Best Camping Cots for 2024: Compared & Reviewed

One of the best ways you can upgrade your tent camping experience is with a good camping cot. The best cots are comfortable, no doubt about it.

However, while most cots share an elevated design with stretched fabric, the different cot styles and sizes have benefits and drawbacks. I created this guide to help your decision process to help you find the best camp cot for you. I’ve reviewed and compared these cots, as well as grouped them into similar cot designs that will help you choose a great cot for your sleeping style and camping needs.

In addition, I’ve personally slept on all of these cot designs while camping, so I have personal experience with the benefits and drawbacks of these different cot designs. Plus, I’ll share the camp cots I appreciate most as a relatively big and tall guy!

Table of Contents:

• How to Choose the Right Camping Cot
• Best Classic Camp Cots
• Best Easy Setup Cots
• Best Big & Tall Cots
• Best Ultralight Cots
• Best Bed & Mattress-Style Cots
• Best Specialty Cots
• Camping Cot Accessories

 

How to Choose the Right Camping Cot

There are three important considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a camping cot for 2024:

• Cot Size
• Cot Packability
• Cot Frame Design

Cot Size: Take a look at the length and width and make sure the person sleeping on the cot will fit comfortably on the space provided. Cots vary widely in size and length.

Next, consider the size of your tent. Most family camping tents are sized for campers who sleep on small sleeping pads right next to each other on the floor. While you can technically fit 6 people in a 6-person tent, it’ll be close-quarters sleeping. Can you fit 6 cots in a 6-person tent? Probably not. You’ll want to look at the dimensions of your cots and the floor plan of your tent to get your sleeping arrangements right.

Cot Packability: The packable size of a camp cot is surprisingly important. Most cots pack down into bags that are a bit bigger and heavier than camping chairs. Some, like the super comfy REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, fold down into something that resembles a massive suitcase. And finally, some ultralight cots pack down really small.

Cot Frame Designs: Most cots for 2024 work by tightly stretching fabric between support bars. Some stretch the fabric on all four sides of a rectangular frame, which results in a very sturdy design. The drawback is that they can be harder to setup. Other styles remove the short ends of the frame altogether — but they can be much easier to setup. These easy-up frames aren’t always as taught, but the lack of end bars can make them more comfortable for stomach sleepers and taller campers.

Last of all, I only recommend cots from reputable manufacturers and sellers I trust.

The Best Classic Camp Cots:

The key benefit of these classic-style cots is that they’re very sturdy. We like these cots particularly well when we go camping on rough ground in dispersed camping sites. Another benefit is that these cots have excellent price-to-value ratios. The main drawback of these traditional frame cots is that they can be harder to setup due to the tension required to set the last cross bar at the head or foot area.

1. Coleman Trailhead II Cot

Dimensions: 75″ x 35″ x 17″
Weight: 19 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
Packed Size: 8″ x 5″ x 39″

The Coleman Trailhead II Cot is a basic cot with a classic design. It’s my number one recommended classic camping cot pick because it has an outstanding price-to-value ratio. It’s one of the most inexpensive cots available that is strong enough to support up to 300 pounds. The Coleman Trailhead II Cot is the best entry-level, affordable cot for 2024. I’ve spent multiple nights on the Coleman Trailhead II Cot and it delivers a very good sleeping experience. However, I’m a taller guy so I prefer longer cots.

Best Benefit: Affordable price
Biggest Drawback: Hard to set up
Comparable Alternatives: Cabela’s Cot with Lever Arm

Check buying options & shipping/availability at:

Amazon | Walmart

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2. Cabela’s Cot with Lever Arm

Dimensions: 84″ x 32″ x 19″
Weight: 28.5 lbs
Capacity: 400 lbs
Packed Size: 8″ x 5″ x 39″

The Cabela’s Cot with Lever Arm is a definite upgrade over the Coleman Trailhead II Cot. It’s a rugged cot with a stable tried-and-true foldable frame design. It’s a bit longer and wider and has a higher weight limit than most cots. Because it’s longer and wider, larger people will appreciate it. The biggest differentiator from similar classic cots is the lever arm, which makes it easier to setup and improves the tension in the fabric.

Best Benefit: Lever arm eases setup
Biggest Drawback: Not as easy as true ‘easy-up cots’
Comparable Alternatives: Byer Maine Military Camp Cot

3. Byer Maine Military Camp Cot

Dimensions: 84″ x 30″ x 18″
Weight: 23 lbs
Capacity: 375 lbs
Packed Size: 9″ x 5″ x 45″

The Byer Maine Military Camp Cot is great for taller and heavier campers without being overly large. It’s very rugged but only weighs 23 pounds because it uses aluminum for the frame. We particularly appreciate the handy built-in accessory pocket.

