Our top rated cots are extremely light and easy to pack up especially for backpacking trips. They're extremely durable and can provide an enjoyable night's rest on uneven terrain.
This premium cot can be used from birth and extended as your child grows. It's costly, but it offers a great feel and look.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that's easy to set-up and take-down can make your life easier if you intend to camp frequently. A well-designed cot is compact and mobile, with a handle to make it easy to move and store. It should be comfortable for you to lie on so you can get an enjoyable night's sleep.
Some cots are equipped with modern technology which make them easy to put together. For example, a cot with push-down joints can be snagged into position in just a few seconds, which is convenient. Another excellent feature is a lock mechanism that makes it impossible for the joints to come loose. This is especially helpful when traveling with children.
Another excellent camping cot is the Kingdom Cot 3. This cot features an easy-to-assemble design, and is one of the most comfortable models we tried. It's a bit bigger than the other cots we tested, so it may not fit in smaller tents. It comes with a base with puck legs that keep it level and stop it from getting into the floor of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a comfortable, soft mattress that helps lift you off the ground. It is more comfortable than any other cot we have tested.
If you are a backpacker in need of a cot, you should consider the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering's ReadyLite Cot. These cots can be used as wall tents and are lightweight enough to be carried in the back of a backpack. These cots are ideal for hunting outposts that are only accessible via ATV or truck.
If you're looking for a cot that is easy 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 can be transported in your car and stacked with other gear. They're also an excellent choice for short hikes when you require a quick and comfortable place to sleep.
Comfortable
The most comfortable camping cots are comfortable enough to give you a good night's sleep. They're closer to the mattress than sleeping pads, which often seem hard and lumpy and are more difficult to put together, and expose you to cold air that could transfer to your sleeping bag. Cots that have integrated pads or pockets for pads tend to be warmer and softer than those with no pads.
Some cots, like the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, have a literal air mattress that makes it one of the softest camping cots you can find. It is also large enough to accommodate two people, if they're not too tall. This makes it a perfect option for shared camping trips with family members or tents.
The level of comfort a cot offers is especially important when you're backpacking. Backpackers are often looking to reduce their pack weight and may sacrifice comfort features in order to do so. Cots that are extremely light and compact, such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is a fantastic choice for backpackers because they can be easily carried and stored in backpacks while providing plenty of support and stability.
If you are camping near your car, and you don't have to worry about bringing your gear along with you, it is worth investing in an outdoor cot that provides more comfort. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a good example of a camping cot equipped with padding that makes it look as close to a real bed as is possible. It's a bit bulkier than other options on this list but it's still lightweight and compact enough to be carried by backpackers. It's one of the most comfortable cots you can buy 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 good camping cot needs to be durable for long-term use. It must be resistant to elements like corrosion and rust. Most cots are made from steel or aluminum, and the best ones will have a coating that repels water. You can shield your cot by covering it with either a tent or tarp in order to prevent exposure to rain.
The frame of your cot can also impact its durability. Aluminum frames are lightweight, but can bend easily. They're also not as sturdy as steel frames. If you plan to rough it, a heavier Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be the best option. It can withstand more weight while being built to last.
Cots are a great choice for comfort compared to sleeping bags. They provide a little more stability and tend to be less spongy than sleeping pads. Some cots also have additional features such as built-in storage compartments, or tables on the sides to improve functionality and help you get in and out of the bed.
Cots are available in a variety of styles and materials but generally, they are constructed in the same way. Canvas or cotton are heavier fabrics that are more comfortable for sleeping on than nylon or polyester. Lightweight cots are more prone to tearing. It is recommended to select a fabric that is sturdy.
You should also consider how easy a cot is to install and remove when determining which one to buy. Some models require some assembly and others can be set up by simply folding them and locking them in place. The top cots will be able to meet your desired criteria for ease of installation and will still offer the comfort and durability you require.
We've reviewed the top-rated cots in our extensive review, so you can find the perfect model for your next camping excursion. We've got reviews and suggestions to help you choose the perfect cot, whether you're seeking a light cot for backpacking, or a robust cot for camping in the car.
Lightweight
There are lightweight cots that are ideal for those who want to camp comfortably but not needing to carry a lot of equipment. They can provide a great night's sleep. These cots are typically made of either aluminum or steel alloy frames, which are durable and are able to withstand more weight than the thinner models. They could also have an nylon or polyester sleeping surface that is comfortable to lie on and won't cling to sand like a traditional tent mattress would.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a lightweight cot designed to be used for backpacking. At just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's very lightweight to carry and simple to set up. However, it's too short and narrow for larger-framed people, and the sleeping surface isn't padded enough or provides much support.
There are also cots with lightweight construction that are designed for car or tent camping, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot provides plenty of space for most campers, and also a comfortable bed space. The maze of poles can be intimidating initially but once you're used to it, it becomes simple to put together.
Backpackers may have to look for a cot specifically designed for backpacking, 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. These cots can be carried in a backpack to make remote hunting outposts more comfortable.
Another option for those who hunt in the backcountry is the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. It is extremely compact and light when packed, and can be easily tucked away in backpacks without taking up too much space. Although it's not as comfortable as some of the cots we've tested, this is still a great choice for backpackers.
If you're in search of a cot that allows you to sleep comfortably camping, consider the features that are most important to you. If you want to feel as close to a home bed as you can when camping, there are even cots that have luxurious padding and a pillowtop, which can make your camping tent feel like a luxury hotel suite.