Outdoor Blog
Camping Cots and Air Mattresses: What’s Best for You?

Camping trips are always a whole lot of fun during the day time when campers are out on the trails backpacking, playing guitar at their base camp or any of the other fun things campers can do out in the backcountry. Then when night falls, the camping trip can be ruined by campers who don’t prepare with the right camping gear for a good night’s sleep. For one or two nights sleeping directly on the tent floor with nothing but a sleeping bag is tolerable and perhaps even enjoyable as a marked change from the comfy bed at home. After more than a few nights campers might start to experience back problems or a loss of sleep that could sabotage their ability to enjoy the outdoor activities that define camping trips or their ability to profit from the sleeping benefits camping can provide.
Camping cots and air mattresses can remedy this problem readily, but there are some factors to consider before you can decide whether a camping cot or an air mattress is the best choice for you. There are some problems that can arise from prolonged sleeping directly on a hard surface such as a tent floor, especially for side sleepers. Camping gear such as a sleeping pad or foam pad can help prevent such pain, but the surest way to make sure you can stand a long trial of campsite sleeping is to pack an air mattress or camping cot with the rest of your camping gear.
An air mattress has some qualities that might affect campers’ willingness to bring one along on a camping trip. Even with an air pump or a self-inflating air mattress, it will take some amount of time to inflate it and deflate it at the end of the trip. If it inflates with a pump, having a source for electricity at the campsite will be necessary. Ensuring an inflatable mattress has the correct amount of air inside is essential to making sure you don’t sink into it, which could allow your spine to curve and cause soreness in your joints in the morning.
Camping cots are better-suited for low-tech campers who still want to be comfy during the night. They still take some time to assemble, of course, but they won’t put you out of breath. Foam pads can be paired with camping cots a little more comfortably than with air mattresses, as could additional camping gear for lying comfort such as memory foam or an inflatable pad. A tent cot will have aluminum frames or some sort of similar structure that needs to be assembled. However, in terms of heat loss, camping cots put some distance between campers and the tent floor, which should preserve some warmth for them.
There are many pros and cons to both camping cots and air mattresses, but once you have an idea about each piece of camping gear, you’ll be able to tell which one suits your needs better. Read through our guide comparing camping cots and air mattresses so you can decide on the piece of camping gear that will get you the good night’s sleep you need to be energized all day long on your next camping trip.
Note: Looking for the best air mattress on the market? Browse the best air mattresses for camping here.

A camping cot or an air mattress is generally preferred over hammocks by campers in cold temperatures.
What about just sleeping on the tent floor?
There are some practical reasons and some health reasons why sleeping with nothing between you and the ground but a sleeping bag and the tent floor will likely be unpleasant if attempted over an extended period of time. Sure, campers often have the construct of a hard-scrabble rugged outdoorsman in their mind and sleeping on the ground might play into that perception. Trust that your camping trip will be much more enjoyable when that stereotype fades and you can concentrate on doing what you want to be happy with your fellow campers. Sleeping on a camping cot or an air mattress doesn’t take that much additional effort and it will greatly improve your sleep.
The human spine suffers various effects from sleeping habits over our lifetime. While to some extent it is unavoidable, there are things you can do to avoid chronic back pain and stay fit enough for hiking, biking, and backpacking. For one thing, sleeping directly on the tent floor can lead to a compressed joint over time. If this continues, then the muscles and ligaments and nerve functions can be affected. Soft tissues around the joint can compress as well, potentially causing bruising and pinched nerves. Side-sleepers are even more at risk, as their spine will not be in a straight position and their hips can bruise from sleeping too long on one side.
On a practical note, heat retention is much more difficult when you sleep directly on the ground. Heat loss will plague you and there’s no way you’ll be able to get a good night’s sleep. It might seem that sleeping up off the floor on a camping cot would expose the underside to cold air, but in fact, it’s the ground that will lead to the most heat loss. Foam pads and a high-quality sleeping bag can lessen the effects, but the best way to prevent heat loss while you sleep at a campsite is to get up off the tent floor with a camping cot or an air mattress.

A sleeping mat or foam mattress doesn’t need time to inflate and deflate but may add extra unwanted pounds to a rucksack.
