Waterproof Tent Cot – Is It A Good Investment?
When it comes to waterproofing your tent, a very reasonable question to ask is if tent cots are worth it. They can cost up to $450-$500. For this price it is reasonable to expect comfort, durability and flawless waterproofing. Is this really the case? How waterproof are tent cots exactly? Where can you find a waterproof tent cot the easiest?
But first, let’s look at the product widely regarded as a really solid waterproof tent cot.
Best Waterproof Tent Cot
HI SUYI Folding Off The Ground Tent Cot
The Good:
- Waterproof rainfly covers the whole sleeping area.
- Really good ventilation with two large mesh doors to avoid condensation.
- Spacious inside, can easily fit a mattress in. Total dimensions: 83″x31″x47″.
- Really firm and sturdy support structure.
The Bad:
- The 33 lbs product size makes this rather heavy.
Waterproof Tent Cot – An Introduction
What is a tent cot?
A tent cot provides you with the comfort of sleeping off the ground, away from dampness or critters, while still offering the protection of a tent. This nifty piece of gear elevates your camping experience, literally, making it an excellent addition for those who love to embrace the great outdoors but also appreciate a comfy sleep setup.
How much does a waterproof tent cot cost?
Certain waterproof tent cots can go for as much as $450. These are high end models, with superior durability and water resistance. The cheapest models go for as little as $50-$70.
As you can see it can be a sizeable investment. Is it worth spending this much money? Do waterproof tent cots add that much to you camping experience? Are they really as waterproof and good for keeping you dry?
What is the waterproof rating of tent cots?
Usually tent cots have a rating from 2000 mm HH to 5000 mm HH. Here are three examples of tent cots that fall into this interval.
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot offers full coverage with its 210D tent top that has a waterproof rating of 2000mm Hydrostatic Head (HH). It’s a popular choice for those who need a spacious and comfortable shelter that can hold up well against the rain.
Tangkula 1-Person Tent Cot
The Tangkula 1-Person Tent Cot boasts a 420D PU coated oxford tent top, giving it a waterproof rating of 2000mm HH. This tent cot is ideal for solo campers seeking a compact, waterproof sleeping solution.
Outsunny Portable Camping Cot Tent
This tent cot from Outsunny features a durable 600D PVC coated oxford fabric, which has a waterproof rating of 5000mm HH. It’s the top contender if you’re camping in regions with heavy rainfall, providing maximum protection against wet conditions.
Can you place a tent on a waterproof tent cot?
Absolutely, you can! Placing your tent on a tent cot can actually enhance your overall camping experience. This setup works well for those who want that extra layer of protection against the unpredictable outdoor elements. The tent cot acts as a solid, elevated base for your tent, providing you with a dry and comfortable sleeping area, even in heavy rain. It’s a great way to bolster your tent’s waterproofing capabilities. Trust me, once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder how you ever camped without it!
As with many things in life, size is an issue. You have to make sure the tent cot is not smaller than the width and length of your tent. The cot also must not be more than one inch bigger than the tent on each side. Why? A bigger tent cot might collect rain water, creating a pool of water your tent sits in. Exactly the opposite of what you want!
To avoid size issues I recommend either being very careful when selecting which tent cot you will order. Or getting the whole waterproof tent cot, and using factory manufactured tarps under your waterproof tent for extra protection. The KAZOO Venus is an excellent tent with ground tarp for protection.
Does using a tent cot make your tent more waterproof?
In short, yes it does! If you put your tent on a waterproof tent cot obviously the floor will not contact the wet ground. Your tent will be raised off the damp ground and out of puddles. This minimises the chances of the water seeping through the cracks of a poorly stitched seam.
Is using a waterproof tent cot better than putting a tarp under your tent?
Even if it rains so much that you experience a little flood and pooling under the tent a waterproof tent cot keeps the ground floor away from all of this. Of course it is harder to set up a cot. You need to find a completely flat area where the cot can stand stable. You have no such problems with a tarp, you have much more freedom in terms of where you want to set up your waterproof tent.
Even a lightweight tent cot, like the MOON LENCE Folding Camp Cot weights 7 lbs. It comes in a a 16.5*6.5*7.8 inch carry bag. Not the end of the world, however when you want to roll ultralight you double check every single lb of weight you add to your package.
In my opinion it would be foolish to disregard the weight differences between a cot and a waterproof tarp. As a backpacker who usually rolls ultralight, a cot is not a realistic choice for me. I prefer to take my chances with a tarp. I never had leaking problems with tarps ordered from the tent manufacturer. Even on damp ground a tarp gives you just enough protection from water sweeping into the tent.
What are the positives of using a tent cot?
Here is a short list of my personal experiences on why you should buy a tent cot.
- Comfort: One of the biggest advantages of a tent cot is the comfort it provides. You are not forced to sleep on rocky or uneven surfaces. It’s like bringing a bit of your bedroom to the great outdoors. After all your mattress is not completely not eh floor either!
- Protection from bugs: One of the reasons you sleep in a waterproof tent is to be separate from mosquitos while you camp. A waterproof tent cot comes with a rainfly and zippered mesh doors. Excellent protection against bugs, mosquitos and tiny critters!
- Insulation: Everybody knows that you can loose so much heat while laying down on the cold ground. If you sleep on a tent cot, this problem is eliminated.
- Portability: Many tent cots are lightweight and foldable, making them an excellent choice for easy transport and setup.
- Durability: Tent cots are typically built for rugged outdoor use. They are designed to be sturdy and long-lasting, providing you with years of comfortable camping experiences.
- Versatility: If you bring a tent cot along next to your tent, you have some room to manoeuvre. If the weather turns bad you have an extra waterproof shelter. If it is sunny just remove the waterproof rainfly and you got yourself a tanning bed!
Is a cot tent better than a hammock tent?
From my personal experience, a cot tent offers several advantages over a hammock tent. Firstly, cot tents provide a more stable and firm structure for sleeping. Secondly, the elevation of a cot tent keeps you off the ground, providing ample protection from dampness, bugs, and small critters. Lastly, the waterproof fly of a cot tent provides a robust shield against the rain, making it an excellent choice for camping in wet or unpredictable weather conditions.
However, as a devil’s advocate, there are certain scenarios where I would advise a friend to opt for a hammock tent. For instance, if they are hiking or camping in a densely forested area with suitable trees, a lightweight hammock tent is just more practical. Hammock tents are generally lighter and more compact than cot tents, making them ideal for backpacking. Not to mention the subtle swinging of the hammock tent between trees feels almost like a gentle lullaby.
Conclusion
All in all waterproof tent cots are a great addition to your camping arsenal. You get better insulation, good protection from the bugs and elements. However they are too expensive to just enhance the waterproofness of your tent.
