Top Rated Cots
Our top rated cots are light and easy to pack especially for backpacking trips. They're incredibly durable and provide a comfortable night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This premium cot can be used from the moment of birth and can be extended as your child develops. It's pricey, but it has a great feel and look.
Easy to Assemble
If you're planning to camp regularly, a cot that is easy to put up and remove will make your life a lot easier. A well-designed cot is compact and mobile and has an adjustable handle that makes it easy to carry and store. It should be comfortable to lie on so you can get the rest of your night.
Certain cots come with state-of-the art technologies which make them easy to put together. A cot that has push down joints, for instance can be snapped into position in just a few seconds. Another excellent feature is a locking mechanism that makes it difficult for the joints to become loose. This is especially helpful for those traveling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another excellent camping cot. This cot is simple to set up and is one of the most comfortable we've tested. It's a bit bigger than the other cots we tested and might not fit in smaller tents. It has a base with puck legs to help it stay level and stop it from getting into the floor of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a comfortable, soft mattress that lifts you off the ground. It is more comfortable than any other cot we tested.
If you're a backpacker and need a cot, then consider the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering's ReadyLite Cot. They're light enough to backpack with however, they're also large enough to be comfortably used in wall tents. These cots are great for hunting outposts that are only accessible by ATV or truck.
If you're looking for a cot which is easy to set up and comfortable to sleep on, search for one that has a mattress built-in and has no bars on your feet or your head. These types of cots are heavier than other types of cots, however they can still be easily transported in the back of your vehicle and placed on top of other gear. They are also ideal for short hikes when you require a comfy and easy place to rest.
Comfortable
The best camping cots are comfortable enough to offer you a peaceful night's rest. They're a much closer approximation to the mattress than sleeping pads, which can feel hard and lumpy, are harder to put together, and expose you to cold ground which can get into your sleeping bag. Cots that have integrated pads or pockets for pads tend to be more soft and warmer than those that don't.
Some cots, like the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, come with a real air mattress, making it one of the softest camping cots you can find. It's also big enough to fit two people if they are not too tall. This makes it a perfect choice for shared tents or family camping trips.
The level of comfort a cot offers is crucial if you're backpacking. Backpackers usually focus on reducing weight in their packs, and consequently, they may be willing to sacrifice some features that are comfortable to reduce the weight of their gear. Cots like the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are great for backpackers because they can be easily moved and stored inside a backpack, while still offering stability and support.
However, if you're camping near your car and don't have to worry about lugging your gear around with you It's worth investing in a more relaxing camping cot. Mini Cot Bed Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 has extra padding that makes it feel more like an actual bed. It's a bit heavier than other options on this list, however it's still light and compact enough to be carried by backpackers. It's among the most comfortable cots you could get for under $200. The only drawback is that it's too narrow for those who prefer an extra large surface to sleep on.
Durable
A quality camping cot has to be durable for long-term use. It should be resistant to elements like rust and corrosion. The majority of cots are made from steel or aluminum. The top ones are made of an anti-water coating that repels water. You can protect your cot further by covering it with a tent or tarp to prevent rain exposure.
The frame of your cot can also affect its durability. Aluminum frames are light but they can easily bend. They are also not as strong as steel frames. If you plan to rough it, a more robust Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be a better option. It can withstand more weight, while being built to last.
Cots are a great choice for comfort when compared to sleeping bags. They are more stable and less sloppy than mats for sleeping. Some cots are equipped with additional features, like side tables or storage compartments to improve the their functionality.
Cots come in many different styles and materials but generally, they are constructed in the same way. Heavier fabrics like canvas or cotton are typically more comfortable to sleep on than nylon or polyester that is lighter. Lightweight cots are more prone to tear. It is recommended to select a fabric that is sturdy.
You should also consider the ease with which a cot is to set up and take down before deciding which one to purchase. Some models require a bit of assembly, while others are as simple as removing them and locking them into the right place. The most effective cots will take into account your preferences for ease of setup and will still offer the level of comfort and durability you need.
We've reviewed the top cots in our thorough review, ensuring that you choose the ideal model for your next camping excursion. We have reviews and recommendations that will help you locate the ideal cot, regardless of whether you are seeking a light cot to take backpacking, or a heavy duty cot for camping in the car.
Lightweight
For those who wish to sleep comfortably while camping without lugging around lots of gear, there are lightweight cots that offer a great night's sleep. These cots are usually constructed of steel alloy or aluminum frames, which are durable and are able to withstand more weight than thinner models. These cots may also have nylon or polyester sleeping mat that is more comfortable and doesn't trap sand as the tent mattress would.
The OEX Ultralite is a great example of a lightweight cot that's specifically designed to be used in backpacking. At just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's very lightweight to carry and simple to set up. However, it's small and narrow for taller people, and the sleeping surface does not provide much cushioning or support.
There are also lightweight cots that are designed for camping in a tent or car, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot offers plenty of space for most campers and a comfortable bed area. The maze of poles can seem daunting at first, but once you get used to it, it becomes easy to set up.
Backpacking enthusiasts will need to find a cot designed specifically for backpacking, like the Helinox Lite Cot and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots weigh less than standard cots and are therefore ideal for backcountry hunting. They can be easily carried in a backpack, and can make remote hunting outposts more comfortable.
Another option for backcountry hunters is the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. The cot is small and lightweight, so it is able to fit in the majority of backpacks. It's not quite as comfortable as some of the other cots we tested however it's an excellent choice for backpacking hunters.
Think about the features you need most when choosing a cot that will allow you to sleep comfortably during a camping trip. There are cots that have luxurious padding, a pillowtop and other features that make camping feel like a luxurious hotel suite.