There is no doubt that the best camping cots provide a level of outdoor comfort that is hard to match. While camping is one of the most fulfilling hobbies, it is certainly exhausting. It takes a lot of physical and mental energy. Kicking back on a cot is one of the best ways to relax after a long day of fun outside.
After a long day outdoors, it is really important to get a full night of sleep. With more padding and support than sleeping bags, air mattresses, or hammocks, camping cots are one of the best possible choices. They are comfortable, affordable, lightweight, and portable. There are dozens of great models available, so let’s narrow it down and take a look at the ten best cots for camping.
The 10 Best Camping Cots
1. Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot
The Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot is another great camping cot from the crew at Coleman. The Pack-Away Cot has a few distinct features that set it apart from other camping cots on the market.
First of all, this is definitely the cot for the tall guy. The cot extends to 72” x 33” x 24”, which means it can comfortably accommodate a person who is up to 6’1” tall.
Another great feature of the Pack-Away cot is its convenient folding table. The table extends from the top of the cot, providing a cup holder as well as an area for your keys, phone, and personal belongings.
The cot’s frame is constructed of strong, durable, steel frames, so even heavier-set campers should be able to sleep comfortably.
The Coleman Pack-Away Cot folds up nicely into its included carrying bag, which allows for easy transportation and storage.
Specifications
Frame: Steel
Weight: 20 lb
Width: 32 inches
Features: Folding table extension
2. Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot is a bit odd-looking for a cot. Personally though, we love its rugged aesthetic. This cot is sort of a hybrid between a cot and tent. The Kamp-Rite Tent Cot is designed for sleeping outside of the tent, so it provides a unique tent-like roof that is built right into the cot itself. This is perfect for the minimalist explorer, who wants to carry as little as possible during the journey.
The top of the Kamp-Rite tent cot is perfect for protecting you from nature’s elements. The roof is constructed with a very dependable 210D tent top and is tape sealed to repel rain and prevent any leaks from dripping down onto the cot below.
The cot itself is a 3/8 inch insulating foam pad that’s very comfortable, and also works to trap in your body heat to keep you warm throughout those chilly outdoor nights. A sturdy aluminum frame lifts the tent cot off the ground, away from animals, and accumulating rain water.
Despite the extra pieces and fabric from the tent roof, the Kamp-Rite cot easily folds up into a small package for transport and storage.
This bad boy is cozy inside! We recommend it.
Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Weight: 32 lb
- Width: 32 inches
- Features: Tent Roof
3. Mountain Trails Base Camp Cot
The Mountain Trails Base Camp Cot is a fantastic minimalist cot from the pros at Mountain Trails. The Base Camp Cot truly embraces its minimalism, abandoning the fancy features and bulky builds of other cot models.
The Base Camp Cot weighs in at only 9 pounds, which makes this a fantastic option for campers who plan on hiking, navigating trails, or carrying a lot of gear over long distances. The cot sits only 6 inches off of the ground, but still provides a sleeping area of 75 x 30 inches, so you’ve got plenty of room to roll around and get comfortable.
Set up and disassembly are a breeze with the Base Camp Cot. It easily unfolds for quick use, even in the dark. When the morning arrives, the cot easily folds back up and can be placed into the included carrying sack. While the carrying sack itself is great for traveling, Mountain Trails takes it a step further — the carry sack attaches to your backpack for hands free transport.
Specifications
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 9 lb
- Width: 30 inches
- Features: Minimalist design. Carry bag included
4. Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot offers an amazingly comfortable sleep area that can almost guarantee a restful night’s sleep. If you combine the Sports Outfitter Cot with the Teton Sports Outfitter Camp Pad (sold separately), it just might even compare to your bed at home.
The cot itself folds and fits into a small drawstring carrying bag that makes it ideal for traveling and hiking, but also provides simple storage. It has better assurance for tent floor, on account of the uniquely planned elastic feet.
The cot has a strong supporting frame that can support up to 600 pounds of weight. On the bottom, the feet are equipped with rubber that keeps the cot firmly placed on tent floors, which are often constructed of slippery material and fabric.
Setup is as easy as pie. When you’re ready for that sweet slumber, you simply remove the cot from its carrying bag, unfold it, and then snap the two rails into place. It takes less than 30 seconds and is easy to remember for future trips.
The Outfitter XXL Camping Cot is perfect for any outdoor trip where you’ll be spending the night, such as camping, hiking, or hunting.
Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum frame, steel legs
- Weight: 29 lb
- Width: 40 inches
- Features: Supports up to 600 pounds of weight
5. Coleman Comfortsmart Deluxe Cot
When it comes to camping, Coleman is one of the most well known brands on the market. The Coleman Comfortsmart Deluxe Cot truly lives up the fame of the Coleman name.
The ComfortSmart Deluxe is portable and easy to transport. It quickly unfolds in just a moment for both quick set up and easy disassembly. When folded, the cot can fit right inside of most car trunks.
The cot has a strong, supportive steel frame that ensures strong support, even for campers that are on the heavier side. In addition, it also has a spring coil suspension that offers a level of comfort that lower end cots simply do not provide.
