9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are an affordable and comfortable option for sleeping when camping. Some cots, such as the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op provide extremely high comfort levels, while others fold down to the size of a loaf of bread and can be carried when backpacking.
Other cots, specifically ones designed for backpacking, are on the higher-priced side.
Price
For those who want an affordable camping cot but don't have much money you can get a basic car camping cot that will cost around $100. They are typically constructed of steel or aluminum frames and have fabric stretched over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground and they keep cold air from stealing warmth from your sleeping bags. If you're looking for greater comfort, you could spend an extra bit on a higher-end model that has options for organization and cushioning. These cots can be heavier, bulkier and less strong than the lower-end models.
For backpackers who have to carry their entire equipment on their backs for long distances, weight and pack size are the most important factors to consider when choosing a cot. They are willing to sacrifice comfort for space in their backpacks, and many backpacking cots come with insulation that blocks cold that could otherwise pass through their sleeping bags. Some cots come with sleeping pads built-in to add extra warmth and padding. Examples of this include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots can be easy to put together but others take a lot of effort and time and may be difficult for people with limited mobility to assemble. Those who want an ultralight option can be easily carried on backpacking trips will likely need to opt for a tent with integrated cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is the main concern for cot purchasers. Cots raise campers off of the ground, which makes for a softer night's sleep. They also stop cold from spreading from the ground to the sleeping bags. However, cots are generally heavier and bulkier than sleeping pads, which could make them difficult to transport and store. For people who plan to camp only a few minutes from their vehicles, camping cots can be a good option.
The most comfortable cot that we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot, that is light and has a an easy set-up time of around five seconds. The cot features a huge sleeping area that measures 27 inches in width and can hold up to 300 pounds. It also has an adjustable headrest that offers support for back sleepers.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another cot that is comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot, or as a lounge chair. small cot beds is quite sturdy, and its soft feet won't scratch the floor of your tent or cabin. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be put away in a compact carry case. The cot also has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted for different reclining positions as an outdoor lounge chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple to set up and is sturdy enough to be suitable for adults. This cot may be too small for people who require 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 to camp and have extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially suitable for back and side sleepers because it has an additional layer of padding on the sides of the cot to prevent people from rolling off the edge. These cots have strong legs made of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
When shopping for camping gear the quality of the tent cot is a crucial factor to consider. Cheap cots are not sturdy enough and could cause you to be tired and sore. This defeats the purpose to sleep outdoors. Cots need to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the user and resist damage caused by sharp objects. This is especially important when the cot is used outside, where it may be exposed to dirt or animals that may chew or claw it.
Some cots have additional features that make them more comfortable. Some cots, for instance come with a built-in mattress that can be inflated with an air pump. This makes them more like an actual bed. Some cots are equipped with locking mechanisms which prevent the sleeping pad from sliding off in the night. These options are more costly than standard cots, but they can provide a higher level of comfort.
A cot's design can also influence its durability. A frame made of metal is more durable than one with bars that are thin. A cot that has 10 points of contact to the ground is more sturdy than one that has only four points of contact. This decreases the chance that it could tip over or sink into snow or mud.
It's important to consider how often you'll be using the cot prior to deciding on the best one for you. If you're going to be using it for car camping or occasional backpacking trips A lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad is the best choice. This kind of cot is typically less than three pounds in weight and can be packed into a compact bag for backpacking.
When selecting a cot you should also think about whether it's possible to fold it into a chair to make storage and transportation easier. Some cots fold into chairs for easier storage and transport, but are not rated highly for their durability or ease of use. There are also cots that fold flat and stuffed into a compact bag which is great for campers who frequently travel or for teachers in classrooms who need to bring sleeping equipment for field trips.
Setup
When you are looking for a low-cost cot, think about the ease with which it is to set up. Some models are easy to fold and set up, while others require more parts and multiple steps. These cots are typically heavier and bulkier than those that are easier to assemble however they can provide greater comfort at camp. Certain cots feature cutting-edge technology that help to reduce the number of pieces and steps required to put up, but they can also increase the cost.
If you're planning on using your cot for camping in your car, search for one that's designed to slide easily into the back of your truck or SUV. These models can be difficult to snap into place and line up because they come with so many rings. But, they're still a great choice for those who do not want to shell out more on a tent.
For backpacking adventures it's best to buy a cot that's designed for hiking. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the cheapest alternatives. It's designed to be light so that it can be easily carried in the backpack. They are also comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances and will provide you with a great night's rest on your backpacking trip.
Some cots can be fitted with sleeping pads for extra comfort. These cots are more bulky than backpacking ones, but will provide an experience that is similar to an actual mattress. These are a good choice for those who enjoy car camping, but need to sleep in the backcountry on their backpacking adventures.
If you're planning on using your cot mostly in your camper or RV, then it's a good idea to buy a model that comes with an integrated pillow and mattress for maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses that you can inflate prior to sleeping. This will ensure that you have a comfortable night's rest, regardless of where you're staying.