Best Camping Cot Buying Guide 2019
People choose a variety of different ways to sleep when camping. One of the more popular options is to use a camping cot. This raises the camper off the ground and is a more comfortable option for tenting. If you're new to using a tent cot, we have some useful information about camping cot. Our guide is designed to help you to find the right one the first time. We've also included the top ten best camping cot on the market with full reviews and the details you need to make your choice.
Comparison Table of Best Camping Cot
Picture | Name | Editor Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot | ||
 | Coleman Queen Airbed Folding Cot with Side Tables | ||
 | TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot | ||
 | Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot | ||
 | Timber Ridge Utility Folding XL Camping Cot Portable Deluxe Bed | ||
 | Easy Cot, Portable Folding Cot by Byer of Maine | ||
 | Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Camping Cot | ||
 | Coleman 2000020273 Pack Away Cotton - Twin | ||
 | Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot | ||
 | Forfar Camping Cot Portable Lightweight Foldable Sleeping Military Bed |
What About Tent Cots?
Tent cots are portable camping beds that set up quickly and easily. They keep you off the cold and hard ground beneath the tent.These instant beds come in a variety of different sizes, styles and materials. Some things to consider include the size of the person using the cot, how long or wide it should be, the weight capacity, ease of setup and so forth. Comfort and durability are two important features to look for. Which is the best? This depends on your personal needs and preferences. Let's take a look at the top tent cots along with complete details about the features and benefits. We've also included reviews with pros and cons to help you get an idea of which product would be the best choice for you.
Features and Benefits With Details of Camping Cot
Enjoy the comfort of being raised off the ground in the Coleman ComfortSmart camping cot. Loaded with features to make your camping experience more enjoyable.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Portable comfort when and where you need it with the Coleman generous sized queen airbed folding cot. Packed full of useful features for the ultimate camping experience.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Camping comfort with the perfect cot for hunting, base camp or for use at home as an extra place for company to sleep.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Enjoy roomy spaciousness with the Kamp-rite overesize tent cot. Plenty of room to stretch out or to invite the pooch for a warm and comfortable night's rest.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Convenience of an instant bed when and where it's needed with the Timber Ridge utility folding camping cot. Extra large size for maximum comfort for larger sized campers, or for accommodating two sleepers.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Instant camping bed that is there when you need it and easy to fold up and store when you don't. Easy Cot by Byer of Maine is a portable bed for camping or home use.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Comfort and support for camping or guest accommodation in a portable instant bed.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Camp in comfort with the extra long yet portable Coleman pack away cotton twin tent cot.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Heavy duty camping cot that gives you roomy sleeping comfort and comes packed with useful features.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Enjoy the comfort of a lightweight tent cot that is designed for instant setup for fast deployment of a bed when and wherever you need it.
Features and Benefits
Pros
Cons
Considerations of Choosing Camping Cot
We see in our best product review that there are many things that you need to consider when choosing a camping cot. Pay attention to the details because in order to get it right the first time, you'll want the cot that has what you're looking for. Weigh the pros and cons of each before making your final choice.
Frame
Heavy duty steel frames are durable and offer the greatest amount of support. The newer aluminum alloy frames are also stout, but they weigh far less and are a better option for backpackers, hikers and people who do not have a lot of physical strength.
Fabric
Some cots come with cotton fabric and others with more durable nylon that is lighter in weight. It can make a difference when you are packing in your sleeping cot. If you are using your cot outside of a tent, consider the types that include a covering along with treatment for water resistance. This will keep you dry and warmer.
Comfort and support
Some cots offer a firmer base while others have more give in the stretch and the fabric. The most comfortable cot depends on the condition of your spine and the degree of hardness or softness that you prefer for sleeping. Some cots offer thin padding while others have extra cushion. You may also opt for a cot that has built-in coil support.
Portability/ease of assembly
If you're setting up a cot for your base camp, then you are likely to prefer one of the heavier models that doesn't necessarily need to be portable. If you're a backpacker, then a lighter and instant set up style is preferred. Again, consider how the cot will be used, how long it will stay up and how portable you need it to be. Some fold up in just a few seconds while others take more time. There is usually a trade-off in the level of size, comfort and stability as noted in the pros and cons of each.