Camping cot advantages
If pitching a tent doesn’t intimidate you, then assembling a camping cot will be a cinch. The aluminum frames of most camping cots are fairly lightweight and the body fabric is rugged enough. The best tent cot will get you up off the tent floor completely, preventing heat loss to the cold ground. Another advantage of being up off the tent floor is that space underneath you can be used to store camping gear or other supplies. Many major tent cot manufacturers such as Therm-A-Rest include gear storage pouches on their camping cots as well. Since the aluminum frames are mostly extremely easy to collapse, a tent cot can generally be folded up or stored on its side so campers can use the space in their tent for other activities, which should be nice for those out in the backcountry in the wintertime.
Camping cots are often better for the spine than other methods of campsite sleeping. Since the body is generally firmer and there is more ergonomic design in a camping cot than other camping gear designed for sleeping, camping cots often give a good night’s sleep and plenty of replenished energy for the next day’s outdoor activity. As many elder campers know, it is literally easier to rise and shine with a camping cot, as getting up from lying down directly on the tent floor can be difficult. Some common models of camping cots, such as the Teton Sports 120 Outfitter XXL, come with a carry case and are specifically designed to fit foam sleeping pads designed by their manufacturers. Teton Sports has several sleeping pads and foam mattresses that can sit atop a camping cot.
One pro tip lots of campers don’t think of is the ability to combine many pieces of outdoor gear for maximum benefit. For example, rather than packing a large tent and placing a camping cot inside, campers can stack a solo-camper tent on top of a camping cot and place an air mattress or sleeping pad inside for maximum comfort and some distance between the ground and the entire tent. This gets rid of the need for a tarp or tent footprint and avoids sticks, rocks, and insects on the ground. The tent floor will be saved from abrasions and last longer this way. Heat loss will be minimized; with the right sleeping bag that will retain body heat, solo campers can be snug and comfy in a setup like this using a camping cot.
Another obvious advantage of camping cots is their durability. The aluminum frames can take some damage from general wear and tear or from transportation. The canvas bottom of the sleeping cot is usually waterproof and designed to last a long time. Plus, there’s no risk of punctures, deflation, or a malfunction in the self-inflating mechanisms that other campsite sleeping equipment might face. As long as the canvas is protected to prevent any large holes from forming, camping cots are usually able to last for years and won’t face any issues if stored properly.
Air mattress advantages
At this point, it might seem like camping cots are superior to air mattresses in every way, especially since campers can simply add an air mattress to a camping cot and get the best of both worlds. Withhold a final judgment for now, because there are plenty of situations where an air mattress alone is more beneficial than a camping cot. For alternatives to classic tent camping trips, for example, air mattresses are fantastic options. Campers who enjoy car-camping in a truck bed or the back of a van probably don’t need to bother setting up anything more than an air mattress. Plus, the availability of electricity in the car usually means self-inflating mattresses are super-easy to set up. Car campers can also bring extra blankets along to keep in body heat and prevent heat loss.
Campers who are out in the backcountry in a large group and are testing the capacity limit of their tent would probably do well to stick to air mattresses as well since they generally take up much less space. Ultralight backpackers generally prefer to only bring a sleeping pad or an air mattress because they are so much more lightweight and portable than camping cots. It’s also possible to combine a foam mattress and an air mattress if you’re creative with them. A sleeping bag with plenty of insulation will keep body heat in and cold out in average environments, although campers going to subzero temperatures and facing snow will probably want as much warmth as they can get.
It might look a little bizarre if you lug an entire camping cot in and out of a tent to use as a sitting place at the campsite or around the campfire, but an air mattress is easily maneuvered and placed on existing rocks or logs to make a comfy seat. Some campers also invest in a closed-cell foam mattress pad to couple with their inflatable mattress for a really comfy campsite rest. The closed-cell foam and also be used as a seat, for heat deflection in warmer climates, as a cooler liner, or as a yoga mat for those yogi and yogini campers.

Extra camping gear like inflatable air mattresses and heavy camp beds can be brought along if you’re going car camping.
Who makes the best camping cots?
