Camping Tips - Cots Vs Air Mattresses

Is it time for your first camping trip, but have no idea where you are going to sleep? When you are camping, it is important that you take every step possible to ensure a good night's sleep in order to stay rested, alert and relaxed. This can be difficult outside the comfort of your own bed, especially when camping in the woods.

While just using a sleeping bag is a popular option, it is not always the most comfortable one. Investing in either a quality cot or air mattress can add a lot of comfort and make sleeping much easier. Deciding on whether to purchase a cot or an inflatable bed comes down to pure preference, but how do you know which one you would prefer?

There are plenty of options to choose from that fit both your needs and your budget. Camping adventures with friends and family can be exciting but if you don't get enough sleep, you may end up wishing you had stayed at home. Air Mattress > Pros and Cons A properly inflated air mattress will feel like you are ALMOST in your own bed but with a view of the night sky!

They can come in a variety of larger sizes that can sleep more than one person and can typically fit another one or two people in your tent. If you are sharing your sleeping space, an air mattress (depending on the size you purchase) is big enough to accommodate everyone. Since they distribute your weight a little more evenly, side sleepers tend to be a bit more comfortable.

This comfort, however, may be over shadowed by rainy conditions that can make sleeping on the ground a terrible experience. Air mattresses are definitely easy to pack, a deflated one can be manipulated to fit in almost any tight space. But remember, it will need to be blown up so don't forget the pump or you will exhaust yourself just trying to get your air mattress ready for bed!

Cots > Pros and Cons Cots are not only great for camping but they are also a great choice for hunt camps, cabins, or as spare beds for guests at your home! They are comparable in size to a twin air mattress and are made to sleep a single person. One of the greatest advantages of sleeping on a cot is that you are raised off the ground.

This elevation keeps you away from the chill in winter and allows for air circulation during the summer. Another benefit? Cots don't take up as much floor space, other camping gear can be stored underneath them!

A cot is both sturdier and more durable since it is propped up on legs and cannot be punctured by roots, sticks or rocks. Camping cots are manufactured using an aluminum frame and heavy-duty fabric that stretches taut across the frame when set up. This firm surface is preferred more by back sleepers, side sleepers tend to prefer the flexibility of a softer sleeping surface.

A well-constructed cot will provide you with years of comfortable sleep while camping! While there are plenty of reasons to use a cot or an air mattress, which one you choose is ultimately up to you and your camping needs. Although inflatable options are made to be durable, they can also be easily punctured with sharp objects.

If this happens, they could deflate throughout the night while you are sleeping. The aluminum frames and rugged fabric on camping cots create a longer lasting advantage in durability and strength.