The camping cot is basically a lightweight, collapsible bed in which you can sleep temporarily on conveniently. They are extremely portable in which they collapse into smaller folds with ease to fit your carry bag.
Apart from that, they are mostly used for camping activities such as car or motorcycle camping where you decide to spend a few nights. The cot is very comfortable for any outdoor activities especially if you have a bad back as the cot will relieve your back and shoulder area from fatigue and pain therefore promising you a great night’s sleep.
Though heavier than other sleeping options (fancy an inflatable air lounge?), this product is good for a long-term option as it is portable and comfortable. One of its unique advantage is that it keeps you above the ground so you won’t have to lie down on the rocky terrain of the jungle for example, thereby providing you with added comfort.
To get the best camping cot, you should take into consideration essential factors such as ease of use, portability, weight/size, comfort and support and construction material. All in all, this product can be considered a proper and comfy sleeping system as you can climb on and off it with ease. Its slight elevation from the ground on the other hand prevents ground insects from getting to you.
Also, you might be interested in a waterproof tarp.
You should also get a pocket flashlight with you for camping which comes in handy during low light conditions. Also, what is a camping trip without a versatile hunting knife?
Top 7 Rated Camping Cot Comparison Table
| Name of Product | Weight | Weight Capacity | Comfort | Ease of Use | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KingCamp Stable Camping Bed Cot | 15.9 lbs | 220 lbs | High | Easy | $$ |
| Therm-a-Rest Luxury Lite Ultralite Cot | 3.2 lbs | 325 lbs | High | Easy | $$$ |
| Magshion Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot | 8 lbs | 300 lbs | Moderate | Easy | $$ |
| Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot | 25 lbs | 300 lbs | High | Moderate | $$$ |
| Coleman Comfort Smart Cot | 14 lbs | 275 lbs | Moderate | Easy | $$ |
| Coleman Airbed Queen Cot | 41.9 lbs | 600 lbs | High | Moderate | $$$ |
| Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot | 26 lbs | 600 lbs | High | Easy | $$$ |
Ease of Use
Of course everybody will prefer a cot with a simple and straightforward operation. Basically it is foldable so it will arrive in a compact size. You need to set it up by unfolding it which takes just matter of minutes. The setting up process is rather simple because the fabric is held by Velcro straps and the frame so you are able to unfold it with ease.
To pack it up, you need to unfold the cot back to initial condition, similar to when you first got it. Unfolding is straightforward however you need to fold it back to the same compact size to fit your carry bag. That part is slightly tricky as you need to properly fold it till it’s compact and small to be packed into the bag.
Possessing a carry bag is highly essential because it makes transporting the product simple. Despite it being heavy or either lightweight, the carry bag or backpack makes it a lot simpler to transport the cot especially if you are camping or travelling.
Portability
The portability of the product depends on how easy is it for you to carry it during a camping trip for instance. It is large influenced by the compact size of the product. To be honest, all cots are portable since they are to be folded compactly to a small size in order to fit the bag. The more you are able to fold it, the portable it is. This is because getting a cot which is small enough to fit the carry bag would mean that it is compact enough and portable.
As mentioned above, having some sort of tote or carry bag is vital when setting up and folding down the product. Each product should have their own assigned carry bag for ease of us as well as to ensure it is very portable. Bear in mind that you need to properly fold the cot to the most compact size to make it most portable.
Weight / Size
The weight depends on the construction materials of the framework and fabric. The size also plays a small role in determining the weight of the cot. Larger products especially that accommodates higher weight capacity are most likely to be heavier than the smaller ones as it has more framework.
The weight of the cot depends on your personal preference. Since it will be folded anyways, the heavier ones won’t make much difference. It will only be a little heavier, and you’re carrying it using the tote bag anyways.
Comfort & Support
The main reason people prefer the camping cot instead of other lighter sleeping options is because it offers excellent comfort. Since the cot is elevated above the ground, it will keep away ground bugs from getting to you if you are spending the night in the wilderness for example, thus leading to a good night’s rest.
Due to the elevation from the ground, it regulates the temperature. It keeps you cool at all times due to air convection, so you will feel more relaxed and comfy. Not only that, this product has framework below the fabric so it will give you good back support. In fact, this type of sleeping option is preferred by older hunters or people with bad back.
Some of it comes with foam pads, airbeds and mattress specially designed for user’s comfort especially if you plan to hit the sack. If you are camping for example, the mattress helps keep you insulated from the chilly air in the forest especially during the nights. However, you are advised to also bring along thick thermal blankets with you for better comfort and warmth if you are camping in a chilly area.