The Coleman Comfortsmart Deluxe is one of the few cots that can support the taller campers among us. The sleeping pad has very generous dimensions of 80 x 30 inches, providing support for people that are up to 6’ 6” tall.
Specifications
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 21.5 lb
- Width: 30 inches
- Features: Supports people up to 6’6″ tall
6. Coleman Queen Airbed Folding Cot
The Coleman Queen Airbed Folding Cot is a great investment for the average camper. If you’re regularly outdoors, but also value your comfort and the quality of your sleep, this is likely the cot for you.
Unlike most common camping cots, the Queen Airbed from Coleman is actually an air mattress. It’s like sleeping on a perfect little cloud. The air is pumped in through an included 4D air pump, which quickly fills the bed up and prepares it for the night. This model boasts a double lock air valve to prevent air from leaking back out after it’s pumped in. In addition, the cot is factory tested to make sure that it is entirely leak free, so you can rest assured that it will keep all of the air inside, and maintain it’s firmness through out the entire night.
The inflatable air cot sits on top of a strong steel frame that firmly holds the air cot in place, and also keeps it from sliding along the ground.
The Coleman Queen Airbed also provides another unique feature – side tables. On each side of the cot, there is a table that features cup holders, and a small storage area for keys, phones, and your other small possessions.
Since the cot folds up into a small carry bag that is easy to transport and store, it’s a great choice for hiking trips that involve navigating to a new location each day. When you’re ready to pack up, the airbed cot quickly deflates.
Specifications
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 41.9 lb
- Width: 59 inches
- Features: Queen size air mattress, fits two comfortably
7. KingCamp Compact Camping Cot
The KingCamp Compact Folding Tent Camping Cot truly defines what it means to be a lightweight cot. Without sacrificing any comfort or durability, the cot weighs in at 4.4 pounds. When folded up and placed inside of the included carrying case, the packed size is only 14 x 5.1 x 5.1 inches — among the smallest of any cots currently available on the market. The is the perfect cot for traveling, hiking, climbing, or navigating long distances between camp sites. If you plan on traveling long distances, this is the cot hat we recommend.
Despite its extremely light weight, the compact camping cot can support up to 265 pounds. It sits 4.7 inches off the ground, and supports people who are up to 6’2” tall. The frame of the cot is constructed from durable aluminum alloy rods, offering great durability and support. In addition, two elastic straps wrap around the mat and the cot’s frame to keep the mat from slipping and moving around throughout the night.
Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Weight: 4.4 lb
- Width: 25 inches
- Features: Ultra lightweight, minimalist
8. Big Agnes Helinox Cot One V2
The Big Agnes Helinox Cot One V2 is another great ultra lightweight, minimalist camping cot. It weighs in at 4.4 pounds, which makes it perfect for hiking long distances or climbing.
The Helinox cot sits only 6 inches off of the ground, supported by its Helinox TH72M aluminum frame and legs. With the strength of those small aluminum legs, the cot is able to support a capacity of up to 320 pounds.
We really can’t stress how awesome the Helinox Cot One is when it comes to traveling long distances. The cot fits right inside of the included storage bag — and weighing in at under 5 pounds, this is one of our top picks for the traveling campers out there.
Specifications
- Frame: Aluminum
- Weight: 4.4 lb
- Width: 26.5 inches
- Features: Ultra lightweight, minimalist
9. Byer of Maine EasyCot Camping Cot
The Byer of Maine EasyCot is another of our favorites. Of all the cots we reviewed, the EasyCot is the easiest to set up. All you do is remove the cot from the included carrying bag and unfold it. That’s it, it’s ready to take you off to dreamland.
The EasyCot measures 78” x 31” x 18”. The steel frame and reinforced 600 denier polyester fabric support up to 330 pounds of weight. With the 78 inch length, the cot can easily accommodate campers that are over 6 feet tall. It’s pretty darn comfortable too.
When morning comes, the EasyCot easily folds up and slides right into its carrying case. The case itself has a shoulder strap for easy transportation. Despite its 21 pound weight, the shoulder strap makes it feel much lighter.
Specifications
- Frame: Steel
- Weight: 21 lb
- Width: 31 inches
- Features: Quick and easy setup
10. KingCamp Strong Stable Camping Cot
The KingCamp Strong Stable Camping Cot is another one of our favorite cots. This cot is very affordable without sacrificing quality — and if you look at the reviews on Amazon, people absolutely love it.
The cot is built with a high strength steel frame and breathable 600D double layer oxford fabric. The Strong Stable cot weighs 15.9 pounds, and supports up to 265 lbs of weight and people up to 6’2” tall. When unfolded and setup, the cot measures 74.8” x 26.8” by 15”. When folded, its dimensions are 41.3” x 9.1” x 6.7”. It does include a storage bag, but keep in mind that these aren’t the smallest dimensions. We don’t recommend this cot if you are planning to hike long distances or climb anything. However, if you are just planning to lounge around the campfire, then this may be the perfect cot for you.
