Camping Cots and Tents
Camping cots and tents, along with sleeping bags and warm clothes, make up the foundation on which a great camping trip rests. I have used both while camping, sometimes in conjunction with each other, and would like to take a moment and discuss the pros and cons involved with cots and tents.
Camping cots.
Rather than lugging a tent on your back across mountain passes, you can save your back with the use of a camping cot. Not only are they more lightweight than tents, they are more comfortable; a tent provides no ground support, just top support. Camping cots also come in handy when you get to camp, but don't want to go to bed; in this case, you have an elevated place to sit and stretch your legs.
Tents.
While they may be heavier than cots, tents will provide more shelter. I can remember more than one occasion where having a dry, sealed off area to hide from bugs, rain, dust and wind was well worth the added weight during the hike. However, weight does not just apply to the tent itself; you also have to figure in the weight of the sleeping pads as well (not to mention the extra space in your pack necessary to accommodate it). Lastly, there's the monotony of setting them up and taking them down each day; the unfortunate irony is that a tent is usually a better idea on longer trips, which makes the day to day drudgery that much harder to bear.
As you can see, there are two camps on this issue (sorry, couldn't resist). If you are traveling somewhere dry for a few days and aren't bothered too much by winged creatures, then by all means go with the cots. Regardless, both camping cots and tents were made with comfort in mind, and they deliver.
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