Construction Material
A cot is constructed from metal framework as well as fabric on the top of the framework. The frameworks are usually constructed from durable metals to ensure that it last for a long time and is corrosion-free. For the fabric on the other hand, it should be able to support the average body weight and easy for you to clean. The most common fabrics used are nylon and polyester material.
Cost
There are ample products to choose from. To further cut it down, the cost plays an important role in deciding which product you are going to choose. Obviously, you will go for a product that is in your budget or maybe a little higher than your budget.
However, it is most effective if you go for a good and efficient cot to get the best results. Usually, the slightly expensive than average pricing offers additional features and is constructed from sturdier materials. Nevertheless, don’t let the price fool you. An affordable cot can also possess exceptional features; you just need to search for the best one well-suited to you and worth your investment. Do your research and make your choice!
KingCamp Stable Camping Bed Cot
You can sleep comfortably in this cot without the need of pillows due to the angle of its top that flanges compared to the body. In other words, the headrest at the top has a slight incline so you can rest your head with maximum comfort to get a good night’s rest. The incline cannot be flattened so don’t bother trying to.
Moreover, it comes with high strength steel tubes brackets as well as triangle frame structures therefore providing you with a sturdy and stable cot. The fabric on the other hand is made from breathable 600D double oxford fabric that is durable and comfortable for you to lie in for the whole night.
Weighing 15.9 lbs, this product is able to withstand a weight capacity of 220 lbs thereby either 1 person can lay on it or 2 people sit on it so that you don’t exert too much weight on the cot. It is able to fit most people’s frame of up to 6’2 feet so it can accommodate even tall and large built guys.
The unfolded dimensions on the other hand are 74.8 inches x 26.8 inches x 18.9 inches meanwhile the folded dimensions are 41.3 inches x 9.1 inches x 6.7 inches. A storage bag comes with the purchase of the product for easy transport and to store the cot conveniently.
Overall, this cot is lightweight and portable. It is suitable for adults, children, explorers and even house guests. In terms of its applications on the other hand, it is highly versatile as it can not only be utilized as the camping patio or pool furniture but also in beauty salons and reflexology offices according to your preference.
The cot is stable and well-balanced therefore providing you maximum comfort when laying or sitting down on it. In the cleaning aspect, you can properly maintain and clean it simply using soap and water.
Apart from that, this product is compact, quick as well as easy to setup and fold down. It folds small (repeatedly) so you can easily fit in into the carry bag with ease. There is a Velcro trap permanently attached to the cot that keeps it in folded position therefore making it easy to put into the carry bag.
Suitable for :
- Inclined headrest
- Easy to setup and fold down
- Stable and well-balanced
Therm-a-Rest Luxury Lite Ultralite Cot
This product is equipped with a stretch-free fabric bed that offers excellent, off-the-ground sleeping comfort. That being said, it is constructed from waterproof, stretch-free nylon cover as well as anodized aluminium poles and lightweight nylon feet. The anodization prevents corrosion on the metal parts of your product hence ensuring its durability.
Weighing just 3.2 lbs, it is extremely lightweight. It can even be considered as one of the most lightweight cot in the market therefore making it highly portable and suitable for short-term use such as a one-day camping or so. Hence, its compact and lightweight design allows it to fit easily into portable bags, backpacks or even a pannier.
Besides that, the cot’s patented bow frame design successfully eliminates painful crossbars and squeaky joints on your product. Also, it is able to stand up to heavy use, in which it can accommodate a weight capacity of 325 lbs.
This product also comes with a stuff sack for easy packing and storing of your collapsible bed. In terms of assembly on the other hand, it assembles easily and quickly with no tools required. In other words, the setting up of the cot is rather straightforward meanwhile it folds down well enough to fit into the included carry bag.
When sitting on the cot, your back might sag quite low to the ground depending on your weight. However, when you are laying down, you will be suspended evenly on the cot since the weight is distributed evenly.
That being said, the cot itself is low profile but high enough off the ground to prevent the loss of body heat through convection as well as ground bugs from getting to you. Also, you can add a thermarest pad on your cot for added comfort and warmth according to your preference.
Suitable for :
- Bow frame design
- One of the lightest cot
- Stretch-free fabric bed
- Easy assembly
Magshion Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot
Weighing 8 lbs, this military camping bed cot is rather on the heavier side. It is able to withstand the weight capacity of 300 lbs. Since it’s roomy, it is able to accommodate at least 2 people sitting and at most a person laying down for maximum comfort and convenience.
In addition to that, a free storage bag is included with the purchase of this product. The storage bag is used to store your collapsible bag once it is folded down therefore contributing to the portability of the product as you can conveniently transport it with the carry bag according to your preference.
