Spending time in the great outdoors is something we all love to do but probably don’t do enough. Life takes over and quite often we are a little bit too busy to be out in the wilderness as often as we’d like. The easiest way to be in nature is by camping. Just load up the car, pick a campsite, and off we go.
Times like these are precious and the last thing we want is for them to be affected by discomfort, and the most important thing is having a comfy place to sleep.
Waking up in the night because the ground is cold, too hard, or that your sleeping setup is just uncomfortable is not an option. It affects you more than you know and it can make your time camping a chore instead of a lovely experience. One of the most comfortable camp beds to sleep on is a camping cot.
Raised off the ground and with all the support your body needs, a camping cot can give you an incredibly comfortable night’s sleep, if you find the right one for you.
In this article, we review some of the best camping cots on the market today. Comparing them against each other and looking at key factors like weight, portability, and comfort, so you can find the right one for your needs.
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![]() | Best For Car Camping
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![]() | Best On A Budget
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![]() | Best For Backpacking
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The Helinox Lite Cot Ultra-Light is made for backpacking. This camping cot is one of the lightest around and weighing just over 2lbs it’s not going to add too much weight to your pack. It packs down very small too and you’ll certainly be able to find a slot for it amongst your other gear.
The frame is made from an aluminum alloy, which is why it is so light. Aluminum is also exceptionally strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant, so this camping cot isn’t going anywhere fast, especially if you add the 5-year warranty to the mix.
The fabric used is made from 600D ripstop polyester. Polyester is naturally water-resistant and when is made in a thick weave like 600D, is incredibly durable too. Not only will the polyester last but it’ll also keep you warm and comfortable.
Setting up the Helinox Lite is pretty simple although confusing on your first try. Once you’ve figured it out, it’ll be up in no time. Once set up, this lightweight camping cot is super comfy and will give you a lovely night’s rest.
The only downside is that it’s a little narrow and if you’re a side sleeper you may bang your knees on the frame a bit. Otherwise, it’s an awesome backpacking camping cot.
From the world of ultralight backpacking to the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot which is made for car camping. This XXL camping cot is made for anyone who likes a lot of space when they sleep, and the generous dimensions mean you can move around a lot at night.
The aluminum frame is light, strong and corrosion-resistant. The materials used for the bed are a 600D polyester canvas blend, also exceptionally durable and will last a long time.
Due to the large dimensions and the fact the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL cot can hold 600lbs, it is heavy, weighing 26 lbs. There is no way this folding camping cot is made for backpacking but it will add a little luxury to any car camping trip.
The setup is very easy, especially with their included Pivot Arm that helps pop in the last bit without having to use any force. Once up the cot is comfy and you can roll around as much as you like.
Overall it’s a great folding camping cot for car camping, giving you a lot of space and comfort for a pretty good price. Plus it comes with both a carrying bag and a lifetime warranty.
The Bayer of Maine Heritage Cot outranks all others when it comes to style. You can see from the picture above how delicious it looks with its wooden frame and beige fabric. It looks like it should be in a luxury safari tent.
The wooden frame is made using sustainable white ash. The frame is easy to slot together and has been treated to ensure it can handle the elements camping will throw at it. The sleeping surface material used is 600D polyester like many of the others in the review. It’s thick, tough, water-resistant, and durable.
Once you have slotted the Byer of Maine cot together you’ll notice how spacious it is. There is a lot of room and it’s ideal for anyone who likes to move in their sleep. The structure is also pretty strong and supports up to 375 lbs in weight.
This camping cot is rather heavy at 24 lbs and is certainly a car camping cot option only. It packs away very neatly and you’ll find a slot in your trunk for it without any worries.
Overall an awesome camp cot with great style. If you’re on a car camping trip and want something a little sleeker, then this is a good choice.
The Tough Outdoors Camping Cot takes things to another level in terms of storage options. It comes with an organizer that hangs from the cot to give you 7 pockets to put your things in. This is such a great idea, and you’ll have a little spot for your toothbrush torch, water bottle, and anything else you want to keep close.
The frame is made from aluminum with steel legs, making the cot strong and durable. The material used is 660 D oxford canvas, again tough and durable.
You’d think the steel and aluminum combo would add a lot of weight to the cot but it actually weighs just 15lbs, a lot lighter than others in its class. But it still isn’t light enough to fit in your backpack.
The cot is a little tricky to set up at first but with some practice becomes very easy. Once up you’ll notice the space and if you lie on it you’ll figure out that the canvas is very tight. Now, this might suit some campers but maybe not all.
Overall it’s a great value camping cot that gets the job done if you’re car camping a light a hard bed.
The World Outdoor Camping Cot is a military-style cot that uses some of the highest grade materials out there. It’s an ideal car-camping cot but unfortunately is a little bit bulky for squeezing into your backpack.
The aluminum frame is made from anodized aircraft-grade aluminum. This makes it light and about as corrosion-resistant as it could get. You could happily set it up with the sea lapping under it and the frame would shrug it off like it was nothing.
The material used is 600D polyester like so many cots. It’s durable, water-resistant, and will last a long time.
Setting up this camping cot is very easy, and once up it’s quite comfortable. It is a little narrow at 25 inches and if you sleep on your side, you may find your body feeling the frame.
