Buying Guides

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot

Teton Sports Outfitter Tent Cot

We are going to help you find the best camp cot tent on the market. Sleeping comfortably outdoors isn’t impossible and if you’re wondering how you can do that, we’re here to tell you that a camping cot tent is your best shot!

In this article, you’ll find our most preferred tent camping cots and a detailed guide on how to choose one. Before we jump in, here’s a sneak peek at our favorites.

You can also check out our reviews on backpacking cots if you are looking for something smaller and more lightweight.

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Our Top Five Favorite Camping Cot Tents

#1 - Kamp-Rite Oversize Camping Cot Tent

Pros

Large Size
Serves as a tent cot, standard cot, and lounge chair
Elevated off the ground

Cons

A Bit Bulky to carry around
Its total weight

Over View:

The Kamp-Rite Oversize tent cot is a sturdy and high-quality cot that comes with 3 different set-up options and can hold up to 350 pounds of weight.

We love that this tent cot is so versatile. Apart from its normal tent set up, this cot can be used as a standard cot if you’d like to fall asleep under the stars. It also doubles up as a lounge chair for daytime use.

The cot is 210D and measures 32 inches wide and 90 inches long so it’s an ideal option if you’re tall. It stands 11 inches off the ground and has a domed top to give more headroom and weighs 32 pounds.

For extra stability, the cot is designed with 2 additional support legs on both ends and its frame is made of good quality aluminum. It’s made of heavy duty nylon and comes with corrosion resistant zippers.

Windows on both sides come with mesh on them to allow for nice airflow when you need it. It’s also easy to assemble.

The tent comes with a waterproof 600D carry bag for more convenient transport and folds to a size of 36 x 34 x 7 inches.

#2 SansBug Free Standing Pop-Up Mosquito-Net Cot

Pros

Best insect protection
Extremely lightweight
Requires no assembly
Budget-friendly

Cons

Doesn’t fit easily into a bag
Requires a sleeping mattress for comfort

Overview:

If you’re like us and you hate those creepy and curious insects, the SansBug cot tent is the one for you.

At only 2.5 pounds, this tent is so lightweight and folds to a 26-inch disc that is easy to carry. The awesome thing about this tent is that it requires absolutely no set-up. All you have to do it pop it open.

When unfolded, the cot measures 86 x 39 x 35 inches. You can use it on top of your standard cot for protection, fit a sleeping mattress inside it, or even use it on a small boat.

Because the tent is made of fiberglass poles, it’s durable and lightweight.

Browning Camping Big Horn Cot Tent

Pros

Large size, enough for a family
Withstands intense weather conditions
Strong and durable
Easy to assemble

Cons

Expensive
Heavy

Overview:

The Browning Big Horn tent feels more like a room rather than just a tent! At 150 sq ft. this tent literally has 2 separate rooms inside, with 2 doors to allow access to each room.

The tent has 6 windows for maximum ventilation and its fiberglass poles and steel give it extra strength and lifespan. The tent is large enough that you can actually stand inside it. On the inside, the cot is designed with mesh pockets that you can use to organize your stuff.

This tent weighs 34 pounds and is really simple to assemble. Just snap the pole clips over the poles and you're good to go

Teton Sports Outfitter Quick Cot Tent

Pros

Plenty of room inside
Reasonably priced
Lightweight

Cons

Requires an additional sleeping surface for comfort

Overview:

The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL is another one of our favorites. One of the reasons why we love this tent is that it requires no assembly at all, it simply pops open and is very easy to take down.

The cot is designed for one person at a size of 82 x 89 x 32 inches when unfolded. It only weighs 4.3 pounds, making it a perfect option if you’ll move around with it a lot.

This extra large cot folds down to 25 x 5 inches and can be attached to any standard cot using its 6 attachment points. It’s also water resistant and comes with a built-in zipper guard.

Kamp-Rite Original Camping Cot Tent

Pros

High-quality material
Elevation off the ground
Multiple use cot

Cons

A little stiff - may require an additional mattress
Bulky to carry around.

