Buying Guides

Looking for affordable cots that are comfortable? We have done the research! Check out our detailed reviews on the best cheap cots in the market below. 

A good camping cot is an excellent addition to your outdoor gear. You can pack yours to enjoy a day by the lake, spend a night in a tent, or chill in the backyard. It can also be used as an extra emergency bed, folded and then stored to avoid clutter in the house.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a decent camping cot. In this article, you’ll find our top reviews of affordable cots, in addition to features to think about when you’re shopping for one.

Best affordable cots - All things to consider:

Just because you want to spend time away from home, doesn’t mean that you have to wake up with stiff muscles. Here are a few things to consider before buying a camping cot.

#1 - How easy is the cot to carry around?

There is always a trade-off between weight and stability. Camping cots usually have frames made of metals like aluminum and steel.

Aluminum is durable and doesn’t rust. It’s also lightweight which means that your cot will be portable and it’s suitable for slim adults. Steel is more durable so it will withstand bigger weights. It’s, however, heavier to carry.

You should also consider how small the cot will be when you fold it. Some models can be fully disassembled to fit into a small carry bag or your backpack. These are suitable for people who go on long hikes.

#2 - The camping cot Size: Is it big enough for me?

Check the specifications of the cot and see if it’s long enough to accommodate your height especially if you’re a tall person. You should also think about the width and length of the tent where you plan to spend the night. The cot should fit into the tent, leaving some space where you can move easily.

A cot that sits above the ground gives you some extra storage space. It also keeps your body dry if the ground is wet.

Most cots are designed to accommodate one person. There are, however, bigger models that can accommodate two people but these are heavier and more difficult to carry.

#3 - Is it going to be a pain in the butt to assemble?

Always look for models that can be assembled quickly. When you’re hiking or camping, you don’t want to worry about carrying screws and tools. Look for models that you can set up on your own or with minimum help.

#4 - Whats the fabric made out of?

Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are popular because they’re easy to clean and maintain. Some people also look for waterproof fabric, especially if they like to go river trekking. This way, your cot will be dry and ready when you decide to take a nap.

Fabrics are always rated in Denier which refers to the quality and strength of the fabric. Buying a fabric with higher Denier count means that it will last for long. You should also think about buying ripstop fabric that will stay in a relatively good condition even if you accidentally cut it.

#5 - Will it be able to handle any weather condition?

Think of when you’re most likely going to spend time away from home. A high cot that sits above the ground will let the air pass under your body to keep you cool at night. This cot is suitable for camping in hot weather.

Some models come with extra insulation or can accommodate a foam mattress. These will be more convenient when you’re camping in cold weather.

#6 - What extra features does that cot have?

Some camping cots are basic, while others come with extra useful accessories. Some models have storage pockets or side tables to keep your belongings. Others come with mattresses that are more comfortable than sleeping directly on the cot.

If you’re spending time in humid conditions, then you can look for a cot that comes with a mosquito net. It will keep the bugs away at night.

FAQs About Affordable Cots

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1. Why do I need affordable cots for camping?

Camping cots are more comfortable than sleeping bags, especially if you’re sleeping in a rocky place. They also keep you in an elevated position away from humidity and bugs.

Even if you don’t like camping, these cots are useful for a day on the beach or spending time in the backyard. Moreover, a cot can be a great option if you have unaccepted guests at home.

2. How can I make sure that my cot fits in the tent?

You have to measure the inner dimensions of the tent and calculate the area available inside. There should be enough room inside the tent, so you can move easily, especially if you share it with others.

3. Are camping cots suitable for camping in chilly weather?

Camping cots don’t offer much insulation. If you’re planning to sleep outside in extremely cold weather, a sleeping bag will be a better option.

4. How can I make my camping cot more comfortable?

You can use a foam mattress on top of the cot if it’s too stiff. You can also add a pillow to support your neck.

5. How often should I clean my camping cot?

If you’re not using the cot, it’s a good idea to clean it every other month. It’s better than waiting until it’s time for your adventure only to find out that you must buy a new one. Most cots can be washed using soapy water. Make sure that it’s completely dry before storing it away.

Looking for a lightweight cot that won't break the bank? We have done the research! Check out our detailed review on the best lightweight camping cot.

So imagine that you’re out there on a camping adventure, enjoying nature's bounties and everything just seems to be perfect! The last thing you’d want is to wake up stiff and achy from your night sleep, don't you think?

A comfortable cot is an essential piece of equipment in any camping trip. If you really want to make the most out of your trip, invest in good quality, comfortable cot.

Wondering how to choose one? In this article, we’ve included our five favorite camping cots and a full guide to buying the best lightweight camping cots.

If you are looking for cots for two people head over to our in depth review of cots for couples.  If you are Big or Tall, head over to see our reviews on Heavy Duty Cots. 

Our Five Favorite Lightweight Camping Cots

Things To Consider Before Buying A lightweight Camping Cot

So there are hundreds of camping cots to choose from and it may be a little confusing to determine which one suits you.

