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. We created this guide to help supercharge your decision process by grouping the different cot designs and pointing out the pros and cons.
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Table of Contents:
- How to Choose the Right Camping Cot
- Best Classic 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 basic considerations you should keep in mind when choosing a camping cot for 2023. First, consider the 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.
On the other hand, cots can help create more room in tents because you often can gain storage space underneath your cots for clothing, shoes, water bottles or outdoor gear.
Consider Packability
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.
Consider Frame Designs
Most cots for 2023 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, we only recommend cots from reputable manufacturers and sellers we trust.
The Best Classic Camping 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. (Hint: Once you get the technique down, it’s a lot easier — and easier with a helper.)
1. Cabela’s Camp Cot with Organizer
Dimensions: 74.8″ x 26″ x 15.7″
Weight: 22 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
The Cabela’s Camp Cot with Organizer is a rugged cot with a stable tried-and-true foldable frame design. The biggest differentiator from competitive cots is the inclusion of the handy full-length organizer. It simply straps to either side of the cot and gives you space to stow your phone, keys, water bottle, a book, flashlight, warm socks and any other odds and ends you might need. We’re big fans.
2. Coleman Trailhead II Cot
Dimensions: 75″ x 35″ x 17″
Weight: 19 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
The Coleman Trailhead II Cot is similar to the Cabela’s Camp Cot but it’s a bit wider. In our experience, the Cabela’s Camp Cot has fabric that seems to be just a bit more durable, but the price-to-value ratio of the Trailhead II Camping Cot is hard to beat. Due to the frame design, you might struggle during set up the first few times — again, if you’re a cot newbie, setup is easier with two people.
3. Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Camp Cot
Dimensions: 76.5″ x 29.5″ X 15.5″
Weight: 19 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
The Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Camp Cot uses a common 4-sided frame design. It is a little longer than the Coleman Trailhead II Cot but also a little narrower. Choose the Eclipse Camp Cot when you want just a bit more length.
4. Byer Maine Military Camp Cot
Dimensions: 84″ x 30″ x 18″
Weight: 23 lbs
Capacity: 375 lbs
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.
Note: If you’re looking for a ‘glamping’ cot, check out the sweet wood-version.
5. Alps Mountaineering Camp Cot XL
Dimensions: 86″ x 40″ 22″
Weight: 19 lbs
Capacity: 325 lbs
Our favorite benefit of the Alps Mountaineering Camp Cot is its round 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 most rectangular side tubes. The generous 86″ of length is also nice for taller campers.
Best Easy Setup 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.
6. Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
Dimensions: 75” x 27.55″ x 14.5″
Weight: 18 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
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. Check out the video in the link above to see the setup steps!
7. Coleman Trailhead Easy Step Cot
Dimensions: 76″ x 42″ 15″
Weight: 25 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
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. The biggest drawback is the size — it’s 76′ x 42″ but Coleman reports that the intended sleeping area is 72″ x 30″.
8. Byer Easy Cot
Dimensions: 83″ x 30″ x 17″
Weight: 21 lbs
Capacity: 330 lbs
The Byer Easy Cot combines an easy setup folding design with excellent overall quality. Hard to go wrong here.
9. Bass Pro Shops Eclipse Auto-Fold Cot
Dimensions: 83″ x 30″ x 20″
Weight: 25.3 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
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 Big & Tall 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:
10. Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm
Size: 85″ x 40″ x 20″
Weight: 31.3 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs
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.
11. Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot with Pivot Arm
Weight: 26 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs
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.
12. Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot – X-Large
Size: 90″ x 35″ x 22.5″
Weight: 24 lbs
Capacity: 325 lbs
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 Ultralight Cots:
Most ultralight cots are still too heavy for all but the most cot-loving backpackers, but they do pack down small. 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 high and not as sturdy as more traditional cot designs.
13. Therm-A-Rest Ultralite Cot
Size: 72″ x 24″ x 4.5″
Weight: 2 lbs 10 oz
Capacity: 325 lbs
The Therm-A-Rest Ultralight Cot is 2 ounces lighter than the Helinox Lite Cot and it’s rated up to 325 pounds. However, you can also use the Therm-A-Rest Ultralight Cot in an even lighter trail mode. The cot comes with 6 crossbars, but you can run it with only 4 cross bars to save weight. This mode will drop your trail weight down to 1 lb 14 oz. The drawback is that your weight limit also drops down to 175 lbs.
14. Helinox Lite Cot
Size: 73″ x 23.5″ x 5″
Weight: 2 lbs 12 oz
Capacity: 265 lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is super light and very packable. While the Therm-A-Rest UltraLite Cot above is a few ounces lighter and comes in more sizes, we appreciate the more solid construction design of the Helinox feet. The biggest drawback is the cost. The Helinox Lite Cot costs quite a bit more than the ultralight cot competition.
15. Helinox Cot One Convertible
Size: 75″ x 27″ x 6.5″
Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
Capacity: 320 lbs
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. One of the benefits of the Cot One series is that these ultralight cots get you a little higher off the ground — 6.5 inches. Better yet, Helinox also sells Cot Leg Extensions that lift your Cot One to about 15″ off the ground.
16. Helinox Cot Max Convertible
Size: 82.5″ x 29.5″ x 6.5″
Weight: 6 lbs 8 oz
Capacity: 320 lbs
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.
Shop all cots at Helinox and get FREE Shipping in the continental U.S.!
17. Alps Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
Size: 74″ x 30″ x 7.5″
Weight: 9 lbs 5 oz
Capacity: 250 lbs
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.
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.
18. Coleman Queen Airbed Cot
Size: 78″ x 59″ x 22″
Weight: 42 lbs
Capacity: 600 lbs
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.
19. REI Kingdom Cot 3
Size: 82″ x 31.5″ x 14″
Weight: 20 lbs
Capacity: 300 lbs
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.
Note: If the REI Kingdom Cot 3 is sold out, try the similarly designed Cabela’s Lounge Cot.
20. Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot
Size: 80″ x 30″ x 15″
Weight:
Capacity: 300 lbs
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 it’s biggest benefit is that that it comes with a foam sleeping pad.
Best Specialty Cots:
21. Disc-O-Bed Large with Organizers
Weight: 60 lbs (full system weight)
Capacity: 500 lbs (per cot)
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!
22. REI Co-op Trailgate Vehicle Sleeping Platform
Size: 72″ x 25″ x 10.7-30.5″
Weight: 31 lbs
Capacity: 250 lbs
The REI Co-op Tailgate Vehicle Sleeping Platform is like a cot-like bed platform that’s designed to use inside of your vehicle. Some SUVs, wagons, and vans have seats that fold down. This platform is made to fit inside of your vehicle and give you storage space underneath. Better yet, if your sleeping area isn’t completely flat, you can stagger the height of the legs to create a level sleeping space. For example, the front legs could fit into the footwell behind the front seats while the rear legs could go on the cargo area. Of course, it also works great on flat ground. Two size options.
Camping Cot Accessories:
Here are a few camping accessories designed to improve your cot sleeping experience:
TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Pad
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
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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