Going camping is one of the best ways to release stress after many months of working hard and suffering quarantine. Some people really love to go, yet they are afraid that sleeping conditions cannot make them comfortable. As a result, a cot that is as comfy as your home bed is always the finest option.
Indeed, camping cots are an excellent sleeping alternative since they are both comfortable and portable. This item enhances your experience and cannot compete with your California King mattress, but its comfort is unquestionable.
Having your own cot is an excellent alternative, especially if you are an outdoor-activity lover. There is no finer feeling than sleeping under the sky. There are several reasons to sleep on a camping cot, the most important of which is to be elevated off the ground.
If you're camping in a rough region or on the riverside and the ground underneath your tent is rough or rocky, a cot will come in handy. It also shields users from the chilly, moist sensation of the ground.
Because you might be perplexed by the various benefits a cot can bring, this article was written for you. After much research and testing, we have compiled a list of the top ten best camping cots, with durability and portability being the most important aspects.
Our Team's Picks
* Portable cot with stable design: REDCAMP Folding Camping Cot
* Best budget camping cot: Coleman Trailhead II Cot
* Best camping cot for car & family camping: Lilypelle Folding Camping Cot
* Best crossover camping cot for indoor & outdoor use: MARCHWAY Ultralight Camping Cot
* Best comfortable camping cot: Coleman Airbed Camping Cot
* Best durable camping cot: OSAGE RIVER Camping Cot
* Compact & easy-to-setup camping cot: ARAER Camping Cot
* Best cot with mattress: Slsy Folding Camping Cot
* Best overall camping cot: TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Cot
* Best camping cot for side sleepers: ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
Camping Cot Comparison Table
Camping Cot | Preview | Weight Capacity | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 500 | 4.8/5 | |
 | 300 | 4.9/5 | |
 | 880 | 4.7/5 | |
 | 275 | 4.9/5 | |
 | 600 | 4.9/5 | |
 | 300 | 4.7/5 | |
 | 450 | 4.8/5 | |
 | 900 | 4.8/5 | |
 | 400 | 4.9/5 | |
 | 250 | 4.9/5 |
Camping Cot Reviews
Although many products are available on the market, below is a list of the top camping cots we tested and reviewed. Let's refer to the list to find one that meets your requirements.
1. REDCAMP Folding Camping Cot
Are you a camping lover? Do you want to enjoy sleeping outside but don't want to lie on the ground? Choosing the best cot for your body is challenging. Your tension will be washed away by this Folding Redcamp Cot.
The Redcamp product features ten supporting legs, contributing to the cot’s load capacity of up to 250 pounds. Non-slip feet are included on each leg to offer sturdy stability with no swaying or slippage.
Moreover, the frame and legs of the item are composed of strong, robust steel tubing that is perfectly joined to withstand unfolding and folding operations. The legs will lift you 15 inches above the ground, helping you secure from crawling pests and inclement weather.
Oxford polyester is used for the top cloth layer. Most cot materials have a denier rating of 600; however, this cot features a double-layered fabric for increased durability and comfort, akin to a high-quality outdoor bag. When all its legs are leveled on the ground, the cloth produces an overall uniform tightness.
The design of this Folding Redcamp Cot encourages mobility but, more significantly, simplicity of use. Its folding operation takes less than a minute and makes packing a snap. This is undeniably advantageous to its mobility. At 14.7 lbs, the cot weighs the same as a home cat, making it light enough to tote about but unsuitable for camping.
When you want to use it, simply unfold the cot after attaching the side poles and the legs. The setup will not involve any assembly or special tools. If you require instruction, it is simple to follow. Making the bed might take only one minute.
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2. Coleman Trailhead II Cot
Try the Trailhead II Coleman Camping Cot if you're searching for a spacious cot because you frequently flip over while sleeping. If you read attentively, you will understand why.
First, this product is a strong and comfy cot. The canvas has very little sag once constructed and laid in it. It is great because other cots sag and make sleeping uncomfortable.