Overview:

The Kamp-Rite Original tent cot is very similar to the Kamp-Rite Oversize tent cot except that it comes at a smaller size. This cot is designed to be used by one person. When unfolded, the cot measures 85 x 28 x 35 inches and weighs 24 pounds and is 11 inches off the ground.

The cot is of made of a good quality powdered aluminum frame and has a capacity of 300 pounds. On both ends of the cot, you’ll find zippered mesh and polyester openings for airflow in warm weather. You can access this tent from both sides through zippered doors.

You can also use this cot as a standard cot if you want to sleep in the open air or put it in a larger tent. If you’re looking for a tent that can be used as a lounge chair too, this is the one.

The cot comes with a heavy duty nylon carry bag and when folded, it measures 35 x 31 x 6 inches. Additionally, assembling this tent is really simple and easy.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Camping Cot

Many people prefer camping cots over sleeping bags because they are elevated off the ground and give more of a home-like experience.

There’s a wide variety of camping cots available and because of that, choosing one may not be the easiest task.

To make things easier, we’ve put together this quick yet detailed guide on the things you need to keep in mind when making your purchase decision.

Take a look at the following factors, assess your needs and you’ll sure be able to choose the best camping cot tent!

Camping Cot Tent - Size

The first thing you want to consider when buying your camping cot is its size.

Are you going to use the cot alone? Or are you going to be sharing it with someone?

While the average camping cot size usually measures 75 inches long and 25 inches wide, there are cots that are designed for taller people that measure 90 inches long, and others that are more suitable for heavier people at 40 inches of width.

Some cots are even 60 inches wide to allow for 2 people to share the cot.

The height of the cot also varies. Although it isn’t related to sleeping comfort, a higher camping cot would be a better option if you have back or joint problems. It also offers storage space underneath your sleep surface.

Bear in mind that larger cots often cost more.

Camping Cot Tent - Weight

Cots come in different weight options too. Although we love the idea of a super light camping cot that you can easily carry, you need to know that for these cots to be lightweight, they often compromise durability.

So what does the cot weight depend on?

The first thing is the cot size. Obviously, the larger your cot is, the heavier it’s going to.

Another factor that affects weight is the material used in manufacturing which is usually aluminum or steel. Aluminum cots are lighter in weight than steel cots.

Also, cots that come with a foam or cotton mattress are heavier than canvas cots.

Finally, additional features in the cot like a side table, for instance, add to its weight.

Camping Cot Tent - Capacity

An important thing to take into account is how much weight the cot can support. An average cot will support around 250 pounds of weight and some cots provide a capacity of up to 600 pounds.

Make sure your cot’s weight limit is compatible with your weight.

Camping Cot Tent - Frame

The frame is an essential part of your cot. Basically, it’s what keeps your cot together.

We always recommend that you invest in a high-quality frame. Think of it this way, if the fabric of your cot tears, you can always replace it, but if your frame collapses, there isn’t much you can do about it.

Cots that are made from steel are more durable yet heavier than those made of aluminum. A practical option would be to buy a cot that combines both materials. In that case, the upper part of the cot is made of aluminum and the legs are made of strong heavy-duty steel.

As for leg design, cots can have standard vertical legs, X-shaped, or U-shaped legs, which are all good options.

Camping Cot Tent - Material

The material of your sleeping surface affects the weight of the cot, its comfort level, and its durability.

The sleeping surface will either be an air mattress, a foam mattress, or a canvas. The lightest option is the canvas, although it’s not the best in terms of comfort, it does provide a good combination of comfort, convenience, and durability.

Canvas cots are a breeze to clean when compared to foam mattresses and dry up really quickly.

High-quality cots sometimes come with what’s called “ripstop” fabric that prevents tearing, making your cot more durable.

When choosing a cot, check the Denier (D) of the cot, which the measurement unit of the fabric. The higher the denier is, the higher the quality will be. Try to opt for a cot with 600D or more.

Camping Cot Tent - Portability

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when it comes to portability.

How will you store the cot? Will you walk a lot before arriving at your camping spot? How big is your car trunk?

