Buying a Camping Cot

When going camping, the usual expectation is that this will at some point involve sleeping in a sleeping bag. However these can be quite uncomfortable if you are not used to them or find it difficult to sleep on the ground. In this case you can get a camping cot instead which has several advantages over a sleeping bag.

If like most people, you are not a fan of being bitten by creepie-crawlies, insects or bugs – then the primary advantage for you is that because Camping Cots are elevated quite a height off the ground the chances of you getting bitten by some pest or ground bug is greatly reduced – firstly because of the distance they have to travel, and secondly because the only area in contact with the ground (the circumference of the cot legs) is relatively tiny.

Next, and especially during cold and damp or wet weather, you are to a degree shielded from the elements. When its cold, you are at least a foot away from the cold ground so you will find it easier to stay warm. Also if it’s been raining and the ground is wet, you will be able to keep quite dry within your tent.

Another advantage of using a camping cot is that if you happen to suffer from any kind of disability, especially one that involves your bones, joints or muscles. Again because camping cots are lifted off the ground on legs, their height makes it much, much easier to get off them especially after a long nights sleep when your body has most likely stiffened up.

Camping Cot Types

Camping cots are much lighter and smaller than a mattress when folded up and they often come with a storage bag, which makes them much easier to pack up and transport when you need to leave or move.

There are many types of camping cot with differing styles and features. The simplest ones consist of a piece of strong canvas laid on or attached to a strong, metallic frame with several pull out legs to raise the structure off the ground. Usually, camping cots can easily be folded up into compact form and come with a bag for easy transport. This basic form is not necessarily the most comfortable though light, but the more padding that is added for comfort, the more the weight of your camping cot – something you will wish to avoid if you need to move your camping spot to several locations.

You can easily avoid this and get more comfort however by either using a sleeping bag on top of your cot or inflating an air mattress and placing on top of your cot which gives you the added advantage of extra height and a more bed-like feel.

Some camping cots come attached to a tent (camping cot tents) to reduce the amount of weight you need to carry with you.

Features of a Good Camping Cot

When you want to buy a camping cot there are many important features you should check:

Camping Cot Size:

There is a huge variety in sizes, shapes and brands of camping cots.  Don’t make the mistake of assuming they are the same. The cot you buy should fit your size in terms of your height, girth and even your weight; otherwise you will be in for very unpleasant and uncomfortable nights. Make sure there is enough headroom and length to the cot so you can sleep without your legs extended beyond the frame. In addition it should not be too narrow for you especially if you tend to move about while sleeping.

Cot Durability and Frame strength:

Like just about anything else you purchase, you get what you pay for. Don’t skimp when it comes to durability and strength. The last thing you want when you are stuck miles away from any camping shop is for your cot to collapse. Cheaper camping cots are normally constructed of lighter, less durable materials which are likely to last for only one season or break under stress or if used by a relatively heavy person.

Frame strength

Materials used for frames include wood, steel, aluminium, metallic alloys and plastic. Aluminium has the great feature of being light while remaining fairly rugged and durable. You should look for a Camping cot with an alloy or aluminium frame, as these are both light and strong; while frames on cheap cots could be heavy and strong – e.g. steel, or light and weak (or easily breakable) e.g. plastics and some woods.

Your frame has to be capable of supporting its users weight. Also, check that the frame doesn’t have any hard parts that stick out and could possibly dig into your body when you are trying to rest or carrying it.

Canvas backing

Examine the canvas backing. It should be thick and not flimsy and be able to resist damage from cuts, rough treatment, punctures, tears and rips. The backing on cheap cots is more likely to fray and wear out quickly.

Ensure your cot canvas is tight, properly supports your back and doesn’t sag while in use otherwise you may develop backaches.

In addition, check if the canvas has been treated or reinforced against mould or mildew attacks which can of course shorten their useful lifespan. Finally, your cot should be resistant to water damage (water-proof or water-resistant), quick drying, and easily cleanable.

Camping Cot Portability:

You should view the cot you want to buy not only as it is laid out but also in its compact transportable size or if you are buying online, check the folded up dimensions. If you are out camping, you want to avoid carrying bulk about with you so it should be slim, not bulky or too wide when packed flat.

Your cot should be easy to lay out when you want to rest and easy to collapse when you need to pack up.

You also need to evaluate how you will transport it. Will you need do a lot of walking around with your cot or will you mainly be using a vehicle to transport it and be sleeping close by in which case you only need to consider how convenient it is to pack it in your car or van.

Camping Cot Comfort:

One of the most important considerations is whether the cot is comfortable. Your cot should provide you with at least a bit of comfort to reward you for your hard day of camping so make sure it is comfortable for you.

If you are buying from a shop and they have it on display, you could try lying on it (with permission!). If it is uncomfortable in the shop or camping store, it will be far more uncomfortable outdoors after a hard day of trekking with your joints aching. If you are buying online check real user reviews. If most people claim that it is comfortable, it probably is.

Where to Buy a Great Camping Cot

Click right here to view some highly rated and best-selling camping cots.

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