9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are a cost-effective and comfortable way to sleep when camping. Some cots, like the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op offer extremely high levels of comfort, while others can be tucked away to the size and weight of one loaf.
Other cots, particularly those designed for backpacking are on the pricey side.
Price
For those who want an affordable camping cot but don't have much money to spend, you can pick up an inexpensive car camping cot that will cost around $100. These models are typically made of steel or aluminum frames with fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and also help prevent cold air from sapping the warmth from your sleeping bag. You can spend more money on a model that offers more cushioning and options for organization. These cots may be heavier and bulkier, but they are also less durable than low-end models.
Weight and pack size are important factors for backpackers who carry their equipment on their backs. Many backpacking cots have insulation to help reduce the cold that can otherwise get through sleeping bags. Some cots are equipped with sleeping pads that are integrated into the cot to provide extra warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots are easy to put together but others take a lot of effort and time and could be difficult for those who are unable to move around to set up. If you want a lightweight option that is able to be carried for backpacking trips, you'll need to select a tent that has cot-like capabilities. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the biggest concerns for those who purchase cots is comfort. Cots lift campers off the ground to provide more comfort during their sleep. This keeps cold from spreading to sleeping bags from the ground. The cots can be heavier and bulkier, which makes 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 KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot is the most comfortable cot we tested. It's lightweight and can be set up in only five minutes. The cot has a large sleeping area that measures 27 inches wide and can accommodate up to 300 pounds. It has a headrest to give back sleepers additional support.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another Mini Cot Bed that's both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot or as a lounge chair. Its construction is extremely robust, and its soft feet will not scratch the flooring of your tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be put away in a compact carry case. The cot comes with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to various reclining positions if used as a chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on, the cot is easy to set up and durable enough to be suitable for adults. The cot might be too narrow for users who require more space for their legs.
Other cots that scored highly for comfort were the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. Both are pricier than some of the other cots we looked at however they provide more space to camp and have extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a thicker cushion on the sides of the cot, which helps prevent the occupants from rolling over. These cots have strong legs constructed of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
The durability of a cot is an important consideration when shopping for this piece of camping gear. cheap cots (Read the Full Report) that aren't sturdy enough can leave you feeling exhausted and sore the next day, which defeats the purpose of camping. Cots should be able support the weight of the person using them and withstand damage from sharp objects that may come into contact with them. This is particularly important if the cot will be used outdoors in the elements, where it could be exposed to debris or animals that may attack or chew it.
Certain cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For example, some cots have a built-in mattress which can be inflated by a pump, which makes them feel like a real bed. Others have securing systems to prevent the sleeping pad from slipping off in the night. These options are more expensive than standard cots, but they can offer a greater level of comfort.
The style of a cot could also affect its durability. A cot with a solid frame made of metal is more durable than a cot that has thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is also more stable than one that has only four, which lowers the likelihood that it will tip over or Baby Cot Bed sink into snow or mud.
When selecting the best cot for you, it's important to think about how often you'll be using it. If you're going to be using it for car camping and occasional trips to the backpack A lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad will probably be the best option. This kind of cot is usually less than three pounds in weight and can be packed in a small bag to carry on backpacking trips.
When choosing a cot, you should also consider whether it's possible to fold it into a chair to make storage and transportation easier. Some cots that fold up into chairs are simpler to set up, but they do not receive the top ratings for stability or ease of use. Some cots can be folded flat into a small bag, and then carried by campers or classroom teachers on field trips.
Setup
If you are buying a cot that isn't expensive be sure to think about how easy it is to set up. Some models require less than a minute to fold and put up, whereas others have more parts and require multiple steps. These cots are generally larger and heavier than those that are easier to assemble but they may provide more comfort when camping. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that reduces the number and complexity of the pieces required to put them together. However, these can raise the cost.
If you intend to use your cot primarily for camping in the car, select one that will easily slide into the rear of your truck or SUV. These cots can be difficult to snap into place and align because they have so many rings. However, they're an excellent option for those who don't want to shell out more on a tent.
It's best to get a cot designed for hiking if you're going on an adventure trip with a backpack. The most affordable options, such as the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as possible so that they can be carried in your backpack without much hassle. They are sufficient to sleep comfortably for long distances and will give you an excellent night's sleep during your backpacking trip.
Some cots can be used with sleeping pads for extra comfort. They tend to be heavier than backpacking cots, but they offer an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather as opposed to sleeping on the ground. These are a good choice for people who enjoy car camping but need to sleep in the backcountry on their backpacking trips.
If you plan to use your cot exclusively in your RV or camper, it's best to choose one with a mattress and pillow built-in for maximum comfort. Some cots have air mattresses, which can be inflated prior cot sets to bed. This will ensure that you have a comfortable night's rest, no matter where you are staying.