Best Camping Cot
Camping is a wonderful way to enjoy the great outdoors without too many interruptions getting in the way. Camping, for some, can be therapeutic and stress-relieving, as it’s a way of getting away from the worries of everyday life.
But to enjoy camping to the max, you should have the right equipment with you. One of the most basic items to have is a camping cot which you can comfortably sleep on. A camping cot keeps you off the ground and let’s you sleep as comfortably as possible without the cot being too inconvenient to carry.
| Rank | Product | Highlights |
| #1 |  TETON Sports Outfitter Camping Cot
|
|
| #2 |  REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots
|
|
| #3 |  Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
|
|
| #4 |  Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo
|
|
| #5 |  ARAER Camping Cot
|
|
| #6 |  Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
|
|
Size
The sizing of cots is not the same as the sizing of beds. They are mostly standard sizes for adults to sleep in. You can find wider versions which will allow you to roll around at night. Cots can come in a large enough size to fit taller people, and they can come in more custom sizes to fit shorter people.
Once again, there is no specific size that all cots follow so no matter which one you choose, always be sure to check the dimensions.
- If you’re going to be sleeping in a tent, the width and the length are the first things to measure. Make sure you still have walking and storage space inside of your tent with the cot inside. If you’re sleeping underneath the stars, then there is no pressure in how big or small the cot is, so long as it is big enough for you.
- Measure the height of the cot as the space underneath is where you can keep your bags and other items. It becomes a storage space that keeps everything out of the way yet still within reach.
- It’s also important to measure the cot’s size when it’s folded up. This will give you a general idea of how much space it takes up when it is being carried in transportation. Some might be too big and burly to carry in a bag while others may come with their own storage bags which makes portability easier.
Fabric
The fabric is what you’ll actually be sleeping on, so you might want to consider its durability and comfort. A fabric which allows for substantial airflow will let you stay cool and comfortable throughout the night no matter what the temperature.
Cots have no means of support underneath the actual fabric, so a durable fabric is very much needed, as this is what will hold you up from sleeping on the ground. A preference some people have is a stain-resistant fabric as well, to make sure maintenance isn’t a chore.
The three fabrics you’ll see as options are polyester, nylon, and canvas, the latter being the highest in maintenance.
Frame
The frame is your primary support system, so make sure it’s a good one. There are two variations in the material of the frame; aluminum and steel. Aluminum is a lighter choice which makes it easier to carry around. It’s also rust-resistant making it the better option to use outside of your tent. Steel is the heavier choice which can hold up more weight and doesn’t damage as easily as aluminum.
Most cots will have a combination of the two to give you the best of both worlds. It’s also worth considering the crossbars of the cot. Sometimes, they can be awkwardly placed which can poke at your back while you’re sleeping or make your sleep surface slightly uneven.
Types of Camping Cots
There are various types of camping cots, but they all serve the same general purpose. It’s vital to know which ones you’re going for unless you want to spend too little or too much money on a good cot.
Single or Double
The options of single and double are the simplest to explore as they’re quite self-explanatory. One size is made to fit only one person, while the other is made to fit two.
The double cots usually come with additional features added to them. Such features are neck support, inclined head rests for better spinal alignment, pillows, additional padding, and side railings. Single cots can also come with these features, but they will cost much more.
Air Mattress
An air mattress is an inflatable mattress used when in need for a temporary sleeping solution. Sometimes you’ll find a cot which is sold with an air mattress, otherwise they are sold on their own and you need to purchase the properly sized and shaped one on your own.
These air mattresses are either self-inflating or are inflated with a hand pump. Be sure to always check whether the hand pump is inclusive or not. Air mattresses can be quite comfortable as well as customizable when it comes to firmness levels.
Children’s Cots
Finally, there are children’s cots. You can either get a simplistic single cot for them or you can find bunk-bed styled cots which two or more children can sleep on. These cots, of course, have to be extremely sturdy to hold all the weight and movement of children while they sleep.
Some cots will even include side and end panels to ensure your child doesn’t roll over the edge and fall to the ground. Cots made for children have more strict weight limits, so it’s best advised to follow them exactly as the manufacturer has stated.
