Need a cot recommendation

V

Vinjints

Joined
Feb 23, 2015
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Need a recommendation on a relatively inexpensive cot to encourage others to get outside and sleep away from the comforts of home. 300# limit is a preference. Used for car camping, so weight isn't a major consideration. At this point, anything is better than the floor, but maybe something with a pad is better. Available on Amazon is always nice as well.
 
I've always had good luck with army surplus cots and a pad. Reasonable price, hard to tear up and I've spent a lot of time sleeping on them.
 
Unless you're really oversized, the basic Cabelas Mil-Spec cot is a good bet. I've had one for fifteen years, and it's still going strong. And it is really strong ... I used to be a Grade 7 Physics teacher, and we tested the hell out of that thing. And get the strap-on side nightstand/gunsheath thingy ... the guy in Grand Forks who sold the Cot to my wife assured her that all the guys going to the sandbox were buying the thing for themselves. At first I thought it was gimmicky. Nope ... Buddy was right.
 
The last cot I had just broke. The center leg bent from getting in and out of it. I would like to get a new one, but they are all of the same design. It is the tubular leg design that I don't like. Once they start to bend, it just gets worse over time.
 
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I concur with Mannlicher! We have two Cabelas cots with the thick pads and honestly as good if not better than home. My wife loves her cot!!! Others who sleep on it are amazed.
 
To accommodate someone unfamiliar with camping (OK, opposed to sleeping on the ground :eek: ) several years ago I bought the Cabela's Outfitter XL cot with detachable 'nightstand' (holds lots of personal items, coffee cup, rifle etc.). It's strong, has proven to be durable, easy to set up and take down. Dimensions 85" x 40" x 21" (folded 42" x 12" x 9") with aluminum frame, steel legs, weighs 26.5 lb. Comes with nylon carry bag.

I think most cots are almost as unforgiving as the hard ground without a good quality pad for sleeping. There are light, aluminum frame folding seats that slide over the side rails onto the cot and these can provide back support - but a stadium seat could work almost as well - if you anticipate time spent in tent out of the weather.
 
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Not exactly a cot, but if you want to sleep comfortably in the outdoors, consider a hammock. There are a number of really great hammock vendors offering various configurations (eg: Gathered end and Bridge type hammocks), Some with bug nets. Can use a pad or under-quilt for insulation. I have a Warbonnet Ridgerunner, bridge type hammock which is VERY comfortable. I am not sure if links to other forums is allowed but I go to Hammock Forums.net for info.
 
Does 300# mean you have a 300lb weight minimum or a $300 price limit?

If the former I can't think of many except the burly military style ones others have mentioned, if the latter there are lots of options.

Since you're car camping you don't need the super packable ones. Byers of Maine make great cots.

I really really like the new Helinox cots, but then again I'm partial to super small pack size since I camp off a motorcycle. There is also the travelchair sleeprite cot, packs a little bigger than the helinox but much cheaper. You can sometimes fine them for around $100.
 
weight limit. seems a lot of what i've seen are around 250, which is pushing it. 300 and I'd feel a little safer. especially when one of the little ones decide to climb on board as well.
 
I bought an Alps Mountaineering Camp Cot(the Large not the XL) a couple of years ago after using a GI cot for well over a decade.
Big difference!
The Alps is so much more comfortable and is easier to set up to boot.
Weight capacity on both the L and XL is 325 lbs so you're covered even with a little one onboard with you.:thumbup:
 
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