camping cot reviews

Camping Cot Reviews | The Perfect Nights Sleep

Camping Cot Reviews


We all love a good nights sleep – well I do anyway.

I also love camping.

But often these two things do not go together…

Until Now.

camping cot reviews

A lot of campsites hire professional photographers to pretty things up a bit and make everything look awesome, comfortable and flat. Experience tells us this is very often not the case so we like to pack our trusty camp cots just in case.

A great picture can show a nice flat campsite that looks like the ground is made of fluffy pillows, but the reality is it’s probably full of rocks and tree roots jutting about all over the place. No matter what you do one of these will ‘migrate’ into the small of your back while you are asleep.

I also like the option of a camping cot to keep me up off the ground in case the weather turns sour and the rain comes in. A wet sleeping bag is no fun for anybody so getting yourself elevated can save you from a world on pain.

Now don’t get me wrong. I will rough it if I have to but for me a good nights sleep is important and its critical that my dear wife and the kids also have a comfortable nights sleep. The alternative is not that pleasant so why not…

When we started researching travel cots it was a bit of a minefield. Too many products to choose from and prices that start off cheap as chips and go as high as you want. It’s camping, not five-star accommodation so we set our realistic budget and went researching for compact portable costs.


Today we want to share our best options for portable camping cots.


(if you are short on time check out our recommendations below)

Most Comfortable Camping Cot

The Chinook Outfitter is by far the most comfortable camping cot on the market but this comfort comes at a price, both in terms of actual cost and weight. Weighing in at about 18 pounds this is a heavy cot and not for the average backpacker. If you like a very comfortable sleep and are happy to throw this in your truck then this is definitely the cot for you…


Best Cot For Backpacking | Keep it lightweight…

If like me you are a fan of travelling light and find yourself on long hikes through the bush to get to your final campgrounds then you are going to need to get yourself a lightweight camping cot. The Therm-a-Rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot is perfect for this and fits right into your backpack.


Best Heavy Duty Camping Cot

When it comes to my kit I also like to invest in gear I can rely on for the long haul. This is where the Teton Sports Outfitter camping cot comes into its own. Built from heavy duty kit this cot will not let you down.


Best Value Camping Cot

Coleman have always had a great name when it comes to camping equipment and their fold away travel cot has everything you need for your next trip. This cot takes top place for best value.

Coleman Camping Travel Cot


Coleman are known for producing top quality kit and we will always look to them to see if they have a product that fits our needs.

This camping travel cot ticks all the boxes when it comes to comfort, durability and quality.

So lets look at some of the features of this travel bed and see if it suits your needs.

Features

  • Supports up to 300 lbs with the polyester wrapped heavy duty steel frame
  • Plenty wide and will suit your height up to 6ft 8in.
  • Handy side table for night light or water bottle.
  • Really easy and quick to setup and take down
  • Packs up into compact carry bag for transport
  • Set it up and pack your kit away underneath it

Review


To be fair to Coleman this really is a superb cot. The ease of setting it up and taking it down makes it worth it alone. It packs away neatly into its own carry bag so you can throw it straight into the car when you are done. The only issue we heard of was that the legs didn’t lock like traditional cots but because of the design this is not at all a problem.

If you are a side-sleeper then this may be the cot for you. It’s nice and wide so you will have plenty of room. Another feature that we like with the design is because the legs fold out nice and wide and the cot edges are super strong, you can sit up on this cot ‘sideways’ and get dressed etc in the mornings without fear of it sagging or toppling over.

The canvas material that makes up the cover of the cot is strong and durable so won’t let you down over time. The small side table is made of the same material and is good for a water bottle or night light for the kids of they need one. Plus you can take the table off if you have multiple cots in the same tent or room and are tight for space. READ MORE

TETON Sports Outfitter


The Outfitter XXL Cot is rugged and will support up to 600 pounds. Great for camping or hunting and makes a superb spare fold out guest cot for home when you have visitors.
Setup and breakdown is quick and hassle-free so you needn’t waste time fussing with the cot each evening.

This camping travel cot is super strong, has plenty of room and would make an ideal additional to your camping kit for your next trip.

