 points of contact to the ground is more sturdy than a cot with just four points of contact. This lowers the likelihood that it will tip over or sink in snow or mud.
It's also a good idea to consider how often you'll be using the cot before deciding on the one that is right for you. If you're going to be using it for car camping as well as occasional trips to the backpack A cot that is lightweight and has an integrated sleeping pad is likely to be the best option. The cot usually weighs less than 3 pounds and can fit into the size of a small carry bag which makes it ideal for backpacking.
Another factor to consider when choosing 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 transport, but are not rated well for their stability or ease of usage. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a small bag and transported by campers or classroom teachers on field trips.
Setup
If you are buying a cot that isn't expensive, make sure to consider the ease of set up. Some models are easy to set up and unfold, while others require more parts and a number of steps. They tend to be larger and heavier than cots that are simpler to set up, but they also provide more comfort while camping. Certain cots feature cutting-edge technology that help to reduce the number of pieces and steps needed to set up, but they can add to the price.
If you intend to use your cot mostly for car camping, choose one that will easily slide into the rear of your vehicle or SUV. Some of these models come with many rings that are difficult to align and snap into place, but they're an excellent choice for those who don't wish to shell out extra cash for a tent.
It's best to get a cot designed for hiking when you're planning to go on an excursion with backpacks. The cheapest options, like the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as they can so that they can be carried in your backpack without much hassle. They are comfortable enough to sleep for long distances and will give you the best night's sleep on your backpacking trip.
Some cots are designed to be used in addition to sleeping pads for more comfort. These cots are more bulky than backpacking ones, yet they provide you with an experience that is similar to mattresses. These are a good choice for those who love camping in their cars but want to sleep in the backcountry during their backpacking trips.
If you intend to use your cot mostly in your camper or RV then you should choose one that has a built-in mattress and pillow for maximum comfort. Some cots are equipped with air mattresses that you can inflate before sleeping. This will ensure you get a comfortable night's rest, regardless of where you're staying.