Top Rated Cots
Our top rated cots are lightweight and easy to pack up, especially for backpacking trips. They're extremely durable and can provide a comfortable night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This premium cot can be used from the moment of birth and can be extended as your child grows. It's costly, but it offers an amazing feel and appearance.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that's easy to set-up and take-down can make your life easier if you intend to camp frequently. A well-designed cot is compact and lightweight with an adjustable handle that makes it easy to carry and store. It will also be comfortable to sleep in, so that you can have a peaceful night's sleep.
Some cots are fitted with state-of-the art technologies that make them easy to put together. A cot that has push down joints, for instance, can be snapped in place in a matter of seconds. Another excellent feature is a locking mechanism that makes it impossible for the joints to come loose. This is particularly useful for families traveling with children.
Another great cot for camping is the Kingdom Cot 3. It comes with an easy-to-assemble design, and it's one of the most comfortable models we tried. It's slightly larger than some of the other cots we reviewed, so it may not fit into smaller tents. It comes with a base with puck legs that help it stay flat and avoid digging into the floor fabric of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 also has a comfortable, cushy mattress that raises you off the ground, and provides more comfort than the other cots we tried.
If you're a backpacker in need of a cot, you should consider the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering's ReadyLite Cot. They're light enough to backpack with however, they're also large enough to comfortably fit in wall tents. These cots are ideal for hunting outposts that are only accessible via ATV or truck.
If you want an cot with an integrated bed, but no bars on the feet or head you should look for a model that has both. These types of cots are heavier than other types of cots, however they can still be transported in the back of your car and stacked with other gear. They're also a good choice for short hikes in which you require a quick and comfortable place to sleep.
Confortable
The best camping cots are comfortable enough to give you a good night's sleep. They're much closer to the mattress than sleeping pads that often seem hard and lumpy, are harder to set up and expose you to cold air that can transfer through your sleeping bag. Cots with integrated pads or pockets for pads are typically warmer and softer than those without.
Some cots, including the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, have a literal air mattress that makes it one of the softest camping cots available. It's also large enough that you could fit two people on it, if they're not too tall, making it an excellent choice for family camping trips or tents shared.
If you're backpacking, the comfort level of your cot is extremely important. Backpackers often want to decrease their weight and may sacrifice comfort features to do so. Cots like the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are great for backpackers because they are able to be easily transported and stored inside a backpack, and still giving support and stability.
If you're camping near your car and don't need to worry about lugging your gear, then it's worth investing in a more relaxing camping cot. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 has extra padding that makes it feel more like an actual bed. It's a bit bulkier than the other options on this list, but it's still light and compact enough to be carried by backpackers. It's among the most comfortable cots you can buy for less than $200. It's only downside is that it's a bit narrow for those who want an extra large surface to sleep on.
Durable
A good camping cot needs to be durable for long-term use. It must be also resistant to elements, such as rust and corrosion. Most cots are made of steel or aluminum. The best ones have an anti-water coating that repels water. You can protect your cot further by covering it with a tarp or a tent to protect it from rain exposure.
The frame of your cot could also have an impact on its durability. Aluminum frames are light but can bend easily. They're not as durable as steel frames. If you're planning to rough it and need a more robust cot, the Coleman Trailhead II Cot might be a better choice because it is able to support more weight and is constructed to last.
In terms of comfort, cots are an excellent alternative to sleeping bags. They offer a bit more stability and tend to be less lumpy than sleeping pads. Some cots have extra features, like storage compartments or side tables to improve the efficiency.
Cots are available in different styles and materials, but they typically have similar constructions. Fabrics that are heavier like cotton or canvas are usually more comfortable to sleep on than lighter polyester or nylon. Lightweight cots are also more prone to tears and tearing, so it's crucial to choose a sturdy fabric for your needs.
It is also important to consider the ease with which a cot is to install and remove when determining which one to purchase. Some models require a little bit of assembly, while other are as simple as unfolding and locking them in their place. The best cots prioritize your preferences in terms of ease of setup and still provide the durability and comfort you require.
In our comprehensive review we've reviewed the top-rated models to help you choose the best model for your next camping trip. If you're looking for a lightweight, portable option that's ideal for backpacking, or a robust car camping cot We've got the ratings and recommendations to help you select the best one.
Lightweight
For those who want to sleep comfortably during camping without lugging around lots of gear, there are light cots that provide a comfortable night's rest. These cots are typically constructed of steel alloy or aluminum frames, which are durable and can withstand more weight than thinner models. They can also come with a polyester or nylon sleeping surface that is comfortable to lay on and won't be able to hold onto the sand like a traditional tent mattress would.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a lightweight cot specifically designed to be used for backpacking. It's easy to set up and is extremely light at just 2 pounds 13 ounces. It's too small and narrow for people with larger frames and doesn't offer any cushioning or support.
There are also cots that are lightweight and are designed for camping in a tent or car like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot offers plenty of space for campers and a comfortable bed area. The maze of poles might be intimidating at first, but once you get familiar with it, it's easy to assemble.
Backpacking enthusiasts may need to search for an cot designed specifically for backpacking, such as the Helinox Lite Cot or the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots weigh less than standard cots and are thus ideal for hunting in the backcountry. They can be easily carried in a backpack to make remote hunting outposts more comfortable.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is another option for backcountry hunting. This cot is compact and light, meaning it will easily fit into most backpacks. It's not as comfortable as the other cots we tried however it's an excellent choice for backpackers.
When you're looking for an cot that will allow you to sleep comfortably while camping, consider the features that are most important to you. For those who want to feel as close to home bed as possible when camping, there are cots that have luxurious padding and a pillowtop, which can make your camping tent feel like a luxury hotel suite.