Of course, it’s ideal to have a relatively lightweight cot with a small packed size so you can easily store it and carry it around. Most cots come with a carry bag with a shoulder strap for easy transport.

Camping Cot Tent - Set-Up

Choosing a cot that is easy to assemble is crucial. You definitely don’t want to spend half your day putting your cot together.

Some cots simply fold in half and are so easy to assemble, but they’re not a good option when it comes to mobility. Other cots require no tools and you just have to snap along the joints to quickly connect its parts.

Higher-end cots may require a little bit more effort to assemble, but it should still take you a few minutes to do so.

How Will Weather affect it?

Consider the area that you’ll be camping in and the time of the year as well.

Elevated cots are great for summer nights because they allow air to move underneath it for a cooling effect. In winter though, it’s a good idea to use an insulated cot or add a sleeping pad to your regular cot to keep you warm.

Price for the Camping Cot

At the end of the day, the amount of money you’re willing to pay will play a big role in choosing your camping cot. The bright side is that camping cots come in a wide price range, so getting a good quality cot doesn’t mean you to have to spend a fortune.

Be ready though to spend an average minimum of $50 for your camping cot tent.

Final Thoughts

We can’t think of anything more important than waking up from your sleep rested and having the energy to enjoy what’s coming ahead in your trip. Your camping sleep system is what will help you achieve that.

Your camping cot will either give you an unforgettable experience or a dreadful memory, so make sure you take the time to pick a cot that best suits your needs.

Happy Camping!

Resources:

Princeton.edu

Mountainjobs.com

rei.com

May 14 2019

A Buyer’s Guide To The Best Camping Cots

Investing in a brand new camping cot may seem like a daunting decision. There are so many different styles and brands of camping cots. It’s hard to know which camping cot is the best camping cot until you’ve tried it out for yourself. But at that point, it’s too late. Thankfully, we have here a guide featuring some of our top picks when it comes to camping cots.

We have included the best camping cots under $100 for those of us who have a tight budget. Money not an issue? We also have information on the best camping cots over $100. Not to mention, we have also reviewed the best portable folding cot in all categories.

But before we get into the details about each of the camping cots, let’s review some important things to consider when buying a camping cot.

*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.

Product Name	Our Rating	Prices
Best camping cot over $100
Winner: TETON Camping Cot		CHECK PRICES
Runner Up: Kamp-Rite Tent Cot		CHECK PRICES
Best camping cot under $100
Winner: Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot		CHECK PRICES
Runner Up: Magshion Camping Cot		CHECK PRICES
Best Portable Folding Cot By Byer of Maine		CHECK PRICES

Important Things To Look Out For When Buying A Camping Cot

Not all camping cots are made equal. So that you can judge for yourself whether or not a particular camping cot is right for you, check out its important features.

Weight Limit

Camping cots are just made of fabric slung across a frame. It is important to check if the camping cot is capable of supporting your weight.

Check the manufacturer’s recommendation on your camping cot as to how much weight it can support. If you overload it, you might get a nasty shock in the middle of the night and find yourself lying amongst a broken metal frame.

Size

Generally, camping cots are designed for one person to sleep in. However, there are slight variations in camping cot sizes. It is possible to find some that are wider and allows the sleeper to roll around in their sleep without bumping into the side rails.

Some camping cots are large and sturdy enough to fit two adults.

Other camping cots are only long enough to accommodate people under a certain height.

Make sure you take a good look at the height of the person able to sleep in the camping cot – you don’t want to have your feet hanging over the edge for the entire night.

Let’s not forget, camping cots take up space inside your tent. If it’s nice weather and not too cold, that won’t be much of a problem since you can sleep on your camping cot under the stars. Temperature can change drastically overnight so it’s best to be bundled up inside your tent.

Luckily, your items and bags can be stored underneath your camping cot to save up on cluttering space inside your tent. But how much aisle space will there be? How many camping cots are you going to try and fit into a single tent?

It is also worth checking how big the camping cot will be once it has been folded up. This will let you know how much space you need to store it. Most camping cots can easily fit under the bed, in a wardrobe or on the roof of your car (if you are taking it on camp with you).