Best Benefit: Lightweight aluminum frame
Biggest Drawback: You pay a bit more for aluminum compared to steel
Comparable Alternatives: Byer Maine Heritage Cot

4. Alps Mountaineering Camp Cot XL

Dimensions: 86″ x 40″ 22″
Weight: 19 lbs
Capacity: 325 lbs
Packed Size: 9″ x 5″ x 46″

Our favorite benefit of the Alps Mountaineering Camp Cot is its rounded top frame tube design. Instead of more angular edges in the side rails, Alps Mountaineering gives them a comfortably rounded curve. When you sit on the cot with your legs over the side, it’s more comfortable than cots that have rectangular side tubes. The generous 86″ of length is also nice for taller campers.

Best Benefit: Rounded top frame design
Biggest Drawback: Costs more than similar cots if you don’t need the size
Comparable Alternatives: Byer Maine Military Cot

 

Best Easy Setup Camping Cots:

The benefits of an easy setup cot is that they’re easy to setup and deploy. The main drawback is that these cots usually cost a bit more. They also sometimes feel slightly squishier because they lack crossbars. However, the lack of crossbars can make these styles of cots more comfortable for stomach sleepers and taller campers. Because I’m a relatively tall guy at 6’3″, I prefer to sleep on cots that don’t have crossbars at the head or foot.

5. Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot

Dimensions: 75” x 27.55″ x 14.5″
Weight: 18 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
Packed Size: 27″ x 13″ x 6′

The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot has a base that unfolds like some camping chairs. After you deploy the steel base, side rails slip into stout 600-denier fabric, which has openings for attachment to the base. The result is a simple-to-deploy cot that’s sturdy yet only weighs 18 pounds. This video shows the innovative set-up process:

Best Benefit: Super easy-up design
Biggest Drawback: Bit short for tall stomach sleepers
Comparable Alternatives: Coleman Trailhead Easy Step Cot

6. Coleman Trailhead Easy Step Cot

Dimensions: 76″ x 30″ 15″*
Weight: 25 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
Packed Size: 39″ x 9″ x 5″

The Coleman Trailhead Easy Step Cot doesn’t use four perimeter frame bars. Instead, Coleman uses a locking lever that you step on to create the final tension in the cot during setup. Coleman also includes some organization accessories. You get a removable side table with a water bottle pocket and a small hanging pouch. One thing to consider: Coleman widely reports the width of the Trailhead Easy Step Cot as 42″ in width — but that’s not exactly accurate. The real width for sleeping is 30″. Why the difference? The removable side table sticks out about a foot from the side, making the cot system together technically 42″ wide. If you’re in a tight spot in a tent, you don’t have to use the side table.

Best Benefit: Foot lever setup is awesome
Biggest Drawback: Bit short for tall stomach sleepers
Comparable Alternatives: Byer Easy Cot

7. Byer Easy Cot

Dimensions: 83″ x 30″ x 17″
Weight: 21 lbs
Capacity: 330 lbs
Packed Size: 40″ x 7″ x 6″

The Byer Easy Cot combines an easy setup folding design with excellent overall quality. Hard to go wrong here.

Best Benefit: Super fast easy setup!
Biggest Drawback: No major drawbacks
Comparable Alternatives: Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Auto-Fold Cot

8. Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Auto-Fold Cot

Dimensions: 83″ x 30″ x 20″
Weight: 25.3 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
Packed Size: 42″ x 6″ x 7″

The most important differentiating feature of the Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Auto-Fold Cot is the mesh body fabric. If you camp in hot summer conditions, the mesh can help keep you cool on muggy summer nights. In addition, Bass Pro Shops adds in an extra brace connection at the head and foot to help keep the cot sturdy.

Best Benefit: Mesh is good for hot summer nights
Biggest Drawback: Not as rugged if you don’t need the mesh
Comparable Alternatives: Byer Easy Cot

 

Best Big & Tall Camping Cots:

If you are a big or tall camper, you might need a bigger cot. Look at the length and width when buying . . . and consider the recommended weight limits. In addition, if you are looking for cots for bad backs or the best cot for seniors, we recommend that you start with a large and stable cot like these below:

9. Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm

Size: 85″ x 40″ x 20″
Weight: 31.3 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs
Packed Size: 44.7 x 6.7″ x 7.9″

If you’re a large camper, you need a big cot to get a good night’s sleep. The Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm is one of the largest cots available. It’s big and has a classic rugged and stable design. To help during setup, Cabela’s includes a Lever Arm that makes it easier and faster to get the bars in place. This cot is my #1 recommendation for most very large campers. It’s great for side sleepers and good for wide-shouldered back sleepers.