The first thing you need to do is to consider a few points so you can narrow down your options and pick what’s right for you.

1. Size

Cots come in different sizes and determining the right size of your cot is crucial. If you randomly choose a cot size, you may face the risk of it not fitting in your tent or even not being big enough for you.

Think of size in terms of sleeping surface, folded dimensions, and height.

The average cot size is 25 inches wide and 75 inches long, that usually fits most adults. Consider the sleeping surface that you need.

Taller people need longer cots, you definitely don’t want to have your legs tucked in or hanging out of the cot all night! If that’s the case, consider cots that come at 90 inches of length.

Some cots are designed at 40 inches wide, these are great for heavier people and can also accommodate two adults.

It’s good to measure your tent and leave some extra space for flexibility as you may need to store other gear in the tent along with the cot at night. Also, consider the folded dimensions of the cot to see if it’s suitable for you.

Another thing to take into account is the cot’s closeness to the ground. Buying a cot that is a little high means it can double as a comfortable sitting area during the day.

2. Weight And Portability

Cot weight

The average camping cot weighs between 15 to 20 pounds. Of course, the weight of the cot is relative to its size. It only makes sense that the larger the cot, the heavier it’s going to be.  

Another factor that determines cot weight is the frame material and whether or not there’s a foam mattress attached. Aluminum frames are much lighter than steel.

Some cots are super lightweight and are mostly used by backpackers. These are usually more expensive because of design, but mind you these cots can be as light as 3 pounds!

Weight Capacity

It’s crucial to take into consideration how much weight the cot can handle. Most cots offer capacity up to 200 pounds and some go as high as 600 pounds! This goes back to your weight and if the cot will be used by 1 or 2 people.

3. Fabric

The sleeping surface of your cot will either be an air or cotton mattress or a canvas.

Canvas surfaces are made of nylon or polyester. The reason these are great is that they’re strong cots that dry off very quickly, are much easier to clean than cotton, and are very lightweight.

While the foam mattress may be comfier, it’s harder to clean and takes a longer time to dry off. Foam mattresses sure do provide a warmer environment on colder nights though.

Consider the conditions you’ll use the cot in so you can decide which option is best for you and remember that you can always go for a flexible option where you buy a canvas cot and purchase a compatible mattress to use it when necessary.

The cot fabric is rated with D (Denier). The higher that number is, the stronger the cot fabric is. We recommend you choose a cot with 600D canvas or higher if you’re looking for high-quality fabric.

4. Frame

It’s crucial to select a cot that folds and unfolds easily with a decent frame.

Some cots give you the best of both worlds of aluminum and steel in the frame construction. The upper part of the cot is made of lightweight aluminum and the legs are made of steel which gives strength and durability to the cot.

A plus that some cots have is resistance to corrosion. Also, consider cots that come with rubber capping on the frame to prevent tearing your tent or scratching your home floor.

5. Comfort

Cots are definitely a better option than sleeping bags when it comes to comfort.

As we mentioned, your sleeping surface will either be a foam mattress, an air mattress or a canvas. It goes without saying that a foam mattress is best in terms of comfort, however you sacrifice weight and portability with it.

A canvas cot is relatively comfortable as well and sometimes comes with a tension system where you can adjust it to your liking, making it softer or firmer.

6. Strength And Durability

How strong and durable your mattress is will largely depend on the materials and fabric it’s made of. If you are a frequent camper, consider investing in a high-quality mattress.

While it may cost you more than lower quality mattresses, it will certainly be a good investment as it will last for many camping trips to come.

7. Ease Of Assembly

Assembling your cot should be easy and straightforward. You may move from one place to another during your trip, in that case, you definitely want a cot that is assembled within a few minutes.

The ideal thing would be to have a cot that doesn’t require any tools to be assembled. Remember to never throw away the instruction paper, it would be very frustrating if you forget how to put together your cot.

8. Additional Features

There’s always the option of having a few cool add-ons to your cot.

Storage Pockets -These allow you to organize your stuff inside your tent.

Carry Case - This definitely comes in handy and makes the cot more portable.

Mosquito Netting - A netting allows you a more restful sleep away from those annoying mosquitoes.

We will help you find a comfortable and affordable camping cot for two. A double camping cot is the way to go when camping overnight with your partner! Check out our Buying Guide for more camp cot reviews. Also if you need help selecting a cot, check out our in depth guide to camping cots.

Below you will find our reviews of whats available in the market. 

Being surrounded by the overwhelming ambiance of Gaia is by far one of the most delightful experiences that anyone can have. That’s mainly the reason why many of us love to go out on camping trips, to enjoy the moonlit skies at night, the occasional swarm of fireflies, and the melodic campfire singalongs. 

However, camping trips are usually accompanied by a great deal of discomfort, especially for first-timers who embark on their trips under prepared. Sleeping bags and bedrolls are choices that a lot of campers opt for, and then wonder why their backs hurt the next morning.