Portability

As the name suggests, camping cots are most commonly used when you are camping. Therefore, it is crucial that the camping cot is light enough to carry. Most camping cot frames are made of aluminium. This is because aluminium is lightweight yet durable and it is also rust-resistant.

Some camping cots are made of steel. Though they are slightly heavier, they can withstand greater weights and are less prone to developing bent legs after extended use.

Other camping cots are made of an aluminium frame for the lightweight strength but have reinforced steel legs.

This allows the camping cot to be stronger than just a standard aluminium frame but also lighter than one with a complete steel frame.

Fabric

Choose a fabric which gives you some insulation and strength. Just remember, the camping cot is only made from the frame and the fabric stretched out across it. No matter the strength of the frame, if the fabric is one that tears easily, your camping cot will not be supporting much weight.

The outdoors can get messy. Or you might just be clumsy and accidentally spill some food onto your camping cot. Either way, the fabric from which the camping cot is made should be easy to clean. Try going for nylon or polyester. Nylon or polyester will also provide better insulation, keeping you warm during the night.

It is generally best to avoid canvas. Canvas is durable but quite heavy and also hard to clean.

Comfort Level

Look at the position of the crossbars on the frame. If there are any crossbars in unfortunate places (i.e. on your back), it will be a long and uncomfortable night.

However, if you intend to add a foam mattress or extra padding onto your sleeping cot, then crossbar placement is less of an issue.

Camping cots are raised above the ground, allowing cold air to flow underneath, cooling you down in the middle of the night.

Insulation in camping cots is quite minimal but some do come with more padding for more warmth – at an extra cost, of course. With other camping cots, sleeping pads will be an extra cost.

Assembling

After a long day hiking, the last thing you want to do is spend 30 minutes setting up your portable bed to sleep in. If this is your first camping cot, choose a frame that is easy to assemble. Frames with U-shaped legs do not require any assembly; just unfold the legs from under the frame, snap them into place and you’re done. As easy as setting up a lawn chair.

Frames with X-shaped legs require a little assembly and can be somewhat trickier, but should be no more difficult than putting up a tent. Always read up on the instruction manual on how to set up a cot with X-shaped legs before you leave!

Dangers Of Choosing The Cheap Camping Cot

The cheapest camping cots come at the bare minimum when it comes to everything. Minimal warmth, minimal comfort, minimal weight limit.

Take care with cheap camping cots. You may end up buying multiple cheap camping cots, in which case you would have been better off investing in a slightly more expensive but better quality camping cot.

The frames may not be as sturdy and may collapse long before their time. The legs of your camping cot may bend if they have not been reinforced.

Furthermore, some cheap camping cots may not have special rubber attachments on the ends of each leg.

This may seem like a minor detail, but these rubber additions increase friction and prevent the cot from sliding around in your sleep.

They also prevent your camping cot from damaging the fabric of the tent floor or from catching on your carpet. There will not be any form of insulation at all, just fabric and metal. Any accessories for additional warmth, you’ll have to fork out some extra cash.

Of course, there’s also size. Perhaps this cheap camping cot is only long enough to accommodate a child? Other camping cots fit an adult of average height. So, if you’re extra tall, you may need to look carefully into the dimensions of the cot.

Selecting The Right Camping Cot For You

Not everyone will require a high-end state-of-the-art camping cot. There are plenty of cots suitable to each person’s needs and budgets.

If your camping cot is only for inside use, then perhaps the cot with the U-shaped legs would be more suitable rather than the traditional army style X-shaped legs. The U-shaped design reduces the amount of stress the cot places on the carpet by distributing weight more evenly across the surface.

If the camping cot isn’t going to be moved often and you will be using it for an extended period of time, consider buying one with a sturdier frame and more padding for comfort. Sleeping on the camping cot should feel just like sleeping on a standard bed.

Best Camping Cots

Now that we have taken a look at different aspects of a camping cot, let’s look at the best camping cots currently available.