Features

  • Size 216 x 102 x 48 cm, Pack Size 106 x 30 x 18 cm, Weight 11.8 kg., Color Black
  • Aluminum frame, patented steel “S” legs, and heavy-duty 600D Poly Canvas top
  • Cot folds up for easy transport with included carry bag
  • Compatible with Outfitter XXL Camp Pad, Outfitter XXL Quick Tent, Gun Sleeve, Under Cot Storage and Cot Organizer
  • Cot bed supports up to 272 kg.
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty

Review


A good solid sturdy over-sized cot that will carry the weight of a small army… You might want to consider the sleep mat that you can buy with it if you are looking for that extra level of comfort while you snooze.

Set up and break down are handy enough and it all fits away into the supplied carry bag so you can be on your way. Ideal for having in the car but watch out if you plan to carry it on a long trek into the woods due to its weight. READ MORE

Below is a quick video to show you how easy it is to setup the Teton sports outdoors XXL comfortable cot.


Texsport Camp Cot


The Texsport Deluxe camp cot is great value for money. It is the cheapest of the three camp cots we reviewed, but don’t let that stop you.

This camping bed is good and solid with its aluminium frame covered by a water resistant 600D poly cover and supported by steel legs.

Feature wise there is plenty going for this cot

Features

  • Supports up to 250 lbs with the 600D polyester wrapped aluminium frame
  • Easy setup and teardown with great folding system.
  • Heavy Duty Storage Bag included
  • Ideal for Back Sleeper
  • Lightweight Aluminium main frame

Review


Overall the Texsport folding cot is a great buy. Cost wise its cheaper that the others we looked at. One thing you might want to be wary of is if you are a side-sleeper this cot may not suit you as it dips a bit in the middle (like a hammock). If this is the case look at the Coleman above as this would be perfect.

The majority of the reviews have only good things to say about this cot but one guy stated that it was coming apart at the seams so read through all of the reviews on Amazon to make sure this is a once off. READ MORE

  • Camping Cot Reviews
  • TETON SPORTS OUTFITTER
  • Easy to setup
  • 600 lbs support
  • Steel Frame
  • PRICE= $$$

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  • COLEMAN CAMP COT
  • Easy to setup
  • 300 lbs support
  • Steel Frame
  • PRICE= $$

  • camping bed
  • TEXSPORT DELUXE
  • Easy to setup
  • 250 lbs support
  • Aluminium Frame
  • PRICE= $

Final Thoughts


We had great fun researching camp travel cots and the best sleeping cots for adults. We hope you find this information valuable in your quest for that perfect nights sleep when you are next out camping.

Our mission was straightforward. Take a look at the best camping best for adults and something to replace the option of a foam mattress or an air bed. We also wanted the option to use these at home as portable beds when guests come over to stay.

These are our thoughts on the best options available but please do your homework and research yourself if you have the time. If not then for value for money go for the Coleman. Great portable camping bed and you will do just fine with this model without having to worry about a sleeping pad or any additional padding. You may want to look for other options for a kids cot but to be honest the Coleman would do the trick – especially with the side table. This is perfect for holding a camping light or drinks bottle.

If you are putting this straight into your tent then you might want to consider getting some floor protectors for under the legs of whatever model you choose. They all have rubberised ends on the legs but better safe than sorry. You don’t want one of them going through the floor of your lovely tent.

Keep an eye on the weight of whatever camping bed you decide to go for. It’s all well and good having one with you but remember if you have a long trek into a forest or campsite you have to carry it along, and bring it back again…

If there is a camping travel cot, camping bed, sleeping system or tent cots that you use we would love to hear about it in the comments below and if you enjoyed the information feel free to hit one of the share buttons to help us spread the word. These are our camping cot reviews so hope you get something useful out of them.

Everybody deserves a good nights sleep – no matter where you are.

Happy Camping…

Best Lightweight Gaiters | Hiking, trail running

The Best Lightweight Gaiters | Perfect for hiking, trail running and hill walking

outdoor research mens crocodile gaiter

Today we are looking at gaiters, specifically lightweightgaiters. These simple, yet effective additions to your kit are a must for the serious hiker, trail runner or backpacker among you.

There is nothing more uncomfortable than a boot or shoe full of dirt and pebbles when you are hiking.

Most of the time you will keep walking and say to yourself every hundred meters or so ‘I must stop for ten seconds and empty my shoe’ but you don’t.