Camping cots are great sleeping alternatives that provide an excellent level of comfort that could rival that of an air mattress at an affordable price. That being said, we’ll be outlining our picks for the best camping cots on the market and point out the factors you should consider before you purchase one for your next outdoor excursion.

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Best Camping Cots for Two

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#1 - Coleman Queen Airbed Double Cot

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#2 - Kamp-Rite Double Cot

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#3 - Disc-O-Bed Large with Organizers

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KingCamp Double Camping Cot

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Outsunny 76″ Two Person Folding Camping Cot

The Buying Guide

Picking the right product from the wide selection of sleeping cots available on the market today is highly subjective because there are plenty of different sizes, weights, frames, and fabrics. However, the following guidelines should simplify the filtration process and make it easy to pinpoint the product that best suits you.

Size

Most sleeping cots are designed primarily to fit only one person, which makes hunting for a cot that can accommodate two adults comfortably a challenging task.

The average adult size cot is around 75″ long and 25″ wide. Also, you can find lengthier cots for taller campers and shorter ones for children. Additionally, there are extra wide sleeping cots that are up to 40″ wide, which are the ideal choice if you’re looking for a cot for two that can support the most weight.

The dimensions and the maximum supported height of a sleeping cot are usually indicated on the product by the manufacturer, if you’re unable to locate these numbers, you can look at the displayed model and estimate whether or not it will be sufficient enough to accommodate your height.

Weight

The average aluminum framed adult size camping cot weighs around 15 to 20 lbs. You should expect that an oversized cot will have some extra weight to it, especially the steel framed ones. Moreover, any additional padding will also add to the weight of the cot.

You should consider a cot that isn’t too heavy if you intend on moving it around frequently. However, you should not compromise on weight too much since lightweight models tend to be less sturdy and aren’t very durable.

Frame

The frame is the support structure that either makes or breaks a cot. Most camping cots available on the market have an aluminum structure, which is pretty sturdy yet lightweight. Other models are made with steel frames, allowing them to withstand relatively heavier loads without bending or collapsing.

The whole structure of a sleeping cot is supported by the legs. There are three typical leg designs you can find, which are the straight vertical legs, military x-style legs, and the C-shaped legs. The former two designs provide the greatest stability and durability, while the latter one is not as stable and is found in cheaper models and works best for indoor use.

Make sure that your cot’s legs end with rubber caps if you plan on setting it up inside your tent. Legs that are not capped tent to tear or puncture the floor of a tent. Also, make sure that the legs can be locked off to ensure that the cot doesn’t collapse as you move it around.

Moreover, the distance between the frame of the cot and the ground is to be considered, especially if you have any mobility issues. You don’t want the frame to be too high that it gets hard to get on and off it.

Fabric

The fabric of the cot is what you will be laying on, so you need to consider a fabric that provides strength, comfort, and insulation. Most sleeping cots on the market are made of single layer nylon or polyester, which are durable, water-resistant, lightweight and easy to clean synthetic fabrics.

Generally, nylon is a little softer than polyester and also stronger, while polyester dries faster and is very resistant to abrasion. You want to avoid cots that have a cotton canvas because it adds a lot of unnecessary weight and it accumulates dirt easily. Camping cots that have mesh bottoms are preferred in a rainy situation because they allow you to breathe through the mesh when lying face down.

Manufacturers refer to the density of the fabric with denotations such as 400D nylon or 600D Polyester, where D stands for denier, and it’s a measuring unit for the linear mass density of fibers. Basically, the more the denier is, the more durable and heavier the fabric is.

Portability

You camping cot should be foldable or collapsible to some degree. There are also some models that can disassemble entirely for ease of transportation and storage. Further, the weight of the cot must be light enough for you to carry around.

However, there are tents that weigh around 2 to 4 pounds, which are a viable option for backpackers but have a lower weight capacity and will not be a durable or stable option for two to sleep on.

An aluminum framed cot is lightweight and durable but its stability could be questionable for two people to sleep on. A steel framed cot will definitely provide a great level of stability but will be a hassle to carry around. To get the best of both worlds, your bet will be on an aluminum framed cot with reinforced steel legs.

Max Supported Weight

You should always check the manufacturer’s weight limit recommendation on your cot to see if it will be able to support your weight and that of your partner combined. Laying down on a camping cot that isn’t designed to support such weight might seem fine in the beginning, but the integrity of the cot will slowly but surely compromised.

Comfort Level

Most camping cots models rely on spring systems to support the sleeping surface, while others rely mainly on the tension of the fabric. You should be aiming for a cot that will allow you to adjust the level of support and tension to your liking to achieve the desired level of comfort.

For more comfort, you can choose a cot that comes with extra padding or use a foam mattress topper. However, note that any extra padding will add to the weight of your cot. Also, you should be wary of the position of crossbars on the cot. You don’t want to be sleeping with a crossbar right under your back.