Best Camping Cot Reviews 2022
Name | Features | Price | Editor Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most comfortable | $ | ||
| Durable and lightweight | $ | ||
Coleman Comfort Smart Camping Cot
| Resistant to wear and tear | $ | ||
| Supports heavy weight | $$ | ||
| Ultra-lightweight | $$ |
The outdoors isn’t always synonymous to uncomfortable sleep – well, unless you don’t like sleeping. But, who doesn’t enjoy a good night’s sleep? So, rather than hate camping, just get the best camping cot.
After spending the entire day hunting, climbing or hiking, you deserve a good night’s sleep regardless of the remoteness of the camping ground. Lack of sleep only makes you cranky and bad company to your camping mates as a result. You will also suffer from fatigue fast. The only way out is to look for comfortable outdoor sleeping gear.
Failure to research means that you will go for the normal; a sleeping bag and a tent or a hammock. This isn’t to say that these are inappropriate or the worst sleeping camp gear. What we mean is that a camping cot is a preferable solution is a campaign cot.
We know this all too well after spending a few camping nights in sleeping bags that weren’t warm or comfortable given the cold, wet and uneven ground. As we all know, experience is a good teacher. It took experience for me to know that while I cannot shelf my love for camping, I couldn’t withstand the intolerable sleeping conditions on the tent’s floor. There always is a better alternative, and in this case, the alternative is a camping cot.
Camping cots are lightweight, portable, comfortable and durable bed-like furniture. The cot has a waterproof polyester fabric, and it is easy to maintain. For support, the cots have strong stainless steel or aluminum frames. Most cots are easy to setup, and they fold easily as well. Because of this, they are becoming famous among campers and outdoor enthusiasts in general.
So, rather than spend the whole night tossing and turning and waking up with a sore back and a stiff neck, every camper is looking for a piece of the best camping cot on the market.
[tcb-script async=”” src=”//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=391d0b1f-1e1c-480e-977a-59654f5d1db8″][/tcb-script]1. Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot – most comfortable
We love spending time outdoors, but no one likes getting bitten by insects and other creepy creatures on the ground. So, instead of staying out of the grass completely, we have camping cots. The cots make it easy for you to drink in the sun’s rays at sunset while reading a book or stargazing.
After years of camping, this Coleman 2000020273 80 x 32-Inches Pack-Away Cot remains unbeatable because it is ideal for use outdoors and indoors. It comes with a removable side table with a cup holder. You can also use this side table to hold a book, magazine or snacks. Therefore, this camping cot is the ideal comfort cot for all campers.
But, the add-ons aren’t all that make this a highly desirable camping cot. This cot is long lasting. Its construction is reliable thanks to the use of a heavy-duty steel frame. This frame is corrosion resistant, and it can comfortably hold a maximum weight of 300lbs.
The cot’s ability to hold 300lbs of weight also results from the use of sturdy polyester. This polyester fabric is durable, and the strong attachment to the frame prevents accidents. The use of polyester is a stealth design move noting that polyester is water proof. This means that cleaning the cot is easy.
This cot is extra-wide and extra-long, and it supports anyone below 6ft. 6in tall. This is an ideal size for most campers given the fact that most of the US population is below the 6’6 mark.
The other reason why this is a preferable camping cot for most people is the fact that it makes a perfect sleeping den for guests and when not in use, it folds easily. Therefore, you can store it away neatly until the next use.
It fits into a carry bag after folding, and this makes the cot portable. It is also lightweight, and you won’t have to struggle to carry it to and from the camping site.
PROS
- Easy setup – just fold it out. Folding and packing is also simple taking seconds.
- It is stable and very comfortable to sleep on.
- It is strong and lasts long.
- It is versatile.
CONS
- If using it in the tent, it may tear the tent. So, you have to put something under the legs.
2. Coleman Trailhead Camping Cot – durable and lightweight
Rather than buying a sleeping bed or reusing an uncomfortable sleeping pad, you should consider getting a camping cot. The goodness of a camping cot is that it lets you sleep off the ground and this means that you get a homely feel out in the wilderness.
