Top Rated Cots
Our top-rated cots are easily packed away and are lightweight which makes them ideal for backpacking trips. They're extremely durable and offer the perfect night's sleep on uneven terrain.
The cot's premium quality can be used right from birth and extended as your child develops. It's pricey, but it has the perfect feel and design.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that's easy to set-up and remove will make your life much easier if you intend to camp frequently. A well-designed cot is compact and mobile, with a handle that makes it easy to store and transport. It's also comfortable to sleep in, so you can get a restful night's sleep.
Some cots are fitted with modern technology which make them easy to assemble. For example a cot with push-down joints can be snapped into place in seconds, which is practical. A lock mechanism is another great feature that prevents joints from slipping loose. This is especially useful for families traveling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another great camping cot. It's easy to assemble and one of the most comfortable we tested. It is a little larger than the other cots that we looked at and might not fit in smaller tents. It also has a frame with puck legs to ensure it stays level on the ground and keep it from squeezing into the floor of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 also has a soft, comfortable mattress that lifts you off the ground, and provides more comfort than the other cots we've tested.
If you're a hiker and require a cot for sleeping in, consider the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots are lightweight enough to carry in a backpack however, they're also large enough to fit in wall tents. They're a great option for hunting sites which can only be reached via ATV, truck or pack animals.
If you're looking for a cot with built-in bed but with no bars at the feet or head choose models that have both. These kinds of cots tend to be a bit bulkier than other cots, however they can still be easily transported in the back of your vehicle and placed on top of other gear. They're also an excellent choice for short hikes in which you require a quick and comfortable bed.
Confortable
The best camping cots are comfortable enough to provide you a restful night's sleep. They're a much closer approximation to the mattress than sleeping pads, which often appear lumpy and hard and are difficult to put together, and expose you to cold temperatures which can get into your sleeping bag. Cots with integrated pads or pockets for pads tend to be warmer and softer than those that don't have.
Some cots come with an air mattress, like the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot. This makes it one of the most comfortable camping cots. It's also spacious enough to accommodate two people on it if they're not too tall which makes it a great choice for family camping trips or tents that are shared.
A cot's comfort level is crucial if you're planning to backpack. Backpackers are often looking to reduce their pack weight and may sacrifice comfort features to do so. Cots such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are great for backpackers because they are able to be easily transported and stored inside a backpack, while still offering stability and support.
However, if you're camping near your car and don't need to worry about carrying your gear then you should invest in a more comfort-focused camping cot. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 has extra padding that makes it feel more like it's a bed. It's heavier than other cots however it's still light and small enough for backpackers to carry. It's also one of the most comfortable cots can be found for less than $200. It's only downside is that it's a bit narrow for those who like more space to sleep on.
Durable
A quality camping cot has to be durable for long-term use. It should be also resistant to elements, like rust or corrosion. The majority of cots are made from aluminum or steel. The top ones are made of a coating that blocks water. You can shield your cot further by covering it with a tent or tarp to prevent rain exposure.
The frame of your cot can influence how well it stands against wear and wear and. Aluminum frames are lightweight but can bend easily. They're also not as strong as steel frames. If you're planning on roughing it, a more robust Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be the better choice. It is able to support 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 extra features, like side tables or storage compartments to increase functionality.
Cots can come in various designs and materials, however they generally have the same basic constructions. Canvas and cotton are the heavier fabrics which are more comfortable for sleeping on than polyester or nylon. The cots that are lightweight may be more prone to tears therefore it is important to choose a sturdy fabric that is suitable for your needs.
When you are deciding on which cot to purchase, it is important to think about the ease of putting up and taking down a co-teach. Some models require a little bit of assembly, while other are as easy as folding them and locking them in their place. The most effective cots will meet your desired criteria in terms of ease of setup while delivering the durability and comfort you require.
In our extensive review, we've reviewed the most highly rated models so that you can find the right model for your next camping trip. We have reviews and suggestions to help you choose the ideal cot, regardless of whether you're searching for a light option for backpacking, or a robust cot for car camp.
Lightweight
If you want to sleep comfortably during camping without lugging around a lot of equipment, there are lightweight cots that offer a great night's rest. They are constructed of aluminum or steel alloy frames, which are durable and can withstand heavier loads than lighter models. They can also come with a nylon or polyester sleeping surface, which is comfortable to lay on and won't hold onto the sand as the traditional tent mattress does.
The OEX Ultralite is a great example of a cot that is lightweight specifically designed to be used for backpacking. At just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's very lightweight to carry and simple to set up. It's too small and narrow for people with larger frame sizes and doesn't offer any cushioning or support.
There are also lightweight cots that are designed for camping in a car or tent, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 The cot provides plenty of space for most campers as well as a comfortable sleeping area. The maze of poles might be intimidating at first, but once you get familiar with it, it's easy to assemble.
Backpacking enthusiasts may need to find an cot designed specifically for backpacking, such as the Helinox Lite Cot or the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots are much lighter than standard cots, making them ideal for backcountry hunting trips. They can be easily carried in a backpack to make hunting in remote areas more comfortable.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is another alternative for backpacking. It's compact and lightweight, so it will easily fit into the majority of backpacks. Baby Crib 's not quite as comfortable as the other cots that we tested, but it is still an excellent choice for backpackers.
Think about the features you need most when you're choosing the right cot for you to sleep comfortably on a camping trip. If you're looking to feel as close to a home bed as possible while camping, there are even cots with luxurious padding and a pillowtop that can make your tent feel like a luxurious hotel suite.