The KingCamp Strong Stable Camping Cot does have a few awesome and unique features. On the side of the cot, there is a mesh pocket that creates a storage bag for phones, keys, or other small belongings. The coolest features, however, is the adjustable angle at the top of the cot. Adjusting the angle upwards simulates a pillow and allows you to sleep more naturally and comfortably.
Specifications
Frame: Steel
Weight: 15.9 lb
Width: 26.8 inches
Features: Side pocket for storage; angled top simulates pillow
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Camping Cot
When choosing a new camping cot, these are a few of the important factors that you should keep in mind.
Comfort
The most important factor when it comes to choosing the perfect camping cot is comfort. This is the entire reason you are cot shopping, isn’t it? The objective of a cot is to get a good, comfortable night’s sleep in the great outdoors. Do not skimp on the comfort! Look for a good metal support system, as well as a thick cushion pad.
If you plan to camp where the weather gets cold, a cot that offers insulation may also be a good option for you. You can also add more layers and warmth with a heavy blanket, sleeping bag, or even a hammock underquilt.
Weight
When looking to purchase a camping cot, weight is an important factor to consider. Weight is particularly important if you are planning to hike, climb, or navigate long distances and trails. If you plan to relocate a lot during your journey, you’ll want your gear and cot to be as light as possible.
Portability
Portability is another important factor to consider. This is especially important if you plan to hike, climb, or travel long distances. However, it’s also important to consider portability in terms of your vehicle. A large cot can take up a significant amount of space in your vehicle’s trunk, and if you have a lot of other important gear to bring, that space is valuable. Many modern camping cots fold into small, manageable carrying positions that will leave plenty of that precious trunk space available for your other gear.
Ease of Assembly
Ease of assembly is an important factor for the gear of many camping enthusiasts. Remember, you are likely already assembling or setting up your tent, stove, campfire, and more – if possible, you don’t want to add to this list. Assembling a confusing cot can be very time-consuming and frustrating, especially as the sun sets and your area quickly gets dark.
Price
Like any other serious hobby, camping gear can quickly get expensive. The goal is to find the best possible quality at an affordable price. When it comes to camping cots, be sure to weigh the importance of luxury features and quality against the price.
3 Easy Tips for Using Your Camping Cot
1. Bring a Pillow and Blanket Too
Don’t forget to bring a pillow and blanket on your camping trip! While cots are certainly comfortable, and some may include a cushioned sleeping pad, you are definitely going to need your own pillow and blanket to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. For cold nights outdoors, we recommend bringing a thick, wool camping blanket.
2. Consider Bringing Extra Padding
Even if your cot is top-of-the-line and comes with padding, it might not be enough. Be sure to test the padding of your cot at home before heading out, this way you will be able to see if you need to bring additional padding in order to sleep comfortably during your camping trip.
3. Cots Aren’t Just for Camping
That’s right, cots aren’t just for camping! Cots are great for accommodating guests who spend the night at your home. Many models of cots are more comfortable than sofas, couches, or the floor, so if you run out of spare beds — cots are a perfect solution. Your guests will thank you!
Camping Cot FAQs
Are camping cots comfortable?
A good quality camping cot is far more comfortable than a sleeping bag or the floor of a tent. Sleeping on a cot can drastically increase the quality of rest you get while camping or hiking outdoors. Many camping cots are cushioned and very comfortable.
What is the most comfortable cot?
When it comes to comfort, we really like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Camping Cot, as well as the Coleman Queen Airbed Folding Cot.
If comfort is your number one priority, we recommend checking out the LaidBackPad Memory Foam Camping Mattress. This is a outdoor mattress created from memory foam and it is ridiculously comfortable. Keep in mind this is just the mattress, so while you can absolutely lay it on the floor of your tent, you do not want to put it directly on the ground outside. However, the measurements are 24 inches wide by 72 inches long, so you can place this mattress on top of any cot we reviewed in this guide.
What is the best cot to buy for camping?
After reviewing many of the popular cots currently available on the market, we recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot.
Are inflatable cots or traditional cots better for camping?
The debate between inflatable cots and traditional cots comes down to preference. While many believe that the inflatable cot is more comfortable, it is also important to consider a few other factors. First, inflatable cots are more difficult and time consuming to assemble. In addition, inflatable cots are also more difficult to carry and transport.
If your top priority is comfort, you may want to consider trying out an inflatable mattress. However, if you are a hiker or climber who will be navigating long distances, a traditional cot is likely more suitable for you.
Final Thoughts
While all of the cots we reviewed in this guide are a great choice for both novice campers and camping enthusiasts, we’ve got to narrow it down to our top picks. After long thought and careful analysis, we’ve selected our picks for the best overall cot, the 2nd best overall cot, and the best lightweight cot for hiking long distances.
- Best Overall Cot: Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot
- 2nd Best Overall Cot: Kamp-Rite Oversized Tent Cot
- Best Lightweight Camping Cot: KingCamp Compact Folding Tent Camping Cot
Happy Camping!
Which camping cot is your favorite? Is there another cot that you love? We’d love to try it out! Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
