9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are a comfortable and affordable way to sleep while camping. Some cots, like the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op provide extremely high comfort levels, while others pack down to the size of bread loafs and can be carried on backpacking trips.
Other cots, specifically those designed for backpacking, are on the more expensive side.
Price
If you're looking for a cheap camping cot, but don't want spend an excessive amount, you can get a basic car camping bed for around $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 also help prevent cold air from sapping heat from your sleeping bag. If you're looking to increase your comfort, you can spend an extra bit on a higher-end model that adds organization options and additional cushioning. However, these cots often aren't as strong and may be heavier and bulkier than lower-end models.
For backpackers, who must carry all their equipment on their backs for long distances, weight and pack size are crucial considerations when selecting a sleeping cot. They will sacrifice comfort to fit in their backpacks, and many backpacking cots are designed with insulation that blocks cold that would otherwise penetrate into their sleeping bags. Some cots are equipped 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 set up however, others require an enormous amount of effort and time 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 on backpacking trips, then you will need to choose an outdoor tent with the ability to accommodate cots. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the main concerns for those who purchase cots is comfort. Cots raise campers off the ground for an easier night's sleep. This stops cold from getting into sleeping bags from below. The cots can be larger and heavier, making them more difficult to store and transport. For people who plan to camp just a few miles from their vehicles, camping cots can be a good option.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot is the most comfortable cot that we've tested. It's light, and it can be put together in less than five seconds. The cot features a large sleeping surface that is 27 inches wide and is able to support up to 300 pounds. It comes with a headrest that can provide additional support to back sleepers.
Another cot that's comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can be used as a cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is surprisingly sturdy, and its soft feet will not scratch the flooring of your cabin or tent. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be stored in a compact carry case. The mini cot beds also comes with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different reclining positions when used as an outdoor lounge chair.
Aside from being comfortable to sleep on the cot is also easy to set up and sturdy enough for adults. The only issue with this cot is that it may be too narrow for people who want a bit more space for their legs.
Other cots that scored well for comfort were the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. Both are more expensive than other cots, however, they offer more space for camping and additional padding. The Kingdom infant cot bed 3 is especially good for side and back sleepers as it has an additional layer of padding on the side of the cot that 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 an important aspect to take into consideration. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could leave you feeling tired and swollen the next day, which defeats the purpose of camping. Cots should be able to support the weight of the person using them and withstand damage from sharp objects that might come into contact with them. This is especially important if the cot will be placed outside in the elements, where it could be exposed to the elements or animals that could chew or claw it.
Some cots come with extra features that make them more comfortable. Some cots, for example come with a built-in mattress that can be filled with a pump. This makes them appear more like an actual bed. Some have securing mechanisms to keep the mattress from sliding off during the night. These options are more expensive than standard cots however they provide a higher level of comfort.
The design of a cot may affect its durability. A cot with a solid frame made of steel is more durable than one with thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is also more sturdy than one with only four, which lowers the likelihood that it will fall over or sink into mud or snow.
When deciding on the ideal cot for you, it's crucial to consider how frequently you'll use it. If you're planning on using it for car camping or occasional trips to the backpack, a lightweight cot with a built-in sleeping pad will probably be the best option. This kind of cot typically weighs less than three pounds and fits in an incredibly compact bag for carrying which makes it ideal for backpacking.
When you are choosing a cot you must also consider whether it's possible to fold it into a chair, making storage and transportation easier. Certain cots can fold into chairs for easier storage and transportation, but they are not well-top rated cots for their stability or ease of usage. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a compact bag and transported by students or teachers on field excursions.
Setup
When you're shopping for a cot at a bargain price, make sure to consider how easy it is to set up. Some models are simple to arrange and unfold, while others require more components and multiple steps. They tend to be larger and heavier than cots that are less difficult to set up, however they also provide more comfort at camp. Certain cots feature cutting-edge technology that help to reduce the number of pieces and steps required to put up, but they can increase the cost.
If you're planning to use your cot primarily for car camping, look for one that is designed to slide easily into the back of your truck or SUV. They can be a challenge to get into position and line up because they have a lot of rings. However, they are still a great choice for those who do not need to spend more on a tent.
For backpacking adventures it's better to purchase a cot that's designed for hiking. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the most recommended cribs affordable options. It's designed to be lightweight so it's easy to carry in a backpack. They are also comfortable enough to rest on for long periods of time and will give you the best baby cots night's sleep during your backpacking adventure.
Some cots can be used with sleeping pads to provide extra comfort. They are generally heavier than backpacking cots but they will provide you with an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather instead of sleeping on the ground. They are a great choice for people who enjoy car camping, but need to sleep in the backcountry during their backpacking trips.
If you're going to be using your cot mostly in your camper or RV then it's a great idea to buy one that has an integrated pillow and mattress for maximum comfort. Some cots are equipped with air mattresses that you can inflate prior to sleeping. This will ensure that you have a comfortable night's rest, regardless of where you're staying.