Nine Things That Your Parent Taught You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots provide an affordable and comfortable method to rest when camping. Certain cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op offer incredibly high comfort levels, while others are smaller than the size of a loaf of bread and can be taken for backpacking trips.
Some cots are more costly specifically those that are designed for backpacking.
Price
If you're in search of a cheap camping cot but don't want to spend an excessive amount, you can get a simple car camping bed for about $100. These cots are usually made of steel or aluminum frames and have fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and keep cold air from sucking the warmth from your sleeping bag. You can invest more on a model that offers more cushioning and options for organization. However, these cots typically compromise on strength and can be heavier and bulkier than the ones that are priced lower.
The weight and size of the pack are essential considerations for backpackers who carry their equipment on their backs. They are willing to 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 have sleeping pads that are built into the cot for extra warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Baby Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
Some cots are easy to assemble, but others may take much effort and time. They can also be difficult to put together for those who have limited mobility. If you are looking for a light option that can be easily taken on backpacking trips, then you should select an outdoor tent with cot-like capabilities. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the most important considerations for buyers of cots is comfort. Cots raise campers off of the ground, making an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. They also stop cold from moving from the ground to the sleeping bags. The cots can be larger and heavier, making them difficult to store and transport. Camping cots are a great option for those looking to stay close to their vehicles.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot is the most comfortable cot that we have tested. It's lightweight, and Cot bed it can be set up in only five minutes. The cot comes with a sleeping surface that is 27 inches wide and is able to support up 300 pounds. It also has a headrest to provide additional support for back-sleepers.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another cot that is both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot, or as a lounge chair. Its construction is quite robust, and it features soft feet that don't scratch up the floor of a cabin or tent. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be put away in a compact carry case. The cot also comes with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different reclining positions when used as a lounge chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on the cot is also easy to set up and sturdy enough to be suitable for adults. The only drawback to this cot is that it might be too narrow for some users who would like a bit 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, but they offer more room for camping and feature 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 Bed, which helps keep people from falling off the edge. These cots have strong legs made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
When you are shopping for camping equipment, the durability of a tent cot is a key factor to consider. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could leave you feeling exhausted and sore the next day, which defeats the purpose of camping. Cots should be strong enough to support the user's weight and withstand the injuries caused by sharp objects. This is especially important when the cot is placed outside in the elements, where it could be exposed to the elements or animals that can bite or scratch it.
Some cots are equipped with additional features that make them more comfortable. For example some cots come with a mattress built-in that can be filled by a pump, which makes them feel like a bed. Some cots to tots have locking systems that stop the sleeping pad from falling off in the night. These options can cost a bit more expensive than traditional cots, however they can add an extra level of comfort to your camping experience.
A cot's design can also influence its durability. A frame made of metal is more durable than a cot with thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is also more stable than one with only four, which lowers the possibility that it could slide over or sink into mud or snow.
When deciding on the ideal cot for you, it's important to think about how often you'll use it. If you intend to use it for car camping or occasional backpacking trips then a lightweight cot that has a sleeping pad included is the best crib choice. This kind of cot is typically less than 3 pounds in weight and can be packed into a small bag for backpacking.
Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib is whether you would like it to fold down into an armchair for easy transport and storage. Some cots fold into chairs are simpler to set up, but they don't get the highest ratings for stability or ease of use. Some cots can be folded flat into a small bag, and then carried by teachers or campers on field trips.
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 put up, whereas others have more components and require a number of steps. These are usually bulkier and heavier than cots that are less difficult to set up, but they also provide more comfort at camp. Certain cots come with cutting-edge technology that reduces the number and complexity of pieces required to put them together. However, these may increase the cost.
If you plan to use your cot mostly for camping in your car, pick one that is easy to slide into the rear of your truck or SUV. Some of these models have many rings that can be difficult to align and snap into place, but they're still an excellent option for those who don't wish to spend extra money on a tent.
It's better to invest in an cot that is designed specifically for hiking if you're going on a backpacking trip. The cheapest options, like the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as possible to be carried in your backpack with no hassle. They are comfortable enough to sleep for long distances and will give you the best night's sleep during your backpacking adventure.
Some cots can be paired with sleeping pads to provide extra comfort. These cots are bulkier than backpacking ones, but they provide you with a bed that feels like a mattress. They are ideal for backpackers who like to car camp but also need to sleep in the wilderness.
If you're planning on using your cot primarily in your camper or RV then it's a great idea to buy a model that comes with an integrated pillow and mattress to provide maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses that can be filled before you go to sleep, so that you can have a cozy and comfortable night's rest no matter where you're staying.