When packed away the cot weighs 13 lbs and is 38 x 6 x 4 inches in size. This is a little large and heavy for backpacking which is a bit of a shame but is an ideal weight and size for any car camping.
Overall a great lightweight camping cot that will outlast most others thanks to the awesome materials used.
The ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot might just be the key to all our camping cot problems (not that we really have any). This is one of the most affordable cots in the review while still giving you everything you might need.
The cot is just light enough to take backpacking and is also comfortable enough for camping with a car (naturally you sacrifice some comfort for the ultralight world). Its versatility is ideal.
The steel is a lot less expensive than aluminum and this is how they brought the price down. The steel will hold up well over time but it might need some looking after once any rust marks begin to appear. The fabric used is 600D polyester, similar to all the others, and is very durable.
Setting up this cot takes a few brain cells and some straight to slot the bars in, but after a few practice rounds, you’ll find it easy. Once up it’s very sturdy and comfortable to sleep in.
Overall a great cot for an amazing price. It’s certainly the best budget cot in the review.
Where would a camping review be without a Coleman product? It just wouldn’t be right, would it! Here we have the Coleman Camping Cot with Side Table. I love Colemans’ little additions like side tables, they are always trying to bring the home into the tent.
The side table on this cot is removable so you don’t have to have it, but it is jolly useful. It’s a great place to put your phone, torch, book and it even has a cup holder for your glass of water.
The frame of the cot is made from steel, a bit heavier than aluminum, and more prone to corrosion, so you may have to look after it and be wary of camping near the sea. The material used is not specified but the likelihood is its 600D polyester like all the others.
When packed away this cot is pretty bulky and you’ll also notice that it’s very heavy at 21 lbs. There is no chance that this cot is going to get in your backpack, and nor would you want something that heavy in there either. But it is ideal for camping with a car.
Setting it up is quite easy and once up it’s very spacious and comfy. The cot is long enough for people up to 6ft 6 inches, so if you’re tall and looking for a cot, then this is a great bet.
Overall a solid camping cot, spacious and roomy, for an awesome price. It’s just a little heavy and large for backpacking.
You may not Therm-a-rest for their camping air mattress, they invented the ultralight sleeping pad niche!
Their Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot is designed for backpacking and its only real contender in this review is the Helinox at the top. This lightweight cot is lighter, larger, warmer, and cheaper than the Helinox, so it’s clear the Therm-A-Rest is the winner.
The frame is made from an aluminum alloy, making it incredibly light but strong and heavy-duty. The material used is a Thermacapture fabric that is not only durable but also reflects your body heat. There is nothing worse than having a cold back at night and this cot is designed to stop that.
This exceptionally lightweight cot weighs in at just 2 lbs and it packs down to just 16 x 4 inches. You will have no worries getting this into your backpack and carrying it on your camping trip.
Setting this backpacking cot up is about as easy as it gets. You’ll manage in no time at all. Once set up you may notice it’s a little shorter than others, but that is part of the ultralight deal, saving materials is saving weight.
Sleeping on this cot is easy, thanks to how comfortable it is and how warm it is. Overall this is an awesome camping cot that is ideal for backpacking.
When looking at camping cot features, size is one of the most important. Naturally, you’re going to want a cot that matches your body size. This way you are fully supported while trying to sleep and will get a good night’s rest rather than having to hang limbs over the edge all night to git.
All the camping cots in the review have different dimensions, some are smaller for backpacking and others are extra wide and long to accommodate taller people and people who move around in their sleep. Make sure you check the length and width and that the cot you choose has a few inches to spare.
It’s also worth considering the height of the cot. High camping cots give you quite a lot of storage space underneath, which is especially useful when using a small tent.
The weight of the camping cots in the review ranged from 2 lbs to 28 lbs. That is a large difference and obviously makes an impact as to what you can use the camping cot for. If you plan on backpacking, you’ll need to stay under the 10lb mark. While 10 lbs is still heavy, you’ll have to pay 5 times as much for a 2lb one, so it becomes a matter of budget in the end.
If you’re camping with a car, you can go for the one that fits you best, as the cot only has to be light enough to get in and out of your car. This means the camping cot world is your oyster and you can pick anyone out there. Super comfy luxury is an option.
Not all camping cots are made equal, and the weight limit each one can handle varies. The cots in the review cover a weight limit of 250 lbs to 600 lbs. Make sure you buy a cot that can handle your weight, or may wake up in the night by crashing onto the floor.
The best camping cot for backpacking is the Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot. This camping cot is light, packs down small, is comfortable, and very durable. If you’re looking for an ultralight backpacking option that will stand the test of time, this is it.
The best camping cot for camping with a car is the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot. This cot offers unrivaled space and durability. The dimensions are massive and you’ll be able to roll around from side to side in your sleep without ever feeling the frame. It’s comfy, easy to set up and since you’re using the car to get everything there, why not have some spacious luxury.
One of the best camping cots for those on a budget is the ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot. This camping cot is comfortable, durable, light enough for backpacking, and incredibly affordable. It’s almost impossible to beat, and if you’re looking for something simple, and effective, look no further.