Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots provide an affordable and comfortable method to rest when camping. Some cots like the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op provide a high level of comfort, while others can be reduced to the size and weight of one loaf.
Other cots, especially ones designed for backpacking, are on the pricey side.
Price
If you're looking for a cheap cot for camping but don't have much money to spare you can get an inexpensive car camping cot that will run you about $100. These models are typically made of aluminum or steel frames and have fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and help stop cold air from stealing heat from your sleeping bag. If you're looking for greater comfort, you can invest a little bit more on a higher-end model that has options for organization and cushioning. These cots could be heavier, bulkier and less strong than the lower-end models.
For backpackers, who need to carry their entire gear on their backs over long distances, weight and size are crucial considerations when selecting a the right cot. Many backpacking cots have insulation to reduce the cold that might otherwise leak through sleeping bags. Some cots have 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 are easy to put together, others require a lot of time and effort and might be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. If you are looking for a light option that is easy to take for backpacking trips, you will need to choose the right tent with cot capabilities. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a major issue for those purchasing cots. Cots lift campers off the ground, which makes an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. It also prevents cold from transferring from the ground to sleeping bags. The cots are heavier and bulkier, making them harder to store and transport. If you plan to camp just a few miles from their vehicles, camping cots can be an excellent choice.
The most comfortable cot we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot that is light and has a quick set-up time of around five seconds. The cot is spacious with a sleeping space that measures 27 inches wide and can hold up 300 pounds. It also comes with a headrest which 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 its soft feet won't scratch the floor of your cabin or tent. It is light and can be carried in a compact case. The cot is equipped with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different recline positions when it is used as a chair.
In addition to being comfortable to sleep on, the cot is easy to set up and durable enough to be suitable for adults. This cot may be too narrow for those who want more room for their legs.
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op also scored well 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 is especially suitable for back and side sleepers due to an additional layer of padding on the sides of the cot, which helps prevent people from rolling off the edge. The cots also come with sturdy legs that are constructed of steel and aluminum.
Durability
When looking for camping gear, the quality of a tent cot is a key aspect to take into consideration. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could leave you feeling tired and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of camping. Cots should be able to support the weight of the person using them and withstand damage from sharp objects that may be in contact with it. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the cot outdoors, where it might be exposed to dirt and animals that could attack or chew at it.
Some cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For example certain cots have an inbuilt mattress that can be inflated with a pump, which makes them feel like a real bed. Some cots are equipped with locking mechanisms that stop the sleeping pad from falling off in the night. These options are more expensive than standard cots but can offer more comfort.
The style of a cot could also impact its durability. For example, a cot with solid metal frames is more durable than one with slim bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is more stable than one that has just four points of contact, which decreases the possibility that it could slide over or sink into mud or snow.
When choosing the right cot for you, it's essential to think about how often you will be using it. If top ranked cribs planning to use it for car camping or occasional backpacking trips then an incredibly light cot with a sleeping pad built in is the best choice. This kind of cot typically weighs less than 3 pounds and can fit into a compact carry bag and is suitable for backpacking.
When you are choosing a cot you must also consider whether it can be folded into a chair to make storage and transportation easier. Certain cots can fold into chairs for easier storage and transport, however they are not well-rated for their durability or ease of use. Some cots can be folded flat into a small bag and transported by students or teachers on field excursions.
Setup
If you are buying a cot that isn't expensive take note of how easy it is to set up. Some models take less than a minute to unfold and set up, while others have more components and require multiple steps. These cots are generally larger and heavier than those which are less difficult to assemble but they may provide more comfort at camp. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology which help reduce the number of pieces and steps to set up, but these can sometimes add to the price.
If you intend to use your cot exclusively for camping in your car, pick one that is easy to slide into the rear of your vehicle or SUV. Some 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 is recommended to purchase an cot that is designed specifically for hiking when you're planning to go on an adventure trip with a backpack. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the cheapest options. It's designed to be light so that it can be easily carried in the backpack. They are sufficient to sleep comfortably for long distances, and will provide you with a great night's rest on your backpacking trip.
Some cots can be used with sleeping pads for additional comfort. These are usually bulkier than backpacking cots, but they will provide you with an elevated bed that feels more like the traditional mattress rather instead of sleeping on the ground. These are a good choice for those who love car camping but need to sleep in the backcountry on their backpacking adventures.
If you're going to be using your cot mostly in your RV or camper and you're planning to travel with it, it's a good idea to buy a model that comes with a mattress and pillow built-in to provide maximum comfort. Some cots are made 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.