This Trailhead II is a sturdy and long-lasting cot because its frame is constructed of heavy steel. Furthermore, the canvas is strong and durable. After assembly, the cot does not wiggle forth and back, making it quite sturdy when sleeping. This creates a safe feeling while using it!
Large cots are usually common preferences since they give lots of room for the user. Actually, many people have a habit of moving around a lot during their sleep, so more space is preferable. When completed, the cot is 75 x 35 x 17 inches and can fit persons up to 6'2" tall. You can have a comfortable night's sleep with that size.
This cot can fold into a little bag, making it easier to transport. The cot's sole disadvantage is that it is fairly hefty for its size. This item weighs a total of nearly 21 pounds. Although it's not heavy, many customers expect less weight from this cot size.
Even when you fold this cot into your bag, it is also impractical for camping away from your vehicle. However, this is an excellent choice for automobile campers but not for people planning to trek to their campground.
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3. Lilypelle Folding Camping Cot
Camping with your family is a great idea for your summer vacation. Yet, you are afraid that your grandparents can feel uncomfortable?
As a result, you spend a lot of time looking for the best cot for a senior citizen. You see a spacious cot, but its height and mattress are insufficient for them. Let's have a look at the Lilypelle foldable cot.
This is ideal for elderly individuals who can easily get out and in of it without tilting, even if they have problems with knees and hips. Steel tube frames and joints can be folded quickly for convenient storage and transit. Moreover, it includes a storage bag for transport and storage purposes. Perfect for your next family holiday at home, workplace, lake, campground, patio, tent, or cabin.
The square high-strength steel tube shape of this Lilypelle item sets it apart. It can support up to 880 pounds and can accommodate 1 adult or 2 children.
The Lilypelle cot is composed of double oxford fabric for durability and easy cleaning, making it more long-lasting and sturdy. The foldable cot's head tilt angle design minimizes neck, shoulder, and back strain!
With an extended dimension of 75x28x15.7 inches and a folded size of 41.3x9.8 inches, it is small, remarkably fast, and simple to build.
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4. MARCHWAY Ultralight Camping Cot
Do you dread going camping because of the heavy cot weight? It makes you cannot carry it to the camping place. In this situation, the MARCHWAY lightweight camping cot is an excellent choice for usage in the great outdoors.
This product weighs only 4.8 pounds and has a weight capacity of 275 pounds. It comes with a portable stuff pouch for convenient storage and transport. The shock cord construction makes it simple to put up and pack up.
Moreover, this lightweight camping cot includes five cross rods, two support bars, one pillowcase, one-bed cloth, and one bag. Its rods and frames are comprised of lightweight and durable aircraft-grade aluminum alloy.
The bed fabric is constructed of tear-resistant, robust, and long-lasting nylon. Small packs are low to the ground and relatively sturdy, although they take some muscle to assemble.
The 10-feet rods equally disperse the tension of the bed, allowing users to use it for a longer time. The rod clip construction has been improved to make the cot stable in various field conditions.
Furthermore, this foldable item is an excellent addition to your tent camping or resting gear. If you're going camping on somewhat sloping terrain, adding some non-slip material is advised to protect your mattress from slipping.
As a result, this ultralight item is amazing for any camper, backpacker, adventurer, or climber that requires comfort and a lightweight cot.
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5. Coleman Airbed Camping Cot
Are you choosing a camping cot for your upcoming trip? Do you want to purchase it but are undecided about a mattress? It is because you want a comfortable feeling at home. This Coleman item with an included mattress is the best option for you.
Although the setup appears to be perceived as being complicated by many, it is actually extremely straightforward. There are no tooling or assembly requirements other than the air pump.
All you have to do to swell the bed is open it and use the siphon that comes with it. The 4-D batteries are needed. You can complete this process in less than ten minutes. Place this bed inside the attached sleeping pad cover once you've located the ideal immovability. If you carefully follow the instructions, you might be able to complete setting it up in around 20 to 25 minutes.
This product also comes with two optional cup holders that attach to the edges of the bed. They proved helpful and offered a small storage area for items like your phone or car keys.
