Top Rated Cots
Our top rated cots are light and easy to pack, especially for backpacking trips. They are incredibly durable, and provide a comfortable sleeping on uneven terrain.
This cot is a top quality and can be used right from the moment of birth and can be extended as your child grows. It's costly, but it offers an amazing feel and appearance.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that's simple to set-up and remove will make your life much easier if you plan on camping frequently. A good cot folds into an easy-to-carry format with a carry handle that makes it easy to transport and put away. It is best if it is comfortable to sleep on, so that you can have a an enjoyable night's sleep.
Some cots have state-of-the-art technologies which make them extremely easy to assemble. For instance, a cot with push-down joints can be snagged into place in minutes, which is extremely convenient. A lock mechanism is another excellent feature that stops joints from falling loose. This is especially useful if you're travelling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another excellent camping cot. This cot is simple to set up and is one of the most comfortable we tried. It's slightly larger than the other cots we tested and therefore won't fit into smaller tents. It has a base with puck legs that keep it flat and avoid being able to get into the floor of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 also has a comfortable, cushy mattress that elevates you off the ground, and provides more comfort than the other cots we've tried.
If you're a hiker and require an cot to sleep in, you should consider the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots can be used as wall tents, and are lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack. They're a great choice for hunting sites that are only accessible by truck, ATV or pack animal.
If you're looking for a cot that's simple to set up and comfortable to sleep in, look for one that has a mattress built-in and has no bars across your feet or head. These models are a bit bigger than other beds, but they can be transported in a car and stacked together with other gear. These cots are great for short hikes when you require a comfy and quick place to sleep.
Comfortable
The best camping cots are comfortable enough to give you a peaceful night's rest. They're closer to the mattress than sleeping pads, which often seem hard and lumpy, are harder to set up, and expose you to cold temperatures that could transfer to your sleeping bag. Cots that have integrated pads or pad pockets tend to be more soft and warmer than ones without.
nursery cots feature an air mattress, such as the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot. This makes it one of the most comfortable camping cots. It is also large enough to fit two people, if they're not too tall. This makes it an excellent choice for shared camping trips with family members or tents.
If you're traveling by backpack, the comfort of your cot is extremely important. Backpackers are often focused on reducing the weight of their packs and as such, they might be willing to sacrifice some comfort features to lighten the weight of their equipment. Cots like the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are ideal for backpackers as they can be easily moved and stored in a backpack, while still offering stability and support.
If you are camping near your vehicle, and you do not have to worry about bringing your gear along with you, consider buying an outdoor cot that provides more comfort. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a great example of a camping cot equipped with padding that makes it look as close to a real bed as you can get. It's heavier than other choices on this list, but it's still light and compact enough to be carried by backpackers. It's also one of the most comfortable cots you can find for under $200. The only drawback is that it's a little small for those who want more surface area to sleep on.
Durable
A sturdy camping cot is necessary for long-term use. It must be resistant to elements like rust and 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 a tent or tarp to prevent exposure to rain.
The frame of your cot can also affect its durability. Aluminum frames are lightweight, but are prone to bend easily. They're not as durable as steel frames. If you're planning to rough it, a more robust Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be the best option. It is able to support more weight and is built to last.
Cots are a great option for comfort when compared to sleeping bags. They are more stable and less lumpy than sleeping mats. Some cots come with extra features, like storage compartments or side tables to enhance the functionality.
Cots can come in various styles and materials, but they typically have similar constructions. Canvas or cotton are heavier fabrics that are more comfortable to sleeping on than polyester or nylon. Lightweight cots are also more prone to tears therefore it is important to choose a sturdy fabric for your needs.
When deciding which cot you want to buy, you should also consider the ease of putting up and taking down a bed. Some models require a bit of assembly, while other are as simple as unfolding and locking them in the right place. The most effective cots will take into account your requirements for ease of setup, while still providing the comfort and durability that you want.
In our comprehensive review we've reviewed the most highly rated models to help you choose the best model for your next camping trip. We have reviews and recommendations that will help you find the perfect cot, whether you're seeking a light cot to take backpacking, or a cot with a lot of strength for car camp.
Lightweight
There are lightweight cots that are ideal for those who want to camp comfortably but not needing to carry around a lot of equipment. They offer a good night's rest. These cots are typically constructed from aluminum or steel alloy frames that are durable and can withstand more weight than the thinner models. They may also feature a polyester or nylon sleeping surface that is comfortable to sleep on and won't hold onto the sand like traditional tent mattresses do.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a cot with a light weight that is designed to be used for backpacking. It's easy to set up and is very light at just 2 pounds 13 ounces. It's too small and narrow for people with larger frame sizes It doesn't provide any cushioning or support.
There are also lightweight cots that are made for car or tent camping like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot offers plenty of space for most campers, and also a comfortable bed area. Its maze of poles can be a bit intimidating to put together for the first time however, it's quite easy once you've mastered the system.
Backpackers may have to look for a backpacking-specific cot, such as the Helinox Lite Cot or the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These Cots weigh less than standard cots, and are thus ideal for backcountry hunting. They can be easily carried in backpacks, and make hunting in remote areas more comfortable.
Another option for those who hunt in the backcountry is the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. The cot is small and light, meaning it can easily fit into most backpacks. It's not quite as comfortable as the other cots that we tested however it's an excellent choice for backpacking hunters.
Think about the features you need most when choosing a cot to allow you to sleep comfortably on a camping trip. If you want to feel as close to a home bed as possible when camping, there are cots with pillows and soft padding, which can make your camping tent feel like a luxury hotel suite.