Size and weight
The most comfortable cot will be long enough to accommodate your body from head to toe with no overhang. Check the dimensions before buying to make sure that your choice is both long enough and wide enough. It should also be rated to accommodate the weight load.
Where camping cots work best
Ideally, camping cots are used inside of a tent. This is to raise you off the ground so you are lying on a softer and warmer surface. They may also be used outdoors as there are some models that address protection from the elements with additional padding and even tenting material to keep you warm and dry. They may also be used indoors as spare beds when guests arrive.
Benefits of a camping bed
There are multiple advantages to having a camping bed. The ground beneath your tent can be cold and hard. This leads to tossing and turning and a miserable night that robs you of your much needed rest. You can use as little or as much padding in a camping bed as you like, for a customized level of comfort. You'll get the sleep that you need to enjoy your camping or hunting trip much more than if you suffer from a lack of good rest or stiffness from aches and pains in the morning.
A Brief History Of The Camping Cot
The camping cot is believed to go all the way back to the days of the Roman army. There was a need to portable sleeping accommodations for the massive armies that marched throughout different countries in the world. It's unclear what materials were used for these first makeshift beds. They gained popularity among military units throughout the world because compactness and lightweight solutions were needed. Camping cots were also used where housing was in short supply, particularly in the Soviet Union and in emergency shelters globally. They are still in use wherever portable beds are needed, and in recent decades they became popular for use in recreational settings including camping, hunting and other outdoor activities including mountain climbing base camps.
Camping Cot Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I choose a camping cot, air mattress (air bed), or air pad?
A: camping cot raises you off the ground and is an essential for comfort. You may use an air mattress or other type of pad along with the cot. This is a matter of preference. Some campers prefer to use an air mattress, but the cot offers additional protection for the air bed from sharp objects on the ground.
Q: How do I stay warm sleeping on a camping cot?
A: Air circulates under the cot and can make your backside cold. The best solution is to put padding or an air mattress between you and the cot to build a barrier from the cold. This will help to keep you warmer.
Q: My camping cot is squeaky, what should I do?
A: It helps to use a tiny amount of graphite powder on squeaky camping cots. This should reduce the noise.
Q: Are camping cots comfortable?
A: They can be, but not all cots are. It's helpful to read the reviews and specifications before you buy. You can add padding to any camping cot, but first make sure that the cot is the right size and will accommodate your body weight. Plan in advance to add the correct amount of padding to a well-fitting camp cot and it should be reasonably comfortable.
Q: How much do camping cots cost?
A: Camping cots come in a wide range of prices. The old saying that you get what you pay for is true, but you won't need to break the bank to find a quality cot reasonably priced. Expect to find cots from $35 on the low end and up to $200 on the high end.
Q: Are camping cots difficult to setup?
A: Some camping cots are difficult to setup, but most are not. The extra large cots that come with extra features are heavier and they take more time and effort than those which are designed to be portable with an easy setup feature. Many of the portable cots available can be setup by one person is less than one minute.
Tips on Using a Camping Cot
Camping cots are a modern convenience that gives you instant sleeping quarters on demand. They are an excellent solution for accommodating overnight guests, for vacation trips, for hiking, camping, hunting and other overnight outdoor activities. They are also great for extra sleeping space for kids' overnight parties.
Camping Cot Brands
There are four camping cot brands which stand out over the others. When you see thee names Coleman, Teton, Byer of Maine and Kamp Rite, you can rest assured that these are proven companies who are known for delivering high quality products. People who use these products and offer their honest opinions about the performance, value and quality have helped to establish the reputations of each brand represented in our guide and reviews of the best camp cots.
So, What's the Best Camping Cot?
There are many brands, styles and models to choose from, but the best camping cot is the one that meets your individual needs. It offers protection, comfort and convenience. The pros should outweigh the cons. If you want a sturdy, large and comfortable cot for camping, it is probably going to be heavy. This is one of the trade-offs. If you need a lighter cot for backpacking, it won't be as stable or comfy, but it will be easier to carry. Only you can decide which features are right for you. Consider whether you need a cot for camping or a cot for backpacking because they are very different.
Final Words
The best way to choose the best camping cot is to consider what you need from the product. There are several good cots on the market, but each has its own set of pros and cons. We've taken the most highly rated for our guide and review to give you a range of choices for the sake of convenience. We've done the research and offer it in one place to save you time and effort.
