Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots provide a comfortable and affordable way to sleep while camping. Some cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op, offer extremely comfortable levels of comfort, while others are smaller than the size of bread loafs and can be carried for backpacking trips.
Some cots are more costly, particularly those designed for backpacking.
Price
If you're looking for a low-cost camping cot, but don't want spend a lot, you can get a simple car camping bed for about $100. These cots are usually made of aluminum or steel frames and have fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and prevent cold air from sapping the warmth from your sleeping bag. If you're looking for greater comfort, you could spend a little bit more on an upgraded model that has options for organization and additional cushioning. However, these cots typically aren't as strong and can be heavier and bulkier than lower-end models.
For backpackers, who need to carry all their equipment on their backs over long distances, weight and pack dimensions are important considerations when selecting a sleeping cot. Many backpacking cots have insulation to reduce the cold that might otherwise leak through sleeping bags. Some cots are equipped with sleeping pads that are built into the cot for additional warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots can be easy to put together, others require a lot of time and effort and may be difficult for people with limited mobility to assemble. People who are looking for an ultralight option they can easily carry on backpacking trips will likely require a tent that comes with cot features, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is the main concern for cot purchasers. Cots lift campers off the ground, which makes an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. This stops cold from getting into sleeping bags from below. However, cots tend to be heavier and heavier than sleeping pads, which could make them difficult to transport and store. Camping cots are an excellent option for people who want to stay close to their vehicles.
The most comfortable cot that we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot, which is light and comes with a quick setup time of about five seconds. The cot is spacious with a sleeping area that is 27 inches wide and can support up 300 pounds. It also features a headrest that provides additional support for back sleepers.
The Coleman Converta cot beds is another cot that's both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot or as a lounge chair. Its construction is surprisingly sturdy, and it comes with soft feet that don't mark up the floor of a tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be stored in a small carry case. The cot also comes with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to various reclining positions when used as a lounge chair.
In addition to being comfortable to sleep on, the cot is easy to set up and is sturdy enough to be suitable for adults. The only downside to this sale cot is that it might be too narrow for people who want a bit more room 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. They are more expensive than some of the other cots we looked at but they have more space for camping and come with additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially suitable for back and side sleepers due to an additional layer of padding on the side of the cot to prevent people from rolling off the edge. These cots also have sturdy legs that are made of aluminum and steel.
Durability
When shopping for camping gear the quality of the tent cot is a key aspect to take into consideration. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could make you feel tired and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots must be able to support the weight of the person who is using them, and withstand damage from sharp objects that come into contact with them. This is particularly important if you intend to use the cot outdoors in the open, where it could be exposed to dirt and animals that might bite or scratch at it.
Some cots are equipped with extra features that make them more comfortable. For example some cots come with an inbuilt mattress which can be inflated with a pump. This makes them feel like a real bed. Other cots have locking systems to keep the mattress from sliding off during the night. These options may cost a bit more expensive than traditional cots, but they provide an additional level of comfort to your camping experience.
The design of a cot may influence its durability. For instance, a cot that has an iron frame is more robust than one with slim bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is more sturdy than one with just four points of contact, which decreases the likelihood that it will slide over or sink into mud or snow.
It's also a good idea to consider the frequency you'll use the cot prior to deciding on the right one for you. If you plan to use it for camping in the car or occasional backpacking trips then a lightweight cot that has a sleeping pad built in is the best choice. This type of cot typically weighs less than three pounds and can fit into the size of a small carry bag and is suitable for backpacking.
Another aspect to think about when selecting a cot is whether you want it to fold up into an armchair for easy transport and storage. Some cots that fold up into chairs are simpler to set up, but they don't have the best scores for stability or ease of use. Some cots can be folded flat into a small bag to be carried by campers or classroom teachers on field trips.
Setup
When shopping for a cheap cot, think about how easy it will be 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 those that are easier to assemble however they can provide greater comfort when camping. Some cots have state-of-the-art technologies which help reduce the number of pieces and steps needed to set up, but these can sometimes add to the price.
If you plan to use your cot mostly for Infant cot bed camping in the car, select one that is easy to slide into the rear of your truck or SUV. These models can be difficult to snap into place and line up since they have so many rings. However, they are an excellent option for those who do not need to spend more on a tent.
It's best to get a cot designed for hiking when you're planning to go on a backpacking trip. The most recommended cribs inexpensive options, such as the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as possible so that they can be carried in your backpack with no hassle. They are also comfortable enough to rest on for long periods of time and will give you an excellent night's sleep on your backpacking trip.
Some cots are designed to be used in conjunction to sleeping pads for extra comfort. They are generally heavier than backpacking cots, however they offer an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather instead of sleeping on the ground. They are great for backpackers who like to car camp but also want to sleep in the wilderness.
If you're planning on sleeping in your RV or camper and you're planning to travel with it, it's a good idea to buy a model that comes with a mattress and pillow built-in to ensure maximum comfort. Some cots are made with air mattresses that are filled before you go to sleep, so you can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable night's rest no matter where you're staying.