You diligently clear the ground to set up your tent, making sure you have a nice, comfy surface to sleep on. You roll out your sleeping bag and get ready to rest from a long day of hiking… but there’s a rock right under your back and regardless of how you reposition, you can’t get away from it. Sometimes roughing it just ain’t much fun and I don’t see any reason getting outdoors shouldn’t be as comfortable as you want it to be. So if you’re looking for a great night’s sleep, cast your eye over this list of the best camping cots I could find to see if any of them suit you.
Feel free to also check out my other posts about cots:
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Review – Most Comfortable Camping Cot
Specs
The Coleman ComfortSmart weigs 19 lbs and has a weight capacity of 300 lbs. It’s a single-piece cot that folds in half. Unfolded it has a length of 80” (6’ 8”) and a width of 30” (2′ 5″). It’s very easy to assemble. ($$)
The Verdict
The Coleman ComfortSmart (as the name suggests) is a very comfortable and sturdy cot! As you can see in the image, it comes with a mattress pad which is one of the reasons it’s comfier than many other camping mattresses.
At 19lbs it’s too heavy for backpacking but it’s a great cot for car camping or for using as a guest bed that can be stowed away relatively neatly. It’s sturdy enough for regular use, is easy to assemble and disassemble. Taller and larger framed individuals will be comfortable on this cot as well.
Because it is two pieces, it becomes a bit more of a hassle for packing it to your campsite, even when you’re car camping, and it only folds in half, making it bulky (though not unreasonably heavy).Â
In Summary…
If you car camp pretty close to your pitch or need an extra bed for sleepovers, this is a great option. If you want a backpacking cot or if you’re tight for space then you’re better off looking at a different option.
Alternatives
The Thermarest LuxuryLite Mesh Cot is another extremely comfortable camping cot. It’s WAAAAY lighter (between 3lbs-4lbs depending on the size you buy) and WAAAY more compact (breaking down into a carry bag that measures a mere 18″ x 6″. It’s probably the most comfortable camping cot if you want to use it for backpacking. Read the reviews here…
Helinox Cot Lite Review – Best Backpacking Cot
Specs
Packing Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz.
Support Weight: 265 lbs.
Length: 72” (6’-0”)
Width: 23”
Ease of assembly: OK
Price: $$$$$
The Good
This cot makes carrying a cot for backpack camping a possibility. Weighing under 3 pounds, its added weight and bulk aren’t overbearing in your pack. The frame is sturdy, isn’t too bad to assemble and disassemble, and it comes with durable fabric as well. It also fits well in the smaller tents used when backpack camping.
The Less Good
If you’re over six feet tall or broader than most, forget about it, it’s just too small to be comfortable. Though most are able to assemble it and disassemble it without too much trouble, it does take some muscle power to do both. Sleeping pads tend to slide around on the taunt surface.
A Great Choice If…
You want to take along a camping cot when you are backpacking. If you are a larger individual, it will be pretty difficult to justify the additional weight or the price of this unit.
Teton Cot Review- Best XL Camping Cot
Specs
Packing Weight: 26 lbs.
Support Weight: 600 lbs.
Length: 85” (7’-1”)
Width: 40”
Ease of assembly: OK
Price: $$$
The Good
The roominess of this cot is impressive. Not only will it fit a tall person, but it is also comfortable for an individual who has a large frame. Besides being roomy, this cot stays in place without tipping over if you’re tossing and turning. This cot is comfortable even without a mattress pad or a sleeping mat laid on top.
The Less Good
This cot is pretty bulky and requires a pretty good sized tent to set it up. There seem to be some occasional quality issues with rivets and unraveling seams. It takes some pretty good strength to assemble it and get the canvas stretched over the last corner.
A Great Choice If…
You are a tall or large framed person who needs something that has some staying power. If you are using a small tent or don’t have the brute strength to assemble this unit, you probably ought to pass this one by.
KingCamp Ultralight Cot Review – Lightweight Camping Cot
Specs
Packing Weight: 4 lbs. 6 oz.
Support Weight: 265 lbs.