This sleeping pad is actually very comfortable. The airbed and cot are considered independent for twice the amount of sleeping space. In any case, laying on the bed with no air mattress isn't as comfortable as I'd like to believe. That's why this one is the way to go if you want a super comfortable cot.
Due to the strong design of the cot, the cot and mattress provide good edge support even if your mattress has lost some air. Because of this, the Coleman Cot is a great choice for anyone with limited mobility. Getting in and out of bed is a relatively straightforward process.
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6. OSAGE RIVER Camping Cot
If you don't have any specific demands and are confused about various options on the market, the OSAGE RIVER Camping Cot is a suitable cot for your trip.
An automobile will be required for outdoor use. Its weight of 13 lb (5.9 kg) is pretty reasonable with its number of support bars and legs. Additionally, you should be aware that the frame is made of steel, which is incredibly strong and resilient. It is portable, making moving from the car to the tent simple.
This practical outdoor item may be used for a range of activities like base use, vacations, fishing, hunting, summer open-air events, and scout camps—as long as you don't have to carry it very far.
This product also offers great bed dimensions (28x75 inches ~ 71x190 cm). It can withstand up to 320 lbs (145 kg).
The design's metal components are all constructed of durable tubular carbon steel that has been powder-coated. A robust 600D polyester cloth with PVC coating serves as the bed deck.
The OSAGE RIVER item features many support bars and 10 feet on the ground. As a result, this structure is exceptionally sturdy and versatile in its surface.
The cot will fit any standard single tent and all larger tents because it is 18.5 inches (47 cm) tall. However, it will not be suitable in bivy tents. Moreover, in bigger family camping tents, these cots can be used for off-ground sleeping.
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7. ARAER Camping Cot
The 6 above items cannot meet your needs because you want a cot with a higher capacity. If yes, you can find out this ARAER Camping Cot. It can be an amazing option for you.
The ARAER bed expands like an umbrella in each of the four heads, requiring no assembly and taking only a few seconds to set up. Whether you have a comfortable cushion, you can still consider this bunk because of its coordinating headrest.
This product can support people weighing up to 450 pounds at its maximum load (204 kg). It is unquestionably less spectacular in terms of size. The bed's components are 74.8 x 26.4 inches (190 x 67 cm). Therefore, this isn't suitable for people who are quite tall.
Its entire length referenced is useful because there aren't any closure bars here. In addition, you can distinguish it from purported military-style bunks by the absence of a complete outline along the edge.
It weighs 15.8 lb, which is not particularly light (7.2 kg). As a result, you will need a vehicle to transport it if you want to use it to set up camp.
Its edge features numerous legs, backing bars, and lashes between these legs. You will have about ten ground focuses and 25 mm tubes. Furthermore, the bed deck is constructed from 600D, two-layer, breathable oxford fabric.
Because the bed is 35 cm off the ground, you will have much room under it. Yet, in reality, you won't be able to store large items with so many legs and bars.
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8. Slsy Folding Camping Cot
When you go camping, you always want to bring many things, but they need to be light. The best way for this situation is to carry lightweight items, especially your camping cot. Indeed, the less weight we take, the less annoyed we feel.
The quicker and easier things are to put up and fold, the more handy and comfortable your vacation is. Fortunately, the Slsy Folding product has them all.
The folding cot design saves room and is convenient for storage and transportation. Both indoor and outdoor use is good for this collapsible camping cot.
This camping cot comes with a variety of mattress options. The mattress is a plush, removable pad that makes bedtime comfier. You don't have to be concerned about how the bars feel on your legs when using the Slsy adult camping cot.
The thicker pipe, anti-rust steel frames, and double-layer 1200D Oxford cloth make up the unique point of the Slsy camping cot. Almost all comparable cots simply use 600D Oxford material, but this one is sturdy and can hold 900 lbs.
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9. TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Cot
The Sports Adventurer Teton Cot is an excellent option for you if a military cot is your preferred option for your upcoming expedition. This camping cot offers a robust steel cot with a large capacity and a wonderful packed size. It can meet almost all the needs of travelers.
