Top Rated Cots
Our top rated cots are light and easy to pack particularly for backpacking trips. They are extremely durable, and offer a comfortable night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This cot that is top of the line is ideal for babies and toddlers, and can be extended as your child grows. It's pricey, but it has a great feel and look.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that is easy to set-up and take-down will make your life much easier if you intend to camp frequently. A quality cot can fold into a compact, portable format with a handle that makes it easy to transport and put away. It will also be comfortable to sleep in, so you can have a peaceful night's sleep.
Some cots have state-of-the-art technologies which make them extremely easy to assemble. A cot that has push down joints, for example can be put in place in a matter of seconds. A lock mechanism is a fantastic feature that keeps joints from falling loose. This is especially useful if you're travelling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another great camping cot. It has an easy-to-assemble design, and is one of the most comfortable models we tested. It is a little larger than the other cots that we tested and might not be suitable for smaller tents. It has a base with puck legs that ensure it stays level and stop it from being able to get into the floor of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 also has a comfortable, cushy mattress that raises your body off the ground and offers more comfort than the other cots we've tried.
If you're a backpacker in need of an cot, then you should look into the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering's ReadyLite Cot. These cots can be used as wall tents and are still lightweight enough to be carried in a backpack. These cots are great for hunting outposts that can only be reached by ATV or truck.
If you're looking for a cot which is easy to set-up and comfortable to sleep on, search for one with a built-in mattress and no bars that run across your feet or head. These models tend to be a bit bulkier than other types of cots, but they can be transported in the back of your car and placed on top of other gear. They're also a great option for short hikes when you need a quick, comfortable place to sleep.
Comfortable
The best camping cots are comfortable enough to provide you a restful night's sleep. They're much closer to a bed than sleeping pads, which often seem hard and lumpy, are harder to set up and expose you to cold temperatures that can transfer through your sleeping bag. Cots with integrated pads or pockets for pads tend to be more soft and warmer than those without.
Some cots feature an air mattress, for instance the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot. This makes it one of most comfortable camping cots. It's also large enough to fit two people, if they're not too tall. This makes it an excellent choice for shared camping trips or for families with tents.
If you're backpacking, the comfort of your cot is important. Backpackers often want to reduce the weight of their packs and can sacrifice comfort features to do so. Cots that are incredibly lightweight and compact, like the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, are a great option for backpackers as they can be easily carried and stored in a backpack, while offering plenty of support and stability.
If, however, you're camping next to your car and don't have to worry about carrying your gear around with you then you should invest in a more comfortable camping cot. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 has extra padding that makes it feel more like a bed. It's heavier than other options but is still light and small enough for backpackers to carry. It's also one of the most comfortable cots that can be found for less than $200. The only issue is that it's a bit narrow for those who prefer more surface area to sleep on.
Durable
A sturdy camping cot is essential for long-term use. It must also be resistant to the elements, like rust or corrosion. The majority of cots are made out of steel or aluminum and the top ones are coated with a substance that blocks water. You can protect your cot further by covering it with a tarp or tent to prevent rain exposure.
The frame of your cot will affect how well it will stand against wear and tear. Although aluminum frames are lightweight however, they can easily bend and aren't as strong as steel-framed options. If you're planning on 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 built to last.
In terms of comfort, cots can be a great alternative to sleeping bags. They offer a bit more stability and tend to be less lumpy than sleeping pads. Some cots have extra features like storage compartments or side tables to increase functionality.
Cots come in many different styles and materials, but are generally constructed exactly the same way. Canvas and cotton are the heavier fabrics that are more comfortable for sleeping on than polyester or nylon. Lightweight cots are more susceptible to tear. It's best to choose a fabric that is sturdy.
You should also consider the ease of a cot to set up and take down before deciding on which one to buy. Certain models require some assembly while others can be set up by simply folding them up and locking them into place. The top cots are those that meet your preferences in terms of how easy to set up while delivering the comfort and durability that you require.
We've reviewed the top-rated cots in our extensive review, so you can find the ideal model for your next camping trip. If you're looking for a lightweight, portable 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 gear, there are light cots that offer a great night's rest. cheap cot beds are constructed of steel alloy or aluminum, which are more durable and able to support heavier weights than the thinner models. They may also feature an nylon or polyester sleeping surface, which is comfortable to sleep on and won't hold onto the sand as traditional tent mattresses do.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a cot that is light and designed to be used for backpacking. It's simple to set up and is very light at only 2 pounds 13 ounces. It's too narrow and short for those with larger frames It doesn't provide any cushioning or support.
There are also cots with lightweight construction that are made to be used in tents or cars like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot provides plenty of space for campers, and also a comfortable bed space. Its maze of poles can be a bit intimidating to put together the first time but it's pretty easy after you've learned the procedure.
Backpackers might need to search for a cot specifically designed for backpacking like the Helinox Lite Cot or the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cotes weigh less than standard cots and make them ideal for hunting in the backcountry. They are easy to transport in a backpack, and make remote hunting areas more comfortable.
Another option for backcountry hunters is the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. It's compact and lightweight, so it is able to fit in the majority of backpacks. Although it's not as comfortable as other cots we've tested this is still a great choice for backpacking hunters.
If you're in search of an cot that will allow you to sleep comfortably while camping, take note of the features that are most important to you. For those who want to feel as close to a home mattress as possible when camping, there are cots that include luxurious padding and a pillowtop that can make your camping tent feel like a luxury hotel suite.