Our top rated cots are light and easy to carry around, especially for backpacking trips. They're incredibly durable and provide a comfortable night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This premium cot can be used from birth and extended as your child develops. It's expensive but it has a great feel and look.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that's easy to set up and take down will make your life much easier if you plan on camping often. A good cot will fold into an easy-to-carry format with a handle that makes it easy to transport and store. It should be comfortable for you to lie on so that you can enjoy a good night's rest.
Some cots are equipped with state-of-the art technologies that make them easy to assemble. For instance a cot that has push-down joints can be snagged into position in just a few seconds, which is very convenient. A lock mechanism is another fantastic feature that keeps joints from falling loose. This is especially useful when traveling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another great camping cot. This cot is simple to assemble and one of the most comfortable we tested. It's a bit larger than the other cots we reviewed and therefore won't fit in smaller tents. It also comes with a base frame with puck legs to help it stay flat on the ground and prevents it from squeezing into the tent's floor. The Kingdom Cot 3 also has a comfortable, cushy mattress that lifts you off the ground and offers more comfort than other cots we tested.
If you're a backpacker who requires a cot for sleeping in, consider the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots are light enough to be backpackable however, they're also large enough to fit in wall tents. These cots are great for hunting outposts that are only accessible via ATV or truck.
If you're looking for a cot which is easy to set-up and comfortable to sleep in, look for one that has a built-in mattress and no bars across your feet or your head. These beds are bigger than other beds, but can be transported in a car and stacked together with other gear. These cots are also great for short hikes when you require a comfortable, quick place to sleep.
Comfortable
The best camping cots will give you a comfortable night's rest. They're a much closer approximation to the mattress than sleeping pads that often appear lumpy and hard and are more difficult to set up and expose you to cold air which can get into your sleeping bag. Cots that have pad pockets or pads that are integrated tend to be more soft and warmer than those that don't.
Some cots have an air mattress, such as the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot. This makes it one of the most comfortable camping cots. It's also large enough to fit two people on it, if they're not too tall which makes it a great choice for family camping trips or shared tents.
A cot's comfort level is crucial if you're backpacking. Backpackers typically want to decrease their weight and might sacrifice comfort features in order to achieve this. Cots like the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are ideal for backpackers since they are able to be easily transported and stored in a backpack, and still providing support and stability.
If, however, you're camping near your car and don't need to carry your gear, then it's worth investing in a more relaxing camping cot. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a good example of a camping cot that's designed with extra padding to make it look as like a real bed as is possible. It's a bit heavier than the other choices on this list, however it's still lightweight and compact enough to be carried by backpackers. It's among the most comfortable cots you can purchase for less than $200. The only issue is that it's a bit too narrow for those who like more space to sleep on.
Durable
A quality camping cot has to last for a long time of use. It must be also resistant to elements, such as rust or corrosion. The majority of cots are made from aluminum or steel. The best ones have an anti-water coating that repels water. You can protect your cot by covering it with either a tent or tarp in order to protect it from rain.
The frame of your cot will have a significant impact on how well it holds against wear and tear. While aluminum frames are lightweight, they can bend easily and aren't as sturdy as steel-framed options. If you're planning on roughing it, a more robust Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be the better choice. It can withstand more weight, while being built to last.
In terms of comfort, cots can be a great alternative to sleeping bags. They provide a little more stability and are less lumpy than sleeping pads. Some cots have additional features such as built-in storage compartments or tables on the sides to improve functionality and make it easier to get in and out of bed.
Cots come in a variety of designs and materials, however they generally have the same basic constructions. The heavier fabrics such as cotton or canvas are generally more comfortable to sleep on than lighter polyester or nylon. Lightweight cots are prone to tearing. It's best to choose the fabric that is strong.
When deciding which cot to purchase, it is important to consider the ease of putting up and disassembling a co-teach. Some models require some assembly while others can be set up by unfolding them and locking them into place. The most effective cots will meet your requirements in terms of their ease of assembly while delivering the comfort and durability that you want.
We've reviewed the top cots in our thorough review, so you can choose the ideal model for your next camping trip. If you're looking for a portable, lightweight option that is ideal for backpacking or a heavy-duty cot for car camping, we've got the reviews and suggestions to help pick the best one.
Lightweight
For those who want to sleep comfortably while camping without lugging around lots of equipment, there are lightweight cots that offer a great night's sleep. These cots have frames made of aluminum or steel alloy, which are more durable and able to be able to support heavier loads than smaller models. These cots could also feature a nylon or polyester sleeping mat, which is more comfortable and won't trap sand as a tent mattress can.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a cot that is light and designed for backpacking. It's simple to install and is light at just 2 pounds 13 ounces. However, it's small and narrow for taller people and the sleeping surface does not provide much cushioning or support.
There are also lightweight cots that are designed for camping in a tent or car like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot is extremely durable and has plenty of space for campers of all sizes, and has a spacious bed area that's sufficient to provide a good night's sleep. Its maze of poles could be a bit daunting to assemble the first time however, it's quite easy once you've mastered the system.
Backpackers may have to look for a cot specifically designed for backpacking like the Helinox Lite Cot or the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These Cots weigh less than standard cots and are therefore ideal for hunting in the backcountry. These cots can be carried in a backpack and make hunting in remote areas more comfortable.
Another option for hunters in the backcountry is the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. The cot is light and compact when packed. It can fit in most backpacks without taking up too much space. It's not quite as comfortable as the other cots we tried, but it is still an excellent choice for backpacking hunters.
Consider the features you want most when choosing a cot that will allow you to rest comfortably on your camping trip. For those who want to feel as close to a traditional bed as you can while camping, there are cots with pillows and soft padding, which can make your tent feel like a luxurious hotel suite.