The Best Camping Cots

What are the best camping cots? With so many cots for camping on the market, that might be hard to answer. When you add preferences to the mix, it's even more challenging to pick the best cot out of so many.

It is difficult but not impossible because we have a curated list their pros and cons. We hope you find the perfect cot that suits you best from this list.

Helinox Camping Cot

Specs

• Total Weight: 5.1lbs
• Weight Limit: 320 lbs.
• Unfolded Dimensions: 75" x 27" x 6.5"

Pros

• It is light and can be used for backpacking
• Sturdy
• Durable
• Comfortable
• 5 year warranty

Cons

• Expensive
• May require a sleeping pad for more warmth
• Low

The Helinox Camping Cot isn't just our top camping cot, it's the top product for several users. At 5.1lbs, it is very light, lighter than some air mattresses and can be carried on a backpacking trip. It elevates to 6.5 inches off the ground, which could be a bit uncomfortable if you prefer a higher elevation. However, Helinox offers separately sold adjustable leg extensions that can raise this camping cot as high as 15 inches off the ground.

The Helinox camping cot packs a whopper in the carrying capacity section for this compact and light camping cot. It can carry as much as 320 lbs, making it an excellent choice for heavier people. The manufacturers also have regular and long sizes to cater to taller and heavier people.

The legs of this camping cot are made from proprietary aluminium alloy to maximize weight while also providing sturdiness and firmness. The sleeping area is made from 600-weave ripstop polyester which snaps into a taut surface for firmness all night long. Our product testers say the firmness of this camping cot is top-notch and relieving, especially for those who have back issues.

Its portability is one of its most significant selling points aside from its low weight. When not in use, the Helinox packs down into a 21.5 x 6.5 inch tight cylinder and goes into a carry-on sack. Portability doesn't get easier than this.

Setting up the Helinox camping cot is easy and fast with the help of a single bungee cord that self-assembles the legs of the cot. The legs of this cot stay firm with the help of the lever locking system so you can rest easy all night without worrying about a collapse.

Coleman Comfort Smart Camping Cot

Specs

• Total Weight: 14 lbs
• Weight Limit: 275 lbs
• Unfolded Dimensions: 80" x 30" x 15"

Pros

• Sizeable and sturdy for bigger people
• Very easy to assemble
• Soft foam mattress

Cons

• Huge, heavy and takes up space
• Doesn't come with a carry on
• Sleeping pad sometimes slides off

Anyone into camping knows that the Coleman brand has made a name for themselves in all things camping. They bring comfort to camping and backpacking with affordability in mind. The Coleman Comfort Smart Camping Cot is an endorsement of that legacy. At 14 pounds, it isn't as light as some of the higher-end camping cots out there. It may not be an ideal choice for backpacking like the Helinox, but its quality is nothing to sneeze about.

The carrying capacity for this camping cot is 275 pounds which makes it possible for larger people to use it comfortably. Our testers say they were comfortable using this cot. Although it could do better in the length department. The max length for this cot is 5 feet 7 inches which is a tad short. Taller people may have to purchase the deluxe edition to accommodate their legs.

The firmness and support of this camping cot comes from its steel frame, which can withstand a lot of weight while remaining firm. The support material for this Coleman camping cot is quite different from the fabric layers that most camping cots have. The Coleman Comfort Smart camping cot has a coil suspension base which is overlayed by a thick foam sleeping pad.

Toting this camping cot around is relatively easy if you're using a car, but it still takes up a lot of space in the trunk as it doesn't fold down more than once. It folds down into a square pack that easily enters most car trunks but is difficult to move around. You might not have difficulty transporting this cot if your car is far from the campground.

In minutes, you can set up this cot for use. You have to unfold it and add the mattress on top and it's ready to use.

Although this cot has its drawbacks, its quality and affordable earn it a spot on our list.

Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot

Specs

• Total Weight: 26 lbs
• Weight Limit: 600 lbs
• Unfolded Dimensions: 42" x 12" x 7"

Pros

• The comfiest cot we've tested
• Incredibly sturdy

Cons

• Heavy, so hard to transport
• Large and bulky, so it can fit in only big tents

The Teton sports outfitter is an excellent camping cot. Our testers rate it as comfortable and sturdy. It's also one of the camping cots that has a nice design. The support beams of this camping cot are patterned after an aesthetic but ergonomic design.

