Camping cots have many uses. They are lightweight and compact so you can easily take them with you when camping or backpacking. Camping cots are available in several styles and size options. They can be folded up easily so you can pack them away without using up a lot of storage space. In this article we will describe detail review of the best camping cot
What About The Tent Cots?
An alternative to the traditional camping cot is the tent cot. They are a hybrid between a traditional cot and a tent. Tent cots make the best camping cot for certain situations. They aren’t as small as traditional cots and weigh slightly more so they aren’t ideal for trips where space is limited. But if you consider that you don’t need to pack a tent and cot separately, you can see the benefits of using a tent cot. Most tent cots have a relatively simple design that allows you to set them up in minutes. They can be used in various weather conditions to protect you from the elements.
Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
This cot from Coleman is designed to offer bed-like comfort in a foldable style that’s easy to carry with you. The cot can fit into most vehicle trunks when folded. It has a durable steel frame that can hold up to 275 pounds. The cot has a neutral gray fabric covering the included mattress. The mattress is made of thick and comfortable foam. The cot is ideal for use during camping trips and can fit inside most multi-person tents easily. It works well for all types of weather and can be used alone or with a sleeping bag.
Product Features
- Cot measures 69″ x 25″ by 15″ when unfolded
- The included cot mattress has a coil suspension system to support the body
- Steel frame is designed to withstand heavy duty use but is still lightweight
- Folding and unfolding mechanism is quick and easy
Coleman Airbed Cot with Side Table
This airbed-style cot from Coleman is queen size so it can sleep one or two people comfortably. The cot has a sturdy steel frame. The maximum weight limit on this camping cot from Coleman is 600 pounds. It can work for those who are up to 6′ 2″ tall without concern about not fitting on the cot comfortably. Included with this folding bed is an air mattress designed to simulate the comfort of a regular mattress. It features the brand’s ComfortStrong coil construction for maximum support.
Product Features
- Includes 4D battery operated pump for easy setup
- Ideal for use during camping or for sleeping space for guests at home
- Has an system to prevent the mattress from leaking air
- Each side of the bed has a small end table with cup holder
TETON SPORTS Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
This camping cot from Teton Sports has a simply design that makes it easy to carry and store when you’re not using it. The cot is designed for use by one person but is larger than a twin bed to give plenty of space while sleeping. It can hold a maximum weight of 600 pounds. The cot measures 85″ by 40″ by 19″ when unfolded. It can be folded down to 42″ by 12″ by 7″ and has a pack weight of 26 pounds. This cot can be used alone or paired with a camp pad for extra comfort.
Product Features
- Steel S-leg design makes the cot extra stable and durable
- Aluminum frame is lightweight
- Frame pulls into place easily and securely for easy setup
- Includes easy-attach connecting pins
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
This tent cot from Kamp-Rite works well for camping outdoors when you don’t want to carry a cot and tent separately. It’s made of lightweight nylon. The elevated platform keeps you off the ground and helps you stay warm and dry. This device has a versatile design that allows you to use it as a lounge, a flat cot, or a chair. Plus, when zipped up it can keep the bothersome insects out. It has an easy setup mechanism and can be ready to use in minutes.
Product Features
- Cot size is 90″ long by 32″ wide
- Tent size is 90″ long by 32″ wide by 36″ high
- The tent portion and rain fly are both made of heavy duty 210D material
- Includes a durable 600D carrying bag so you can easily take your tent cot anywhere
Timber Ridge Utility Folding XL Camping Cot
The extra large pack-away cot from Timber Ridge is larger than most standard cots of similar style. It is designed to be used by people with a height of up to 6’11”. This camping cot has a heavy duty frame made of steel. The maximum weight limit for the cot is 300 pounds. It offers quick setup and take down to save time when you’re camping. The fabric part of the cot is made of 600D polyester material which is designed to be strong and durable. The height of the cot is ideal for storing items underneath.
Product Features
- Folds into a compact size for easy transport or storage
- Cot includes a carrying bag for convenience
- Dimensions of the cot are 83″ by 31″ by 20″ and packing weight is 27.5 pounds
- Cot has support bars on both ends to keep the sleeping surface taut
Byer of Maine EasyCot
The EasyCot from Byer of Maine is specifically designed to be easy to setup. This cot simply unfolds and is ready to use in minutes. It can be used while camping and will fit in most multi-person tents. The cot can also be used for sleepovers or out-of-town guests. Its measurements are 78″ long by 31″ wide making it a good size for most adults. The height of the cot is 18″ which means you can store your gear underneath. The frame on this cot is made of welded steel for durability. The sleeping area of the cot is made from 600D polyester and is reinforced.