The cot is rather portable and easy to handle with a quick and simple fold up design. The overall size of the cot once fixed is with dimensions, 13.5 inches x 24.5 inches x 72 inches in which it is able to accommodate the maximum user height of 6 feet tall. Conversely, the folded down dimensions of the cot are 4.5 inches x 24.5 inches x 36 inches which is really compact so you can fit it into the storage bag with ease.
Moreover, this product can be used for versatile applications as it is perfectly suitable as an emergency, military or a cabin cot as well as to accommodate an unexpected guest at home. The finish on the other hand is available in 5 different colors, either in camo or vibrant colors which you can choose according to your personal preference.
Constructed from steel material, this cot is rather sturdy and tough with oxford cloth. It is comfortable to relax in however it is best to bring along a blanket or foam pad as extra padding for added comfort and warmth.
Also, it is not designed to provide you with insulation therefore you should bring along a thick blanket if you plan to camp in chilly areas. The legs of this cot on the other hand swing out from underneath and click into a locked position which is supported by the main frame. That being said, it stabilizes the bed as well as prevent it from collapsing.
Suitable for :
- Supports 300 lbs weight capacity
- Quick and easy fold up design
- Includes storage bag
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
Kamp-Rite’s oversized tent cot is basically a tent with fully framed and enclosed cot with nylon sides as well as mesh door and windows to provide you with a great and comfortable camping or any outdoor activity experience.
Its elevated sleeping platform keeps your head inclined at all times therefore you don’t require any pillows to get a good night’s rest. The inclined platform also keeps you high and dry away from bugs and snakes.
Apart from that, the heavy duty 210D tent and rain fly are designed to handle most wet weather conditions. The tent cover above prevent the rain drops from touching you therefore keeping your dry most times. However, it can only keep your dry during drizzly weather with slight rain instead of in heavy thunderstorms.
Its versatile design on the other hand allows you to use it as a lounge, chair or flatbed according to your preference. Since this product has both a tent and a cot in which the tent envelops the cot, the cot size is 90 inch x 32 inch meanwhile the tent size is 90 inch x 32 inch x 36 inch. When folded, it measures up to 34 inch x 7 inch x 34 inch.
In addition to that, the oversize version offers 12 inches of additional headroom as well as extra elbowroom on the sides compared to the original version therefore making it able to support one or two extra people with more comfort. In other words, it is roomy and comfortable as you have plenty of room to stretch and laze around.
In terms of operation, it is designed to setup in matter of seconds therefore pointing out its simple and straightforward operation. You just need to simply place it at any level ground, then toss your sleeping bag or blanket on it and voila, you’re good to go.
Not only that, you can even collapse the tent to be transformed into a flat cot orientation or convert it into a lounge by tilting one of its end upwards according to your preference and comfort level.
This product on the other hand is constructed from a sturdy aluminium frame as well as comes with a 3/8 inch foam insulated pad for added comfort. However, it is good to bring an extra blanket or sleeping pad along for better padding and comfort. Also, the cot is secured with anti-vibration aluminium nuts and bolts that won’t rust or loosen over time therefore contributing to the sturdiness and durability of this product.
Suitable for :
- Unique tent cot
- Keeps you dry during wet weather
- Comes with 3/8 inch foam insulation
- Sturdy aluminum frame
Coleman Comfort Smart Cot
Weighing 14 lbs, Coleman’s comfort smart cot has a durable construction. It is made from heavy-duty sturdy steel frame that supports weight capacity of up to 275 lbs and people with the maximum height of 5 feet and 7 inches. Therefore, as long as you’re below the weight limit, you are able to sit or lay down on it without it sagging.
Moreover, the product is overall compact therefore able to fold up repeatedly to fit the inside of most car trunks with ease as it doesn’t take up much space once stored. The folded dimensions are 34.3 inch x 25.4 inch x 5.5 inch meanwhile the unfolded dimensions are 69 inch x 25 inch x 15 inch.
No storage bag are included with the purchase of this product so you should get one separately for your convenience to store the folded cot with ease hence allowing for easy transport. Not only that, it can be utilized for versatile applications such as camping, military training or to be used as temporary beds at home. The comfortable fabric is beneficial for people with bad backs.
Apart from that, the mattress folds well within the frame whereas its Velcro tabs holds it together tightly which comes in handy so you can fold it down with ease during storage. The frame on the other hand are well-structured therefore providing you with stable and sturdy overall cot framework. Also, the cot will not likely sag so you can get a good and comfy night’s rest.
That being said, it is equipped with thick foam mattress and spring coil suspension to provide you with superior comfort. The foam mattress is very good for people with sore back as it cushions your body well with the extra padding.