At 19 inches when mounted, it provides a proper elevation above the ground. In addition to its height, it ticks all the boxes for tall and wide. One of our testers who is 6'7" said they were delighted with how the Teton sports outfitter camping cot could accommodate their height comfortably. Campers on the larger size should also opt for the Teton sports outfitter because it carries 600lbs. It's large carrying capacity and wide sleeping area also means that two people can share one cot.

Teton sports outfitters' camping cot has reinforced steel legs for more sturdiness while the surface of this camping cot is made of Oxford canvas for back support and comfort. Packing up this camping cot is pretty. It can be packed into a bag, but this cot isn't very portable due to its large size.

Assembling this cot doesn't require much effort on your part. The pivot arm makes all the difference between a quick seamless setup and a struggle.

REI Co-op Camp Folding Cot

Specs

• Total Weight: 16 lbs 9 oz
• Weight Limit: 300 lbs
• Unfolded Dimensions: 75" x 25.5" x 17.5"

Pros

• Very compact when packed down
• Will fit almost all heights

Cons

• Very noisy and gives off a squeak

The REI Co-op Camp folding cot is a great choice if you want to be out in nature without having to be in it.

With a full height of 17.5 inches when set up, users get the feeling of lying on their beds. The size of this camping cot is big enough to accommodate as much as 300 pounds. This means that you can comfortably turn around in this cot. It is also tall enough to accommodate people over 6 feet tall so most people can use it.

This REI camping cot is made with a mixture of steel and ripstop polyester material for firmness and sturdiness.

Packing it up and going camping with this cot is easy because it packs down to a small compact form so more than one can fit in your trunk.

Assembling it is also pretty easy and fast. You don't have to grapple with bolts or nuts. For its price, the REI camping cot is an exceptional choice.

Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

Specs

• Total Weight: 7 lbs
• Weight Limit: 300 lbs
• Unfolded Dimensions: 80" x 44" x 17"

Pros

• Easy to set up
• Very affordable
• Adjustable and has a detachable side table

Cons

• Does not have a lock mechanism for legs, so it may feel a little sketchy
• Noisy and squeaky
• Material tears easily

This Coleman pack away camping cot is built for comfort with an adjustable and a cup carrier. It is wide and big enough to accommodate people as tall as 6'6" and as heavy as 300 pounds. It's wide sleeping area measures at 80 × 32 inches, giving users enough space to wriggle around in.

The detachable side table is an added advantage for dinner or storing important things. The adjustable nature of this camping cot means that it can be used for other purposes such as sitting or reclining.

Coleman's pack away camping cot has a foldable design that enables portability. It can easily fit in any car trunk.

The biggest drawback for this product comes in setting it up. The steel supports don't lock into place but are held in place by the user's body. Without a lock mechanism, the camping cot could easily fold when set up. Our testers have mentioned that body movements can affect the steadiness of the cot. To combat this, be sure the cot is properly unfolded and stretched out before putting any weight on it.

Buyers Guide:

How to Choose a Camping Cot

Choosing the right camping cot is much more than diligently combing through the user review pages. It is part of it mind you, but before you start looking for a product with an average of 4.5 stars, you should have a list of specs you want in a camping cot. It's always more advisable to know what factors to consider and have a comprehensive idea of what you want before you go shopping.

Some of the factors to consider are:

Ease of Assembly

When shopping for a camping cot, ease of assembly is the first and the most important factor to consider. No matter how warm, comfortable, sturdy or durable a camping cot is, it can't pass muster if it is difficult to assemble. As a rule of thumb, larger camping cots are easier to set up than smaller ones. Large cots usually require straightening out and their feet locking in to be ready for use. Small cots come with more parts and require some engineering efforts to set up and more time. In the same vein, camping cots that fold into small compact pieces are not as easy to set up and dismantle as the ones that fold up and get packed. While it seems cut and dried for you to go with a bigger cot for easy assemblage, this choice may pose a problem if you travel alone or if you'll have to set up the cot alone. Larger cots are heavier to carry and maneuver alone. When it comes to ease of assemblage for a camping cot, it is often a trade off between size and how easy the cot is to set up.

Size

Size matters when you want to buy a camping cot. It matters even more if you are tall. You don't want to buy a camping cot that leaves your foot and part of your calf out for animal bait. Beyond the discomfort, you're likely to experience during and after your camping trip, you run the risk of lying on the edge of the cot and causing the material to rip. Of course, lying on the floor after such an unfortunate accident will make for more discomfort and a miserable trip. In the same vein, if you're plus size, you should also double-check the sleeping area that each camping cot has so that you don't end up having to sleep on the frames.