Length: 75” (6’-3”)
Width: 25”
Ease of assembly: easy
Price: $$$
The Good
The sturdiness, durability and compact storage of this comfortable camping cot are all attractive features to consider. Though this cot has design features which speak to its sturdiness and durability, it hardly weighs more than a backpacking tent and folds up into a very compact package. It is long enough for a taller camper and really works well with a sleeping mat, even in smaller spaced tents.
The Less Good
On uneven ground, the legs on the lower or upper end can come unlocked and might fold under the cot while you are asleep providing for a very rude awakening. There are some longevity questions concerning the seams of the fabric near the frame edges. In addition, this cot is a little bit narrow for a larger framed individual to sleep comfortably.
A Great Choice If…
You need a lighter weight, reliable cot for a taller person who isn’t broad framed. This cot will not work for backpack camping and doesn’t do well on uneven ground, so keep those factors in mind when considering your purchase.
Kamp Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review – Best Tent Cot
​Specs
Packing Weight: 32 lbs.
Support Weight: 300 lbs.
Length: 90” (7’-6”)
Width: 32”
Ease of assembly: OK
Price: $$$$
The Good
The length of this cot is one of its best features. Even a tall man can sleep comfortably inside and still have room to place additional gear and clothing inside to keep it dry. It accommodates inflatable sleeping pad with ease. Larger framed individuals enjoy its added width and weight capacity as well. It certainly keeps you well away from running water or the damp ground.
The Less Good
This tent isn’t as well ventilated as it could be, causing the buildup of condensation on the inside. Its bulkiness and weight are drawbacks to this cot, making it difficult to transport if you have to carry it more than a dozen yards or so. It really requires the purchase of a sleeping pad to be adequate for its purpose.
A Great Choice If…
You are a large framed individual or need the extra space to store gear and don’t mind the bulkiness and weight. Unless you already own a sleeping pad or mattress and your camping conditions rarely contribute to the buildup of condensation, you might not be pleased with this option.
Magshion Green, Foldable, Military Cot – Best Military Cot
Specs
Packing Weight: 8 lbs.
Support Weight: 300 lbs.
Length: 72” (6’-0”)
Width: 24.5
Ease of assembly: easy
Price: $
The Good
This sturdy and lightweight camping cot provides a comfortable place to get a good night’s sleep up off of the ground. The durability defies the price and you’re getting a lot more than you’re paying for. Setting up this unit is about as simple as setting out a lawn chair or portable table. Storing it and carrying it is pretty convenient as well.
The Less Good
If you are tall, this isn’t going to be the most comfortable camping cot for you. There are some issues related to the cot staying open or upright when you sit down on it. It appears that lying on the cot helps to keep it properly opened, but any other use is questionable. Though it isn’t heavy, it is bulky, as it only folds in half.
A Great Choice If…
You are a car camper who sometimes has to carry your stuff a ways to set up your camp and you’re living on a budget. If you’re taller and larger framed person, or tend to do more backpack camping, this cot will be a major disappointment.
Kamp Rite Double Kwik Cot Review – Best Queen Size Camping Cot
​Specs
This double camping cot weighs 33lbs and has a weight limit of 500lbs. It’s 7′ long and 4’6″ wide. It folds down into a carry bag (included) that measures 1′ x 1′ x 4.5′. It has a heavy-duty frame with a bar running down the middle and is skinned with a chunky canvas. Other features include a padded headrest and a storage hammock on the underside. ($$)
The Verdict
Portability and easy set up of this cot are the features which are most impressive. It’s a great temporary bed to roll out and make use of when someone comes to visit or to use when you go camping. It is heavy, but…you know…it’s a queen sized camping cot! It’s compact enough when it is folded up to make it relatively easy to pack in the car and carry to and from your pitch when you go camping. The price fits in most everyone’s budget.
In Summary…
You need an inexpensive option for infrequent use either camping or to use for a house guest. You get what you pay for and with this cot, you’re not spending for a comfortable night’s sleep!
Why do people buy camping cots?
As mentioned in the introduction, getting up off of the ground and away from the rocks can provide for a much better night’s sleep when you’re camping. Though that can be accomplished in various ways, like a sleeping pad or an inflatable mattress, a comfortable camping cot provides some additional benefits that make it an attractive option for many users. A few of these benefits to keep in mind include:
Keeps you up off of the ground, which can help to overcome issues for people with respiratory problems.