This gets even worse if you are on a competitive run and, stopping unless you absolutely have to is not an option…

If you have ever stood on a plug or piece of lego you can feel my pain.

I have hiked for years in every terrain imaginable and one thing that I sort of swear by is a set of gaiters.

For something so simple they make the world of difference if you are into hiking, walking in the bush or just rambling out on a trail.

So what are gaiters and why should you even consider buying some.

Gaiters are elasticated covers for over the tops of your boots. They come in various lengths and are made out of pretty much every material on the market. Often water-resistant gaiters shield you from getting dirt and bits of gravel into your shoes or boots when hiking about.

I spent years working in Australia on construction sites and while in Western Australia, in particular, I wore lightweight gaiters all the time. The ground there was mostly sand based and it usually took about ten seconds to get a boot full of the stuff when running about the site. A Kiwi gave me a spare set of his one day and it was a game changer. I could have filled a swimming pool with the amount of sand that ended up in my boots on a daily basis, but not anymore…

Yeah right – you may think, but to be honest, they really are an awesome addition to your kit bag and because they are lightweight they don’t add to the load in any way at all. Another great use for gaiters is to keep nasty pests off your lower legs. Often called anti-tick gaiters or snake bite gaiters they are great for protecting you when you are walking or hiking through dense bush. I would, however, opt for the heavier material gore-tex or leather style ones in this scenario.

You won’t win any fashion awards wearing them but its worth the sacrifice for the comfort factor and your feet will love you for it.

Types of Gaiters – Depends on you activities planned…

The right set of gaiters really depends on what you are planning to do activity wise and the conditions you expect to encounter while out there.

The main types of gaiters are:

Trail gaiters

saloman low trail gaitersLightweight, breathable gaiters that offer basic protection against gravel and grit getting into your boots.

They can also protect you against light rain. More for day to daylight use but a great addition to any pack.

These Saloman Low Trail Gaiters are ideal for the trail runner amongst us

Alpine gaiters

alpine gaitersTougher and designed for more heavy duty hiking or mountaineering. Great with a set of snowshoes or if you are cross-country skiing.

They have the added advantage of protecting you lets from cuts and abrasions from rock outcrops or thorny brush. Much better at keeping out water and the elements because they are normally made of heavier duty material.

The Outdoor Research Men’s Crocodile Gaiter are as tough as nails. Not much has changed in their design over the years – for a very good reason – they are unbeatable…

Expedition gaiters

These are for when you need added protection from the elements. You are going to get extra features like insulated layers to keep you warm, they are waterproof but breathable so your feet don’t melt, and they will be ultra comfortable. The biggest thing with a quality pair of gaiters is the comfort. You should not even know you are wearing them.

What are gaiters made of:

Most of the gaiters you see online, especially the lightweight ones are made from nylon that has a waterproof coating of some description on it. These are perfect for the day hiker and are perfect for keeping your shoes or trail runners free from stones and grit.

The heavier duty gaiters can with be made from layers of nylon that keep them breathable or they may be made from something like gore-tex.

Gaiter Features:

The features for a set of gaiters depends on the style.

You can get sort boot cover type gaiters or you can go for the long calf-length gaiters to keep out snow and other debris in harsher conditions.

Most gaiters will have some sort of a fixing on the front to attach them to you paces or boot eyes. They also come with an under bootstrap to tie them down and keep them tight against the top of your boot.

What to look for when buying a pair of gaiters:

What gaiters should you buy anyway? Here we review some of the best on the market and break them down into different style to hopefully suit your needs.

Best lightweight gaiters

First, we took a look at the top three lightweight gaiters first because we like to keep things well, light when we travel.

Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiters

lightweight gaitersFirst up are the Outdoor Research Sparkplug Gaiters

  • 86% Nylon/14% Spandex
  • Breathable, lightweight
  • Movement-mirroring stretch
  • Anti-slip silicone pads
  • Hook & loop patches at heel for secure attachment
  • Elastic top and bottom edges

Avg. Weight (oz./g): 1.2oz / 34g (L/XL)

These gaiters are ideal for trail running or hiking. They are made from water-resistant fabric and are great for keeping grit and gravel out of your runners when you are hard at it.