You might worry about its price because of your limited budget. Fortunately, although it brings many benefits, this product has a reasonable price.
You can quickly assemble and disassemble it because this is a military cot. Even though you have no experience, you can learn in a few minutes. Before adding the two end bars, they must be spread out to be assembled. This process doesn't require any special tool. Within a few minutes, everything is finished.
This bed has a limit capacity of 400 lbs (pretty outstanding). Thus, it can support well for weighty individuals. Nonetheless, if you are tall, the size isn't great!
Because its size is only 38 x 8 x 4 inches, it will not take up much space in the house. As a result, it may be used as an additional bed for unexpected visitors. The bed comes with a carry pack that will keep it dust-free and clean no matter where you set it.
You should haul the bed by a vehicle while camping outside because it weighs a substantial 20 lbs. It can be used for various outdoor activities, including vacations, hunting, staying at trailhead hotels, fishing, attending outdoor events, etc.
The upper limit illustrates what a reliable and durable product this is. The casing and bars are steel, while the deck bed is designed with 600D Brushed Poly Canvas. The architecture is completely stable because of its six X-shaped legs. Thus, it can maintain great balance.
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10. ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
If you have ever slept on a pop-up mattress, you should try the Lightweight ALPS Mountaineering Cot. Indeed, experimenting with a collapsible camping cot would be worthwhile. That's why this item is on this list.
There are two main reasons for you to consider it. First, this product is both easy to pack and only needs a little assembly when you want to sleep on it. Secondly, without using any specialized instruments, this is accomplished rapidly.
In addition, the product also includes a carry case with durable straps for easy carrying over short ways. Moreover, even when you don’t use it, this bag can keep it clean.
Its packed size of 34 x 9 x 2 inches (86 x 23 x 5 cm) allows it to be attached to a pack. Obviously, it is a handy backpack. It is a little bit long but thin when packed.
Although the name includes a "lightweight" word, this is a relative one that bases on what you choose to measure it against. Its weight of 9.3 lbs (nearly 4.2 kg) makes it suitable to bring for the short way, but you might want to carefully consider if you want to bring it for a longer hike.
In addition, this item can be attached to a compact pack thanks to its packed dimensions of 86 x 23 x 5 cm (34 x 9 x 2 inches). Although it is slightly longer when packed, it is thin. Undoubtedly, it is a useful backpack.
The specified weight limit is 250 lbs ( nearly 113 kg). However, it's obviously not for heavy people or those who prefer to go in pairs. The bed is 74 × 30 inches (approximately 188 x 76 cm). Thus, its width is enough. The item has no end bar, making 74 inches the usable length.
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How To Choose The Best Camping Cot
Purchasing a cot is a far more crucial decision than you can imagine. You must examine where it will be used, who will utilize it, and how you want to transport the cot.
Moreover, most importantly, you should decide on your finance and compare it to other cots in the same price range before purchasing a cot. It is because many types of cots are available with a wide variety of pricing. If you buy that cot because you like it, you could regret it shortly.
For campers traveling far from the city, a lightweight camping cot is suitable, although others may want a more supportive, bigger cot for more convenient journeys. The first step in selecting the most suitable camping cot is evaluating the characteristics and performance you desire during outdoor travel.
1. Setup
The time it takes to put up a camping cot is the most neglected but crucial feature of purchasing a camping cot. The distinction between a half hour and some minutes might not seem like much, but a speedy setup is critical when you are deep in the forest and need sleep.
A cot also needs to be self-explanatory, so you do not need to carry an instruction booklet. Look for straightforward setups. My lightweight cots usually have two folding sidebars and snap-in cross bars.
Observing them makes it easy to figure out where the pieces should go. This saves much time and prepares you for an energetic day of outdoor activities.
2. Size
Always consider the location where you will use the cot while purchasing one. It is critical if you do not want to fix or discard your cot.