Best Camping Cot Over $100

Whether you’re an avid camper, you’re looking for a permanent bed, or you just have a bit of extra cash to spend, a camping cot worth over $100 is a good investment. You can get a lot in your camping cot for $100.

Winner: TETON Camping Cot

Features

Supports up to 600 lbs.
Large size
Easy to assemble and portable

Disadvantages

Not much insulation
Takes up a lot of space inside a tent

OUR RATING:

At a little over $100, the Teton XXL camping cot is the best camping cot.

Worried about the weight limit? Measuring 85” x 40” x 19”, this cot can support up to 600 lb.– enough to snuggle up with a friend to keep out the chills.

Due to its size, you might think the Teton camping cot will be ridiculously heavy but it only weighs 26 lbs. This is due to the lightweight aluminium frame but strong steel legs, providing the Teton camping cot with portability and durability.

When you pack it up, the camping cot only measures 42” x 12” x 7”. Easy to pick up and move around without any help. The fabric of the camping cot is heavy-duty 600D Poly Canvas, adding to some of the weight. Though it may be harder to clean, this canvas is quite strong and contributes to the cot’s ability to support up to 600 lbs.

You also have 19” clearance off the ground which should be far enough away from the insects and quite similar to that of a standard bed. This should make getting out of bed in the mornings easier and can also provide a comfortable seat.

Teton also offers many other accessories to enhance their camping cot. This includes their camping pad for extra warmth and comfort, a quick tent, and under the cot storage and organizer.

Overall, the Teton camping cot is the best camping cot over $100. The frame is durable and sturdy, allowing much usage of the cot over its lifetime. For its size, it is easy to transport in terms of weight. This type of frame is also quite easy to assemble, making for a convenient and comfy bed at the end of a long day.

Runner Up: Kamp-Rite Tent Cot

Features

Comes with a built-in tent
Free 3/8 inch foam insulating pad included
Flexibility in use – use as a tent cot, flat cot or recliner

Disadvantages

Harder to assemble than most cots
Slightly more expensive

OUR RATING:

The Kamp-Rite tent cot is second to the Teton camping cot in terms of best camping cots over $100. Priced at around $170, the main difference between the Kamp-Rite and Teton’s camping cots (aside from price) is that the Kamp-Rite is basically a built-in tent.

Now there’s no need to pack a tent and a cot – you can have it all in one.

Camping cots take up a lot of space inside the tent. With the Kamp-Rite tent cot, you have a fully framed cot surrounded by nylon fabric on all four sides – just like having your own personal tent with a cot inside. The door and windows of the tent cot is made of a no-see-um mesh fabric.

The fabric of the tent portion is made from durable 420D nylon fabric. Not so easy to tear and also keeps you warm and dry in most wet weather conditions. The tent cot also comes with a complimentary 3/8 inch foam insulating pad, good to keep out the night chills.

The cot is about 90” x 32” in size. The size of the tent is 90” x 32” x 36”. This is plenty of space for two people to sleep in comfortably. At 11 inches above the ground, the cot is 8 inches lower than the Teton camping cot, but still at an acceptably high enough level to stay away from insects, mice and the uncomfortable ground.

Made from lightweight aluminium, the tent cot weighs in at just 25 lbs. and folds up to only 32” x 36” x 6”.

The Kamp-Rite tent cot is bigger than the Teton camping cot but still manageable to move around.

Don’t require the tent portion of the tent cot? No problems! The tent part can be collapsed so that you have just a flat cot. Alternatively, you can turn the tent cot into a recliner by tilting one end upwards.

Now you can lie out, slap on some sunscreen and soak up the sun’s rays.

You get some better components with the addition of the tent and more flexibility with the Kamp-Rite tent cot but it will cost a little more than the Teton camping cot and also be slightly bulkier and more fiddly to assemble. However, the Kamp-Rite is still a top level camping cot and is a great purchase for anyone wishing to camp in comfort and style.

Best Camping Cot Under $100

If you’re looking for camping cots that are more affordable, there are still plenty of good quality options. There’s no need to sacrifice quality for price if you know exactly what you want!

