9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Cots
Buying a cheap cot beds Cot For Camping
Cots are affordable and comfortable method of sleeping during camping. Certain cots, such as 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 carried on backpacking trips.
Other cots, particularly those designed for backpacking are on the higher-priced side.
Price
If you're looking for a low-cost camping cot, but don't want spend much, you can get a basic car camping bed for about $100. They are typically made from aluminum or steel frames, with fabric strewn over them. They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground and prevent cold air from sapping the warmth from your sleeping bag. If you're looking for greater comfort, you could spend an extra bit on an upgraded model that adds organization options and cushioning. However, these cots often compromise on strength and may be heavier and bulkier than ones that are priced lower.
For backpackers, who need to carry all their equipment on their backs over long distances, weight and pack size are the most important factors to consider when choosing a cot. A majority of backpacking cots come with insulation to reduce the cold that might otherwise leak through sleeping bags. Some cots also come with built-in sleeping pads that add extra warmth and padding. Examples of this include the REI Kingdom Cot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots can be simple to set up, others require an enormous amount of time and effort, and may be difficult for people with limited mobility to put together. If you're looking for an ultralight option can be easily carried on backpacking trips will likely have to choose an outdoor tent that has integrated cot features, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is the main factor for buyers of cots. Cots raise campers off the ground for more comfort during their sleep. It also prevents cold from spreading from the ground to sleeping bags. However, cots are generally heavier and bulkier than sleeping pads, which could make them difficult to transport and store. Camping cots are an excellent option for those looking to stay close to their vehicles.
The KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot was the most comfortable cot we have tested. It's light and can be set up in just five minutes. The cot comes with a sleeping surface that measures 27 inches wide and is able to support up to 300 pounds. It also has a headrest to provide additional support for back-sleepers.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another cot that is both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot or as a lounger. Its construction is quite robust, and its soft feet will not scratch the floor cribs of your tent or cabin. It is light and can be stored in an easy-to-carry case. It also has an adjustable brace that can be adjusted for different reclining positions as an upholstered lounge chair.
In addition to being comfortable to sleep on the cot is also easy to set up and sturdy enough for adults. The only issue with this cot is that it might be too narrow for users who would like a bit 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 pricier than some of the other cots that we reviewed however they provide more space for camping and feature extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a more padded side of the cot, which helps prevent the occupants from rolling over. The legs of these cots are sturdy made of stainless and aluminum steel.
Durability
When you are shopping for camping equipment the quality of a tent cot is an important aspect to take into consideration. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could leave you feeling exhausted and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots should be able support the weight of the person who is 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 will be exposed to dirt and animals that might chew or claw at it.
Some cots are equipped with extra features that can make them more comfortable. Some cots, for example, have a built in mattress that can be filled with an air pump. This makes them appear more like a bed. Others have securing systems to prevent the mattress from sliding off during the night. These options are more costly than standard cots, but they can offer more comfort.
The design of a cot can affect its durability. For instance, a cot that has an iron frame is more durable than one with thin bars. A cot with 10 points of contact to the ground is more sturdy than one that has only four points of contact. This lowers the likelihood that it will topple over or sink into mud or snow.
It's also a good idea to think about the frequency of use of the cot when choosing the right one for you. If you're planning on using it for car camping and occasional trips to the backpack, a lightweight cot with an integrated sleeping pad will probably be the best option. This type of cot typically weighs less than three pounds and fits in an incredibly compact bag for carrying and is suitable for backpacking.
Another factor to think about when selecting a Cot Bed is whether you want it to fold into a chair for easy transportation and storage. Some cots that fold into chairs are more straightforward to set up, however they don't have the best scores for stability or user-friendliness. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a compact bag to be carried by campers or classroom teachers on field trips.
Setup
When you're shopping for a cot at a bargain price take note of how easy it is to set up. Some models are simple to arrange and unfold, while others require more components and a number of steps. These cots are typically larger and heavier than those that are easier to assemble however they can provide greater comfort during camping. Some baby cots online have state-of-the-art technologies that can reduce the number of pieces and steps to put up, but these can sometimes add to the price.
If you plan to use your cot primarily for car camping, choose one that will easily slide into the rear of your vehicle or SUV. They can be a challenge to snap into place and line up because they have a lot of rings. However, they're an excellent option for those who do not want to spend more money on a tent.
For backpacking trips it's better to buy a cot specifically designed for hiking. The most inexpensive options, such as the Helinox Lite Cot, are designed to be as light as they can so that they can be carried in your backpack with no trouble. They are 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 are designed to be used as an alternative to sleeping pads for added comfort. These are usually bulkier than backpacking cots, however they will provide you with an elevated bed that feels more like the traditional mattress rather instead of sleeping on the ground. They are a great option for those who enjoy camping in their cars but want to sleep in the backcountry on their backpacking trips.
If you plan to use your cot primarily in your camper or RV then you should choose one that has a built-in mattress and pillow to ensure maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses, which can be inflated prior to bed. This will ensure that you have a comfortable night's rest, regardless of where you're staying.