Best Camping Cots
1. TETON Sports Outfitter Camping Cot
SPECS:
- Setup Dimensions: 85” x 40” x 19”
- Stored Dimensions: 42” x 12” x 7”
- Fabric: Canvas
- Material: Steel Legs and Aluminum Frame
Best Overall Camping Cot
The first-up on the list comes from the entrusted brand TETON. When looking for an outdoor camping cot, you’ll find that TETON shows up quite a bit. This commercial cot is made for more rugged and persistent use for the passionate camper.
With an S-leg assembly, this camping cot is easily transportable. Simply fold it up when you need to move around and fold it back open when you need to sleep. The cot comes with an Oxford storage bag so it’s even easier to carry around when you’re travelling and there is less chance of damage.
This cot is slightly larger than a twin-sized bed and can carry up to 600 pounds at once. You can sleep well above the floor without worrying about collapse during the night. With spring-loaded connecting pins, this cot was made to take a little resistance, tension, and weight. The frame is made out of rust-resistant aluminum while the legs are a strong steel to withstand higher tension. To avoid movement, there are rubber bottoms on every leg. The fabric material is a durable canvas for comfortable sleep.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This?
This cot was made to handle anything the camping site has to throw at you. It’s perfect for one person to sleep comfortably in their tent, or underneath the stars.
2. REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots
SPECS:
- Setup Dimensions: 75” x 28” x 15”
- Sored Dimensions: 9” x 41.3”
- Fabric: Polyester Oxford
- Material: Steel Frame
Best Support Camping Cot
The next option comes from REDCAMP, with their folding camping cot. This comes in four different colors solely for preference. It comes in black, blue, grey, and green. These cots are made to hold up to 500 pounds and can accommodate taller adults.
There is greater width space to allow you to shuffle and move around at night to get more comfortable. With elliptical shaped tubes, it has better stability and even better carriage capacity. You can feel well-supported when you sleep over this cot. There is no assembly required as this camping cot is foldable. Simply snap into place when and wherever you need to sleep and you’re good to go. It’s an easy ten-second assembly to sleep peacefully on your camping trip.
The camping cot also comes with a transport bag, so packing is much easier. For even more convenience, this cot also comes with a side bag! This lets you keep your items (phone, glasses, books) safe by your side and well-protected. There are 12 heavy duty steel support legs, constructed in a triangular pattern for greater stability. The legs all have non-slip rubber bottoms and thicker rods for durability. The fabric is double layered polyester oxford fabric which is silent and doesn’t create friction when you lie on it.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This?
This camping cot is well suited for someone who needs to support a greater amount of weight on one cot. With the additional support from stronger tubes and triangular construction, it’ll keep you up and stay still while you sleep.
3. Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
SPECS:
- Setup Dimensions: 69” x 25” x 15”
- Stored Dimensions: 25.59” x 5.51” x 37.4”
- Fabric: Nylon Taffeta
- Material: Aluminum
Most Comfortable Camping Cot
Sometimes comfort is just not a compromise people can make. Coleman understands this and gives you their ComfortSmart Cot as the ideal solution. The superior support is complemented with a soft sleeping pad that you can easily nestle over and relax.
It comes in two colors of black and grey and you can choose from either a regular cot or a deluxe cot. These cots are extremely simple is design for easier transportation and assembly. All you have to do is fold it to fit it into your car or trunk when you need to go, and open it up when you need to sleep. The steel frame can hold up to 300 pounds comfortably without too much strain on the frame.
Using a coil suspension system, this camping cot is easy to maneuver and set up. You get ample storage space underneath as well since the legs are evenly spread out. Place your coolers, bags, and sleeping accessories underneath the cot when you have nowhere else to put them. This cot is better used inside the tent rather than outside.
It comes with a thick foam mattress to place over the actual cot frame so you can sleep pleasantly without feeling the metal underneath you. The whole cot and mattress come with a one-year warranty for any discrepancies or flaws in the making.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This?
This cot helps campers feel a little bit more at home. With a simplistic design that doesn’t look too out of place and an inclusive mattress, you’ll find yourself drifting to sleep quicker as this cot’s construction and comfort level are closer to that of your regular bed.
4. Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo
SPECS:
- Setup Dimensions: Twin – 74” x 40” x 23.5” Queen – 78” x 59” x 2”
- Stored Dimensions: Not Specified
- Fabric: synthetic fabric
- Material: Steel
Best Value Camping Cot
Value gives you your entire money’s worth, and Coleman once again comes into the spotlight to provide just that. This cot from Coleman comes with three items, the camping cot, an inflatable air mattress, and a pump to go with it. You get a sturdy frame, a soft mattress to sleep on, and the pump to inflate it.
This camping cot, unlike the many others, does come in two different sizes. You can get a single or a double sized camping cot, both with an air mattress and its respective pump. The double cot can hold up to 600 pounds while the single cot can hold 300. The frame is made from steel to better withstand the weight of the sleeper.
The air mattress uses a ComfortStrong coil system to provide the right amount of support to your body at night while keeping you well-rested and comfortable no matter the climate conditions. The double-sealed air-tight system uses a double-lock valve to prevent any leaks while you’re sleeping. The sewn-in cover helps keep the airbed from moving around.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This?
The longer you plan on camping, the more comfortable you’ll want your experience to be. This singular purchase gives you three items in what would typically be the price of one, and that’s a deal very hard to pass on.
5. ARAER Camping Cot
SPECS:
- Setup Dimensions: 74.8” x 26.4” x 13.8”
- Stored Dimensions: 7.87” x 38.6”
- Fabric: Double Layered Oxford
- Material: Steel Frame
Budget Pick
ARAER presents a heavy-duty camping cot which can be used for both adults and children. This cot can hold up to 450 pounds in one sitting and provides balanced support for your weight. It evenly distributes your weight over the surface of the cot so you’re comfortable and do not sink in.
The fabric of both the cot and the storage bag provided is polyester oxford fabric. This stays breathable and soft and doesn’t create too much friction between you and the cot. The cot has double-layered breathable fabric which allows for proper ventilation while you sleep.
The frame is constructed of 25mm steel tubes for stability and durability. The whole cot has a triangular structure to enhance the even distribution of weight and a concave-convex symmetrical design to make folding it open and closed less of a hassle. It also has anti-slip bottom feet so there is less chance of accidents or movement at night. The maximum height this camping cot can support is 6’8”.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This?
Not everyone wants to overspend on their camping cot, especially if it’s something they won’t use as much. This camping cot from ARAER gives you the high quality of a rugged, durable camping cot while still maintaining a price tag that won’t give you second thoughts.
6. Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
SPECS:
- Setup Dimensions: 90” x 32” x 47”
- Stored Dimensions: 36” x 34” x 7”
- Fabric: Nylon
- Material: Aluminum Steel Frame
Premium Pick
Finally, we have the best saved for last. This choice from Kamp-Rite is not a cot for your tent, but a cot turned into one! It comes in colors of green and tan and has one standard size. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
This camping cot gives you an expanse of space to sleep in while keeping you 11” well above the ground-level. The domed top gives you greater head room in case you need to move around and ample interior space so you’re able to move in your sleep. When you’re not sleeping in this cot, you can turn it into a lounge chair. There are two additional support legs provided to swap from cot to chair. The set-up is within minutes, and this cot comes with a carry-bag so you don’t have to transport individual pieces.
The camping cot provides well-rounded protection, with a nylon-based fabric and mesh on all of the doors and windows. The rain fly is also waterproof, so you can even sleep outside comfortably in the rain!
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
Who Should Buy This?
If you want the full luxury experience of camping, then this is the perfect camping cot for you. Think of it as a little shelter where you can comfortably relax by yourself in a snug space with a roof over your head. Nothing can come in, and you can still see outside when you need to.
Conclusion
Your camping cot is where you sleep for the next few nights while you’re outside, so it’s best if it’s comfortable enough for you. You want something that’ll support your weight, handle the outdoor climate, and keep you cradled and resting throughout the night.
With the help of this buying guide and our selected samples of what quality is like, we hope you have found what you’re looking for. If you have, be sure to leave a comment for us and others who want to know more and be sure to share this article with other confident campers.