Winner: Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

Features

Can support up to 300 lbs.
Coil suspension system and thick foam mattress pad – maximum comfort
Cheap

Disadvantages

The mattress pad may slide around during sleep

OUR RATING:

The Coleman ComfortSmart cot is a popular choice among many campers. At approximately $70, it does the job just as well as more expensive camping cots, making it the winner for best camping cots under $100.

Durable and dependable, the Coleman ComfortSmart cot is made from a heavy-duty steel frame, capable of supporting up to 300 lbs.

With a coil suspension system and a thick foam mattress pad, this cot is not called ComfortSmart for nothing. You will feel as if you’re sleeping in your own bed at home. The thick foam mattress pad will also provide extra insulation from the cold, keeping you warm in chillier temperatures.

Unfortunately, the foam mattress pad is not attached to the frame so it may slide around during your sleep. To prevent this from happening, try tying down your mattress pad.

Measuring 30” x 80” x 15” unfolded, this cot can comfortably accommodate an adult of height 6 ft. 6 in. Folded up, it is nice and compact at 39.6”x 30.7” x 5.5” and weighing only 19 lbs. it should fit in the trunk of most cars.

The frame is also easy to assemble, just unfold the legs from under the frame and snap into place. The Coleman ComfortSmart cot offers the most comfort while sleeping outdoors, making it the most popular among campers and the best cot under $100.

Runner Up: Magshion Camping Cot

Features

Supports up to 300 lbs.
Very cheap, well under $100 – good if you want quantity over quality
Very portable and lightweight

Disadvantages

Only suitable for people under 6 ft. tall
Little insulation

OUR RATING:

The Magshion camping cot comes in second for best camping cots under $100. Priced at well under $100, this cheap camping cot is ideal for all situations: army cot, emergency cot or just a spare bed for your guests.

This portable Magshion camping cot is quick and easy to set up. Measuring 72” x 24.5” x 13.5” when unfolded and made of steel/Oxford cloth, it is able to support up to 300 lbs. This cot is suitable for anybody up to 6 ft. tall, making it less accommodating than the Coleman ComfortSmart cot.

Upon folding, the Magshion camping cot is only 36” x 24.5” x 4.5” and weighs only 8 lbs.! Easy to assemble, this is great for both adults and kids to carry and set up. There is minimal insulation with the Magshion camping cot, so this will have to come as an additional cost when you purchase an additional sleeping pad.

With its cheap price, low weight and great minimal storage space, the Magshion camping cot is the perfect cot when you need them in large quantities. The reason it is second to the Coleman cot is because the Magshion does not provide as much comfort to its sleepers.

Best Portable Folding Cot By Byer Of Maine

Features

Easy to set up
Portable
Supports up to 325 lbs.

Disadvantages

Minimal insulation

OUR RATING:

The best camping cot you can purchase for your money is the Portable Folding Cot by Byer of Maine, at just under $90. Easy and fast to set up, this camping cot is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. All you need to do is open up the cot and voila, you’re done!

The cot measures 78” x 31” x 18”, a full sized cot suitable for most campers. Weighing only 24 lbs., this cot is very portable, ideal for carrying on camping trips.

The legs and frame of the Byer of Maine cot is made from sturdy steel. The fabric is 600D polyester, very strong, easy to clean, and provides some insulation. The steel legs and 600D polyester allows this camping cot to support up to 325 lbs.

The legs of the camping cot have rubber ends. These rubber ends allow the cot to sit nicely on the tent or carpet floor without slipping or ruining the floor. There is no crossbar in the middle of the camping cot, so you don’t need to worry about getting jabbed constantly in the back during your sleep.

To get the most out of your money and your camping cot, this portable folding cot by Byer of Maine is your solution.

Conclusion

You should now have a better idea which camping cot is suited to you in terms of price range and features. We have above some suggestions of quality camping cots which will provide campers and users with satisfaction of a good night’s sleep.

Just remember, make sure you choose the cot that comes in the right size and you have all the accessories – not all camping cots come with built-in insulation. Happy camping!

