Cabela’s Camp Cot Review: O2 Octane vs Brown

The Cabela’s O2 Octane Camp Cot with Organizer is a durable camping cot with a handy organizer. To get Man Makes Fire a closer look, Cabela’s sent us a review unit. This is what we learned:

Cabela’s 02 Octane Camp Cot Review: Sizing

First things first, if you’re a bigger guy you need to pay attention to cot size whenever you buy a cot. Some cots, particularly cheap cots, skimp on length, which is an annoying discovery when you’re finally out camping.

The Cabela’s O2 Octane Camp Cot with Organizer is basically a fold-down camping cot that’s sized perfectly for most guys, depending on how you sleep. Your sleeping area is a little over six feet long and two feet wide.

Specifications

I’m about 6’3″ so I’m pushing the ideal height for this cot, but considering that I like to drop a sleeping pad on most cots, most of the time, I gain some usable sleeping area. How? By design, most cots have a sleeping surface that is horizontally below the level of the frame. A sleeping pad raises you up to, or above, the level of the frame and makes it easier to let an arm or knee or foot extend over the edge.

Basically, if I’m bothering with the weight and space of a cot, I tend to maximize comfort by adding a lightweight air mattress or sleeping pad. Cabela’s has a couple sizes of very comfortable Cabela’s Cot Pads. They boast 3″ inches of open-cell foam. All that said, sleeping on the stretched canvas of a cot is usually better than sleeping on the ground on an air mattress. If I were a bit shorter, I wouldn’t hesitate to sleep on this cot without an additional pad.

If you’re taller, you should probably check out the 82″ Cabela’s Alaskan Guide Cot or the 90″ Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman XL Cot.

How It Works

Most cots have foldable frames that, when extended, pull a canvas-like material tightly into a sleeping area. Many cots use bars at the head and foot that further stretch the fabric. The first header or footer bar that you install usually goes together pretty easily, but the second can be very difficult to bring into position due to making the material taught.

The Cabela’s Camp Cot design, on the other hand, is surprisingly easy. Instead of depending almost entirely on tension to keep them in place, the Cabela’s header and footer bars have nubs that fit into slotted holes in the main frame. The result is still a sleeping area that delivers good support throughout.

The header and footer bars slip into position without much trouble.

Carry bag.

Large sleeping bag on top.

The Organizer attaches with velcro straps and a stretch band.

In the Field

I slept on the Cabela’s O2 Octane Camp Cot with Organizer during September’s archery elk hunting season — a good eight days worth overall. It was solid, comfortable, and quiet. Furthermore, it was just big enough and wide enough to enjoy. The downside with larger cots is that they take up more physical space, so when space is at a premium, bigger cots aren’t always better.

The included organizer is this cot’s claim to fame — other than the sweet O2 Octane camo pattern, of course. The organizer simply connects to the frame of the cot and hangs down one side. There are lots of differently sized pockets, including big mesh pockets, smaller zippered pockets, a water bottle pocket, and even an alarm shelf. Obviously there’s plenty of space for your wallet, keys, and phone. There is also room for medication — definitely ibuprofen — and a flashlight.

Whenever I’m camping or hunting, having a few extra pockets for organization is very much appreciated.

Cabela’s O2 Octane Camp Cot vs Cabela’s Camp Cot – Brown

As it turns out, you should know about the standard Cabela’s Camp Cot – Brown. It is, like the name suggests, simply brown. As near as I can tell, it is constructed exactly the same as the O2 Octane version. I’ve slept on both, and they feel the same. The key difference is the brown version lacks an organizer and is priced less. If you’re just looking for a great cot, consider the Cabela’s Camp Cot – Brown option.

All-in-all, the Cabela’s O2 Octane Camp Cot with Organizer is a durable and comfortable camping and hunting cot that is easy to set up. Highly recommended.

Get the Gear:

• Cabela’s O2 Octane Camp Cot with Organizer
• Cabela’s Camp Cot – Brown
• Cabela’s Cot Pads

Looking for gifts for outdoor lovers? Check out our guide to the best gifts for hunters, our guide to the best gifts for campers, and our guide to the best fly fishing gifts!