Those who sleep on their sides will find that a cot is much more comfortable than sleeping on the ground or on a pad or inflatable mattress.
It can provide some ventilation and airflow underneath to keep you cooler when camping in warm weather, though you will want to add some form of insulation underneath if you are camping in cooler conditions.
Besides these typical benefits, comfortable camping cots often double as an extra bed for overnight guests at home, which is certainly worth a consideration when looking at storage and set up space requirements. Of course, you can always try to make your own!
Top Tips on How to Protect the Tent Floor
Metal or aluminum edges rubbing on a tent floor is an instant recipe for disaster. If you are going to use a camping cot in a tent, you ABSOLUTELY have to be conscious about how the legs of the cot might damage the floor of your tent. Here are some tips to help prevent that from happening:
Consider designs with rubber feet where the legs come in contact with the floor.
Place strips or squares of carpet remnants under the legs or roll out a carpet remnant that fits both the cot and gives you a warm place to put your feet when you get up.
Place pipe insulation (can be bought cheap at your local hardware store) on the legs, especially on the corners.
These are just a few suggestions, but you can be creative with items like tennis balls, old blankets, old golf club stockings and more.
What to look for in camping cot?
When looking to purchase a comfortable camping cot, there are four essentials to keep in mind, including: weight, width, length and the ease of assembly. Each of these four considerations can make a marked difference when it comes to whether or not you are satisfied with your purchase.
Weight
When considering weight, there are really two different aspects to consider. The most important weight consideration is its capacity or weight limitation. This is an important consideration because a cot that is not built to handle the weight of the camper is likely to collapse underneath the person’s weight or might wear much faster with minimal usage.
The other weight consideration has to do with packing it to your campsite. Backpackers tend to avoid cots because they add too much weight to their backpack unless they purchase a light version in the 2 to 3 pound range. Even car campers need to keep this in mind because they sometimes have to carry the cot a considerable distance to their campsite.
If you’re looking for a super ultralight option, then you probably shouldn’t bank on it being the most comfortable camping cot in the world. The reality is that you trade weight for comfort in all but the rarest of sleeping products.
Width
Sleeping on a cot can be comfortable or uncomfortable depending upon its width and how you sleep. If you tend to sleep on your side, a camping cot is usually wide enough to accommodate just about everybody, but a wider framed individual who sleeps on their back will be quite disappointed with a cot that is less than 30” wide. Width is also an important consideration for determining whether your cot will fit within the dimensions of your tent.
Length
Like width, length is an important factor for fitting the cot inside your tent, but it is a major consideration when it comes to comfort as well. A cot under 72” (6’-0”), for a person who is taller than 70” (5’-10”), simply isn’t going to provide enough length for such a person to sleep comfortably. In addition, longer cots which fold in half are going to take up more storage space.
Ease of assembly
One of the issues which causes the most frustration for those who purchase camping cots has to do with assembly. Users simply do not want to struggle with setting up their cot, and are more satisfied with those which don’t require a PhD to follow the instructions or don’t require an NFL linebacker’s strength. These are over-exaggerations, of course, but you get the point.
Good Brands to Look For
Brand shopping when it comes to camping equipment often yields the best results. The reason is because companies who specialize in this type of equipment work toward creating more durable, easy to use and customer friendly designs based on their experience and expertise. Here are a few brands to keep in mind:
Kamp-Rite has been specializing in tent cots since the designed the first one in 1999. They have a reputation for providing a quality product that is customer friendly and have excellent customer service after the sale.
KingCamp is approaching 3 decades in the camping equipment business. They are known for quality design and the use of durable materials with extended longevity and also provide quality customer support.
Coleman is the granddaddy of all camping equipment. The Coleman company started with the invention of the kerosene lantern, which came to replace gas lanterns nearly a century ago. Coleman has been synonymous with camping equipment since.
Finally, make sure whatever you buy will fit comfortably in your tent. There aren’t many 1-2 person tents that can accommodate a camping cot. The smallest tent I’d look at is a 3 person tent in this case.
