Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots provide an affordable and comfortable way to sleep when camping. Some cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op provide extremely comfortable levels of comfort, whereas others fold down to the size of a loaf of bread and can be carried when backpacking.
Other cots, particularly those designed for backpacking, are on the higher-priced side.
Price
If you're looking for an affordable camping cot but don't have much money to spare you can get a simple car camping cot that will run around $100. These cots are usually made of steel or aluminum frames with fabric stretched over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground and they keep cold air from stealing warmth from your sleeping bags. You can spend more money for a model that has more cushioning and organization options. These cots may be heavier and bulkier, but they are also less durable than the lower-end models.
For backpackers, who need to carry all their equipment on their backs for long distances, weight and pack size are the most important factors to consider when choosing a the right cot. They will sacrifice comfort to fit in their rucksacks and a lot of backpacking cots have insulation that helps to block out cold that could otherwise pass into their sleeping bags. Some cots come with sleeping pads built inside the cot to provide additional warmth and padding. Examples include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots may be simple to set up but others take an enormous amount of effort and time and could be difficult for those with limited mobility to assemble. If you're looking for an ultralight option that they can easily take for backpacking trips will have to choose a tent that comes with cot features, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a top factor for buyers of cots. Cots lift campers off the ground to provide more comfort during their sleep. It also prevents cold from spreading from the ground to sleeping bags. However, cots are generally heavier and heavier than sleeping pads, which could make them difficult to transport and store. If you plan to camp a short distance from their vehicles, camping cots can be a good option.
The most comfortable cot we tried is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot which is light and comes with a a fast setup time of about five minutes. The cot has a large sleeping area that measures 27 inches in width and can hold up 300 pounds. It also has a headrest that provides additional support for back sleepers.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another cot that is comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot or as a lounge chair. Its construction is quite sturdy, and it comes with soft feet that don't scratch up the floor of a tent or cabin. It is light and can be carried in a compact case. The cot also has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different reclining positions as an outdoor lounge chair.
The cot is not only comfortable, it's also simple to set up. It's sturdy enough for adults. This cot may be too small for people who need 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 pricier than some of the other cots we reviewed however they provide more space for camping and feature extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially ideal for back and side sleepers due to an extra layer of padding along the side of the cot that helps keep people from sliding off the edge. The legs of these cots are sturdy made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
The durability of a cot is an important factor to consider when purchasing this piece of camping gear. Cots that aren't durable enough can leave you feeling exhausted and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of camping. Cots must be strong enough to support the user's weight and resist injuries caused by sharp objects. This is especially crucial when the cot is used outside and is exposed to dirt or animals that may attack or chew it.
Certain cots have extra features that make them more comfortable. Some cots, for instance come with a built-in mattress that can be filled with pumps. see more makes them more like a bed. Some cots are equipped with locking mechanisms that stop the sleeping pad from falling off during the night. These are more expensive than standard cots however they offer a greater level of comfort.
see more of a cot can also impact its durability. A frame made of steel is more durable than one with thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact to the ground is more stable than one that has only four points of contact. This decreases the chance that it will topple over or sink into mud or snow.
It's also a good idea to think about 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 and occasional trips to the backpack, a lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad will probably be the best choice. This kind of cot weighs usually less than three pounds and can be put into a small bag to carry on backpacking trips.
Another aspect to think about when selecting a the cot is whether you'd like it to fold up into chairs for easy transportation and storage. Certain cots can fold into chairs for storage and transport, however they are not well-rated for their durability or ease of use. There are cots that can be folded flat and packed into a small carrying bag which is great for campers who travel frequently or for teachers in classrooms who have to carry sleeping equipment for field trips.
Setup
If you are buying a cot that isn't expensive, make sure to consider how easy it is to set up. Some models require less than a minute to fold and set up, while others are more complicated and require multiple steps. These are usually bulkier and heavier than cots that are easier to set up, but they can also provide more comfort while camping. Some cots have state-of-the-art technologies that can reduce the number of pieces and steps required to put up, but they can also add to the price.
If you're planning to use your cot for car camping, look for one that's designed to easily slide into the back of your car or SUV. Some models come with numerous rings that are difficult to line up and snap into place, but they're an excellent choice for those who don't wish to shell out extra cash for the tent.
If you're planning to backpack it's better to purchase a cot specifically designed for hiking. The most affordable 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 comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances and will give you a great night's rest on your backpacking trip.
Some cots can be used with sleeping pads to provide additional comfort. They tend to be heavier than backpacking cots, however they offer an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather as opposed to sleeping on the ground. These are good for backpackers who like to camp in the car but want to sleep in the wilderness.
If you intend to use your cot mostly in your camper or RV then you should choose one with a built-in mattress and pillow to ensure maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses that can be inflated before you go to bed, so you can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable night's rest no matter where you're staying.