Sleeping outdoors can be a thrilling experience, no doubt; but have you stopped for a moment to think about all that could possibly go wrong while sleeping on that
camping tent floor? Imagine a creepy spider making its way up your neck, tiny ants scrambling for a piece of your inner ear, or even a snake slithering up your pajamas! These are the last experiences you would want to encounter in the midst of all the fun that comes with camping. This is exactly the reason you need to have an ideal raised area to rest or sleep after all the hassle of the day, and nothing does this better than a camping cot.
Right from its rumored origin in the Roman military, a camping cot has eased the burden and worry that most outdoor enthusiasts have had to deal with. The active camping lifestyle of hiking, treks, games, and even cooking takes a toll on anyone and all you crave by the end of the day is a good night’s sleep. With a good camping cot and a
camping pillow, your wishes are almost sure to be granted. However, it’s important to note that there’s more that goes into getting an ideal camping cot that will serve your purpose. On top of the list is your comfort, as this not only guarantees you a sound sleep but also helps you wake up the next day feeling energized for more fun outdoors.
When going for a camping cot, therefore, it’s advisable that you consider the environment you’re planning to use it in. If you’re visiting a colder region for instance, then you’ll see the need to have a higher camping cot with better padding and a
travel blanket—unlike in warmer climates where a simple tent cot would do. The comfort of a camping cot is mostly dependent on the frame layout, quality of surface material used, and its weight and size capacity. Most camping cots feature three main support structures underneath; two on each end and one central beam. This construction not only makes it comfortable to sleep on, but also easier to collapse and carry around.
Getting an ideal camping cot requires that you pay close attention to the weight and size restrictions. Some cots have a specified maximum capacity, and some capacities and sizes may not be ideal for the tall and big among us. Don’t believe the hype and marketing gimmicks that may be employed by some marketers. Go for a camping cot that’s genuinely built with an ideal support structure that can accommodate more than your weight. For instance, a 300-pound cot capacity can comfortably accommodate someone weighing 185 pounds, but the same cannot be said for a 290-pound camper.
Price
Considering the variety that comes with camping cots, it’s important that you gauge its features against indicated prices; this will see you get maximum value for your money. Notably, there are various factors that affect the price of a camping cot. Some of these include: size, material, design, and whether it comes with additional accessories. At the end of the day, remember that you’re spending money on something that you’ll not necessarily be using every day. This means that as much as you’re looking for quality, you’ll not need to spend a fortune.
Based on these factors therefore, a reasonably-priced but quality camping cot will cost between $50 for the basic versions and $220 for more advanced and versatile designs with additional accessories such as side tables and cup holders. However, beware of getting a cheap camping cot since most of these are low-quality, fragile, flimsy, and too uncomfortable to sleep in. Always employ due diligence to ensure that you get value for your money.
Features
As much as you’re looking for challenges that can excite your camping expedition, a poor night’s sleep cannot be one of them; and so, it’s important to get a camping cot with the right features. The best features in this case will boil down to comfort, ease of transport, and efficiency.
Some more of the notable features in a camping cot to look out for include the following:
- Size and weight
- Hinges
- Material
- Capacity
- Design
- Additional Accessories
So how do these features affect the overall efficiency and suitability of a camping cot? Let’s look at the specifics.
Construction and Design
Camping cots are made in specific sizes that cater to the various needs of its users. There are long and short, wide and narrow cots, depending on personal preference in terms of body size, weight, and number of people sleeping. It’s advisable that you go for a camping cot slightly taller than your actual size to avoid discomfort. On the other hand, camping cots are also made with varying weights. And since these are meant to be carried from one place to another, they’re usually made from lightweight materials for ease of portability.
Additionally, portability in camping cots is made even better by the use of hinges, which make them foldable. With a foldable design, one can simply pack it in a backpack and carry it around. This is also complemented by the cot’s material, which is mostly made of thin materials such as nylon or polyester; this not only ensures that they’re resistant to effects of water, but also strong enough to hold up the user’s weight. Finally, the frame is mostly made from aluminum or stainless steel for stability, and for a rust-free experience.
Performance and Ease of Use
To serve its intended purpose, a camping cot has to have an ideal design. Most camping cots are made with three levels of support; two at each end and one at the middle. This ensures that the cot isn’t too cumbersome to fold or carry around, while still able to support the user firmly when set up. Additionally, some camping cots have a reclining feature that let the user set their head rest levels; with these, there will be no need to add a pillow. A good design should also enable the user to easily assemble and take it apart as need be. Notably, a camping cot can only sustain a specified maximum weight, and as such, they are clearly labeled to help you choose the most ideal capacity based on your size and weight.
When camping, you want to maintain most of your daily activities as much as possible. This is why most camping cots come with additional accessories that make this possible. For instance, some camping cots features side tables that can be used for reading, eating, or simply placing items down. Others come with attached cup holders to make sure you don’t face inconvenience while reaching for your coffee mug even as you lie on the cot.
We know you value your comfort, right? But at the same time, you don’t want to spend a fortune on a camping cot, only for it to end up being unsuitable for your type of camping or environment. We’re pleased to let you know that you can still get an ideal camping cot without breaking the bank. Here are five of our chosen products, reviewed.
Features
Magshion is focused on enriching the home experience of its customers through affordable, creative, and stylish décor. It achieves this by offering a selection of contemporary and traditional merchandise that include patio goods, furniture, and home improvement products which are all of the highest craftsmanship and made to last. To help turn customers' inspiration into a reality, Magshion ensures that its quality products capture their imagination. It also stays abreast of the design trends and dedicates its efforts to giving you the latest style, while providing exceptional customer service.
The Magshion Portable Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot makes your camping an exciting experience and is great for any outdoor use including military, emergency, and use as a cabin cot. Its weight of a mere 8 pounds makes it suitable for adults and kids, especially considering that it's also portable with an easy-to-fold construction. To enhance its comfort, strength, and longevity, this cot is made of oxford cloth and steel frame. And perhaps most convenient of all, it also comes with a storage bag to keep it in for storage or during travel.
If color is a factor in your choice, then you have multiple options to choose from in this case: Black, blue, camo, green, navy, and red.
That’s it! We believe that we have lived up to your expectations in terms of helping you make an informed choice on the best camping cot for you. Get shopping now before it's too late for your camping trip. In case you’re yet to find the specific design or size you’re looking for, don’t worry! You can still check out other options from these trusted brands, that have been tried and tested for excellence.