This Coleman Trailhead II Cot is a favorite camping cot for most campers. If you are a frequent camper or you’d like to make your first camping experience comfortable and memorable, you need this cot.
It is a high-quality camping cot made of heavy-duty polyester fabric. The use of this strong polyester fabric is the reason why this cot can support a maximum weight of 300lbs. But, to support all that weight, the polyester fabric needs extra structural support. In this case, the structural support comes in the form of a durable dual-cross-bar steel frame. Steel is corrosion resistant and strong.
Other than being a high-quality camping gear, its assembly is easy. This cot folds compactly after setup.
It is versatile, and you can use it at home when relaxing outdoors or when you need extra sleeping space for your guest. This cot has a comfortable and a supportive design. Anyone not taller than 6”2 can use this cot comfortably.
The other reason why this makes the best camping cot is that it is highly portable. It is one of the lightest camping cots on the market, and it weighs a mere 0.04lbs. This low weight means that you can use it when backpacking. Also, since it is foldable, you won’t dread packing it and carrying it.
PROS
- Easy folding.
- Heavy-duty construction makes the cot durable.
- It is affordable.
- It is lightweight.
CONS
- It’s not the most comfortable camping cot on the market.
- Setup isn’t the easy especially dealing with the second crossbar.
3. Coleman Comfort Smart Camping Cot – resistant to wear and tear
You don’t have to compromise on your comfort just because you are out camping. While many companies make camping cots, Coleman is on the forefront. This Coleman 2000020271 ComfortSmart Cot is a true definition of comfortable camping cots.
The cot’s construction and the use of a thick foam mattress plus a spring coil suspension make for the cot’s superior comfort. While camping is fun, most of us shy away from it because of uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. However, thanks to this cot, we can finally look forward to camping. Sleeping on this cot feels as if you never left home.
Comfort isn’t all that this camping cot offers, this cot has a durable construction which gives you value for your money. The cot has a heavy-duty steel frame which supports up to 275lbs. In addition to the spring coil suspension, you will not have to worry about falling or the cot tearing apart. The polyester fabric that supports the fabric is also sturdy.
If you are 5’7 or below, then this is the cot for you. You will also like how easy it is to set the cot up and to fold it away when you are done camping. It folds into a small compact size, and it fits your car’s trunk easily.
Cleaning and maintenance of this camping cot is easy. You can easily wipe the steel frame, and you also wipe the foam mattress thanks to the waterproof cover.
PROS
- It is comfortable.
- It is durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- It folds easily, and it is easy to setup.
CONS
- The coils come out easily.
- It is not ideal for tall persons.
- The foam has a strong smell when new.
4. TETON Sports Camping Cot – supports heavy weight
Why sleep in a sleeping bag on the tent’s floor when you can sleep on a camping cot that eases the anxiety that comes with sleeping outdoors? When it comes to camping, most of us love the campfire part and the fact that we get to enjoy magnificent views.
However, none of us loves the discomfort of sleeping. It is for this reason that most of us go for this TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot.
The cot makes use of an Outfitter XXL Camp Pad which gives off a feeling of a luxury bed. It is, therefore, a comfortable camping cot which you can use as a guest bed too.
This camping tent is one of the larger tents on the market. Its sleeping area is larger than that of a twin mattress. It is also a strong camping cot that supports a maximum weight of 600lbs without sagging. Therefore, if you are a heavy-set adult or you need to sit on the cot more than two people, you won’t have to worry about breaking the cot, as long as you don’t exceed the weight limit.
When using it in a tent, you won’t have to worry about the cot’s feet digging into and tearing the tent thanks to the use of rubber feet. This is a wise move made by Teton Sports noting that most of the older models dug and tore tents. So, for protection of the tent, you may want to get this TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot.
When not in use, you can easily pack and store this cot because the cot folds away into the sturdy drawstring canvas bag. This makes it easy to carry the camping cot.
The strength of this cot comes from the patented steel leg frame. The frame is the reason why the cot holds heavy weights and also the reason for the fast folding mechanism.