READ REVIEWS


rab hunza gaiterRab Hunza Stretch Mid Gaiter

Next up we take a look at the Rab Hunza Stretch Mid Gaiter.

These lightweight gaiters are ideal for trail running and cross country hiking where you are going to be on loose gravel and dirt tracks.

Nothing is going to get past these bad boys.

  • Material: [membrane/laminate] 3L Stretch Watergate, [face fabric] 69% nylon, 21% PU, 10% spandex, DWR coating
  • Closure: front zipper
  • Attachment: underfoot bungee
  • Height: ankle
  • Weight: 3.5 oz

 

Coated with DWR coating these laminated breathable membrane gaiters keep your feet protected from morning dew, moderate rain and soggy trails. They have a front zipper for easy setup and an underfoot bungee and a front mounted lace hook They have a top ridge silicone gripper to stop them sliding down onto your ankle when you are running.

READ REVIEWS


camping jacket for women

What to Pack on a Day Hike – Hiking 101

best hiking tips for beginners

What to Pack on a Day Hike – Hiking 101

It’s your first time and you’re beginning to panic. You have no idea what to do, what to bring or what to wear. You’ve heard it hurts and that it isn’t easy, so what do you need to take on your first ever hiking trip?

They say hiking is not for the faint-hearted, however, it doesn’t have to involve constant scaling of high terrain. When hiking, you’ll choose your path related to your hiking experience and of course your fitness level. First time hikers often make one mistake – they take the wrong things hiking, which of course will affect the outcome. Hiking is fun, so be prepared and read on to find out what things you need to pack for a day hike.

Of course what you pack on a hike is weather dependent and you may have to adjust your equipment depending on the weather and season, but wet weather gear and sun cream aside, there are also essential items for hiking.

what to pack on a day hikeBackpack – What else will you carry your provisions in?

If you’re on a day hike, you won’t have to travel with too many items, so buying an expensive 75 litre ultra backpack for camping is unnecessary. Any backpack that has padded areas around the shoulders is sufficient.

If you decide later on that you absolutely love hiking and wish to go on a 6-day hike then you can invest more and buy a professional backpack for camping and hiking.

Backpacks with outside holders for drink bottles would be the best bet as it’s much easier to access your water while hiking without having to stop and unzip your bag constantly.

We recommend this handy lightweight daypack as it would be perfect for your needs. 

Mobile phone – In case of emergency

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned hiker or not, one of the most important items you can take with you when you go hiking is your mobile phone. Mobile phones have saved many people’s lives while they’ve been out and about in unfamiliar territory, so don’t leave home without it.

These days your phones can multitask. They’re used to call people, but if you download apps for hiking, you’ll also have a compass, a route mapper, a distance tracker and so on all in one device.

Orientation – Ensure you remain on track

compassEven the most experienced hiker hiking on an unknown trail for the first time should be well-equipped when it comes to hiking orientation gear. A map of the area you’re hiking is essential.

This is not something you pull out halfway through your hike because you find yourself suddenly lost. Study it prior to your hike to ensure you know the way and terrain.

If you’re interested in learning more about the area in terms of geography, history and wildlife, you can also take a hiking guide book with you or better still photocopy the pages you need to ensure your hiking backpack isn’t too heavy.

If you’re heading out into rugged terrain that isn’t signposted, it’s also a good idea to carry a compass with you, but for this to be useful, you need to know how to use a compass.

Water – Stay hydrated

One of the most important things you need to pack when you go hiking is water or enough liquid to remain hydrated. Take enough water with you that you can access at all times, more so in the hot summer months. Some people sweat more than others, but regardless of this sweating causes fluid and electrolyte loss and this is accelerated 3-fold when hiking uphill.

Water is naturally the best thing to take hiking, but specially formulated sports drink work just as well. Avoid any kind of drink that’s going to dehydrate you like caffeinated drinks, fizzy drinks and alcohol.

Hikes can often take longer than expected, which is why it’s advised to take more liquids than you’ll need because you can never be too sure.

Fuel – Snacks to keep you going

Snacks are necessary. Naturally throughout a normal day when you’re not hiking, you’ll feel your energy levels drop and this is even more evident when hiking. When deciding which snacks to take on a hiking trip, you need to consider the amount of energy they’ll give you. Your body can be compared to a car – without fuel, you’re not going anywhere!

