9 Things Your Parents Teach You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots offer an affordable and comfortable method to sleep while camping. Some cots such as the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op provide a high level of comfort, while others can be packed down to the size and weight of the bread loaf.
Certain cots are more expensive specifically those that are designed for backpacking.
Price
For those who want a cheap cot for camping but don't have much money to spare, you can pick up an inexpensive car camping cot that will run around $100. They are typically constructed of steel or aluminum frames with fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and also help stop cold air from stealing the warmth from your sleeping bag. You can spend more money for a model that has more cushioning and organization options. However, these cots often trade off in strength and can be heavier and bulkier than lower-end models.
The weight and size of the pack are crucial aspects for backpackers who have to carry their gear on their backs. They are willing to sacrifice comfort for space in their backpacks, and many backpacking cots come with insulation that blocks cold that would otherwise seep into their sleeping bags. Some cots are equipped with sleeping pads that are built into the cot to provide additional warmth and padding. Examples of this include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots are easy to set up however, others require an enormous amount of effort and time and could be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. If you're looking for a lightweight option that can be easily taken on backpacking trips, then you should select an outdoor tent with the ability to accommodate cots. Examples include the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the main concerns for those who purchase cots is comfort. Cots lift campers off the ground for an easier night's sleep. This prevents the cold from spreading to sleeping bags from below. However, cots tend to be heavier and larger than sleeping pads, which can make them difficult to transport and store. For people who plan to camp just a few miles from their vehicles, camping cots could be an excellent choice.
The most comfortable cot we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot, that is light and has a a fast setting time of five minutes. The cot has a large sleeping area that is 27 inches in width and can accommodate up to 300 pounds. It has a headrest to provide additional support for back-sleepers.
Another cot that is comfortable and affordable is the Coleman Converta Cot, which can function as either a cot or a lounge chair. Its construction is quite robust, and it features soft feet that don't mark up the floor of a cabin or tent. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be stored in a compact carry case. It also has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted for different reclining positions when used as a lounge chair.
In addition to being comfortable to sleep on it is also simple to set up and is sturdy enough to be suitable for adults. The cot could be too narrow for users who need more space for their legs.
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op also scored well for baby Cot bed comfort. Both are more expensive than other cots, but offer more space for camping and additional padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a thicker padding on the sides of the cot to stop the occupants from rolling over. The cots also come with sturdy legs made of steel and aluminum.
Durability
The durability of a cot is an important factor to consider when purchasing this piece of camping gear. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could make you feel exhausted and sore the next day, which defeats the purpose of sleeping outdoors. cots offers should be able support the weight of the person using them, and withstand injury from sharp objects that come into contact with it. This is especially important if you're planning to use the cot outdoors, where it might be exposed to dirt and animals that could chew or claw at it.
Some cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For example, some cots have a built-in mattress which can be inflated with a pump. This makes them feel like a real bed. Some cots have locking systems that stop the sleeping pad from sliding off at night. These options can cost a bit more than conventional cots, however they can give an extra degree of comfort to your camping experience.
The style of a cot could also impact its durability. For example, a cot beds with solid metal frames is more robust than one with slender bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is more stable than one that has only four points of contact. This reduces the chances that it could tip over or sink into snow or mud.
It's important to think about the frequency of use of the cot prior to deciding on the best one for you. If you intend to use it for car camping or occasionally for backpacking trips, an incredibly light cot with a sleeping pad included is the best choice. This type of cot is usually less than three pounds and can be put into a compact bag to carry on backpacking trips.
Another thing 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 into chairs are easier to set up, however they do not receive the top scores for durability or ease of use. Some cots can be folded flat into a small bag, and then carried by students or teachers on field trips.
Setup
If you are buying a cot that isn't expensive, make sure to consider the ease of set up. Some models are easy to set up and unfold, while others require more parts and a number of steps. These are usually bulkier and heavier than cots that are less difficult to set up, but they may also offer more comfort at camp. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that can reduce the number of pieces and steps needed to put up, but these can sometimes increase the cost.
If you're planning on using your cot primarily for camping in your car, search for one designed to easily slide into the back of your car or SUV. Some of these models come with many rings that can be difficult to align and snap into place, but they're still a good choice for those who don't want to shell out extra cash for the tent.
It's best to get a cot designed for hiking when you're planning to go on an adventure trip with a backpack. The cheapest options, like the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as is possible so that they can be carried in your backpack with no hassle. They're also comfortable enough to sleep 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 as an alternative to sleeping pads for added comfort. These cots are more bulky than backpacking ones, but will give you a bed that feels like a mattress. They are a great option for people who enjoy car camping, but need to sleep in the backcountry on their adventures on the trail.
If you're going to be using your cot primarily in your camper or RV, then it's a good idea to buy one that has a mattress and pillow built-in to ensure maximum comfort. Some cots are made with air mattresses that are filled before you go to bed, so you can enjoy a comfortable and comfortable night's rest regardless of where you're staying.