Best Camping Cot -7 Best Camping Cots

Camping is an amazing experience because you get one with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It can also be extremely peaceful and relaxing… that is, until you sleep on a hard rocky surface. After a long day of swimming, hiking, gathering wood for cooking, and other physical activities, wouldn’t you wish you’d be able to sleep comfortably? This is where camping cots will save the day.

A cot is a lightweight, portable bed used as alternative for permanent beds. It was first used by the Roman army, and widely used during the Soviet period when cots were used as temporary solution to the massive housing problem. Cots were also used in hospital, evacuation centers and in the field throughout many wars in history.

Today, cots have evolved and used widely as a much-needed camping gear. You can find a variety of camping cots in different materials, sizes, weights, fabrics, and so on.

Benefits of Camping Cots

Camping cots offer a much comfortable sleeping system than mattresses, sleeping bags or tents. With a sleeping cot, your back is away from the cold ground. Other advantages of camping cots include:

• Comfortable – Camping cots work similarly to real beds. When you lie down, your back is elevated, so you won’t have a problem with wet ground creeping into you when you’re asleep. You’ll also steer clear of any uncomfortable bumps on the ground that sleeping pads may be unable to avoid.
• Insulation – Camping cots may have metal frames, but the actual “bed” is made of fabric. As such, it will keep you cool when the weather is hot. To counter cold weather, you can add a thin mattress on top of the cot.
• Safety – Because you are elevated as you sleep, the camping cot serves as your protection from insects on the ground.
• Simple to Set up – Even the most complicated camping cots are very easy to set-up, so you can go in and out of bed effortlessly.
• Storage – Camping cots have space underneath, which can be your personal storage when outdoors.

Camping cot is recommended for long-term camping and camping situations wherein a car, boat or other vehicle would help you in carrying the cot.

7 Things to Consider Before Buying Camping Cots

Don’t just buy the cheapest or most popular brand of camping cot you’ll see. Like buying a tent, you have to consider several things that would make the cot appropriate for your camping needs and personal requirement.

1. Type – Single, double, bunk, cot tent and even convertible cots exist. Some bunk-type camping cots can be converted into a sofa. Others come with mini shelves and storage solutions. Cot tents look like any regular tent, but with a built-in cot.
2. Size – When laid out, the average single-sized cot measures about 25 inches wide and 75 inches long. Most adults can fit the standard size, but longer cots and extra-wide cots are also available for taller and heavier folks. Camping cots are also available for kid sizes.
3. Frame – Camping cots are usually made of aluminum or steel for higher-end models. The frame is the most important part of any cot, since this would affect the stability and weight. Camping cots have three different frame types: end-bar x legs, vertical legs, and legs connected by a horizontal bar. The end-bar x leg cots have poles that create an X-shaped ends, which provide exceptional stability. The vertical leg cot design is made with four rectangular bars all throughout the cot.
4. Fabric – Older cot designers used cotton canvas. Although canvas still exists, many campers don’t recommend it because of its tendency to retain dirt. For an easy-to-clean cot, choose a model made from nylon, polyester, or mesh.
5. Comfort – The comfort a cot provides depend largely on the spring/tension system in place. Some cots have an adjustable tension that uses a dial for users to find the perfect support, while others let users adjust spring systems by relocation, removing or adding springs. Some camping cots can be transformed into reclined chairs. Other comes built-in with mattresses for additional comfort.
6. Weight/Portability – Standard-sized camping cots weigh around 15 to 20 pounds. This, of course, can vary depending on the frame material used, extra padding, storage add-ons and more. You have to consider the weight of your cot, since there may be camping trips that you’d be required to carry all your stuff from parking to the camp site.
7. Ease of Assembly – If the camping cot won’t be used for long-term (months or years), you have to consider how easy or hard assembly is. You wouldn’t want to spend half a day just setting up your cot, right?

With these several things in mind, you can now compare camping cots more appropriately. If you wish to check 5 of the most popular camping cots in 2017, we’ve reviewed them for you below:

Coleman ComfortSmart Cot

 
Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot may look like a simple single-sized cot, but it is extremely durable. Its heavy-duty steel frame can accommodate up to 275 pounds and fits heights up to 5’7” when unfolded.

The ComfortSmart cot weighs 14 pounds, which is easy to carry if you’re going to use it for camping. The highlight of this cot is the thick foam mattress and coil suspension system. You’ll love that the mattress is thick enough that you won’t notice the bar smacked at the center of the frame. The annoying noise and creaks made when you lay on older cots? You won’t experience it here.

The mattress and frame are completely separate, but Coleman has already thought of possible scenarios at camp, so decided to add a nylon Velcro strap that will keep the mattress from sliding off when sleeping.

It is also very easy to assemble…You just have to unlock the cot, fold and then lock the legs. Even kids can set this up and fold themselves. When you’re ready to pack, the ComfortSmart can fit inside most car trunks.