The spring coil suspension on the other hand makes the product stable and stretchable therefore convenient for you to setup and fold down the cot with maximum ease. You won’t be having any metal frame or bar from poking onto your back thus offering you a good rest.
Not only that, the mattress is rather easy to maintain and clean in which you can simply just wipe it off to remove stains and dirt. Also, the mattress pad is a little thin so you should get a blanket or quilt for a more cozy and insulated environment.
Suitable for :
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Thick foam mattress
- Spring coil suspension
- No storage bag included
Coleman Airbed Queen Cot
This cot is equipped with a versatile design that makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage. It features a 2 in 1, airbed and cot to provide you with elevated sleeping support. However, both of it are separately attached so you have double sleeping space. The space is estimated to be similar to that of a Queen sized bed.
Both the airbed and cot sets up as well as folds down easily inside the included carry bag for compact storage and toting. The carry bag is important so you can conveniently transport your product around with ease rather than carrying the folded product in your hands.
It is constructed from durable steel frame that is able to support the weight capacity of up to 600 lbs therefore providing you with plenty of room on the cot. That being said, you can accommodate more people on it hence why this product is suitable for family use as more than a person can lay down on it. It accommodates heights up to 6 feet and 2 inches.
Apart from that, it comes with a special additional feature making it different from other products in the market. In other words, this product has 2 side tables with cup holders so you can keep your drink or other personal items such as books and magazines conveniently according to your preference.
The cot includes a 4D battery pump to inflate and deflate the thick airbed with ease. However, the batteries for this pump are sold separately so you are advised to purchase them as the battery pump makes setting up a breeze. Also, the big thick material of the airbed is very comfortable with a lot of padding therefore suitable for people with bad backs.
Its Airtight system guarantees no leakage of air from the airbed. The sewn-in cover on the other hand keeps it in place on the strong steel frame. Hence it won’t wobble and move when you exert force on it thus being very stable and well-balanced.
In terms of operation, the process is rather straightforward. You just need to connect the included 4D pump to the double lock valve for easy and leak-free inflation in which the airtight system will ensure it stays inflated. When you’re ready to pack up, you can use the valve to deflate the bed and fold it to fit the carry bag.
Suitable for :
- Airbed and cot (2 in 1)
- Durable steel frame
- 4D battery pump included
- Two side tables with cup holder
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
The setup (unfolded) dimensions of this camping cot are 85 inch x 40 inch x 19 inch meanwhile the pack size (folded) dimensions are 42 inch x 12 inch x 7 inch. It weighs 26 pounds and comes in a rugged black finish. Also, it is worth your investment as it provides lifetime warranty, might I add!
Moreover, the bed is extremely large to support the weight capacity of up to 600 pounds. Therefore, it has plenty of room and space and able to accommodate more people so you can consider it for family use due to this feature. At least 2 people can sleep in the cot comfortably.
Equipped with the XXL size, it offers a lot of space for you to stretch and have a good night’s rest. That being said, the sleeping area is deemed to be larger than a twin size mattress without it sagging when you lay down on it.
It is constructed from a sturdy aluminium frame together with patented steel legs as well as a 600D poly canvas top to ensure ultimate comfort due to the soft fabric and great durability due to its strong and tough metal-made framework.
In addition to that, the cot can be used for versatile applications as it is compatible to be used with the outfitter XXL camp pad, gun sleeve, quick tent, cot organizer as well as the under cot storage. Also, it is perfect and suitable to be used for camping, base camp activities and hunting according to your preference.
This product is comfortable enough to be utilized as a guest bed when paired with the comfortable camp pad included with the purchase of it. For added comfort however, you can buy separately an additional foam pad to put on the mattress for your convenience. Also, the new and upgraded rubber feet design comes in handy to provide better protection for the tent floor.
Besides that, the cot easily folds up for easy transport. It folds into a sturdy drawstring bag for simple carrying and stowing when travelling or camping in the wilderness. The operation on the other hand is simple and hassle-free which comes in handy to provide you with a convenient camping experience.
However, if you have any doubts, you can always refer to the included Teton instructional manual on the setup and maintenance of this camping cot for guidance and clarified explanation.
Suitable for :
- Lifetime warranty
- Supports 600 lbs
- Heavy duty poly canvas top
- Upgraded rubber feet design
Conclusion
The camping cot can be used for versatile applications such as car camping, military field work, international travelling as well as your indoor home use to accommodate an unexpected guest. Though slightly heavier than other sleeping options, it is comfortable especially for people with bad backs. The slight elevation over the ground regulates the temperature therefore ensuring a good night’s rest.
Therefore, you should choose one of the top rated product above to have a durable and comfortable cot according to preference. I hope my review assists you in making the right choice.