Top Rated Cots
Our top-rated cots can be easily packed up and are light which makes them ideal for backpacking trips. They're extremely durable and offer a comfortable night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This premium cot can be used from birth and extended as your child grows. It's pricey, but it has the perfect feel and design.
Easy to Assemble
If you plan on camping regularly, a cot that is easy to install and take down will make your life easier. A good cot is compact and mobile, with a handle to make it easy to move and store. It should be comfortable to sleep on, so that you can enjoy a good night's rest.
Certain cots come with modern technology that make them simple to assemble. For example a cot with push-down joints can be snapped into position in just a few seconds, which is very practical. A lock mechanism is another fantastic feature that keeps joints from slipping loose. This is especially useful for families traveling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another excellent camping cot. This cot is easy to put together and is among the most comfortable we tested. It's a bit larger than other cots we looked at which means it won't fit into smaller tents. It comes with a base with puck legs to help it stay level and stop it from digging into the floor fabric of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a comfortable, soft mattress that lifts you up off the ground. It is more comfortable than any other cot we tested.
If you're a backpacker and need a cot, you should consider the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering's ReadyLite Cot. They're light enough to carry in a backpack, but they're also big enough to be comfortably used in wall tents. These cots are perfect for hunting outposts only accessible by truck or ATV.
If you are looking for an cot with an integrated bed, but no bars on the feet or the head choose one that has both. These types of cots are a bit bulkier than other types of cots, but they can still be transported in the back of your car and stacked with other equipment. They're also a great option for short hikes when you need a quick, comfortable place to sleep.
Comfortable
The best camping cots are comfortable enough to provide you a peaceful night's rest. Baby beds to the mattress than sleeping pads that often seem hard and lumpy and are more difficult to set up, and expose you to cold ground that can transfer through your sleeping bag. Cots with integrated pads or pad pockets tend to be softer and warmer than ones without.
Some cots, including the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, have a literal air mattress, making it one of the cushiest camping cots available. It's also big enough to accommodate two people on it if they're not too tall and makes it a great option for camping trips with the family or tents shared.
The level of comfort a cot offers is particularly important if you're planning to backpack. Backpackers usually focus on reducing weight in their packs and as such, they may be willing to sacrifice certain features that are comfortable to reduce the weight of their equipment. Cots such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are ideal for backpackers since they are able to be easily transported and stored inside a backpack, while still giving support and stability.
If, however, you're camping next to your car and don't have to worry about lugging your gear around with you, then it's worth investing in a more comfortable camping cot. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a great example of a camping cot designed with extra padding to make it feel as similar to a bed as you can get. It's heavier than some of the other options on this list, however it's still small enough and light enough to be carried by backpackers. It's one of the most comfortable cots that you can buy for less than $200. The only issue is the fact that it's a bit narrow for those who like an extra large surface to sleep on.
Durable
A good camping cot needs to last for a long time of use. It should also be resistant to the elements, such as rust or corrosion. The majority of cots are made from steel or aluminum. The most durable ones have a coating that blocks water. You can protect your cot by covering it with either a tent or tarp in order to prevent exposure to rain.
The frame of your cot can also have an impact on its durability. While aluminum frames are light however, they can easily bend and aren't as strong as steel-framed alternatives. If you're planning to rough it, a heavier Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be a better option. It is able to support more weight while being built to last.
In terms of comfort, cots are an excellent alternative to sleeping bags. They are more stable and less lumpy than sleeping mats. Some cots have extra features like storage compartments or side tables to enhance the functionality.
Cots can come in different styles and materials, but they typically have similar constructions. Canvas or cotton are heavier fabrics which are more comfortable for sleeping on than nylon or polyester. The cots that are lightweight may be more susceptible to tearing and tearing, so it's crucial to select a strong fabric for your needs.
When deciding which cot you want to purchase, it is important to take into consideration the ease of putting up and disassembling the bed. Some models require a bit of assembly and others can be put together by simply unfolding them and locking them into their place. The top cots will be able to meet your requirements for ease of setup, while still providing the comfort and durability you need.
We've reviewed the top cots in our thorough review, so that you can find the ideal model for your next camping excursion. If you're in search of a portable, lightweight option that is ideal for backpacking or a tough car camping cot We've got the reviews and suggestions to help choose the right one.
Lightweight
For those who want to sleep comfortably while camping without carrying a lot of gear, there are lightweight sleeping cots that can provide a good night's rest. These cots have frames made of steel alloy or aluminum which are more durable and can support heavier weights than the thinner models. They can also come with a nylon or polyester sleeping surface that is comfortable to lay on and won't be able to hold onto the sand like the traditional tent mattress does.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a lightweight cot that is designed to be used for backpacking. At just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's very light to carry and simple to set up. It's too short and narrow for those with larger frames, and it doesn't provide much support or cushioning.
There are also lightweight cots that are made for car or tent camping, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot has plenty of space for campers and a comfortable bed space. The maze of poles may be a bit daunting to assemble initially however, it's quite easy once you learn the system.
Backpackers might need to search for a cot specifically designed for backpacking, such as the Helinox Lite Cot or the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots weigh less than standard cots, and are thus ideal for hunting in the backcountry. They can be easily carried in backpacks, and make remote hunting outposts more livable.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is a different alternative for backpacking. The cot is light and compact when packed, and can be easily tucked away in backpacks without taking up too much space. It's not quite as comfortable as some of the other cots that we tested, but it is still an excellent choice for backpacking hunters.
Think about the features you need most when selecting the right cot for you to sleep comfortably during a camping trip. If you're looking to feel as close to home bed as you can when camping, there are even cots that include plush padding and a pillowtop, which can make your tent feel like a luxurious hotel suite.