Best Benefit: Massive sleeping area
Biggest Drawback: Bit heavy
Comparable Alternatives: Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot

10. Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot with Pivot Arm

Size: 86″ x 45″ x 19″
Weight: 26 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs
Packed Size: 42″ x 12″ x 7″

The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot blends strong steel legs with an aluminum upper frame to help keep the overall weight down to a reasonable 26 pounds. Better yet, Teton’s patented pivot arm helps provide leverage to more easily setup the cot’s last end bar. This is a very good cot and a great value. There are no real drawbacks, but you do need to recognize that the reported 45″ width includes head-and-footer bars, not the actual sleeping area. The actual sleeping area is about 35.5″ wide.

Best Benefit: Patented Pivot Arm makes setup easier
Biggest Drawback: Bit bulky if you don’t need to the space
Alternative Design Option: Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot – XL

11. Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot – X-Large

Size: 90″ x 35″ x 22.5″
Weight: 24 lbs
Capacity: 325 lbs
Packed Size: 40″ x 6.5″ x 6.5″

The Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot X-Large version has an easy-up design. Unlike most competitive extra large cots, you don’t have to worry about setting end bars. The one drawback is that the Escalade’s weight limit is down around 325 pounds, so it’s not quite as sturdy as the competition. For campers who are just a little large and want a roomy experience, it’s hard to beat the lightweight and fast Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot X-Large option.

Best Benefit: Sets up fast
Biggest Drawback: Relatively low weight capacity compared to other XL cots

 

Best Ultralight Camping Cots:

The major benefit to ultralight cots is the awesome packability. They’re lightweight and you can toss them in your vehicle with plenty of room to spare. For car campers looking to elevate their sleep — but reduce space in their cars — ultralight cots are a great compromise choice. The biggest drawback of ultralight cots is that they’re not as tall as more traditional cot designs. In addition, ultralight cots usually have lower maximum weight ratings.

12. Helinox Lite Cot

Size: 73″ x 23.5″ x 5″
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
Capacity: 265 lbs.
Packed Size: 20.9″ x 5.1″ x 5.1″

The Helinox Lite Cot is super light and very packable. It’s also surprisingly sturdy. In fact, I’m constantly impressed by the sturdiness and flat comfortable surface when I sleep on Helinox cots. It is so good. The biggest drawback is the cost. The Helinox Lite Cot costs quite a bit more than most cots if you’re not looking for a lightweight cot.

Best Benefit: Super lightweight and packable
Biggest Drawback: Bit spendy
Best Alternative: Helinox Cot One Convertible

13. Helinox Cot One Convertible

Size: 75″ x 27″ x 6.5″
Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
Capacity: 320 lbs
Packed Size: 21″ x 6.5″ x 6.5″

The Helinox Cot One Convertible is easily one of the best cots I’ve every slept on and tested. First, it’s a joy to setup. The legs have built-in lever arms that make tensioning the Helinox Cot One Super easy. I’m a huge fan. Once setup, the balance of tension throughout the cot is superb. If you care about packability and want an awesome cot, this is the cot to buy. The Helinox Cot One Convertible comes in two sizes, Regular and Long. At 82.5″ long, the Long version is 7.5″ longer than the Regular. What does the “Convertible” mean? Helinox also sells Cot Leg Extensions that convert/lift your Cot One to about 15″ off the ground so it’s similar to standard height cots. To learn more about this awesome cot, ready my in-depth Helinox Cot One Convertible review.

Best Benefit: Very lightweight and packable
Biggest Drawback: Bit spendy
Budget Alternative: Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Cot

14. Helinox Cot Max Convertible

Size: 82.5″ x 29.5″ x 6.5″
Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
Capacity: 320 lbs
Packed Size: 22.5″ x 7″ x 7″

If you’re a larger camper who wants an ultralight cot, you want the Helinox Cot Max Convertible. It’s only 2.5″ wider than the Cot One, but sometimes that’s all you need for a good night’s rest.

Best Benefit: Lightweight, packable and spacious
Biggest Drawback: Premium price point

Shop all cots at Helinox and get FREE Shipping in the continental U.S.!

15. Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Cot

Size: 74″ x 30″ x 7.5″
Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz
Capacity: 250 lbs
Packed Size: 

The Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Cot is the most affordable lightweight cot in this buying guide. It features an all-steel frame with a rugged 600D polyester fabric. It’s not nearly as packable as the Helinox Cot One Convertible, but the price point is much lower. If you’re looking for an inexpensive cot that you can sleep on in the back of a pickup truck underneath a canopy, this is a good option. I tested this cot in just such a situation and it worked very well: I could sleep on a cot and still have good headroom for comfort.

Best Benefit: Lightweight and packable
Biggest Drawback: Only packs down to the size of the rectangular leg shape

 

Best Bed & Mattress-Style Cots:

If you’re looking for an all-in-one bed-like experience, you have some interesting choices. The biggest benefit will be a cushy, comfortable sleeping experience. The biggest drawback will be the bulky size and weight. Bed and mattress-style cots are portable . . . but not exactly easily packable.

