If you have been camping or you will be going soon, you ought to know that having a comfortable place to sleep while camping is very important. While some people stick to the regular sleeping bags and tents, others prefer to use camping cots. Each sleeping device has its own set of advantages but I think that camping cots offer the most versatility and comfort. If you are about to purchase a camping cot, don’t dive in head first without learning about the important features to look for. Keep reading to find out some of the features and my top picks for some of the best camping cots that you can get online.
Top 10 Cots For Camping
This camping cot has a simple design but offers an extra wide area for sleeping. It has a foldable heavy-duty steel frame and can hold a person of up to 300lb. In term of height, this camping cot is suitable for anyone up to 6’2”. The design is lightweight but offers comfort and support. You can assemble it with speed and ease.
This lightweight cot is easy to transport and comes with a carry bag for greater ease and convenience. You can fold it into a compact size, which means that you can also store it with ease when it is not required. This cot comes at a very affordable price, making it perfect for those on a budget.
PROS
- Extra wide design
- Affordable pricing
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight
- Holds up to 300lb and up to 6’2” in height
CONS
- Quite basic sleeping surface
- It’s a bit heavy
This camping cot enables you to enjoy superior comfort levels, as it comes with a thick foam mattress. This means that you can look forward to plenty of quality rest during your trip.
With its heavy-duty steel frame, this is a solid and robust camping cot. It is suitable for heights of up to 5’ 7”. It can also support weights of up to 275 lb. The cot has a coil suspension for support. It is also easy to transport, as it folds up into a compact size that should easily fit into the trunks of most cars.
The pricing of this camping cot is very reasonable, making it an affordable option for those who want to enjoy comfort but who also need to be mindful of budget. The product also comes with a limited one-year guarantee.
PROS
- Available at a very affordable price
- Easy to transport with a compact, foldable design
- Supports weight of up to 275lb
- Comfortable thick foam mattress
- Solid construction
CONS
- Not suited to adults above average height
- It doesn’t come with a carry bag/case
- It is a little heavy
The Coleman Converta comes with four back positions and two foot ones. You can use it in a reclined position if you want support for your neck and head while you read or relax. You can then change it to the flat position ready for sleeping. It has a tri-fold design, so there should be no problem getting it into a vehicle for transportation.
If you are tall, you are in luck with this cot because it can accommodate heights of up to 6’6”. The cot is made from heavy-duty polyester fabric, and it can support weights of up to 225lb. The frame is powder coated and resistant to rust, so you won’t have to worry about corrosion. It does not require tools to be assembled even though it folds down to a very compact structure. In addition, you get a limited one-year warranty with this product.
PROS
- It can double up as a cot and lounge chair
- Easy to assemble
- Tri-folds for easy transportation
- Ideal for taller people
- Very affordable
CONS
- It doesn’t come with a carrying case/bag
- It doesn’t have a lot of padding for comfort
- Weight capacity is lower than many other cots
Unlike many other camping cots that only have a heavy-duty fabric as a sleeping surface, this one has a thick foam mattress. It even has a spring-coil suspension to enhance the amount of comfort that the mattress can provide.
With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, this camping cot has a weight limit that is higher than many other cots on the market. For such a low price, this is quite a steal especially since the steel frame is very durable and the cot can fit heights up to 6’ 6”. You will also get a limited one-year warranty with the purchase.
PROS
- Thick foam mattress for comfort
- It can fit very tall persons
- Durable, heavy-duty steel frame
- Easy to transport and store
- Comes with a one-year warranty
CONS
- Heavy
- It does not come with a carry bag/case
- Can take up more space in your tent due to its length and width
If you have a larger budget and you want a larger-than-life cot, this could be the perfect choice. This is an extremely sturdy, well constructed camping cot with plenty of features. It is ideal for hardcore campers and outdoor adventure lovers, and you even benefit from a limited lifetime warranty with this product.
The cot has a patented aluminum steel frame topped with 300D double brushed canvas for superior support. This cot can accommodate weight of up to 600lb and is ideal for base camp and hunting. It comes with a free limited edition storage bag and fold up with ease, so it can be transported and stored.
This camping cot is compatible with the extra large camping pad, which is available from the manufacturer. You can purchase them as a set for a higher price, or you can opt for the cot without the pad. However, the pad will provide a superior level of comfort and can also be used as a ground pad if you need to provide a sleeping area for another person.
PROS
- Extremely durable
- Very large
- Can be folded for portability
- Limited lifetime guarantee
CONS
- Heavy
- Expensive
This camping cot has a simple design but offers an extra wide area for sleeping. It has a foldable heavy-duty steel frame and can hold a person of up to 300lb. In term of height, this camping cot is suitable for anyone up to 6’2”. The design is lightweight but offers comfort and support. You can assemble it with speed and ease.
This lightweight cot is easy to transport and comes with a carry bag for greater ease and convenience. You can fold it into a compact size, which means that you can also store it with ease when it is not required. This cot comes at a very affordable price, making it perfect for those on a budget.