If your camping trip calls for extra storage space or you enjoy the added protection from heat loss gained from sleeping on a camping cot, many of the most well-known outdoor gear manufacturers also offer solid camping cots with lots of neat design features. It should be no surprise that Coleman is in the market, alongside Therm-A-Rest and Teton Sports Outfitters, who we’ve already mentioned once. Cabelas camping cots are very lightweight and durable generally speaking. REI Co-op has a fairly wide variety of camping cots with what is arguably top-of-the-line ergonomic design for a good night’s sleep. ALPS has a mountaineering camp cot available, and at least Coleman, Therm-A-Rest, REI Co-op, ALPS, and Big Agnes have closed-cell foam mattresses available as well. It’s a wide market, but the usual suspects make the best camping cots.
Who makes the best air mattresses?
Coleman is unsurprisingly once again a mainstay in the camping air mattress market, as it so often is with so many outdoor gear categories. They make every iteration from air mattresses with electric pumps to hand pumps and self-inflating mattresses. That’s not to say Coleman has the market cornered, though. Therm-A-Rest, REI Co-op, Cabela’s, and ALPS have their own competing models, while Teton Sports has an inflatable sleeping pad available. Many have queen size models available for couples or campers who just like to have the extra space to spread out at night. There are also some ultralight versions that deflate and pack down to a super-small size for maximum portability.
Final Verdict:
It’s difficult to say absolutely and without reserve that either a camping cot or a camping mattress will suit every single camper in any camping situation. Everything depends on the personal preference of the camper and the specific camping trip they’re undertaking. Mountaineering adventures aren’t usually as enjoyable with tons of gear along, so in that case, an ultralight air mattress or even just closed-cell foam pad would do just fine. Solo camping trips into the backcountry that are planned to last longer than a few days are probably much better spent with a camping cot along, especially in colder weather where heat loss through the ground can be a huge problem. Car camping can go either way, with some gearheads preferring to take a sleeping cot, air mattress, and sleeping pad along to combine them, since there isn’t much carrying required. Then again, some car campers prefer to just take an air mattress and some extra blankets.
In terms of comfort, the surest way to ensure a good night’s sleep at a campsite is to try and have a camping cot along that’s tricked out with a nice air mattress and perhaps even a foam pad. A well-designed sleeping bag is a must-have in any case and all of these things combined will make for a very happy camper. Overall, the most important thing to remember is that when you’re out camping destroying your spine trying to be a hardened outdoorsman and sleeping on the tent floor with nothing but a sleeping bag is not going to impress anyone and is more likely to hinder your ability to participate in far more beneficial pursuits like hiking, climbing, and swimming. Individual taste and body types are likely to benefit from camping cots and air mattresses in different ways. Age is likely to be a factor, not only because of general bone and joint decay but also because getting up from the tent floor isn’t always feasible for elder campers.
Even though it is hard to make a blanket statement that will apply to all campers, it’s not so hard to decide for yourself whether you prefer a camping cot or an air mattress. Now that you’ve read through this guide, you should have some idea about all of the various considerations you need to make for yourself. Either option should greatly improve your rest and energy levels on your next camping trip, so make sure to pack your camping cot or air mattress on your next camping trip so you can have a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors.
Bonus tip: Check out these tips for how to stay warm at the campsite in the winter!
Outdoor Blog
Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.
Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement
The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.
The psychological thrill
In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently.
The benefits of embracing the edge
Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.
The balance of risk and reward
While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger.
Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.
Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.
Outdoor Blog
Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news.
The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise.
Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails.
Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important?
Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy.
The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources.
These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources.
Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important:
- Allows for sustainable rural development
This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy.
- Test new technologies
Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy.
- Improving the effect of climate change
Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air.
Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air.
- This leads to job creation
Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms.
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails
Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors.
Embracing the Use of Green Technology
Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails.
By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment.
The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it.
Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors
Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive.
Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources.
Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty
The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes.
Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem.
Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before.
Providing Health and Wellness Benefits
Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being.
Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy
These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses.
This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists.
Conclusion
Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants.
From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market.
Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com.
Outdoor Blog
Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.
If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.
Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool
Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.
Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.
Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks
Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.
Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.
Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions
Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.
Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner
A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.
Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight
A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.
Endnote
Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.
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