Resources:

Campetent

Quora

The Ultimate Hang

May 03 2019

The Definitive Backpacking Cot Review

If you’re one of the people that loves backpack camping but can’t really enjoy it because you always have a hard time sleeping at night, you might want to buy a backpacking cot.

A backpacking cot will not only save you the restlessness of sleeping on the ground or in a sleeping bag during camping, but it will allow you to have a good night’s sleep so that you can wake up feeling rested.

Rather than sleeping on the ground and dealing with a stiff back the next day or having to fend off insects all night, a camping cot will allow you to have a comfortable night away from all the pesky insects. It is also said that you lose 50 times more body heat when you sleep on the ground versus off of the ground.

There are various camping cots in the market with many different features to pick from; I’ve made a short list of the best camping cots I’ve come across so far.

Product Name	Image	Our Rating	Prices
Teton Sports Outfitter Camp Cot			Check Price
Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot			Check Price
Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot			Check Price
Alpcour Folding Camping Cot			Check Price

What are some things you should consider when buying a backpacking cot?

Not all Backpacking cots are the same and that’s why I’ve highlighted the most important things you should be on the lookout for when making a decision to buy a new cot. To go into more detail about cots, check out our detailed Buyers Guide.

- Comfort -

The whole point of a camping cot is comfort. Good cots are obviously ones that would offer more comfort than the ground or a mattress would. How the cot is built is one of the factors that directly affect the comfort of the sleeper.

For instance, some cots that are deemed uncomfortable are deemed so because the bars on which the cot is supported are installed in an awkward manner.

You’ll find that these cots may have a crossbar for extra frame-support right under the fabric where you’re supposed to sleep. This especially bothers side-sleepers because the bars bump into their hip and get in the way of having a good night’s sleep.

Another thing that may take away from tall sleepers’ comfort would be the existence of end bars at both ends of the cot. After all, you would not be able to sleep well, if your feet are constantly bumping into hard metal bars. My advice is to avoid those even if you’re not that tall.

A comfortable cot also offers stability. You’ll want to find a cot that is not so flimsy as to it would move around when you flip over or toss around during the night. Generally, the heavier the cot, the more stable it can be on the ground, however really heavy cots are a disadvantage on their own, so I urge you to find a cot with the right balance of weight and stability.

-Size-

One of the main deciding factors you should keep in mind when buying a camping cot is its size relative to yours.

Most cots are long enough to accommodate regular people, however, if you’re anywhere near six feet or taller, you’ll want to make sure that the cot you buy will not leave your feet hanging off on the other side.

Most cots also are as wide as a twin bed; so enough to accommodate one adult comfortably. Nonetheless, if you want extra space for more comfort or freedom, or for instance plan on having two children sleep in one cot, you’ll have to find a cot that is on the larger side of the spectrum.

You also want to keep in mind that if you plan to place your cot inside a tent, you’ll want to make sure that the cot you buy will fit inside the tent without rendering the space unusable.

The drawback, however, to buying a bigger sized cot for comfort purposes is that you’ll be buying a heavier cot too. That could be an inconvenience if you plan on carrying your cot while trekking instead of keeping it in your car till you arrive at your campsite. So keep in mind that the optimum scenario here is finding the right-sized cot for your needs while making sure it’s not unnecessarily heavy and you could still carry it around.

-Weight limit-

You’ll want to make sure that the camping cot you buy is able to support your weight without breaking, bending, or tearing.

The typical camping cot usually has a weight limit somewhere around 300 lbs which is fairly proper for most people.

However, if you’re heavier or you want a sturdier cot, you might find that a camping cot with a higher weight limit would be more suitable for your needs.

Caution Maximum Load LBS. weight safety sign label warning sticker decal 5" x 4"

One of the camping cots reviewed below has a maximum weight limit of 600 lbs which is almost double all the other cots in the market.

-Transportability-

Since these cots are mainly used for outdoor activities, it would make sense for them to be easy to pack and transport to different places.

All the cot models below come with a sturdy carrying bag that you can compactly fold and pack the cot in to carry around or place in your car without taking too much space.

The best cots are ones that can be conveniently packed in a compact and hassle-free manner to make transport easier for the user.

