Best Camping Cots to Rest Easy in the Great Outdoors

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A healthy night’s rest is critical during camping; it affects your energy, your mood, and everything in between.

Get better rest while staying comfortable, as you can with the top camping cots on the market.

The features you should look for are lightweight, simple to fold up, and sturdiness.

5 Best Camping Cots Reviewed

Let’s start with our number one pick and work down the list from there.

1. Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot

Camping can be an undertaking in itself, but there is no need to sacrifice a satisfying night’s rest. With this camping cot, you get all the comforts you need without any non-useful additions.

Sleeping on the ComfortSmart Cot allows you to rest all night and wake up energized to tackle the day.

The folding camping cot from Coleman offers bed-like comfort and provides superior support with a coil suspension system and thick foam mattress.

Its durable steel frame can support up to 275 pounds and accommodate most people up to 5 feet, 7 inches tall.

If you’re taller, give the deluxe version of this cot a try. Even though it’s not the lightest cot we tested, the portable design folds into most car trunks and weighs only 18 lbs.

Be sure to thoroughly go over the entire cot and mattress when you receive it. If you notice any problems, contact Coleman; they have awesome customer support.

Pros

• Lightweight: Only 18 lbs.
• Compact: Folds up easily for storage or transport.
• Coleman’s customer service
• Super sturdy

Cons

• It is not ideal for tall people. (Try the Deluxe version.)
• The pad was a bit thin; I had to add a thicker sleeping bag.

Product Specs

• When unfolded, the dimensions are 69 x 25 x 15 inches.
• Weight: 18lbs
• Material: steel frame
• Foldable: Yes

2. Helinox Portable Camping Cot

195 Reviews

Helinox Portable Camping Cot

• Lightweight, compact, portable camping cot that offers…
• Holds up to 320 pounds with proprietary aluminum alloy legs…
• Quick setup with a single internal bungee cord that self…

The Helinox cot from Big Agnes is lightweight enough to take backpacking with only 2.6 lbs.

The Cot Lite is a very lightweight, comfortable option for those backcountry nomads looking for more support than a pad but still enough room in the pack for the essentials.

Despite being lightweight, the Cot Lite is easy to set up and features durable and strong poles and tension lock handles, ensuring that you get what you pay for.

This lightweight (under 3 lbs) and durablely constructed folding camp cot is a perfect solution to not sleeping on the ground.

It comes with a storage bag with a zipper closure, and grab handles create tension when the cot is closed, so it’s secure. To prevent holes in the tent, pick up some furniture moving disks and place them under the cot feet.

Pros

• Big Agnes is a well-respected brand.
• Great engineering
• Everything fits nicely and is compact in the storage bag.
• Very simple to carry

Cons

• The feet cut small holes in the tent floor.
• Provides no insulation.
• At 5″ height, it is difficult to exit.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 23 x 8 x 5 inches
• Weight: 2.6lbs
• Material: Polyester
• Foldable: Yes

3. KingCamp KC3986 Camping Cot

614 Reviews

KingCamp KC3986 Camping Cot

• ★【Ultralight & Portable】 Only 4. 9 lbs and packed…
• ★【Strong & Sturdy】 The frame of bed is made of…
• ★【Winner of the World-renowned Award】 Thanks to its…

Take the entire family camping and fill the tent with these ultralight, heavy-duty cots. At only 4.4 lbs, the KingCamp compact cot fits most people up to 6’2 and supports up to 265 lbs.

Its packed size of 14 × 5.1 × 5.1 inches makes it a cinch to carry from the vehicle, while the set-up size of 75 × 25 × 4.7 inches is more than enough for a very cozy night’s sleep.

Made with durable aerial aluminum alloy rods, 420D rip-stop polyester fabric, and two elastic straps to keep your mat from slipping, You can also insert the storage bag into the pillow bag to create a second pillow.

The simple, four-stent design makes for easy set-up and take-down, making it a great choice for backpacking, camping, traveling, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Get a good rest anywhere with this lightweight, compact cot.

Pick up the KingCamp soft cotton sports camping sleeping pad, which is ideal for the camp cot bed, and you’ll be all set.