16. Coleman Queen Airbed Cot

Size: 78″ x 59″ x 22″
Weight: 42 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs
Packed Size: 39″ x 11″ x 10″

The Coleman Queen Airbed Cot is a blend between a cushy air mattress and a cot. The air mattress fits inside a fabric cover that’s attached to the frame to keep it in place. Coleman also offers a twin-sized Airbed Cot version. I really enjoyed sleeping on this bed-like cot. Very comfortable and you can dial in the cushion through air pressure. The downside is that while this is very large, the edges aren’t as stable as a real bed.

17. REI Kingdom Cot 3

Size: 82″ x 31.5″ x 14″
Weight: 20 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
Packed Size: 33″ x 32″ x 8″

The REI Kingdom Cot 3 is one of the most comfortable cots for back and side sleepers. It comes with a built-in cushy mattress pad, and gives you an almost hammock-like feel from its elastic band supports. Any drawbacks? The biggest drawback is that it’s not comfortable for stomach sleepers because it doesn’t stay flat enough for stomach sleepers. The bit of stretchy sag in the middle that makes it feel so cushy just doesn’t work when you’re on your stomach. For everyone else, though — very good. Oh, there is one more drawback: The REI Kingdom Cot 3 is bulky and not very packable. It’s like a very large suitcase when you fold it up.

Best Alternative Option: Cabela’s Lounge Cot

18. Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

Size: 80″ x 30″ x 15″
Weight:
Capacity: 300 lbs
Packed Size: 41.5″ x 31.5″ x 7″

The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot pairs a coiled spring suspension system with a foam sleeping pad. The biggest drawback is that it’s not as portable as more traditional cots, but its biggest benefit is that that it comes with a foam sleeping pad. While you can take this cot camping, it’s often used a guest bed cot at home.

 

Best Specialty Cots:

21. Disc-O-Bed Large with Organizers

Size: 79″ x 28″ x 11″ (per cot size)
Weight: 60 lbs (full system weight)
Capacity: 500 lbs (per cot)
Packed Size: 34.25″ x 16.25″ x 11″ 

The Disc-O Bed Large with Organizers is basically a cot-style bunk bed. The system lets you stack the cots to help you better utilize your tent or cabin space. They’re surprisingly sturdy and come in multiple sizes. Cabela’s even offers a Cabela’s-branded ‘Outfitter’ 2XL version that boasts massive 85″ x 40″ sleeping areas.

Shop Disc-O Beds at Bass Pro Shops and get FREE Shipping!

Camping Cot Accessories:

Here are a few camping accessories designed to improve your cot sleeping experience:

Teton Sports Adventurer Camp Pad

The Teton Sports Adventurer Camp Pad gives you an extra boost of comfort on your camp cot. Teton offers it in three common cot size options to help you get the perfect fit for your cot. It has handy loops at all four corners to keep it in place. It works particularly well with classic cot designs but it works with most every cot type.

Cabela’s Cot Chair

The handy Cabela’s Cot Chair slips over the side of a cot to give you a place to sit.

Rothco Cot Accessory Pouch

If you already have a standard-style frame cot, the Rothco Cot Accessory Pouch will likely attach easily. Also, if you’re looking for a gift for a camper or gift for a hunter who likes to sleep on a cot, this cot accessory pouch is a handy gift idea.

Helinox Dog Cot

Why nab the Helinox Dog Cot? Because dogs like cots, too!

 

What is the best cot for bad backs?

The best cot for a bad back is usually a two-part consideration: First, choose an extra-large cot with a very stable classic design. Next, add a comfortable foam cot pad to go on top of the cot. In our experience, the combination of a classic, four-rail cot design paired with a cot pad results in a supportive-yet-comfortable experience. Of course, everyone has different sleeping preferences and needs. Some sleepers might prefer to use an air mattress on top of their cot to help dial in the support and cushion desired.

We like the size and stability of the Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm or the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot with Pivot Arm. They’re also easier to set up than most classic camping cot designs.

We’re also fans of quiet-and-comfy foam-based cot pads like the TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Pad, which comes in three size options to fit the cot you choose.

What is the best cot for seniors?

The best cot for seniors should be very stable in order to help them get on and off of the cot. For this reason, we like classic cot designs that have four corner rails. We also recommend extra large cots to provide comfort in more sleeping positions. In addition, to aid in comfort, we think investing in a good foam cot pad is a good idea when camping with seniors. It’s hard to go wrong with the TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Pad, which comes in three size options to fit the cot you choose.

Last of all, consider our Best Bed & Mattress-Style Cot section for more bed-like cot options that might be more comfortable for camping seniors.

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