PROS
- It is big, and it supports heavy weight.
- Heavy-duty construction for durability.
- It is comfortable.
- It has rubber feet to protect the tent.
CONS
- Poor quality carry bag.
- It is too big for small tents
5. Moon Lence Camping Cot – Ultra-lightweight
Many people worry and forego camping because they have to catch up on sleep when they get home. This happens because most sleeping bags or airbags are uncomfortable. Well, not anymore. There are many camping cots which offer rather luxurious sleeping even in the wild, and this is Moon Lence Portable Ultralight Compact Camping Cot is a cot you may like.
It is comfortable because of the use of the use of high-quality and 420D thickening polyester fabric. The fabric comfortably holds a maximum of 350lbs. This high weight capacity also comes from the use of high-strength 7075 aluminum alloy bracket.
This aluminum alloy doesn’t just make this cot strong but also light. The frame is the reason why this is an ultra-lightweight sleeping cot when camping.
The comfort of this camping cot also comes from the cot’s breathable and waterproof bed surface.
Because of the design of this cot, it is not just ideal for camping as it can work when out fishing, seaside vacationing or during brunch or barbecues. This cot is an important piece of furniture in disaster relief as well.
By being a lightweight cot, it is portable and effortless to assemble. You can set it up quickly and when not in use; you can fold it down. You don’t require any tools to set it up or fold it.
An additional comfort feature afforded by this cot is its multi-use pillow. All you have to do is to fill the pillow case with soft stuff such as clothes. You can also use the pillow case as a storage bag.
PROS
- It is easy to setup.
- Ultra-lightweight.
- It is comfortable to sleep on.
- Perfect for rainy conditions.
CONS
- The feet aren’t sturdy; they are smooth, and they slide on the tent’s floor.
- It may miss some parts.
How did we pick the best camping cot?
All camping cots work in the same manner. They all have a heavy-duty polyester fabric which one lies on and a strong metal support which elevates the bed from the ground. Though they all look similar, or close, they have variations in the height, length and the width. The frame material also differs in most cases. The cots also vary in terms of the maximum weight they can hold. Their comfort levels vary as well.
Because of these differences, you cannot buy any camping cot on the market. You have to get the best camping cot. Our review covers five of the best camping cots on the market. These are the cots that offer the most comfort.
For us to determine the best camping cots, we considered the following features:
- The maximum weight they can support
- The sturdiness of the construction fabric and frame.
- The maximum height supported for comfort.
- The ease of set up.
- Folding and storage.
- Lightweight and portability.
Besides these features, we picked the best camping cots by looking at the manufacturing company’s reputation. While most people get attracted to cots because of the company name and because of the company’s brand presence, we dug deeper. Our best cots are from companies with exceptional customer service and delivery. These are the companies whose online product descriptions stay true to the real product.
Also, we noted the reliability of the cots in the long run. You wouldn’t want to buy a camping cot that breaks or tears after a few uses. For these reasons, you find that brands like Coleman, Teton and Moon Lence at the center of our reviews. Good warranty deals also play a big role in determining the reliability of the cots.
An important tool which remained the guide for our review is user reviews. Having used these cots, past sellers shed more light into the functionality of the cots.
FRAMEWhen looking at the frames of the camping cots, we note that most of the highly rated cots have stainless steel frames. Stainless steel is corrosion resistant, and it is strong. It is the reason why some of the tents can hold up to 600lbs of weight. And, while it is strong, steel isn’t relatively lightweight. Coleman and Teton camping cots have stainless steel frames, and this is the reason for their heavy duty design and high strength.
On the other side of the field, there are exceptional camping cots made of aluminum alloys rather than stainless steel. Moon Lence Portable Ultralight Compact Camping Cot is one such cot. The advantage of aluminum alloys is the lightweight. Aluminum and aluminum alloy frames are also considerably strong but, not as strong as the stainless steel frames.