Product Features
- cot has a maximum weight limit of 330 pounds
- includes a carrying bag with shoulder strap for easy transport or storage
- the five reinforced fabric panels on the sleeping area increase the strength of the cot
- welded hinges on the frame can hold up to heavy duty usage
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot
This cot from Coleman has a classic design with a comfortable mattress. The cot and mattress are both black in color. The mattress pad has coil suspension to provide you with a bed-like feel. The steel frame on this cot is strong and durable to give you a supportive place to rest. This cot is designed to be used by people with a height of up to 6’6″. The packing weight of this cot is 21.5 pounds making it ideal for long hikes where you need to minimize the weight you’re carrying. It can easily fit into most tents and it’s lower height means that you don’t have to worry about lack of head room.
Product Features
- Cot has a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds
- The included mattress is covered in a durable and comfortable fabric
- Mattress pad can be used alone or with a sleeping bag for extra warmth
- Cot dimensions are 80″ by 31″ by 15″
Coleman 2000020273 80 x 32-Inches Pack-Away Cot
This pack-away cot from Coleman has a convenient design that makes it work well for camping trips where you need lightweight gear. This cot can be used inside or outside. It has an extra wide and extra long design to provide a comfortable and supportive sleeping space for children or adults. The cot has a maximum weight limit of 300 pounds. The overall size of the cot is 80″ long by 44″ wide by 17″ tall. The height of the cot gives you some space to store items underneath. It also features a removable side table with a cup holder for convenience.
Product Features
- Can work for people with a height of up to 6’6″
- Cot has a heavy duty steel frame for durability
- Sleeping surface is made from a tough polyester material for support
- The cot includes a carrying bag that makes it easy to take with you or store away
KingCamp Strong Stable Folding Camping Bed Cot
The KingCamp camping bed cot has a slim design that works well for backpacking and other situations where you need a simple and compact bed. This cot is easy to carry and it includes a carrying bag so you can pack it away and take it wherever you need it. It has a lightweight design and can hold a maximum weight of 260 pounds. It works well for camping, traveling, or for any circumstance where you need an extra bed that sets up quickly. The cot has an integrated structure that means it’s easy to setup and requires no real assembly. It’s also easy to fold away for storage or travel once you’re done using it.
Product Features
- The dimensions of this cot are 41.3” × 9.1” × 6.7”.
- The sleeping part of the cot is constructed of a durable PVC coated oxford cloth
- Cot can be set up instantly once it’s removed from the carrying bag
Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot
The Kwik Cot from Kamp-Rite is oversized for comfort. This cot is constructed with a heavy duty frame that’s been powder coated to protect it from the elements. It has a padded section in the area where you lay your head to provide comfort and support. The side of the cot also has storage pockets where you could keep your phone, a flashlight, or other essential items close at hand. The base of the cot is made of a durable fabric that’s easy to clean. It can be folded compactly for easy storage or to allow you to take the cot on camping or hiking trips where storage space is limited.
Product Features
- Cot weighs 23.3 pounds
- The dimensions of this cot are 84″ long by 33″ wide
- It has a height that’s taller than many others at 21″ which gives you extra storage underneath
- The cot can be used alone or with a sleeping pad for extra support
Considerations When Choosing the Best Camping Cot
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best cot for your needs. It’s important to think about the ways in which you plan to use the cot to be sure you get one that will work for you. If you plan on camping outdoors frequently in different types of weather you’ll likely want a durable cot made of fabric designed to withstand the different weather conditions. The frame of the camping cot is also very important as a strong frame will provide you with support and help you wake up feeling restful. Be sure to know the weight limit of the frame when making your choice. Lightweight frames are great for portability but may not offer the same support as heavy duty frames.
Some camping cots are designed for comfort while others are more functional for use outdoors. If you’re looking for a cot to be used in your home for guests or other similar situations, you’ll likely want to go with a cot that has a thicker mattress to provide comfort and support . But if you’re backpacking through rough terrain and need a small cot that’s easy to carry, a compact and lightweight option will best the best camping cot for your needs. Lastly, you should consider the ease of assembly when choosing a cot. Different types of construction mean that some cots are easier to setup than others. When choosing a cot for camping, you may want as easy as possible so you don’t waste time putting your camping cot together.