You can always look for longer and wider sizes of the cot you like. Most camping cots come in XL and XXL sizes to accommodate everyone. Even with these sizes, you're better off checking the specs for size to be sure that it'll be a perfect fit.

Material / Cushioning

A polyester-like fabric is a choice for most camping cots. Unfortunately, this material may not provide the necessary cushioning effect or support you need for a fun time outdoors. The firmness of the material is important if you have issues with your back. You can always boost the cushioning effect of your camping cot with a sleeping pad if need be. So, before you pay for a camping cot, you should check the fabric it's made of and how much support it offers. Some product descriptions won't reflect the actual firmness of the material, so it's always best to read through the reviews to know what users are saying about it.

Comfort

Comfort and camping may begin with the same letters, but their similarities end there. No one going on a camping trip thinks of comfort. Or should they? You absolutely should when buying a camping cot. After all, the whole idea behind getting a camping cot in the first place is to maintain some level of comfort outdoors. So, when it comes to comfort, spare nothing at all. If you want comfort, then a larger cot would do. You'll have enough space to even turn around in them.

Weight

Unlike your friendly neighborhood air mattress, camping cots are heavy. Even the lightweight cots are considered heavy for backpacking. This is why most camping trips involving a cot are car camping trips. If you're going camping alone, then you might want to find a camping cot with a weight you can easily handle. For more rugged adventures, you'll need to use a sleeping pad and sleeping bag, most likely.

Durability

Durability is another crucial factor to consider when buying a camping cot. Sturdy cots last for a longer time and can be used for many camping trips. The rule of thumb for durability is the heavier the cot, the more durable it is. This rule of thumb is under the premise that heavier cots are made from more serious, thus stronger materials. Lighter cots are built from lightweight materials such as aluminum and may not withstand any roughhousing. If you are going camping with kids, the heavier cot is better.

FAQ

How comfortable is a camping cot?

In general? Camping cots are very comfortable for camping. They give the feel of lying in a bed, which is a big draw for starting campers. Anything that feels as close to the comfort of home is always welcomed. Apart from the bed-like elevation, camping cots also prevent back pain and discomfort, which can be gotten from air mattresses when they aren't very firm. Air mattresses often lose their firmness at night, so using a camping cot is more comfortable.

What is the most comfortable camping cot?

Comfort is very subjective. It all depends on what you consider comfortable, and everyone has their definition of what comfort means to them. We recommend you pick one that fits you (dimensions-wise) first before considering type of material for comfort.

But for us, the most comfortable cot for camping is the Coleman Comfort Smart Camping Cot. It is wide, comfy, and supremely comfortable to use.

Do I still need a sleeping pad after buying a camping cot?

It depends on you and how comfortable you are in your camping cot. Some people are comfortable sleeping on their camping cots alone, while others prefer padding. Some camping cots even come with a sleeping pad or air mattress for maximum comfort. However, these costs might be more stressful to lug around and put up every night because of the added chore of inflating an air mattress. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. Are you comfortable on your camping cot without a sleeping pad or air mattress?

Is a camping cot better than an air mattress?

No one is better than the other. Each one has its advantages over the other and vice versa. The air mattress and camping cot are great sleeping options for anyone who loves the outdoors, but want to maintain some level of comfort.

Air mattresses are probably the most comfortable. They are the closest thing to a proper bed you'll get to experience in the wild. But, they are cumbersome, large to carry, and often require an electric source to inflate. Cleaning up after them is also an arduous chore, so they may not always be the best choice.

On the other hand, camping cots don't possess the same ability to be comfortable as the air mattress. They are comfortable, no doubt, but not as much as the air mattress. On the bright side, though, they are easier to move around and set up. Their durability is also an excellent addition to the pros side of the camping cot. Lastly, they are elevated from the ground, which is an advantage that older people and people with back injuries appreciate.

Is a camping cot better than an air mattress? Not really. It all boils down to what you want out of your camping experience.

Conclusion

Camping cots are very efficient, comfortable and excellent for camping. They are the next best thing to a proper mattress. Finding the best camping cots can be a challenging task that you don't have to do. You can pick a good camping cot from the list above.