Weight also plays a role here where lighter cots are much easier to carry around while trekking as opposed to heavier ones.

-Strength-

If you’re planning on using your cot more than a few times in its lifetime, you’ll want to put strength as one of the main priorities during your purchase.

Manufacturers are now turning to reinforced steel and aluminum for use in the cots they produce. This is due to the strength of these two metals and how well it serves for a strong and sturdy cot.

Aluminum is usually used for the frame due to its lighter weight and steel is used for the legs.

Along with a sturdy mechanism, a good cot will come with sturdy fabric. Most strong cots are made out of polyester blends and some out of canvas although canvas adds to the weight of the cot and may make it heavier than wanted. Quality material allows for numerous uses without having the bed part of the cot sag down at the center eventually leading to discomfort during sleep.

-Ease of assembly-

An easy assembly method definitely compliments the cot in addition to other features and adds to its overall value.

Many cots are now being made to fold out into a lying down position without having to assemble them piece by piece.

That makes it very convenient for the camper especially if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of figuring out the assembly instructions and having to assemble and unassembled the cot each time you want to transport it.

However, more compact cots may come with separate parts to be assembled by the user but companies are keeping simplicity as a high priority when designing an unassembled cot. Most cots will not cause much trouble in their assembly process so you don’t have to worry much about this unless you really don’t want to bother putting your cot together and taking it apart.

Backpacking Cot Reviews

1. Teton Sports Outfitter Camp Cot

Our Rating:

The backpacking cot is larger than a twin bed which makes it the largest on the list so it’s perfect for taller people and ones that seek the comfort of a regular bed in their camping cots.

Made out of an aluminum frame, Teton’s own patented steel legs, and heavy duty 600D polyester canvas, this Teton cot also provides extra durability for heftier use.

Pros

Supports up to 600 lbs which is almost double the standard of other cots in the market
Includes a pivot arm that helps hook in the fourth corner of the cot to make assembly easier
Patented reinforced steel S-shaped legs provide ultra-strength and stability during sleep
The cot lays 19” off of the ground making it suitable for being used as a chair as well as a sleeping cot

Cons

Because of its larger size, the Teton XXL also weighs more than a regular-sized cot would (26 lbs) which makes it harder to carry around
Another drawback to its size would be that it’s not that easy to place the cot inside your regular-sized camping tent; you will need a tent made for more than one person

2. Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot

Our Rating:

This extremely compact and light backpacking cot is the most practical choice for those who don’t really have a lot of space to store their cot and don’t want to bother with extra added weight during their treks.

It’s made out of RipStop polyester and Therm-A-Rest’s bow frame system to ensure durability. This cot while not made for extra space, does not skimp on it either; it can fit sleepers as heavy as 325 lbs and as tall as six feet comfortably.

Pros

Extra light at only 2 lbs making it the lightest on the market
Packs compactly into a small bag so it’s very easy to carry around
Made with a thermal reflective coating (ThermaCapture Technology) that helps retain the sleeper’s body heat

Cons

Heavier people may sink down and touch the ground while sleeping in the cot due to its relatively low frame
Therm-A-Rest’s bow frame construction may cause a hassle for some users during assembly as it is unlike other regular frames and requires a bit of strength

3. Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

Our Rating:

The Coleman Pack-Away backpacking cot is very simple to set up and use during camping; you simply take it out of its bag and unfold it for a hassle-free camping experience.

This cot also comes with a side table that doubles as a simple nightstand and allows the sleeper to place their stuff right beside them.

Coming only five inches shorter than the largest on the list; the Teton XXL, this cot can sleep people as tall as 6’6” and as heavy as 300 lbs.

Pros

The removable side table can be attached to either side of the cot
The cot can be adjusted for sitting and reclining as well as sleeping making it an all-in-one cot
Unlike other cots, the Coleman Pack-Away is foldable and super-easy to set up

Cons

The main concern with this cot is that it doesn’t lock in the fully reclined position and is held down by the sleeper’s weight
Although this Coleman model turns camping into a hassle-free activity, it can be a little flimsy and does not withstand heavy-use