Each weekend, thousands of people around the world decide to go family camping. This is one of the best ways to bring your family together to learn more about the natural world. To make this experience as pleasant as possible, you should take the best equipment. Though there are many tenting available, many people prefer to use a tent cot. But what are tent cots for camping, and why do some dedicated campers choose to use this on their expeditions?
Take a look at this other article to learn more about camping gear to keep you comfortable.
Reasons to Choose Off The Ground Tents
What Is A Tent Cot?
Before we talk about some of the advantages that this might present, let’s discuss what a tent cot is. This is a relatively new innovation in the camping world. As the name suggests, it combines a tent and a cot. It does this by providing the comfort of a cot, using features like; elevated steel legs and a supportive sleeping mat. However, it also offers protection from harsh weather, associated with a tent.
In addition, you can decide between two sizes; either a single or a double. The tent cot has multiple properties that make it ideal for your next camping trip. However, in this article, we’ll limit ourselves to the top five benefits that tent cots can provide.
1. Easy To Set up
One of the biggest advantages of using a tent cot is the ability to get your campsite set up very quickly. Often, there are only a few poles that you need to use. In most cases, these will be able to slot into the ends of the cot. This simple process will make it easy for you to build your tent cot. In fact, the tent cot can be assembled in a few minutes. This will give you more time to focus on the more enjoyable parts of the camping experience, like spending time with your friends and family.
In addition, the design of the tent ensures that you won’t need to bring along additional materials. For example, when you sleep off the ground, you will be kept warmer. This will reduce the need to bring along things like blankets. Furthermore, the elevated cot allows you to create a storage space beneath the tent cot. By using this space, you will be able to keep your possessions safe during your trip.
You might also be able to reduce the need for additional camping structures, like a tarp Also, some types of tent cot can be converted into seating during the day. These models will eliminate the need to bring along a camp chair.
2. Easy To Store And Transport
Another common benefit of using this type of tent is how easy it is to store. Tent cots can be folded into a storage bag. Generally, these storage bags will be made of durable material, so they won’t tear easily. Also, they often contain handles. This will make it easy for you to carry it to your campsite. Because of how easily they can be transported, you will be able to explore more remote campsites.
The exact way the tent gets folded will vary, depending on the type of tent cot that you purchase. For example, some get folded into a stretcher-style bag. Alternatively, others might fold into a thin, flat square. For this reason, it’s important to consider the way you will use the tent. For example, if you want to use it for family holidays, the way it’s folded might not be too important.
However, if you wanted to take the tent cot hiking, you might want something that can fit into a small space. This will make it easier to carry during your trip. In addition, the weight will vary between each tent cot. Generally, though, they are constructed from materials like nylon, which is designed to be very lightweight. You will be able to find important information, like how heavy the tent is, in the product specifications. Thankfully, there are multiple types of tent cots available online, so you will be able to find one to suit your needs.
3. A More Comfortable Sleeping Experience
When you use a traditional tent, you will often be required to sleep on the floor. Even if you use a mat, you might still feel rocks and sticks poking into your back. This can create a very uncomfortable camping experience, making it harder for you to get a good night’s sleep. Thankfully, you won’t get these issues when you use a tent cot. These have been designed to incorporate a cot, providing the comfort of a normal bed. In fact, in some cases, they might also feature mattress padding. By getting a relaxing night’s sleep, you will have more energy to explore the area during the day.
In addition, this bed is raised off the ground. This ensures that you won’t need to worry about bugs or snakes climbing on you while you sleep. Also, most of these tents contain mesh around the windows. This will allow you to keep these flaps open, preventing condensation from building up in the enclosed space. It will ensure that flying insects, like mosquitos, can’t enter the tent.
Often, the best way to know how comfortable a tent cot will be is to test it. In some cases, you might be able to do this by going into a store and lying on the tent cot. This will allow you to assess things like its height and the firmness of the cot. If it’s only available online, make sure to check the returns’ policy. This ensures that you will be able to send it back if the sleeping experience is uncomfortable.
4. Highly Durable
One of the most important factors to consider when investing in a new piece of camping equipment is how long it will last. Thankfully, tent cots are highly durable. Unlike a traditional tent, which can de be damaged by sticks and rocks, the tent cot features steel legs. This means that you can put it on uneven ground without worrying about it getting damaged. In addition, they tend to feature high-quality poles, which won’t bend or break easily. Generally, there are two types of poles, steel, and aluminum.
Both will provide plenty of support to the tent cot. The biggest difference is how much it will weigh. Generally, aluminum will be the lightest option, making them perfect for hiking tents. Also, the tent cot will feature a high-quality cover, often made from nylon or polyester. These materials are waterproof. They are also resistant to getting ripped and any dirt can be washed off easily. This will allow you to pitch the tent cot in volatile weather conditions.
In addition, most of these tent cots will have a high weight capacity. In most cases, this is around 300 pounds, though with stronger steel poles they might be able to support 600 pounds of weight. The exact weight limit will be mentioned in the product specifications. To ensure that you get a high-quality tent cot, you should make sure to get a long warranty. This means that if the tent does get damaged, you will be able to send it back to the manufacturer to get it repaired. However, this usually doesn’t cover the normal wear and tear associated with camping.
5. Accessible For People With Health Concerns
Finally, camping trips can be very difficult for people who have health problems. For example, traditional tents might not be suitable for campers with back problems. Even if they use a mat, rocks and sticks can still be felt through the material, causing substantial discomfort. For this reason, they might not be able to get to sleep properly. In addition, people with mobility issues might struggle to get into a traditional tent, as the fabric might form a high lip around the entrance. Thankfully, most of these problems will be reduced by using a tent cot.
When you purchase a tent cot, you will be able to get plenty of support for your back. This will reduce any discomfort, helping you get a more comfortable night’s sleep. Also, there are multiple different height options available on the market. This will let you select the best model for you. For example, some people might prefer a higher tent cot, so they can easily get in and out. On the other hand, some might want a lower version, which is more accessible to children and animals.
Conclusion
One of the newest innovations in camping is the tent cot. By combining the benefits of a cot and tent, you will be able to produce a very comfortable camping experience. To help determine if this mode of camping is right for you, this article on tent cots for camping examined some of the greatest brands available, their main features and benefits. We also looked at some of the things to consider when buying a tent to ensure that you are getting the best possible product. So, try taking a tent cot camping and experience these benefits for yourself.