Pros

• Easy to unpack and setup
• Fits most people up to 6’2”
• Plenty of room to move around

Cons

• Legs tend to fold up.
• Use this cot on level ground to avoid breaking the legs.

Product Specs

• Dimensions: packed size 14 × 5.1 × 5.1 inches, set size 75 × 25 × 4.7 inches
• Weight: 4.4lbs
• Material: aluminum alloy rods + 420D polyester rip-stop fabric
• Foldable: Yes

4. Kamp-Rite Oversize Camping Cot

There is nothing like sleeping on a cot outdoors. During chilly weather, the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot with Rain Fly gets you off the heat-stealing ground, and when the hot weather hits, the cot allows your body to take advantage of brisk nights.

A sturdy aluminum frame supports a tent, making this cot a versatile piece of outdoor equipment. The cot is constructed from 210D Poly Oxford fabric, which has a 1500mm PU waterproof coating.

When needed, the no-see-um mesh doors, windows, and rain fly provide plenty of ventilation and protection from the elements. The oversized version of the tentcot is built to accommodate taller campers and to give more “elbow room” for other campers.

The “dome style” design allows for extra headroom. The cot features the ability to tilt one end, allowing you to enjoy the relaxing comfort of a lounge chair during the day. This item’s weight limit is 350 pounds.

Simply put, whether you’re camping, fishing, or traveling cross-country, it doesn’t matter; this off-the-ground sleep shelter ensures superior protection from the elements and delivers a level of comfort and convenience, making it perfect anywhere.

Pros

• Lightweight, strong, and waterproof
• Very roomy and comfortable.
• Quick set-up after a few practices
• The lounge chair arrangement
• The rainfly doubles as a canopy.

Cons

• Use it on flat surfaces as it lacks stability on rocky terrain.
• I had some condensation issues.
• Slightly heavy at 24 lbs

Product Specs

• Dimensions: 37 x 34.2 x 6.8 inches packed. Cot size is 90Lx32W. The tent size is 90Lx32Wx36H.
• Weight: 24lbs
• Material: powder-coated aluminum steel frame and heavy-duty 190T nylon
• Foldable: Yes

5. Regalo Camping Cot

Sale

1,569 Reviews

Regalo Camping Cot

• CONVENIENT: No set up required. This cot’s simple fold and…
• DURABLE: Made with an all steel frame that is light-weight…
• COMFORT: This cot has a large 48”L x 24”W x 9”H sleep…

The Regalo My Cot Deluxe Portable Toddler Travel Bed is a portable, multi-functional cot for your little one.

Made entirely of steel and covered with a sturdy canvas material, the cot liner includes reinforced stitching for added security.

As an extra comfort feature, the portable toddler bed includes a deluxe sleeping bag with pillow that fits snuggly over the frame.

Designed to set up in seconds and fold down compactly with a single motion, the simple fold-and-go system is quick and easy to use.

You can wash the canvas with a damp cloth and soap. The fitted sheet is machine washable on delicate and should be air dried.

The cot is ideal for both indoor and outdoor activities. The cot, weighing just four pounds, can accommodate children up to 75 pounds. This product is recommended for children aged six or younger.

Pros

• Very lightweight and portable.
• Super simple to clean
• It can be easily packed up and transported in a small package.
• Washable

Cons

• A sleeping bag could be of better quality.
• Little support
• Add a pad to make it more comfortable.

Product Specs

• The dimensions of the setup are 48″L x 24″W x 9″H.
• Weight: 4lbs
• Material: Steel
• Foldable: Yes

Things to Consider Before Buying

So, we’ve compiled some information on the factors that you’ll want to look closely at before buying a camping cot.

1. Material

There are two parts to consider when you are shopping for a camp cot. The sleeping platform and frame composition should be considered. Cots come in a variety of combinations, so you’ll want to find what works best for you.

Generally, synthetic canvas or other heavy-duty materials make up sleeping platforms. The weight of the platform material will vary between brands and should be considered when purchasing your camp cot. If you are a smaller person, you can get away with a lighter sleeping platform.