High energy snacks that are ideal for a hike include dried fruit, muesli bars, trail mix, beef jerky, chocolate, and sweets. Not only do you have to consider how much energy these snacks provide, you also have to think about the weight, which is why it’s advised to go for dried fruits as opposed to fresh fruit.

Socks – Protect your feet

It may sound silly, but extra socks when hiking are a must. Good hiking socks are essential. These provide comfort to your feet and help prevent blisters. But you never know what’s going to happen. If your feet get wet from the rain or you step in a large puddle or creek, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of discomfort and blisters if you don’t take a spare pair of socks when hiking.

Leatherman-Wingman-Multi-ToolKnife – A multi-purpose knife for everything

A Swiss Army Knife is a multi-purpose knife designed for many uses – you just never know when you’ll need some kind of tool whether it is a knife, a can opener, a file or something else. A multi-purpose knife is a hiking and camping staple, so don’t leave home without it.

Check out our camping utility knives page for more info or go one step further and look at a bushcraft knife if you want something a bit more heavy duty.

Hiking boots – Your boots are made for walking

It doesn’t matter if you’re a serious hiker or a novice; a decent pair of hiking boots is a must. Hiking boots are designed for one thing – hiking. Without a good pair of boots for walking in the mountains, your hiking time will be limited. Good hiking boots are waterproof, have good grip and also ankle support.

If it’s your first time hiking, make sure you wear them in properly otherwise you’ll end up with blisters and other nasty sores on your feet from the rubbing. Our advice here is to invest in a decent pair of boots when you are starting out and your feet will love you for it. 

For our favourite Mens hiking boots go here

For our favourite Women’s hiking boots go here

Hat – Protect your head

If you’re hiking in the summertime, a hat is an absolute must. No matter where you are in the world the sun is dangerous. Too much sun exposure will cause headaches, dizziness, and in extreme cases sunstroke. Usually, any kind of cap or sunhat will suffice while hiking, but if you’re hiking in an area that’s known to have a lot of sun it’s a good idea to invest in a floppy hat with a big brim. A floppy hat will not only keep your face and head protected from the sun, it will also protect areas of your body that are more susceptible to sunburn like your ears and the back of your neck.

Sunglasses – Enjoy the views while wearing your shades

Just like your head, your eyes also need protecting from the glare of the sun. Sunglasses for hiking are essential in all seasons. Wear a comfortable pair of polarized sunglasses with UV protection and if you’ve got more than one pair, take the cheaper ones in case they are dropped.

Sun Cream – Rain or shine

Even if the sun isn’t visible, it’s still possible to get burnt, especially if you’ve got sensitive skin. You may be fooled into thinking that because there’s a cool breeze in the air you don’t need sun cream when hiking, but you’re mistaken. Opt for a cream with a high SPF such as SPF30. It’s likely you’ll be sweating a lot when hiking, so buy waterproof sun cream that will stick despite the streams of sweat running down your body.

Don’t just pack sun cream in your hiking bag, put it on before you leave and reapply every few hours, making sure you cover your ears, the back of your neck and cheeks properly.

Insect Repellant – Don’t let the bugs win

Grassy and green areas are known for having many different kinds of bugs and there’s nothing worse than finishing a hike successfully and discovering you’ve been attacked by hundreds of hungry insects.

Jacket – Don’t let it rain on your parade

No matter what the season is it’s always a good idea to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket when hiking. Lightweight mountain jackets that are 100% waterproof aren’t heavy and take up very little space in your hiking backpack. These jackets will keep you dry, warm to a certain extent and also protect you from the wind.

First Aid Kit – Anything can happen out there

Another important item for a hiking trip is a small well-equipped first aid kit. Things happen and without tempting fate, you should always have a first aid kit when hiking. You can buy a readymade first aid kit or you can make your own, but there are a few essential items you should have in it such as plasters, bandages, antiseptic cream, scissors, disinfectant, aspirin, and also moleskin just in case you get a blister when walking.

Hiking is great fun and a full-day hike can make for an excellent day out, but if you’re not prepared then it could be a different story. Take all the essential items for hiking and try and pack your backpack as light as possible without forgetting anything, and this way you’ll be prepared for any situation you face and you’re also more likely to enjoy your hike.