The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is also perfect for indoor use. Don’t have an extra room for a family member visiting? Need an extra bed to accompany your loved one in the hospital? Want a bed ready when your child decides to snuck into your room in the middle of the night? This cot solves all of these problems easily.

At only $65 with 1-year limited warranty, this Coleman cot is a great buy. This is ideal for people (not taller than 5 feet) in need of a cot for indoor or outdoor use.

• The Good: The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot is portable and lightweight, but very durable due to its steel frame construction. As its name suggest, this cot truly provides a comfortable sleep solution. It’s from a trusted brand, which means Coleman will honor warranties if needed.
• The Bad: Coleman advertises the ComfortSmart for people 5 feet, 7 inches tall and below, but many users feel that this cot will fit teens more perfectly. But if you feel that the ComfortSmart cot is small for you, then check out the deluxe version that is designed to be much bigger, longer, and wider.

Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot

The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot is a sturdy, good-looking cot designed to provide the sleeper with more sleeping space. Priced at only $75, this well-made cot can be used as an extra bed indoors, or a sleeping solution for camping. When unfolded, it weighs 27 pounds and measures 84 inches long, 33 inches wide and 21 inches tall.

The most impressive feature of Kamp-Rite’s oversized Kwik Cot is the heavy-duty construction that compares quite well to more expensive cots. The entire cot is pretty supportive, which is perfect for those who want their beds stiff and sturdy. It can sleep up to 400 pounds and fit a twin-size mattress on top, which means two kids, or someone with a heavier built can sleep comfortably on it.

The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot gives its sleeper a lot of space to move around, but may be too cramped for two adults. Want to turn it into a queen-sized bed? Go buy a pair of these camping cots and place a queen-sized mattress to create a shared space with someone you love.

This cot comes with two drop-down pouches for storage, which you can use for important items like wallets and mobile phones. When folded, these pouches turn into a carry handle for hassle-free transportation.

Set-up time is pretty quick. You can just unfold it within seconds and jump right on it. When you’re done using the cot, simple fold it down and place it into the heavy-duty 600D carry bag for storage.

It is, however, much heavier than regular-sized camping cots. It weighs around 35 to 40 pounds when stored in the carry case, so it may be a problem if you’re going to walk a long way to the camp site.

The Good: The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot is easy to assemble, super sturdy and heavy-duty. You’ll love that there’s plenty of space to move around and you won’t feel like falling anytime.

The Bad: The legs don’t have a locking mechanism when you want it stored, but the cot does have a carry bag included to solve this issue. It’s perfect for sleepers who want their beds stiff for back support, but those who prefer softer beds would need a mattress to appreciate the Kwik Cot.

Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

The Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe cot is the bigger brother version of the first cot we’ve reviewed above. It looks, feels and was built with the same materials as the regular version – lightweight aluminum frame with nylon fabric and spring construction mattress. However, unlike the ComfortSmart 2000020271 cot that can only support up to 250 pounds, this deluxe version can accommodate up to 300 pounds.

Coleman’s ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot folds in the middle for easy set-up and storage. It’s a bigger cot than standard size, but still not an oversized one. When unfolded, it measures 80 inches long, 30 inches wide and 15 inches tall. Do note that due to its size, it may not fit inside small tents, so consider measuring the size of the tent before pairing it with the ComfortSmart Deluxe. It would perfectly fit multi-person tents and cabin-type portable sleep systems.

It comes with a comfortable 1.75-inch mattress made of foam, reducing the stiffness of its metal frame. A coil spring system is built into the foam, which makes the cot feel similar to a real bed and prevents sagging over time. No noisy and unwanted creeks. The mattress is also kept in place on top of the cot, even if you toss and turn while sleeping.

When stacking away, you simply unlock the three legs, which keep the cot in place when in use. The entire camping cot weighs 20 pounds, which means this model is heavier than its standard model.

Priced slightly higher than its baby brother, the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot is around $80. Like other cots from the reputable brand, this cot comes with a 1-year limited warranty, which gives you the option of having it replaced if it breaks down due to manufacturing defects. The company doesn’t even have to request your first cot to be returned.

The Good: The Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe cot has the perfect size, built and comfort level for most people. It comes built in with a mattress, and is designed with plenty of room to move.

The Bad: Because the ComfortSmart Deluxe made way for more space, this means additional materials that add to its weight. It will probably go heavy as you carry it for a long distance.

Coleman Trailhead II Cot

The Coleman Trailhead II Cot is the cheapest on our list at only 40 bucks, but it’s at par with the construction of those in the $50 to $100 range.

The Trailhead II is a military-style cot that offers a rugged feel and heavy-duty construction. This model measures 30 inches wide, 80 inches long, and 17 inches high when unfolded, which means it could sleep one person (as tall as 6’6” tall and up to 300 pounds).

