Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots offer a comfortable and affordable way to sleep when camping. Some cots, such as 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 on backpacking trips.
Other cots, especially those designed for backpacking are on the pricey side.
Price
If you're looking for a low-cost camping cot, but don't want spend much you can buy a simple car camping bed for less than $100. These cots are usually made of aluminum or steel frames, and have fabric strewn 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 can spend some extra money on a 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 lower-end models.
For backpackers who have to carry their entire gear on their backs over long distances, weight and pack size are crucial considerations when choosing a cot. Many backpacking cots have insulation to reduce the cold that might otherwise leak through sleeping bags. Some cots also come with built-in sleeping pads that add extra warmth and padding. A few examples include the REI KingCot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots are easy to set up but others take lots of time and effort, and could be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. If you are looking for a light option that is able to be carried on backpacking trips, then you'll need to select a tent that has the ability to accommodate cots. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the biggest concerns for cot buyers is comfort. Cots lift campers off the ground, making an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. This keeps cold from getting into sleeping bags from below. However, cots are generally heavier and larger than sleeping pads, which can make them difficult to transport and store. Camping cots are an excellent option for people who want to camp close to their vehicles.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot is the most comfortable cot we've tested. It's light, and it can be set up in just five seconds. The cot has a huge sleeping surface that is 27 inches wide and can accommodate up 300 pounds. It has a headrest to give back sleepers additional support.
The Coleman Converta Mini Cot Bed is another cot that is both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot or as a lounger. Its construction is extremely sturdy, and its cushioned feet won't scratch the floor of your cabin or tent. 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 an outdoor lounge chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on, the cot is easy to set up and durable enough to be suitable for adults. The only downside to this cot is that it might be too narrow for some users who would like a bit more room for their legs.
Other nursery cots that scored well for comfort included the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. Both are pricier than some of the other cots that we reviewed but they have more room for camping and feature extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially suitable for back and side sleepers as it has an additional layer of padding on the sides of the cot to prevent people from rolling off the edge. The cots also come with sturdy legs constructed of steel and aluminum.
Durability
The durability of the cot is a crucial aspect to consider when buying this piece of camping equipment. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough can leave you feeling tired and sore the next day, which defeats the purpose of camping. Cots should be able to support the weight of the person using them and withstand injury from sharp objects that be in contact with it. This is especially important when the cot is used outside, where it may be exposed to debris or animals that can attack or chew it.
Certain cots have additional features that make them more comfortable. Some cots, for example, have a built in mattress that can be filled with pumps. This makes them more like an actual bed. Some cots are equipped with locking mechanisms that prevent the sleeping pad from sliding off during the night. These are more expensive than standard cots, but they can provide a higher level of comfort.
The design of a infant cot bed can also impact its durability. For instance, a cot that has a solid metal frame is more durable than one with slim bars. A cot that has 10 points of contact with the ground is more stable than a cot with just four points of contact. This decreases the chance that it will topple over or sink into snow or mud.
When deciding on the ideal cot for you, it's important to consider how often you'll use it. If you're going to be using it for car camping as well as occasional trips to the backpack, a lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad is the best option. This type of cot is usually less than three pounds in weight and can be put into a compact bag for backpacking.
When you are choosing a cot you must also consider whether it's possible to fold it into a chair to make transport and storage simpler. Certain cots can fold into chairs to make it easier to store and transport, however they are not well-rated for their durability or ease of use. There are cots that fold flat and packed into a bag that is small enough to carry, which is ideal for campers who frequently travel or for teachers who require sleeping equipment on field trips.
Setup
When you are looking for a low-cost cot you should consider how easy it will be to install. Some models require less than a minute to unfold and set up, while others are more complicated and require multiple steps. These cots are typically heavier and bulkier than cots which are less difficult to assemble but they may provide more comfort during camping. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that help to reduce the number of pieces and steps needed to put up, but they can also add to the price.
If you're planning to use your cot primarily for camping in the car, look for one that's designed to slide effortlessly into the back of your truck or SUV. They can be a challenge to snap into place and line up since they have so many rings. But, they're nevertheless a great crib option for those who don't want to spend more money on a tent.
It's best cots to get a cot specifically designed for hiking if you're planning to go on an excursion with backpacks. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the most affordable alternatives. It's designed to be lightweight, so it's easy to carry in a backpack. They're also comfortable enough to sleep on for long periods of time and will give you the best night's sleep during your backpacking adventure.
Some cots are designed to be used as an alternative to sleeping pads for added comfort. They tend to be heavier than backpacking cots, but they will provide you with an elevated bed that feels more like the traditional mattress rather as opposed to sleeping on the ground. These are good for backpackers who like to camp in the car but require a bed in the wilderness.
If you're planning on sleeping in your camper or RV then it's a great option to choose a model with a mattress and pillow built-in to provide maximum comfort. Some cots are made with air mattresses that are inflated prior to going to sleep, so that you can enjoy a relaxing and comfy night's sleep no matter where you're staying.