Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots provide a comfortable and affordable way to sleep when camping. Some cots, like the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op provide extremely comfortable levels of comfort, whereas others are smaller than the size of bread loafs and can be carried for backpacking trips.
Other cots, particularly those designed for backpacking are on the higher-priced side.
Price
If you're in search of a cheap camping cot, but don't want spend a lot it's possible to get a basic car camping bed for less than $100. They are typically constructed of aluminum or steel frames and have fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and stop cold air from stealing the warmth from your sleeping bag. If you're looking for more comfort, you can spend a little bit more on a higher-end model that comes with options for organization and additional cushioning. However, these cots usually trade off in strength and may be heavier and bulkier than the low-end models.
For backpackers, who need to carry all their gear on their backs over long distances, weight and pack dimensions are important considerations when selecting a cot. They are willing to sacrifice comfort in their rucksacks and a majority of backpacking cots are designed with insulation that blocks cold that would otherwise penetrate through their sleeping bags. Some cots are equipped with sleeping pads that are built inside the cot to provide additional warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom cot beds for sale 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots can be easy to set up, others require a lot of effort and time and may be difficult for people with limited mobility to assemble. People who are looking for an ultralight option can be easily carried for backpacking trips will need to opt for an outdoor tent that has integrated cot features, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a top issue for those purchasing cots. Cots elevate campers off the ground, making an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. This prevents the cold from transferring to sleeping bags from the ground. The cots are heavier and bulkier, which makes them difficult to store and transport. If you intend to camp a short distance from their vehicles, camping cots can be a great option.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot is the most comfortable cot that we have tested. It's light, and it can be put together in less than five minutes. The cot comes with a sleeping surface that measures 27 inches wide and is able to hold up to 300 pounds. It has a headrest to give back sleepers additional support.
The Coleman Converta Baby Cot Bed is another cot that is both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot, or as a lounge chair. Its construction is surprisingly robust, and its soft feet won't scratch the flooring of your tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be stored in a small carry case. The cot has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different reclining positions if used as a chair.
The cot is not just comfortable, but also easy to install. It's sturdy enough to be used by adults. The cot might be too narrow for users who need 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 a few of the other cots we looked at but they have more room for camping and come with additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a thicker cushion on the sides of the cot, which helps prevent people from rolling over. These cots have strong legs made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
The durability of a cot is a major aspect to consider when buying this piece of camping equipment. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could make you feel exhausted and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of camping. Cots must be able to support the weight of the person who is using them and withstand injury from sharp objects that come into contact with them. This is particularly crucial if you plan to use the cot outdoors in the open, where it could be exposed to dirt and animals that could bite or scratch at it.
Certain cots have extra features that make them more comfortable. Some cots, for example come with a built-in mattress that can be inflated using an air pump. This makes them appear more like Baby beds. Some cots are equipped with locking mechanisms that prevent the sleeping pad from sliding off in the night. These options might cost a bit more than conventional cots, but they provide an additional level of comfort to your camping experience.
The design of a cot can affect its durability. For instance, a cot with a solid metal frame is more robust than one with thin bars. A cot that has 10 points of contact with the ground is also more stable than one with just four points of contact, which decreases the likelihood that it will slide over or sink into mud or snow.
When selecting the best cot for you, it's important to consider how often you'll be using it. If you intend to use it for camping in the car or occasionally for backpacking trips, an incredibly light cot with a sleeping pad built in is the best option. This kind of cot typically weighs less than three pounds and can fit into a compact carry bag and is suitable for backpacking.
When choosing a cot, you must also consider whether it's possible to fold it into a chair, making storage and transportation easier. Some cots fold into chairs to make it easier to store and transportation, but they are not rated highly for their durability or ease of use. There are also cots that can be folded flat and stuffed into a small carrying bag that is perfect for campers who frequently travel or for teachers in classrooms who require sleeping equipment 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 are easy to set up and unfold, while others require more components and a number of steps. They are generally larger and heavier than cots that are easier to set up, but they also provide more comfort when camping. Some cots are fitted with cutting-edge technology that cut down the number and complexity of pieces required to set them up. However, they can increase the price.
If you plan to use your cot exclusively for camping in your car, pick one that will easily slide into the rear of your vehicle or SUV. These cots can be difficult to put in place and line up because they have so many rings. However, they are nevertheless a great option for those who don't need to spend more on a tent.
It's best to get a cot designed for hiking if you're going on an excursion with backpacks. The most inexpensive options, such as the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as they can to be carried in your backpack without much trouble. They are comfortable enough to sleep for long distances and will provide you with an excellent night's sleep on your backpacking trip.
Some cots are designed to be used in addition to sleeping pads for more comfort. They are heavier than backpacking ones, but will provide you with the comfort of an actual mattress. They are ideal for backpackers who like to camp in their cars but want to sleep in the wilderness.
If you plan to use your cot mostly in your camper or RV, it's best to choose one with a mattress and pillow built-in to ensure maximum comfort. Some cots are equipped with air mattresses, which you can inflate prior to sleeping. This will ensure that you have a restful night's sleep, regardless of where you're staying.