Its frame is made of powder-coated steel, instead of the lighter aluminum, which has pros and cons. Steel is extremely durable, but it can be heavier than aluminum-made cots. When placed inside the included canvas bag, the Trailhead II cot weighs 18.3 pounds.

Unlike other Coleman cots, this model doesn’t come with a mattress. Instead, its frame is topped with a heavy-duty polyester fabric that snugged quite perfectly to the dual-cross-bar steel frame. If you like you’re bed soft, it would be best if you pair this cot with Coleman’s self-inflating mats, or another brand of mattress you prefer.

The Trailhead II’s bag has the assembly instruction written on it. This is mostly because this cot uses tension as mechanism to put the canvas sleeping surface intact to the frame. It’s also the reason why many people may find assembly a challenge. Do note that this tension will loosen a bit with use, so make sure to “break it in” before bringing it to camp.

The Coleman Trailhead II Cot also has a 1-year limited warranty, which means the company will replace the cot if found to have manufacturing defects within a year of use.

The Good: The Coleman Trailhead II Cot shines because of its affordable price. It’s a simple, well-made camping cot that’s most suited for seasonal use, whether indoor or outdoor.

The Bad: Some users complain of difficulty in assembling the legs during the first few assemblies. After this “breaking in” period, the set-up becomes easier though.

TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot

The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot is the biggest camping cot in our list. It measures a whopping 40 inches wide, 84 inches long, and 20 inches high when set up for use. This cot is bigger than a standard twin bed, which is why it’s rated XXL.

If you’ve been checking out camping cots online, you’d probably seen the Outfitter XXL’s ad, where seven adult men was standing over one cot to prove how durable this is. However, the company only recommends its Outfitter XL to support up to 600 pounds. It’s good enough for a person with heavier built or for a couple to snuggle in.

Bigger models go with additional weight. The Outfitter XXL weighs about 26 pounds, but it is easy to transport thanks to the included carrying bag.

The highlight of the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot is its unique construction thanks to their patented steel. Its frame is built with extruded aluminum, which smartly uses bars at the top and bottom for added stability. This removes the need to readjust the bars regularly.

It assembles like any other bi-fold camping cots. Just fold out the frame, insert two aluminum cross bars at both ends of the cot, and then snap the bars, which then pulls the canvas and adds tension. It fold down as easily as set-up that even one person can do it.

For camping use, the Outfitter XXL won’t fit any ordinary tents. Due to its XXL rating, this cot would perfectly fit a cabin tent or a 7-person tent. The space available at the bottom of the cot is ample enough for all your camping gear to store.

As for the cot’s fabric, Outfitter XXL uses heavy-duty, 600D polyester canvas that suspends the sleeper’s weight from the frame. If you prefer to sleep without a mattress, the tension Outfitter XL provides has enough stiffness to support the back. But since this cot model has no mattress built-in, it may not be suitable for those who need a softer bed.

Teton Sports do make accessories available for its cots. The Outfitter XXL camping cot can be bundled with the super-comfy Teton Sports XXL Camp Pad for $95 extra. Both the XXL cot and XXL pad come with a one-year limited warranty from Teton Sports.

The Good: The construction of the Outfitter XXL is an impressive one. The company clearly wanted an extra-durable product to withstand even the heaviest loads, but keep assembly as hassle-free as possible. Teton Sports even developed a type of steel, which the company patented, in order to create this exceptionally sturdy camping cot.

The Bad: The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot doesn’t come with a mattress, but the company also sells an XXL pad for $95 and other compatible accessories if you want.

Conclusion

You see, camping cots come in different sizes, designs, materials and price. From the five most popular camping cots in 2017, these are our recommendations for:

• Portability: Coleman ComfortSmart 2000020271 Cot weighs only 14 pounds, comes with a coil mattress system, and costs only $65.
• Durability: Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot is designed to support even 600 pounds. You have to check out the brand’s video for proof of this… you’d be amazed!
• Design: Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot was made with the design in mind. It has twin storage that turns into a handle when folded.
• Value: Coleman Trailhead II is the cheapest among all cots we’ve reviewed at only $40 with warranty included.
• Warranty: Like Teton Sports, all Coleman camping cots offer a 1-year limited warranty, so you may choose the Coleman ComfortSmart 2000020271 Cot, the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot, or the Coleman Trailhead II if you’re particular with warranties.

Of course, the decision which is the best camping cot of 2017 will rely solely on your needs, budget, and other personal requirements.

Do you prefer an affordable one that you’d use only every summer? Then go with the Coleman Trailhead II cot. Are you looking for a cot that could withstand weights of up to 1,000 pounds? Your best bet would be the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot. Are you looking for a cot with storage? The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot will give you what you need.