If you are a big guy and need a little more support, look for cots with heavy-weight (400D or more) canvas. This will provide enough support to prevent your cot from sagging.

Also, having the right sleeping platform will help you extend the life of your cot by reducing the risk of seams tearing. The frames of sleeping cots come in a couple of different materials.

Generally, you have only two options: aluminum or steel. There are pros and cons to both materials. Because aluminum is lighter, it’s best for portable cots.

Aluminum is prone to bending and denting easily, so it’s not always the most reliable material, especially if you have rambunctious kids or need a cot for someone who is larger in stature. Another benefit of aluminum is that the legs of aluminum cots can be friendlier to tent floors.

Steel frames are awesome and so sturdy. From the smallest of children to the largest member of your crew, cots with steel frames are an excellent choice. Steel frames stand up well to the test of time and abuse.

However, they are heavy; if you want a steel frame cot, plan on adding some weight to your gear. The other problem with steel frames is that they can rust when they get wet. Therefore, keep them out of the rain and store them somewhere dry. Nothing shortens the life of a steel-frame cot like a little water.

2. Size

It’s challenging to determine a specific size for cots. Today, there are so many size options on the market.

When you’re shopping for cots, we offer this advice. Give yourself plenty of space so you can sleep comfortably.

If you are prone to tossing and turning, make sure that you find a wider cot that gives you some room. If you are a tall person, make sure that you find a cot that you can stretch out on.

Height is also a consideration. If you’re shopping for a cot for your kids, you may want to consider a cot with shorter legs, ensuring that your kids don’t fall from the cot onto the rough ground under the tent.

3. Comfort

When you’re considering the comfort of a cot, you really need to know what you like when you sleep.

Do you want a firm sleeping surface with no give? Do you want to use your own pillow? Does having a bedside table or attached storage equate to comfort?

Some folks just want a cot that they can throw their sleeping bag on top of, while others really want a little extra cushion.

Some cots come with extra padding, built-in pillows, and side tables; others are just a simple piece of canvas stretched over folding legs.

What you want in comfort from a cot is a matter of personal preference, but there are many options available to make any camper happy.

4. Portability

Here’s the deal: camp cots are generally not made for those backcountry pack trips.

If you are willing to carry some extra weight for the sake of comfort, there are some relatively light options out there. Cots are generally bulky and can be heavy.

So, when you’re buying a camp cot, portability really depends on how far you expect to carry it from your tent and how easily and compactly it folds down and fits in your car.

When looking at cots, their weights range from under five pounds to over 20 pounds. Some of these cots fold up nicely and are compact, while others are bulkier.

To improve portability for larger cots, consider products with handles or carrying bags.

5. Durability

Your camp cot’s durability really depends on the material. If you want a highly durable and long-lasting cot, look for ones that are steel-framed and have heavy-duty canvas platforms.

You will have to pay more for these cots, but you can rest assured that they will last a long time, probably take a beating, and still be comfortable.

Certainly, when you are shopping for a camp cot, you’re going to want to consider where you are camping.

Are you sleeping in a big tent? Will you be sleeping in the back of a truck? How about something like a camping cabin?

The location where you’ll be setting up your cot is an important factor in choosing the right camping cot. If you are going to be in tight spaces, such as a smaller tent or the back of a pickup, you will probably want to consider a smaller cot with short legs.

This will give you the comfort of the cot without taking up a ton of room. On the other hand, if your accommodations are a little more spacious, like a multi-room tent or an RV, you may want to purchase a larger cot with taller legs, giving you a more “bed-like” sleeping experience.

FAQs

Still need more information to make the right camp cot selection for your next outdoor adventure?

Here are some questions and answers that we commonly hear from folks who are shopping for camp cots.

Wrap-Up

How well a camper slept the night before determines whether they are cheerful or disgruntled. A relaxing all-night snooze makes a world of difference.

When it comes to camping cots, elevating your sleeping arrangements off the ground can really make or break a night’s sleep, especially in inclement weather.

We hope our selection of the best camping cots will provide an option that’s right for you, whether you’re heading out into the wilderness, setting up next to a lake, or just relaxing in the campground!