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, whereas others can be tucked away to the size and weight of a loaf.
Certain cots are more expensive specifically those that are designed for backpacking.
Price
If you're looking for a cheap camping cot, but don't want spend much, you can get a basic car camping bed for around $100. These models are usually made from aluminum or steel frames with fabric stretched over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground and they prevent cold air from stealing warmth from your sleeping bags. If you're looking for greater comfort, you could spend some extra money on a model that has options for organization and additional cushioning. These cots can be heavier, bulkier and less strong than lower-end models.
For backpackers, who must carry their entire gear on their backs over long distances, weight and pack dimensions are important considerations when choosing a sleeping cot. Many backpacking cots are insulated to help reduce the cold that can otherwise get through sleeping bags. Some cots come with sleeping pads built into the cot to provide extra warmth and padding. Examples include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
Some cots are easy to assemble, but others require much effort and time. They can also be difficult to put together for those with limited mobility. If you're looking for an ultralight option that they can easily take on backpacking trips may have to choose a tent with integrated cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a major factor for buyers of cots. Cots lift campers off the ground to provide more comfort during their sleep. This prevents the cold from transferring to sleeping bags from the ground. The cots can be larger and heavier, making them harder to store and transport. If you intend to camp just a few miles from their vehicles, camping cots could be an excellent choice.
The most comfortable cot we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot which is lightweight and has a fast set-up time of around five seconds. The cot has a large sleeping space that measures 27 inches wide and can hold up to 300 pounds. It comes with a headrest that can give back sleepers additional support.
Another cot that is both comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can function as either an upholstered cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is surprisingly robust, and its soft feet won't damage the floor of your tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be stored in a compact carry case. It also has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different reclining positions as an outdoor lounge chair.
The cot is not only comfortable, but it is also simple to set up. It's sturdy enough for adults. The only issue with this cot is that it might be too narrow for some 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. They are more expensive than some of the other cots that we reviewed but they have more space for camping and come with additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a thicker padding on the sides of the cot to stop people 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 the tent cot is a key aspect to take into consideration. Cheap cots may not be durable enough and may make you tired and aching. This is not a good thing to sleep in the open air. Cots should be strong enough to support the weight of the user and withstand damage caused by sharp objects. This is particularly important if you intend to use the cot outdoors, where it might be exposed to debris and animals that may chew or claw at it.
Certain cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For cot sale have an inbuilt mattress which can be inflated with a pump. This makes them feel like a bed. Others have securing systems to stop the mattress from sliding off during the night. These options can cost a bit more expensive than standard cots, but they can give an extra degree of comfort to your camping experience.
The style of a cot could also affect its durability. For instance, a cot that has solid metal frames is more durable than one with slender bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is more stable than one that has only four, which reduces the likelihood that it will tip over or sink into snow or mud.
It's also a good idea 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 as well as occasional trips to the backpack A lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad is likely to be the best option. This kind of cot typically weighs less than three pounds and fits in a compact carry bag which makes it ideal for backpacking.
Another factor to think about when selecting a the cot is whether you'd like it to fold down into chairs for easy transportation and storage. Some cots fold into chairs are more straightforward to set up, but they do not receive the top scores for stability or ease of use. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a small bag and transported by students or teachers on field trips.
Setup
When shopping for a cheap cot you should consider the ease with which it is to install. Some models require less than a minute to fold and set up, while others are more complicated and require a number of steps. These are usually bulkier and heavier than cots that are simpler to set up, however they also provide more comfort while camping. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that cut down the number and complexity of the pieces required to put them together. However, these can increase the price.
If you're planning on using your cot primarily for camping in your car, search for one designed to easily slide into the back of your truck or SUV. sale cot of these models have many rings that can be difficult to line up and snap into place, but they're a good choice for those who don't wish to shell out more money for the tent.
For backpacking adventures it's best to buy a cot specifically designed for hiking. The most inexpensive options, such as the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as is possible to be carried in your backpack without too much trouble. They are also comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances and will provide you with a great night's rest on your backpacking trip.
Some cots can be fitted with sleeping pads to provide extra comfort. They tend to be heavier than backpacking cots, but they provide an elevated bed that feels more like a traditional mattress than sleeping on the ground. They are a great choice for those who love camping in their cars but want to sleep in the backcountry during their adventures on the trail.
If you're going to be using your cot primarily in your RV or camper then it's a great option to choose a model with an integrated pillow and mattress for maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses that are filled before you go to sleep, so that you can enjoy a comfortable, comfy night's sleep no matter where you're staying.