If you have a low-height tent, large comfort cots should be avoided since they can sit higher off the ground and won’t be suitable for a low ceiling. Some individuals choose a cot that can be used for both campings and in the backyard playground.
These bigger comfort cots are great for elevating and comforting you. Don't forget to take into account the real sleeping place. Not all camping cots are made equal; some will provide you with more space to turn over, while others will keep you looking at the roof all night.
3. Comfort
Price always comes with quality. Indeed, when you require quality and want more positive characteristics, the cost will be higher to meet your needs. But above all, you should consider the comfort it can bring for the trip.
In general, bigger camp cots with lots of cushioning and space are more comfortable. However, they are really difficult to bring on a protracted hike or trekking trip. The creature comforts and frills of bigger cots are absent from smaller camp cots, but they are more portable.
When backpacking, the convenience of transportation comes before comfort. You should pick a cot that is portable and light.
4. Sleeping Area
The first and most crucial factor to pay attention to is the sleeping area of the cot. An ideal cot's size allows you to sleep on it without putting your head on its frame. Most cots have enough length to fit people up to 6 feet tall and slightly wider than 2 feet.
If your body isn't in that range, many cots are available in sizes XL or XXL. They are often wider and longer to fit larger persons.
If you're unsure whether a cot can accommodate you, check the measurements online and read the review. You may decide if the cot is a great match for you by looking at the cot's dimensions, which are shown in the specifications section.
5. Cushioning
Almost all cots have a tight-fitting piece of material, like polyester fabric, that serves as the sleeping area and provides support. Many users find their cots excessively stiff and will add some sleeping pads to provide comfort.
Find a cot with padding or one that lets you add a specialized sleeping pad if you want a bed-like experience while you sleep.
6. The Weight
Even though they aren't designed to be carried on foot in your pack, camping cots are portable and light. Most weigh only a few pounds and are simple for one person to transport and put up. The weight of small cots can be as low as 4 pounds. Meanwhile, the heaviest choices come in at about 40 pounds.
Regarding the weight, you must take into account your intended destination, the travel distance, and the vehicle you will use to transport the cot. Generally speaking, despite the heavy cot's many amenities, you cannot bring it and go great distances without a vehicle.
7. Robustness And Components
Choose a cot with durable parts, such as a solid frame that can hold your weight. Frames made of steel or aluminum are frequently used. Although steel frames are more durable and heavier, they are also frequently found on comfort cot items.
On light backpacking cots, aluminium frames save weight and are easily detachable for stowage in a pack. The sleeping space can be made out of sturdy nylon or canvas.
A good cot cover should be tight enough to offer a solid and comfortable resting surface and durable enough to withstand years of usage without ripping.
8. The Price
This product has various price ranges to serve the customers' budget. Simple, no-frills cots can be purchased for $20 to 30, while more upscale models can cost more than $300. As a result, consider both your available money and the characteristics you need when looking for a camping cot.
If your demand is simple (you only need a cot to keep you off the ground while sleeping), you can start with the simplest cot and think about the additions you'd like to make. An inexpensive foldable frame with the material spread over it makes up a basic automobile camping cot.
Yet, do you need more organizational or cushioning options? An enhanced choice will cost between $150 - $250, so you need to pay more money for these high-quality items.
Don't want to spend your backpacking nights on the cold ground? These cots will cost a little bit extra because of their lightweight components and the design work required to make them compact enough to fit into your backpack.
These normally cost $200 to $250, but with add-ons like integrated tents or rainfly, the price can reach $300 or higher.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Are cots ideal for camping?
2. Is the pad necessary for a camping cot?
3. Does cots provide more comfort than air mattresses?
Final Thoughts
A fantastic camping vacation cannot be perfect without a comfortable camping cot. In addition to the location and your partners, a portable, comfortable, easy-to-transport and setup will decide how much you are satisfied with your vacation. Remember to determine how you will utilize the cot before purchasing and using it.
The accompanying evaluations cover some common camping circumstances and should steer you on the correct path. To find the finest camping cot, you need to list what you require and your budget.
Have a wonderful journey!
