top rated cots (try these out)
Our top rated cots are lightweight and easy to pack up especially 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 the perfect feel and design.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that is easy to set up and take down will make your life much easier if you intend on camping frequently. A good cot is compact and mobile, with a handle that makes it easy to store and transport. It should be comfortable to sleep on so you can get an enjoyable night's sleep.
Some cots are equipped with state-of-the art technologies that make them simple to assemble. A cot with push down joints, for instance, can be snapped in place in seconds. A lock mechanism is a great feature that prevents joints from falling loose. This is particularly useful for families traveling with children.
Kingdom Cot 3 is another great camping cot. This Baby Cot is easy to put together and is among the most comfortable we've tested. It's a bit bigger than the other cots that we tested and might not fit in small tents. It has a base that has puck legs to keep it flat and prevent it from getting into the floor of your tent. The Kingdom Cot 3 has a soft, comfortable mattress that lifts you up off the ground. It is more comfortable than any other cot we tested.
If you're a backpacker who requires a cot to sleep in, think about the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots can be utilized as wall tents and are light enough to carry on a backpack. These cots are great for hunting outposts that can only be reached via ATV or truck.
If you're looking for a cot that has built-in bed but with no bars on the feet or the head, then look for a model that has both. These models are a bit larger than other beds, but can still be carried in your car and stacked together with other equipment. They're also a great option for short hikes when you require a quick and comfortable place to sleep.
Confortable
The most ideal camping cots will offer you a comfortable night's rest. They're much closer to a bed than sleeping pads that 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 pad pockets tend to be more soft and warmer than ones without.
Some cots, including the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, come with a real air mattress that makes it one of the most comfortable camping cots around. It is also large enough to hold two people, if they're not too tall. This makes it a perfect choice for shared camping trips with family members or tents.
If you're backpacking, the comfort level of your cheap cot beds is important. Backpackers typically want to reduce their pack weight and can sacrifice comfort features to do so. Cots such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are great for backpackers because they can be easily moved and stored in a backpack, while still giving support and stability.
If you're camping near your car, and you don't have to worry about bringing your gear along with you, it's worth purchasing a camping cot that offers more comfort. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 has extra padding that makes it feel more like an actual bed. It's a bit heavier than some of the other options on this list, however it's still small enough and light enough to be carried by backpackers. It's also among the most comfortable cots that can be found for less than $200. The only drawback is the fact that it's too narrow for those who prefer more space to sleep on.
Durable
A sturdy camping cot is crucial for long-term use. It must also be resistant to elements, such as rust or corrosion. The majority of cots are made out of steel or aluminum. The top ones are made of a coating that blocks water. You can also protect your cot beds further by covering it with a tarp or a tent to stop rain exposure.
The frame of your cot could also impact its durability. While aluminum frames are lightweight but they are prone to bend and aren't as sturdy as steel-framed alternatives. If you're planning to rough it, a more robust Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be the best option. It can withstand more weight and is built to last.
In terms of comfort, cots can be a great alternative to sleeping bags. They are more stable and less lumpy than mats for sleeping. Some cots come with additional features such as built-in storage compartments, or side tables to increase functionality and help you move into and out of the bed.
Cots come in a variety of styles and materials but are generally constructed the same way. Heavier fabrics like cotton or canvas are usually more comfortable to sleep on than nylon or polyester that is lighter. Lightweight cots are also more prone to tears and tearing, so it's crucial to select a strong fabric for your needs.
You should also consider the ease with which a cot is to set up and take down when determining which one to purchase. Certain models require a bit of assembly, while other are as simple as unfolding and locking them into their place. The best cots prioritize your preferences in terms of their ease of assembly while delivering the durability and comfort you require.
In our extensive review, we've reviewed the top-rated models to help you find the right model for your next camping adventure. If you're looking for a portable, lightweight option that is ideal for backpacking, or a robust cot for car camping, we've got the reviews and recommendations to help you choose the right one.
Lightweight
For those who wish to sleep comfortably during camping without lugging around lots of gear, there are light sleeping cots that can provide a good night's rest. They have frames made of steel or aluminum which are more durable and can 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 with a light weight designed to be used for backpacking. With just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's very light to carry and easy to set up. It's too small and narrow for those with larger frames, and it doesn't provide enough cushioning or support.
There are also lightweight cots that are designed for camping in a tent or car like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot provides plenty of space for the majority of campers and a comfortable bed space. The maze of poles might be intimidating initially but once you're used to it, it's simple to put together.
Backpacking enthusiasts may need to find 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 therefore ideal for hunting in the backcountry. These cots can be easily carried in a backpack to make hunting at remote locations more comfortable.
Another option for those who hunt in the backcountry is the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot. This cot is compact and lightweight, so it can easily fit into the majority of backpacks. Although it's not as comfortable as other cots we've tested this is an excellent choice for backpacking hunters.
If you're looking for a cot that will allow you to sleep comfortably while camping, think about the features that are most important to you. There are cots with luxurious padding, a pillowtop, and other features that can make camping feel like a luxurious hotel suite.