9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are a comfortable and affordable way to sleep when camping. Certain cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op offer incredibly high comfort levels, while others fold down to the size of a loaf of bread and can be used for backpacking trips.
Some cots are more costly especially those made for backpacking.
Price
For those who want an inexpensive camping cot but don't have a lot of money to spend You can purchase a basic car camping cot that will cost you about $100. These models are usually made of steel or aluminum frames, with fabric strewn over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground and they stop cold air from taking warmth from your sleeping bags. You can spend more on a model that offers more cushioning and storage options. These cots may be heavier and bulkier, but they are also less durable than low-end models.
For backpackers, who need to carry all their equipment on their backs over long distances, weight and pack size are crucial considerations when choosing a cot. They are willing to sacrifice comfort in their backpacks and a lot of backpacking cots have insulation that helps to block out cold that could otherwise pass into their sleeping bags. Some cots also come with built-in sleeping pads that provide extra warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
Some cots are simple to assemble, but others will require an enormous amount of effort and time. They can also be difficult to assemble for people with limited mobility. If you're looking for an ultralight option that can be easily carried on backpacking trips may require a tent with integrated cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a top factor for buyers of cots. Cots elevate campers off the ground, making the bed more comfortable. This keeps cold from transferring to sleeping bags from the ground. However, cots are typically heavier and bulkier than sleeping pads, which can make them difficult to transport and store. If you plan to camp only a few minutes from their vehicles, camping cots can be an excellent choice.
The most comfortable cot we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot which is light and comes with a an easy setting time of five seconds. The cot is spacious with a sleeping area that is 27 inches wide and can support up 300 pounds. It also has a headrest to give back sleepers additional support.
Another cot that is comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can be used as a cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is extremely sturdy, and its soft feet won't 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 is equipped with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to various reclining positions if it is used as a chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple 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 well for comfort included the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. They are more expensive than some of the other cots we reviewed but they have more room to camp and have additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially ideal for back and side sleepers because it has an extra layer of padding on the side of the cot that helps prevent people from rolling off the edge. The legs of these cots are sturdy constructed of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
When shopping for camping gear, the durability of a tent cot is an important aspect to take into consideration. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough can leave you feeling tired and sore the next day, which defeats the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots should be able to support the weight of the person using them and resist injury from sharp objects that may come into contact with it. This is especially important if you intend to use the cot outside in the open, where it could be exposed to dust and animals that might bite or scratch at it.
Certain cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For instance some cots come with a mattress built-in that can be filled by a pump, which makes them feel like a real bed. Some cots have locking systems which prevent the sleeping pad from slipping off at night. These options can cost a bit more expensive than conventional cots, however they can provide an additional level of comfort to your camping experience.
The style of a cot could also affect its durability. A frame made of metal is more durable than a cot with thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact to the ground is more stable than a cot with just four points of contact. This lowers the likelihood that it will tip over or sink into mud or snow.
It's important to consider the frequency of use of the cot prior to deciding on the right one for you. If you're going to be using it for car camping as well as occasional trips to the backpack A cot that is lightweight and has an integrated sleeping pad is the best infant cribs option. This type of cot is typically less than 3 pounds and can be packed in a small bag to carry on backpacking trips.
Another thing to think about when selecting a cot is whether you want it to fold down into an armchair for easy transport and storage. Some cots that fold up into chairs are simpler to set up, but they don't get the highest scores for stability or ease of use. There are cots that fold flat and stuffed into a compact bag, which is ideal for campers who travel often or for teachers who need to bring sleeping equipment on field trips.
Setup
When you're shopping for a cot at a bargain price take note of the ease of set up. Some models require less than a minute to unfold tots and cots put up, whereas others are more complicated and require multiple steps. They are generally larger and heavier than cots that are less difficult to set up, but they can also provide more comfort while camping. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that help to reduce the number of pieces and steps to set up, however these can sometimes increase the cost.
If you intend to use your cot exclusively for camping in the car, select one that is easy to slide into the rear of your vehicle or SUV. They can be a challenge to snap into place and line up since they have so many rings. But, they're an excellent option for those who don't want to spend more money on a tent.
It's better to invest in a cot designed for hiking if you're planning to go on a backpacking trip. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the most affordable cots options. It's designed to be light so that it's able to be carried in a backpack. They are comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances and will provide you with a great night's rest during your backpacking adventure.
Some cots are designed to be used as an alternative to sleeping pads for more comfort. These are usually bulkier than backpacking cots but they will provide you with an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather than sleeping on the ground. They are a great choice for those who enjoy car camping but need to sleep in the backcountry during their adventures on the trail.
If you plan to use your cot mostly in your RV or camper, it's best to choose one that has an integrated mattress and pillow for maximum comfort. Some cots are equipped with air mattresses that can be inflated prior to bed. This will ensure that you get an enjoyable night's sleep regardless of where you're staying.