Should I choose a camping cot, air mattress, or air pad?
There are benefits and drawbacks of each option. A camping cot elevates you off the ground but they require more packing space and are heavier while traveling. Air mattresses and air pads are both very lightweight and compact while deflated. But, they also require you to manually inflate them or carry an air pump with you.
Where Camping Cots Work Best
Camping cots have two basic uses. They are ideal for those who camp outdoors frequently and wish to have a more comfortable and supportive alternative to sleeping on the ground or an air mattress. Camping cots can also be very useful if you have guests in your home and need extra sleeping space but don’t have a guest room.
Benefits of a Camping Bed
One of the main benefits of using a camping bed is the convenience factor. These beds are designed to be small and lightweight. The best camping cots are able to fold up compactly so you can carry them easily with your other supplies. Most can fit inside a standard car trunk for camping trips. This small size also means you can store them away when they’re not in use. They can easily be stored under a bed or in a closet. Many camping beds weight under 30 pounds and include a convenient carrying bag so you can take them with you, even on longer camping trips where you may be hiking a significant distance to your destination. Another benefit of the camping cot is that it’s easy to setup and doesn’t require much time to have your sleeping area ready. This is especially beneficial after a long day or a significant hike where your energy is limited and you need to rest.
A Brief History of the Camping Cot
Camping beds as we think of them were first used by members of the military as a method to keep them from sleeping on the ground. The original camping cots may have been used as early as the 1700’s when George Washington’s troops carried folding beds during the Revolutionary War. Camping cots were also frequently used during the Soviet period in Russia due to lack of adequate housing. Camping beds began being used for recreational purposes around the middle of the 20th century when road trips and camping became popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts. These camping beds have changed and improved greatly as far as comfort and support go. But the basic design is the same as the originals.
So, What’t the Best Camping Cot?
Choosing the best camping cot will depend on how you want to use it. While you may think of camping cots as only usable for the outdoors, they can also be beneficial for sleepovers or holidays where you need extra sleeping space for guests. If space and weight is not an issue, the best option for you will likely be a larger cot that has a mattress that simulates the comfort and support of a traditional mattress. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a cot that works well for frequent travel, for car camping or backpacking, where you have limited space and need lightweight gear, a compact cot is the best option.
Camping Cot FAQs
How do I stay warm on a camping cot?
They actually help with warmth by keeping you elevated off the ground which is especially beneficial if the ground is wet. You can also use a sleeping bag or blanket for warmth when using a camping cot.
My camping cot is squeaky, what do I do?
Some cots are just naturally noisier than others due to their construction. If you have a squeaky cot you can use some all-purpose lubricant to oil the joints which can help reduce the noise.
Are camping cots comfortable?
This depends on your idea of comfort and the cot you’re using. A cot is not going to provide the same level of support and comfort as a standard bed and mattress. But there are many camping cots that do offer plenty of support to provide with a restful night’s sleep during camping or other activities.
How much do camping cots cost?
The cost of a quality camping cot depends on the brand and the style of cot. You can find some inexpensive options for around $50 while others may be over $200. On average, a quality cot can be found in the $100-150 price range.
Are camping cots difficult to set up?
Most camping cots are specifically designed to be setup in minutes. They have a simple design that allows you to unfold the legs quickly. Some cots will have fasteners designed to hold the legs in place while others will simply be designed to hold up without any additional hardware.
Tips on Using a Camping Cot
Camping cots have many uses other than outdoor activities. They can be used for sleepovers for children’s parties or if the kids visit their grandparents or other family. A cot can also be useful if you have guests over but don’t have the space for a dedicated guest room. A compact cot can also be helpful when you travel as an extra bed in your hotel room if you have several children and don’t want to pay for an extra room for safety or budget concerns. When using a cot it’s important to follow the setup instructions and to secure any type of included fasteners. You should also always follow the weight guidelines for safety reasons.
Best Camping Cot Brands
There are several well-known brands that make quality camping cots. Coleman and Teton Sports, both names known for their camping gear, make several reasonably priced cots for indoor and outdoor uses. Another popular brand of outdoor gear is Byer of Maine, which makes lightweight and extremely portable cots. Lastly, Kamp-Rite offers a selection of single and double tent cots.
Conclusion
Choosing the best camping cot will depend on how you plan to use it. Most cots can be used indoors our outdoors. You can compare the different features and prices on the available options to choose the most comfortable camping cot. It can also be helpful to read reviews about the different options to choose the best cot within within your budget.