Top Rated Cots
Our top cots can be easily packed and are light in weight, making them ideal for backpacking trips. They are incredibly durable, and offer a comfortable night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This premium cot can be used right from birth and extended as your child develops. It's expensive but it has an amazing feel and appearance.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that is easy to set-up and remove will make your life much easier if you intend on camping often. A quality cot can fold into small, portable size with a carry handle that makes it easy to transport and put away. It should be comfortable to lie on so that you can enjoy an enjoyable night's sleep.
Some cots feature cutting-edge technologies that make them easy to assemble. A cot with push down joints, for example, can be snapped in place in a matter of seconds. A lock mechanism is another excellent feature that stops the joints from coming loose. This is particularly useful for families traveling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another great camping cot. It comes with an easy-to-assemble design, and is one of the most comfortable models we tested. It's a bit bigger than the other cots that we looked at and might not fit in small tents. It has a base with puck legs to help it stay level and stop it from digging into the floor fabric of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a soft, comfortable mattress that lifts you up off the ground. It is more comfortable than any other cot we've 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 able to be used as wall tents and are light enough to carry in the back of a backpack. These cots are perfect for hunting outposts that can only be reached by truck or ATV.
If you're looking for a cot that is easy to set up and comfortable to sleep on, look for one that has a mattress built-in and has no bars on your head or feet. These models are a bit larger than other types of beds, but they can be transported in your vehicle and stacked along with other equipment. These cots are also great for short hikes when you need a comfortable and easy place to rest.
Comfortable
The most comfortable camping cots are comfortable enough to give you a good night's sleep. They're a great alternative to sleeping pads, which can be spongy and hard and are difficult to set up. They also expose you to cold ground, which may be transferred into your sleeping bag. Cots that have integrated pads or pad pockets tend to be softer and warmer than those that don't.
Some cots, including the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, have a literal air mattress that makes it one of the softest camping cots around. It's also large enough to hold two people if they are not too tall. This makes it a great option for shared tents or family camping trips.
If you're backpacking, the comfort of your cot is extremely important. Backpackers often want to decrease their weight and might sacrifice comfort features to accomplish this. Cots that are incredibly lightweight and compact, such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, are a great option for backpackers since they are able to be easily carried and put away in a backpack, while providing plenty of support and stability.
However, if you're camping next to your car and don't need to worry about carrying your gear, then it's worth investing in a more relaxing camping cot. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a excellent example of a camping cot constructed with extra padding that makes it feel as similar to a bed as is possible. It's a bit heavier than other options on this list however, it's small enough and light enough to be carried by backpackers. It's also one of the most comfortable cots can be found for less than $200. The only drawback is that it's a bit too narrow for those who like more space to sleep on.
Durable
A durable camping cot is crucial for long-term use. It must be also resistant to elements, such as rust and corrosion. The majority of cots are made of aluminum or steel and the most durable ones will have a coating that repels water. You can also protect your cot further by covering it with a tarp or a tent to stop rain exposure.
The frame of your cot may also have an impact on its durability. Aluminum frames are light but are prone to bend easily. They're not as durable as steel frames. If you're thinking of roughing it and need a more robust cot, the Coleman Trailhead II Cot might be a better choice since it can withstand more weight and is constructed to last.
Cots are an excellent choice for comfort when compared to sleeping bags. They are more stable and less bulky than sleeping mats. Some cots have extra features, like side tables or storage compartments to increase functionality.
Cots come in a variety of designs and materials, however they typically have similar constructions. Canvas and cotton are the heavier fabrics that are more comfortable to sleeping on than polyester or nylon. Lightweight cots are prone to tearing. It is recommended to select a fabric that is sturdy.
When deciding which cot you want to buy, you should also think about the ease of putting up and taking down the cot. Certain models require some assembly, while others can be put together by simply folding them up and locking them into place. The best cots will prioritize your requirements for ease of setup, while still providing the level of comfort and durability you need.
In our thorough review, we've reviewed the top-rated models so that you can choose the best model for your next camping adventure. Whether you're looking for an easy-to-carry option that's perfect for backpacking, or a robust car camping cot, we've got the reviews and suggestions to help select the best one.
Full File

There are lightweight cots for those who wish to camp comfortably but not needing to carry a lot of equipment. They can provide a great night's rest. These cots are usually made of either steel alloy or aluminum frames, which are durable and able to support more weight than the thinner models. They may also come with a nylon or polyester sleeping mat that is more comfortable and won't catch sand as the tent mattress would.
The OEX Ultralite is a great example of a lightweight cot specifically designed for backpacking. With just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's light to carry and simple to set up. It's too narrow and short for people with larger frames and doesn't offer any cushioning or support.
There are also cots with lightweight construction that are made to be used in tents or cars, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot is extremely sturdy and offers plenty of room for campers of all kinds, with an ample bed that's comfortable enough to get an adequate night's rest. The maze of poles may seem daunting initially but once you're used to it, it becomes easy to assemble.
Backpackers must find a cot designed specifically for backpacking, like the Helinox Lite Cot and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots are much lighter than conventional cots, making them ideal for backcountry hunting trips. They can be easily transported in a backpack, and can make remote hunting areas more livable.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is another alternative for backpacking. It is extremely lightweight and compact when packed. It can fit into most backpacks without taking up too much space. It's not as comfortable as some of the other cots that we tested, but it is still an excellent choice for backpackers.
Think about the features you need most when selecting a cot that will allow you to rest comfortably on your camping trip. If you're looking to feel as close to a traditional bed as you can when camping, there are cots that include pillows and soft padding, which can make your camping tent feel like a luxury hotel suite.