How to Set up a Camping Cot With Ease

One of the things you must consider when going on camping trips is your comfort. Camping cots are key to providing this comfort. This is why you need to learn how to set up a camping cot.

This type of cot is set up above the ground making it one of the most comfortable ways to sleep. It can be quite challenging trying to set up one. This is why we put this guide together for you.

After reading this post, you should know how to put up a camping cot with ease. If you are ready, let’s get straight to business.

Defining a Camping Cot

It is expedient that we provide a little definition for camping cots before we go ahead to learn the setup. In many parts of the world, these camping cots are also referred to as camp beds. We decided to put this here because you may notice and interchange of both terms as you go on.

These beds are portable and small in size. They are perfect for certain situations that a larger or permanent bed is impractical. Other characteristics of camping cots is that compact and lightweight. These characteristics make them ideal for camping and traveling around.

A regular camping cot is made up of a lightweight frame that can be folded easily. This frame can be made from either wood or metal and it is usually covered with nylon, linen, or canvas. Camping cots were first made popular by the Roman army before the lack of housing during the Soviet era adopted them.

Types of Camp Cots

On our way to learning how to set up a camping cot, it is important to learn about the different cot types. Cots come in a variety of models and styles. Each style is made to suit a particular functionality.

While there are so many types of camping cots, check out a list of the most popular ones below.

Folding Camp Cots

These are regarded by many as the most popular cots for camping the world over. If you are not too interested in luxury, then this cot perfectly suits your needs. It gives you the perfect camping experience even though you don’t get to sleep on the floor.

Some of the characteristics of these cots are that they are easy to fold, very convenient, portable, and easy to maneuver. Once you know how to put up a camping cot, installing one of these should be very easy.

A folding cot can fit into just about any kind of tent seamlessly. Depending on your needs, you can choose either a single or double cot. Installation of a folding cot saves space, time, and effort. There is no need to pump the cots, especially when you have to move campsites frequently.

Air beds

Many people see air beds as an upgraded version of folding camp cots. Truly, they are when you consider the different features they possess. Air beds provide more luxury than folding camp cots. So if you are keen on luxury during your camping trip, this might be your best option.

The idea behind using this cot is inflating the bed so it offers you a lot of cushions while you sleep. One way to know a good air bed is that it will be very easy to inflate the bed. In addition to this, setting up the bed doesn’t take ages so you can save time and focus on other activities.

To make it easy, you can inflate the bed when it is already inside the tent. Contrary to what most people believe, this process is quite easy to carry out. No wonder average campers find air beds very comfortable and a top choice for camp sleep.

Camping Mats

If you like to hike or walk a lot during camping trips, you will prefer to make use of camping mats. These mats are not only very useful, but they are also very convenient to carry around and set up. This is probably because of their portability and weightless nature.

To get the best from a camping mat, marry it with a sleeping bag. This combination will provide you with amazing satisfaction, especially if you want the original camping experience.

Setting up Your Cot

Understanding what a camping cot is and the different types lead us to how to set up a camping cot. We will discuss a few simple steps which should help you set up your camping bed with ease.

man setting up camping cot for overnight stay in the woods

Step 1 – The first thing to do is to take inventory of the components of your camping cot. Usually, your cot should come with three different pieces which include:

  • A metal frame
  • The canvas to cover the frame
  • Two separate metal rails

The inner frame made of metal will likely be folded. You should also check to be sure that the canvas that covers the metal frame is attached to it. The job of the two different metal rails is to provide support for your cot. When you open the frame, the rails should automatically slide into the ends of the canvas.

Step 2 – Once you have made sure that everything is intact, you can unfold the legs and side rails. You also need to unfold the frame of the cot. Do this until you have the rails at the side standing upright. Ensure that the legs attached to your cot are also unfolded and positioned to the side of the rails.

Take note that there should be three sets of legs and parallel pairs of side rails. Each set of legs should be in a perpendicular position to the side rail located opposite. It is important that your cot only folds in one direction.

Step 3 – Open the parallel side rails to separate the side rails the spread them as far apart as you can. When you do this, the legs will open naturally.

How to Set up a Camping Cot – Conclusion

We have taught you how to set up a camping cot. By now you must have noticed that it is not a difficult process. If you are not clear on how to put up a camping cot and you have a question, drop it in the comment section below.

If you’ve got company, you may want to try a camping cot for two.

Happy camping!

Leave a Comment