{"id":1273,"date":"2019-07-16T09:46:49","date_gmt":"2019-07-16T15:46:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carcampingtips.com\/?p=1273"},"modified":"2023-08-08T21:16:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T02:16:00","slug":"how-to-use-a-cot-in-your-tent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/decideoutside.com\/how-to-use-a-cot-in-your-tent\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Use a Cot in Your Tent (Without Ruining the Floor)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When you choose to sleep in a cot, you get the chance to enjoy something that feels like an actual bed, and it keeps you away from your tent floor!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Using a cot in your tent can provide great benefits, like airflow, distance from the ground and comfort. However, it’s also important to make sure you place something between the feet of the cot and the tent floor to avoid damage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, it’s not always clear just how you can best use a cot without ending up with holes in your tent. Read on to learn more about using a cot while keeping your tent safe!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Use a Cot In Your Tent<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Not everyone enjoys sleeping close to the floor, especially in a tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You never know what kinds of critters might get in and decide to hang out in your bedding. Because of that, you may choose to be especially wary in places where snakes or poisonous spiders are an issue. Using a cot can be a helpful way to avoid some of those critters making it into your sleeping bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cots can also be a useful way to keep yourself cooler in hot weather. The space under the bed allows for air to flow around you and keep you cool. That area can also be a useful place for storing your luggage or other necessities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the top reasons for choosing a cot involves getting away from air mattresses that can deflate rather easily. On a cot, you don’t have to worry about being left sleeping on the ground in the morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there are a few downsides to cots worth keeping in mind so that you can plan for them. Insulation can sometimes be an issue in this kind of bed. However, you can resolve that issue by using a sleeping pad or some kind of foam under your body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some cots can also be somewhat large or heavy, making them tough to use for backpacking, but they can be fantastic for car camping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, you’ll want to make sure to be careful with the feet of the cot, as they can risk creating holes in the bottom of your tent.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Use a Cot and Stay Warm<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because a cot keeps you away from the ground, the added airflow can get a bit cold when you’re in a moderate or cooler climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, there are some methods you can use to keep yourself insulated, warm and comfortable. Some cots are even designed to help with this purpose through the addition of a sleeve. In that sleeve, you can slip some foam or a sleeping pad beneath you. As a result, the air flowing under the cot won’t be able to reach you as easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some opt for foam with a closed-cell design in order to get the best benefits. This is typically due to the lightweight design in combination with a high level of durability. Additionally, sleeping pads made from closed-cell foam tend to be much more friendly to your wallet than other options out there.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some may also choose to keep a portable heater around for dealing with the cold. If you’re dealing with especially cold weather, you may also want to dress warm, even while sleeping! To discover more about staying comfortable in cold weather, take a look at our article on the subject here<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another option you can try out is to place a thick blanket beneath you or connect it to the bottom of the cot. This might also be a good instance for trying out a mattress topper. To learn more, check out our article on mattress toppers for camping here<\/a>! Really, anything that helps to limit the airflow can leave you feeling more comfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can, it’s a good option to use something that can easily be removed. That way, you can use the cot easily in either cooler or warmer weather without a problem. During the hotter months, you’re going to want the cot to be able to let the air through!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Not Damage Your Tent Floor Using a Cot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While cots can be quite the upgrade from sleeping on the tent floor, they can also be rough on that flooring if you aren’t careful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the bottom of the cot, the feet can be somewhat sharp. As a result, moving the cot around can really scuff up the tent floor and eventually create holes.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Naturally, you probably don’t want to have to replace your tent every year or two due to holes in the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To help you with avoiding that issue, you can try out the following tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n