Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are an affordable and comfortable method to sleep while camping. Some cots like the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op offer extremely high levels of comfort, while others can be packed down to the size and weight of a loaf.
Some cots are more costly specifically those that are designed for backpacking.
Price
If you're looking for an inexpensive camping cot but don't have a lot of money you can get a simple car camping cot that will run you about $100. These cots are usually made of aluminum or steel frames with fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and prevent cold air from sapping heat from your sleeping bag. If you're looking for greater comfort, you could spend a little bit more on a model that comes with options for organization and additional cushioning. However, these cots typically trade off in strength and can be heavier and bulkier than the low-end models.
The weight and size of the pack are crucial aspects for backpackers who have to carry their equipment on their backs. They will sacrifice comfort for space in their backpacks and a majority of backpacking cots have insulation that reduces the cold that would otherwise seep into their sleeping bags. cots to tots come with sleeping pads that are built into the cot to provide additional warmth and padding. Examples of this include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots can be easy to put together, others require lots of time and effort and could be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. If you are looking for a light option that is easy to take on backpacking trips, then you'll need to select an outdoor tent with cot capabilities. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is the main issue for those purchasing cots. Cots lift campers off the ground, making an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. This stops cold from transferring to sleeping bags from the ground. The cots are larger and heavier, making them harder to store and transport. For people who plan to camp just a few miles from their vehicles, camping cots could be a great option.
The most comfortable cot that we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot that is light and has a a fast setting time of five seconds. The cot features a large sleeping surface that measures 27 inches wide and is able to accommodate up to 300 pounds. It also comes with a headrest that provides additional support for back sleepers.
Another cot that's comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can be used as an upholstered cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is extremely robust, and its soft feet won't damage the floor of your cabin or tent. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be put away in a compact carry case. The cot is equipped with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to various reclining positions if it is used as a chair.
Aside from being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple to set up and sturdy enough for adults. The only drawback to this cot is that it might be too narrow for people who want a bit more room 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 other cots however, they offer more space for camping as well as extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a more padded side of the cot to prevent the occupants from rolling over. The legs of these cots are sturdy made of stainless and aluminum steel.
Durability
The durability of the cot is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing this piece of camping equipment. Cheap cots aren't durable enough and can cause you to be exhausted and sore. This isn't a good reason for sleeping outdoors. Cots need to be sturdy enough to support the user's weight and withstand the any damage caused by sharp objects. This is especially important if you're planning to use the cot outdoors in the open, where it could be exposed to dust and animals that may attack or chew at it.
Certain cots have extra features that make them more comfortable. For example certain cots have a built-in mattress that can be inflated by a pump, which makes them feel like a bed. Others have securing systems to keep the mattress from sliding off in the night. These options are more expensive than standard cots but can offer a greater level of comfort.
The design of a cot can also impact its durability. A frame made of steel is more durable than one with bars that are thin. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is also more stable than one with just four points of contact, which decreases the chance that it could tip over or sink into mud or snow.
It's important to consider how often you'll be using the cot when choosing the best one for you. If you're planning on using it for car camping or occasional trips to the backpack A cot that is lightweight and has an integrated sleeping pad is likely to be the best choice. This kind of cot is usually less than three pounds and can be packed into a compact bag to carry on backpacking trips.
Another factor to think about when selecting a cot is whether you want it to fold down into chairs for easy transportation and storage. Certain cots can fold into chairs for easier storage and transport, but are not rated well for their durability or ease of use. Some cots can be folded flat to fit into a small bag, and then carried by campers or classroom teachers on field excursions.
Setup
When you are looking for a low-cost cot you should consider how easy it will be to put up. Some models require less than a minute to unfold and put up, whereas others are more complicated and require a number of steps. They tend to be larger and heavier than cots that are less difficult to set up, but they also provide more comfort when camping. Some cots have state-of-the-art technologies that can reduce the number of pieces and steps needed to set up, however they can increase the cost.
If you're planning to use your cot mostly for car camping, look for one that's designed to slide easily into the back of your car or SUV. Some of these models come with numerous rings that can be difficult to line up and snap into the right place, but they're a good choice for those who don't wish to shell out more money for the tent.
It's better to invest in 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 is possible so that they can be carried in your backpack without too much trouble. They are sufficient to sleep comfortably for long distances and will provide you with an excellent night's sleep during your backpacking trip.
Some cots are designed to be used as an alternative to sleeping pads for more comfort. They are generally heavier than backpacking cots, but they provide an elevated bed that feels more like an old-fashioned mattress instead of sleeping on the ground. They are a great choice for those who enjoy car camping, but need to sleep in the backcountry during their backpacking adventures.
If you plan to use your cot primarily in your camper or RV then you should choose one that has a mattress and pillow built-in for maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses that are filled before you go to sleep, so you can enjoy a comfortable and comfortable night's rest regardless of where you're staying.