What is a cot?
A cot is a collapsible bed.
It consists of legs, supports, and a fabric body, and is portable, assembled, and used on site.
Using a cot can give you a better night's sleep.
Pros and cons of using a cot
The biggest advantage is that you can get a flat sleeping surface.
No matter how high-performance a mat you lay down, you will still feel slight bumps.
By using a cot, you are physically off the ground, so you don't have to worry about that.
The disadvantage is that it is heavy, and the storage size is large, so its use is practically limited to when traveling by car.
Recommended cots
KingCamp cot
KingCamp Cot Wide
A stable entry-level cot.
It opens and folds with one touch, making it easy to use for first-timers. The pillow part is slanted for a comfortable sleep.
There is a pocket next to the head, which is convenient for storing paperbacks read before bed or smartphones.
It can also be used as a小物入れ for keys, wallets, and other small items.
QuickCamp folding cot
QuickCamp Folding Camping Bed, Folding Outdoor Cot
Although it weighs about 8 kg and is bulky, the steel frame provides sufficient strength, and it is stable despite its 43 cm seat height.
It has only three legs, allowing you to efficiently use the space under it for luggage, even in a small tent.
Snow Peak Cot High Tension
A rare 4-legged product for a low-type cot.
It weighs a relatively light 6 kg and can be easily carried with the storage bag.
At 32 cm high, it provides a sense of security for sleeping and is just the right size when used as a chair.
However, being a Snow Peak product, the price is also exceptionally high. It is recommended for those who are not concerned about their budget.
Using a mosquito net
On a clear day, take the cot out of the tent and look up at the sky.
Under the pitch-black darkness, lost in thought under a sky full of stars.
But what about bugs...?
In such cases, I recommend a mosquito net.
The fine mesh keeps annoying bugs away, allowing you to fully enjoy the open sky.
It's also lightweight, generally under 500g, so it won't be a burden.
Cots for winter camping
The biggest challenge for winter camping is the cold from the ground during sleep.
This is where a cot comes in handy.
High cots (approx. 40 cm) that are elevated from the ground are particularly promising.
Nevertheless, in the middle of winter, a cot alone may not be enough, so some ingenuity is required.
● Cover the cot with a blanket: This prevents air circulation under the cot.
This warms the air, creating an insulating effect.
● Use a mat in conjunction: Due to the structure of sleeping bags, the bottom part inevitably gets compressed, reducing its insulation.
Therefore, lay a camping mat between the cot and the sleeping bag.
You might think, "Oh, so I'm using a mat," but by placing a mat on the unique tensioned fabric of a cot, you can ensure greater comfort than with a mat alone, while also blocking out the cold.