PROS
- Very comfortable and supportive sleeping deck
- High quality construction
- Can be used as two separate cots or one bunk cot
- Converts into a canvas bench
- Extremely versatile and practical
- Very easy to put together
CONS
- Heavy
- Cost is high, but you do get two camping cots
For those who plan to travel around outdoors, such as backpackers, this camping cot is a great option. It is extremely lightweight, which makes it suitable for even backpackers. In fact, this is the lightest camping cot available but it is also very sturdy and well constructed.
This camping cot boasts an attractive design, which is patented. The design ensures that you benefit from high levels of support and comfort, with no need to worry about painful crossbars. The cot is waterproof and is able to handle heavy use with ease. You can put it together with speed and ease, as there is no need to use any tools.
This cot weighs only 2lb, which makes it perfect for those travelling without their own vehicle. You can also pack it into a really compact size, making it even easier to transport and carry as well as to store. The cot comes with stretch-free fabric, so you don’t have to put up with sagging. While the price of this cot is higher than average, it is designed to last and offer great support.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Extremely lightweight and can be carried by backpackers
- Very compact when packed away, making it easy to store and transport
- Stretch-free fabric, so there is no sagging
CONS
- It has a lot of crossbars running just below the bed surface so it may be uncomfortable
- The cost is much higher than the average camping cot
The Kamp-Rite Tent Cot is a combination of a cot and an individual tent. You can use it completely enclosed, which is perfect if you are at a festival and you don’t want the hassle of taking along a full size tent. It also has an integrated cot, so you can enjoy sleeping off the ground.
Rather than having to lug around a tent and separate cot, you can look forward to the practicality of an all-in-one. You can also use it as a cot or a lounger without the tent covering, which is ideal when the weather is warm and dry.
This cot can support up to 300lb in weight. The tent area has mesh over the doors and windows to keep insects at bay. The design is patented and is popular amongst members of the U.S. Military.
PROS
- Can be used as a tent cot, regular cot or lounge chair
- Folds into a much smaller size for portability
- Ideal for festivals and gardens as well as camping
CONS
- Heavy
- Even though it can be folded, it is still large
- Only suitable for one person
It sets up less than one minute, so you can get on with enjoying your camping trip and still enjoy a great night’s rest. This cot can be used both indoors and outdoors.
With its sturdy welded steel construction and strong polyester deck, this portable cot offers plenty of support. It can accommodate up to 325lb, making it ideal for those who are heavier than average. You also benefit from a carrying bag, which makes it even easier to transport this cot around. It is lightweight in design, so you can carry it with ease if you are walking rather than using a vehicle.
PROS
- Extremely easy to set up
- Solid construction and strong sleeping deck
- Can be folded to a very compact state for storage
- Has its own carrying case to be transported
- Holds up to 325lb
CONS
- It is a bit heavy to carry especially if you have other camping items
- Quite basic in design
What to look for in a camping cot
Support and comfort
Although you should ensure that your cot will be able to support your weight, be very careful that you do not end up with a cot that has bars that run right underneath your back when you lay down. This can be very uncomfortable and even painful. Instead, look for a cot that is padded or has adjustable tension. Some persons opt to use a mattress topper to add padding that the cot lacks.
Size
This really should not have to be mentioned, but make sure that you are not significantly longer or wider than your cot as this can lead to discomfort while sleeping.
RELATED: Best Two Person Cots For Camping (Buying Guide)
Portability
If you will be moving around with your cot a lot, it may be best to get one that is lightweight. Also check for features that make it easier to carry such as compactness, ability to be folded, straps or a bag for carrying, and how hard it is to be assembled.
Durability
I’m sure you do not want to have to purchase a camping cot every time you plan a camping trip. Check to see what type of frame the cot has. Steel frames are good but they also make the cot heavier. If you want something lighter, an aluminum frame is just fine. You should also check the type of fabric that is used. Some fabrics such as polyester and nylon are more supportive and easy to clean as well.
Weight
The weight of a camping cot can start at 2 pounds and go up to 20 pounds. There is no perfect weight. The lightweight cots are perfect for backpacking and the heavier cots are more durable and support more weight. Decide in which conditions you will be in and choose a cot satisfying your criteria.
Fabric
The best modern fabric used for cots are nylon and polyester. They can be easily clean and provide a good support. The quality of a fabric is measured in Denier. The higher the number the stronger the material. The general recommendation is to choose a cot with at least 600D. Unfortunately, not every manufacturer publishes their fabric rating. In this case, you have to rely on the maximum load information. The bigger weight a cot supports, the higher density of a fabric should be used.
Final Verdict
So, you must be curious to find out which one of these amazing products is my top pick. Well, it is the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot. Why? It is a very good camping cot overall. It can be folded to a compact size, weighs less than 20 lbs., and it has a very comfortable mattress for sleeping. Whether you are in the middle of the woods or indoors, you should be able to sleep very comfortably on this camping cot. Since this cot is affordably priced, it will fit into the budget of many persons who are shopping for camping cots. If you are short or on the taller side, you should not have a problem fitting on the cot since it has a pretty good length and you may just be able to even roll over while sleeping because there is so much room on the cot.If you have been looking for that perfect cot to take with you when you go camping, fishing or somewhere outside your home, you need to take a look at what this cot has to offer. For the its price and the features it has, it is definitely worth thinking about.