The No. 1 Question Everyone Working In Cheap Cots Should Be Able To Answer
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots offer a comfortable and affordable way to rest 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 used for backpacking trips.
Certain cots are more expensive especially those made for backpacking.
Price
If you're looking for a cheap camping cot, but don't want spend an excessive amount it's possible to get a basic car camping bed for around $100. They are typically constructed of steel or aluminum frames and have fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and help prevent cold air from sapping heat from your sleeping bag. You can spend more money for a model that has more cushioning and options for organization. However, these cots typically aren't as strong and are often heavier and bulkier than the ones that are priced lower.
Size and weight are important factors for backpackers who carry their gear on their backs. They are willing to sacrifice comfort in their backpacks and a majority of backpacking cots have insulation that blocks cold that would otherwise penetrate through their sleeping bags. Some cots are also equipped with built-in sleeping pads to add extra warmth and padding. Some examples include the REI KingCot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
Some cots are easy to assemble, but others may take much effort and time. They may also be difficult to put together for people with limited mobility. If you are looking for a light option that is easy to take on backpacking trips, then you will need to choose a tent that has cot capabilities. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the most important considerations for buyers of cots is comfort. Cots raise campers off of the ground, which makes for a softer night's sleep. It also prevents cold from transferring from the ground to sleeping bags. The cots are larger and heavier, making them harder to store and transport. For people who plan to camp only a few minutes from their vehicles, camping cots could be an excellent choice.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot is the most comfortable cot that we have tested. It's lightweight and can be set up in only five seconds. The cot comes with a sleeping surface that is 27 inches wide and is able to support up to 300 pounds. It comes with a headrest that can give back sleepers additional support.
Another cot that is both comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can be used as a cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is extremely sturdy, and its soft feet won't damage the floor of your tent or cabin. It is lightweight and can be easily stored in a carry-on case. The cot also has 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 is sturdy enough to be suitable for adults. The only downside to this cot is that it could be too narrow for some users who prefer a little more room for their legs.
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op also scored well for comfort. Both are more expensive than other cots but offer more space for camping and additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a more padded side of the cot to stop people from falling over. These cots have strong legs made of stainless and aluminum steel.
Durability
When you are shopping for camping equipment, the durability of a tent cot is a key factor to consider. Cheap cots aren't durable enough and could leave you exhausted and sore. This is not a good thing to sleep in the open air. Cots should be able to support the weight of the person using them and resist the damage caused by sharp objects that might come into contact with it. This is particularly important if you intend to use the cot outside in the open, where it could be exposed to dirt and animals that might chew or claw at it.
Certain cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For instance certain cots have a mattress built-in which can be inflated with a pump. This makes them feel like a bed. Certain cots come with locking mechanisms that stop the sleeping pad from slipping off at night. These options may cost a bit more expensive than standard cots, however they can add an extra level of comfort to your camping experience.
The design of a cot can influence its durability. A frame made of steel is more durable than one with thin bars. A cot that has 10 points of contact with the ground is also more stable than one that has only four, which lowers the likelihood that it will tip over or sink into snow or mud.
It's also a good idea to think about how often you'll be using the cot when choosing the one that is right for you. If you plan to use it for car camping or for occasional trips to the backcountry, an incredibly light cot with an integrated sleeping pad is the best choice. This kind of cot typically weighs less than 3 pounds and fits into the size of a small carry bag, making it suitable for backpacking.
When selecting a cot you should also consider whether it is foldable into a chair to make storage and transportation easier. cots and tots can be folded into chairs to make it easier to store and transportation, but they are not rated well for their stability or ease of usage. There are cots that can be folded flat and stuffed into a small carrying bag that is perfect for campers who frequently travel or for classroom teachers who need to bring sleeping equipment for field trips.
Setup
When you're shopping for a cot at a bargain price, make sure to consider the ease of set up. Some models require less than a minute to fold and put up, whereas others are more complicated and require a number of steps. These are usually bulkier and heavier than cots that are simpler to set up, however they may also offer more comfort when camping. Certain cots feature cutting-edge technology that can reduce the number of pieces and steps to set up, but they can increase the cost.
If you intend to use your cot primarily for camping in the car, select one that is easy to slide into the rear of your vehicle or SUV. Some models come with a lot of rings that are difficult to line up and snap into the right place, but they're an excellent option for those who don't want to shell out more money for tents.
If you're planning to backpack it's best to purchase a cot that's designed for hiking. 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 too much hassle. They're 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 can be used with sleeping pads to offer extra comfort. They are heavier than backpacking ones, yet they provide the comfort of mattresses. They are a great choice for people who enjoy car camping, but need to sleep in the backcountry on their backpacking adventures.
If you plan to use your cot exclusively in your RV or camper then you should choose a model with a built-in mattress and pillow to ensure maximum comfort. Some cots are made with air mattresses that are inflated prior to going to bed, so you can enjoy a relaxing and comfy night's sleep regardless of where you're staying.