9 Lessons Your Parents Taught You About Cheap Cots
Buying a Cheap Cot For Camping
cots and tots are a cost-effective and comfortable method of sleeping while camping. Some cots such as the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op provide extremely high levels of comfort, whereas others can be packed down to the size and weight of one loaf.
Other cots, especially those designed for backpacking, are on the pricey side.
Price
If you're looking for a low-cost camping cot but don't want spend an excessive amount it's possible to get a simple car camping bed for about $100. These models are usually made of steel or aluminum frames with fabric stretched over them. These models are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the ground, and they stop cold air from stealing heat from your sleeping bags. If you're looking for greater comfort, you can invest some extra money on a model that comes with options for organization and cushioning. However, these cots often trade off in strength and can be heavier and bulkier than the lower-end models.
Weight and pack size are essential aspects for backpackers who have to carry their gear on their backs. Many backpacking cots are insulated to help reduce the cold that can otherwise get through sleeping bags. Some cots come with built-in sleeping pads to add extra warmth and padding. A few examples include the REI KingCot 3 and Coleman Airbed Twin Cot.
While some cots can be simple to set up but others take an enormous amount of effort and time and might be difficult for those with limited mobility to put together. If you're looking for an ultralight option they can easily carry on backpacking trips may require a tent that comes with cot capabilities, such as the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot or Helinox Lite Cot.
Comfort
Comfort is a major concern for cot purchasers. Cots lift campers up off the ground to provide an easier night's sleep. This stops cold from transferring to sleeping bags from the ground. The cots can be larger and heavier, making them more difficult to store and transport. If you intend to camp only a few minutes from their vehicles, camping baby cots online could be a great option.
The most comfortable cot that we tested is the KingCamp Folding Deluxe Cot which is lightweight and has an easy set-up time of around five seconds. The cot has a huge sleeping surface that is 27 inches in width and can accommodate up to 300 pounds. It also comes with a headrest which provides additional support for back sleepers.
The Coleman Converta Cot is another cot that's both comfortable and affordable. It can be used as a cot, or as a lounge chair. Its construction is quite robust, and its soft feet won't damage the floor of your cabin or tent. It weighs less than 20 pounds and can be put away in a compact carry case. The cot is equipped with an adjustable brace that can be adjusted to different reclining positions if used as a seat.
The cot is not only comfortable, but also easy to put up. It's strong enough for adults. The cot could be too small for people who want more room for their legs.
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot and the Kingdom Cot 3 from REI Co-op also scored high for comfort. Both are pricier than some of the other cots we looked at however they provide more space for camping and feature extra padding. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a more padded side of the cot to prevent people from rolling over. These cots also have sturdy legs made of aluminum and steel.
Durability
When you are shopping for camping equipment the durability of the tent cot is a key factor to consider. Cheap cots that aren't sturdy enough could make you feel exhausted and sore the next day, which isn't the purpose of sleeping outdoors. Cots must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the person using it and withstand the any damage caused by sharp objects. This is particularly important if you intend to use the cot outdoors in the open, where it could be exposed to dust and animals that may chew or claw at it.
Some cots are equipped 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 real bed. Others have securing systems to keep the mattress from sliding off in the night. These options might cost a bit more than traditional cots, but they can give an extra degree of comfort to your camping experience.
The design of a cot can also affect its durability. A frame made of metal is more durable than a cot with bars that are thin. A cot that has 10 points of contact to the ground is more stable than one that has only four points of contact. This decreases the chance that it could tip over or sink in snow or mud.
It's important to think about the frequency of use of the cot prior to deciding on the one that is right for you. If you're planning to use it for camping in the car or for occasional trips to the backcountry, a cot that is lightweight and has an integrated sleeping pad is the best crib option. The cot usually weighs less than three pounds and fits into the size of a small carry bag which makes it ideal for backpacking.
When choosing a cot, you should also consider whether it can be folded into a chair, making storage and transportation easier. Some cots that fold up into chairs are simpler to set up, however they don't get the highest scores for stability or user-friendliness. Some cots are able to be folded flat into a small bag and Baby Cot Bed transported by campers or classroom teachers on field excursions.
Setup
When buying a cheap cot be sure to think about the ease of set up. Some models take less than a minute to fold and put up, whereas others have more parts and require a number of steps. These are usually bulkier and heavier than cots that are simpler to set up, but they also provide more comfort at camp. Certain cots feature cutting-edge technology that can reduce the number of pieces and steps required to set up, but these can sometimes increase the cost.
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. Some of these models come with numerous rings that are difficult to align and snap into place, but they're a good choice for those who don't wish to spend extra money on a tent.
It is recommended to purchase a cot specifically designed for hiking if you're going on an excursion with backpacks. The Helinox Lite Cot is one of the most affordable alternatives. It's designed to be light so that it's able to be carried in the backpack. They are 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 conjunction to sleeping pads for more comfort. These are usually bulkier than backpacking online cots but they will provide you with an elevated mattress that feels more like a the traditional mattress rather as opposed to sleeping on the ground. They are ideal for backpackers who prefer to camp in the car but require a bed in the wilderness.
If you're planning on using your cot primarily in your camper or RV and you're planning to travel with it, it's a good option to choose a model with an integrated pillow and mattress to provide maximum comfort. Some cots come with air mattresses that are filled before you go to bed, so you can enjoy a comfortable and comfortable night's rest no matter where you're staying.