Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
Cots are affordable and comfortable way to sleep while camping. Some cots, like the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op provide extremely comfortable levels of comfort, while others are smaller than the size of bread loafs and can be used for backpacking trips.
Other cots, specifically those designed for backpacking, are on the higher-priced side.
Price
If you're looking for a cheap cot for camping but don't have a lot of money you can get an inexpensive car camping cot that will run you about $100. These cots are usually made of aluminum or steel frames with fabric stretched over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground, and also help keep cold air from sucking the warmth from your sleeping bag. If you're looking for greater comfort, you could spend a little bit more on an upgraded model that has options for organization and cushioning. However, these cots often compromise on strength and can be heavier and bulkier than ones that are priced lower.
For backpackers, who need 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 will sacrifice comfort to fit in their backpacks, and many backpacking cots have insulation that blocks cold that could otherwise pass through their sleeping bags. Some cots come with sleeping pads that are integrated into the cot for extra warmth and padding. Examples include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
Some cots are easy to assemble, while others require a lot of effort and time. They can also be difficult to assemble for those with limited mobility. People who are looking for an ultralight option that can be easily carried on backpacking trips will likely require a tent that comes with cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
One of the most important considerations for those who purchase cots is comfort. Cots elevate campers off the ground, making an ideal bed for a more comfortable night's sleep. This also keeps cold from spreading from the ground to sleeping bags. However, cots are typically heavier and larger than sleeping pads, which could make them difficult to transport and store. Camping cots are an excellent alternative for those who wish to stay close to their vehicles.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe cot is the most comfortable cot we have tested. It is lightweight and can be put together in less than five minutes. The cot has a huge sleeping surface that measures 27 inches wide and can accommodate up 300 pounds. It has a headrest to provide additional 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 lounger. Its construction is surprisingly robust, and it features soft feet that won't mark up the floor of a tent or cabin. It is lightweight and can be carried in a compact 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 for adults. The cot could be too narrow for those who require more space for their legs.
Other cots that scored highly for comfort were the Kingdom Cot 3 by REI Co-op and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. Both are more expensive than other cots, but they provide more space for camping and extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a thicker padding on the sides of the cot, which helps prevent the occupants from rolling over. The cots also have sturdy legs that are made of aluminum and steel.
Durability
The durability of a cot is an important consideration when shopping for this piece of camping equipment. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough can leave you feeling tired and swollen the next day, which isn't the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots must 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 particularly crucial if you plan to use the cot outdoors in the open, where it could be exposed to dirt and animals that may chew or claw at it.
Some cots come with additional features that make them more comfortable. For instance some cots come with a mattress built-in that can be filled with a pump. This makes them feel like a bed. Some cots have locking systems that prevent the sleeping pad from falling off in the night. These options can cost a bit more than standard cots, but they add an extra level of comfort to your camping experience.
A cot's design can also affect its durability. For example, a cot with solid metal frames is more robust than one with slim bars. A cot with 10 points of contact with the ground is more sturdy than one with just four points of contact, which decreases the likelihood that it will slide over or sink into mud or snow.
When selecting the best cot for you, it's important to consider how frequently you'll be using it. If you plan to use it for camping in the car or occasional backpacking trips then a lightweight cot that has a sleeping pad built in is the best option. This type of cot typically weighs less than three pounds and fits in a compact carry bag and is suitable for backpacking.
When selecting a cot you should also consider whether it is foldable into a chair to make transport and storage simpler. Some cots that fold up into chairs are more straightforward to set up, however they don't have the best scores for durability or ease of use. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a compact bag and transported by campers or classroom teachers on field trips.
Setup
When looking for a budget cot, you should think about the ease with which it is to install. Some models require less than a minute to unfold and set up, while others have more parts and require a number of steps. These cots are generally heavier and bulkier than cots that are easier to assemble, but may offer greater comfort at camp. Some cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology that help to reduce the number of pieces and steps to set up, but these can sometimes increase the cost.
If you plan to use your cot for car camping, look for one designed to slide easily into the back of your truck or SUV. Some models come with a lot of rings that are difficult to align and snap into place, but they're an excellent option for those who don't wish to spend extra money on tents.
It's best to get a cot designed for hiking if you're going on a backpacking trip. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the cheapest options. It's designed to be lightweight, so it's easy to carry in the backpack. They're also comfortable enough to rest on for long periods of time and will give you a great night's rest on your backpacking adventure.
Some cots are designed to be used in addition to sleeping pads for extra comfort. These cots are bulkier than backpacking ones, but they give you a bed that feels like a mattress. They are great for backpackers who like to camp in the car but want to sleep in the wilderness.
If you're planning on sleeping in your camper or RV, then it's a good idea to purchase a model that comes with an integrated pillow and mattress to provide maximum comfort. Some cots are equipped with air mattresses, which you can inflate before sleeping. This will ensure that you have an enjoyable night's sleep no matter where you are staying.