FIT IN TENTSThough you can use the cot out of the tent, when you need a cot for sleeping, leaving it outdoors will be a wrong move. For that reason, you need to look for a cot that will fit in the tent. Fortunately, most tents on the market and the ones we reviewed fit in standard tents except the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot which fits in large tents only. While considering if the tent fits in a tent or not, we also checked if the cot can cause tearing of the tent. That is why we checked the feet. The tents with rubber feet like the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot are preferable to most users because it doesn’t tear the tent’s floor fabric.
Having noted all these, we also picked these five cots by looking at the weight limit which lies between 250lbs and 300lbs for most individuals.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Camping Cot
Portability
You or someone you are going camping with needs to carry the camping cot. This begs the question, do you need an entire troop of scouts to carry the cot even for 100 yards? For portability, you have to consider the weight of the cot.
Tip: The best camping cot is ultra-lightweight hence portable. However, the weight shouldn’t compromise the strength of the cot. It is for this reason that most of us look at cots with a high strength to weight ratio. A cot that weighs 13lbs and accommodates a maximum of 300lbs is preferable to a cot weighing 40lbs supporting the same weight.
Durability
How long will the cot last? There are indestructible cots on the market but, all you need is a cot that will hold your weight throughout the camping period. Also, the cot shouldn’t be useless after one season. A good quality camping cot should handle most of your camping needs. It should also have the capacity to hold your weight comfortably.
Pro tip: a good cot has a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs, and from online user reviews, you can tell that the cot holds that weight comfortably. While the cots with spring coils last long, they wear after some time. In other cases, the coils fall off when in use and you have to reattach them.
Fabric
This is a critical consideration in all matters camping cots. The fabrics that make up cots are rated in deniers abbreviated D. The higher the denier number, the higher the strength and the quality of the fabric.
Pro tip: the lowest denier number to consider for the best camping cot is 600D but since you can also go for a 420D fabric for a cot in extreme cases. You may also consider getting ripstop fabrics because they hold up to rough use better by resisting tearing.
Size
Will the cot fit your body? If you are tall, will it accommodate your full length? To avoid sleeping with your legs tucked all night long, get a camping cot that fits your body.
Pro tip: for your comfort, look for a bigger cot. You should also look for high cots because you will have extra storage space under the cot. This helps in de-cluttering the tent especially if you’ll be sharing the tent. Keep in mind the width of the cot for the comfort of your shoulders.
Frame
The lens’ coating determines the monocular’s refractive power. By refracting light, the image appears darker than the object. The darker images are of better quality.
Pro tip: look at the thickness of the joints and the frame. In most cases, the cheap cots have thin gauge metal as well as joints which are hard to flex. The best cots have stainless steel or aluminum frames, and they flex easily.
Weatherproofing
What is the weather like? Will the fabric increase your comfort regardless of the weather?
Pro tip: for use in hot weather, look for fabrics made of thin fabric because these fabrics will leave room for cooling. For cold weather, an insulated mattress or cot is preferable.
Accessories
Some of the best cots for camping come with side tables, mosquito netting, and storage pockets for clothing and reading materials.
Conclusion
As a camper, buying a camping cot makes the difference between comfortable sleeping and a sleepless night. While sleeping bags and airbags are the most common sleeping options for campers, they aren’t the most comfortable.
A camping cot means that you don’t have to sleep on the ground. On rainy days and nights, camping becomes more comfortable because you do not have to sleep on the ground. Also, you can use lie on a camping cot when reading a book, napping or when drinking your favorite drink, enjoying the view of the sun setting or rising.
On the other hand, when not camping, the cot works as an extra bed for guests. You only need to get a sleeping pad or a mattress. The versatility of a camping cot doesn’t end there; rescue centers use them in case of accidents or natural disasters. Finally, you can use the cot in the backyard when chilling or catching up with family and friends.
From our review, the camping cot that offers all these benefits is the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot. It is extra-wide and long, and it supports a maximum weight of 300lbs. It is comfortable and durable. These desirable characteristics of this cot come from the heavy-duty steel frame construction and the strong polyester fabric. Also, this cot comes with a removable side table that enhances convenience of using the cot. Looking at these features, this Coleman 80 x 32-Inches Pack-Away Camping Cot is our best camping cot.
