Going on camping adventures is a fun way to spend time with your friends and reconnect with nature away from the hectic working hours.
Spending the night in the woods or around nature is relaxing when you are well-equipped to deal with bugs and harsh temperatures. This is where camping cots and tents come into play.
Camping cots are handy in outdoors when you need to rest and sleep. To have a more energetic adventure the next day, it’s important that you get a good night’s rest so having a comfortable cot to sleep in is essential.
All About Camping Cots
When you are a camping enthusiast, you are probably aware that camping cots are needed to provide shelter during the night.
The outdoors can be harsh for those who are not prepared enough to handle it. Not only are camping cots there to protect you from bugs crawling on the ground, but they also help in providing you a clean surface to lie down on.
A camping cot is a small and portable bed that is usually used in situations when regular beds are not in sight. It’s made of a foldable metal frame with linen or fabric in the middle that you can lie on.
The last thing you want to deal with when on a camping adventure is to be stranded in the dark and you have nowhere to sleep on.
If you’re worried about whether camping cots will be the most suitable camping material for you, don’t worry because we will be discussing that below.
Are They Comfortable?
Unless you are a hardcore survivalist, your best chance at getting any rest at all depends on your camping cot.
Camping cots ideally are made up of polyester or nylon that is easily washable and comfortable for frequent usage. They are also lightweight and foldable so it won’t be much of trouble carrying it to your camping trips.
On top of having clean linen you can lie down on, you also have the option to include comfortable pillows and foam mattress. That is if you are not comfortable enough with just the nylon fabric or polyester.
Generally, camping cots are comfortable and can provide you a proper place you can rest when you are tired.
The level of comfortability mostly depends on where you will use your camping cot. If you just want to chill in your backyard on a hot summer’s day, camping cots are perfect for you.
If you are going on extreme camping trips, a cot may not be much help without a tent for optimum shelter and comfortability.
Pros and Cons
Sometimes it is hard to decide if air beds or camping cots are what you really need. If you are debating whether you should bring a camping cot for your next trip, here are some pros and cons of having a camping cot:
1. Space
Camping cots are generally made to cater to a single person per unit. There are also cots that are almost the same size as a twin-air bed. However, a camping cot is limited only to a certain weight around 450 lbs so make sure you consider that too.
2. Comfort
Even though camping cots are generally considered to be comfortable enough for almost anyone using it, there are also disadvantages depending on your sleeping position.
Because of its taut fabric, it’s more comfortable for people who sleep on their backs. On the other hand, it might not be so comfortable for people who are side-sleepers.
3. Elevation
One of the best features of a camping cot is its elevation off the ground. When you are camping and it happens to be raining, a cot will provide you comfort off the cold and slippery ground.
On extra hot summer days, the elevation off the ground also allows proper air circulation while you are lying down.
Another great thing about the elevation of camping cots is that space underneath it can be used as storage. You won’t have to worry about overcrowding your tent with the help of a camping cot.
4. Durability
Compared to air beds and mattresses, you won’t have to deal with the issue of sharp objects poking a hole into your sleeping mattress.
The metal frame provides sturdy support for your weight so it’s considered to be more durable than most camping beds. Just be careful not to poke yourself with the metal frames even though that rarely happens.
How can I make my camping cot more comfortable?
You are planning on a camping trip with your family and you have your camping cot ready. The only issue you have is that you think it’s not comfortable enough. Don’t fret, there are still a lot of ways to ensure that your camping cot will be comfortable to rest on.
Here are some ways:
- Purchase a sleeping pad for your cot. This adds an extra layer of foam especially if you have a bad back. Just make sure you buy a sleeping pad that perfectly fits the dimension of the cot that you already own.
- Invest in fluffy pillows because who doesn’t want to have a comfy pillow that won’t make your neck hurt? Throw in a heated blanket too while you’re on it. Rest assured you will be having a sleep-inducing chamber that will feel like you are in your own bedroom.
- Buy a mosquito net to prevent getting bitten while you are trying to rest. These pesky insects are a big problem for most outdoor campers. Installing a mosquito net around your camping cot will save you the extra cost for insect repellants.
Jomar Teves
A blogger by day, a tech enthusiast by night, and a downhill mountain biker at the weekends. After four years in business school and working for multinational clients, Jomar believes he can improve the world through his writings. Jomar has six years experience as a writer and is a graduate of the BSBA Entrepreneurial Marketing program. His work has been published on Clutch Points, Blokt and iTech.