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, offer extremely comfortable levels of comfort, whereas others fold down to the size of bread loafs and can be used for backpacking trips.
Other cots, particularly ones designed for backpacking, are on the pricey side.
Price
If you're in search of a cheap camping cot but don't want to spend a lot it's possible to get a basic camping bed for about $100. These models are typically made of aluminum or steel frames, and have fabric strewn over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and also help keep cold air from sucking heat from your sleeping bag. You can spend more money on a model with more cushioning and storage options. These cots may be heavier and bulkier than low-end models.
For backpackers who have to carry their entire equipment on their backs over long distances, weight and size are the most important factors to consider when choosing a sleeping cot. Many backpacking cots are insulated to help reduce the cold that might otherwise leak through sleeping bags. Some cots have sleeping pads built into the cot to provide extra warmth and padding. Examples of these include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
Some cots are easy to assemble, but others will require much effort and time. They can also be difficult to put together for those who have limited mobility. If you're looking for an ultralight option they can easily take for backpacking trips will require an outdoor tent that has integrated cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the biggest concerns for those who purchase cots is comfort. Cots lift campers off the ground for a more comfortable night's rest. This keeps cold from transferring to sleeping bags from the ground. However, cots are typically heavier and heavier than sleeping pads, which can make them difficult to transport and store. Camping cots are an excellent option for those looking to stay close to their vehicles.
The most comfortable cot we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot which is light and comes with a quick setting time of five minutes. The cot features a large sleeping surface that is 27 inches wide and can hold up 300 pounds. It comes with a headrest that can provide additional support for back-sleepers.
Another cot that's comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can function as either a cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is extremely durable, and it has 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 for various reclining positions when used as an upholstered lounge chair.
Apart from being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple to set up and sturdy enough for adults. The cot could be too narrow for those 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. They are more expensive than some of the other cots that we reviewed, but they offer more room to camp and have additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 is especially ideal for back and side sleepers because it has an additional layer of padding along the side of the cot that helps prevent people from rolling off the edge. These cots have strong legs constructed of aluminum and stainless steel.
Durability
When you are shopping for camping equipment the durability of the tent cot is a key factor to consider. Cheap cots are not sturdy enough and can leave you tired and aching. This isn't a good reason to rest outdoors. Cots should be able to support the weight of the person using them, and withstand injury from sharp objects that might come into contact with them. This is especially important if you're planning to use the cot outside, where it might be exposed to dirt and animals that may chew or claw at it.
Some cots are equipped with additional features that make them more comfortable. Certain cots, like come with a built-in mattress that can be inflated with an air pump. This makes them appear more like beds. Some cots 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, but they can give an extra degree of comfort to your camping experience.
The design of a cot can also impact its durability. A frame made of steel is more durable than one that has thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact to the ground is more stable than a cot with just four points of contact. This reduces the chances that it will tip over or sink into mud or snow.
When choosing the right cot for you, it's important to think about how often you'll be using it. If you're planning on using it for car camping and occasional backpacking trips A lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad is the best option. This kind of cot is usually less than three pounds and can be put in a small bag for backpacking.
Another factor to consider when choosing a cot is whether you want it to fold down into an armchair for easy transport and storage. Certain cots can fold into chairs for easier storage and transport, but are not rated well for their stability or ease of usage. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a small bag and transported by teachers or campers on field trips.
Setup
When you're shopping for a cot at a bargain price take note of the ease of set up. Some models require less than a minute to fold and set up, while others have more components and require a number of steps. cheap cot bed are typically heavier and bulkier than those which are less difficult to assemble but they may provide more comfort during camping. Some cots have state-of-the-art technologies which help reduce the number of pieces and steps needed to set up, but they can also add to the price.
If you intend to use your cot mostly for camping in your car, pick one that can slide easily into the rear of your truck or SUV. Some of these models have numerous rings that can be difficult to align and snap into the right place, but they're a good choice for those who don't wish to spend extra money on tents.
If you're planning to backpack, it's a better idea to invest in a cot specifically designed for hiking. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the cheapest alternatives. It's designed to be lightweight so it's able to be carried in a backpack. They are comfortable enough to sleep on for long distances, and will provide you with an excellent night's sleep during your backpacking trip.
Some cots are designed to be used in conjunction to sleeping pads for extra comfort. These cots are more bulky than backpacking ones, but they give you a bed that feels like a mattress. These are good for backpackers who prefer to camp in their cars but want to sleep in the wilderness.
If you're planning on using your cot mostly in your RV or camper and you're planning to travel with it, it's a good idea to purchase a model with a mattress and pillow built-in to provide maximum comfort. Some cots have air mattresses that you can inflate prior to sleeping. This will ensure that you have a restful night's sleep, no matter where you are staying.