Best Camping Cots of 2023

It’s safe to say that most campers have slept on the ground during one of their adventures. Some may even say that crawling into your bag and rolling around on a padded mat to get comfortable is a camping rite of passage. When it comes to getting a good night’s rest, the best camping cots are hard to beat.

Twisting and turning all night on cold hard ground is a great way to become fatigued, uncomfortable, and frustrated. The right cot can make all the difference in comfort and convenience. They vary in size, design, and purpose—from extra-large comfort cots to ultralight and portable backpacking cots.

I looked at some of the most popular camping cots for all camping situations, from backpacking to staying in a wall tent and everything in between. Here are some of the best camping cots and what you need to consider before purchasing.

How We Picked the Best Camping Cots

As an outdoorsman and hunter, I find myself in all sorts of tents and structures throughout the year. I’ve camped in extreme heat, extreme cold, and yes, I’ve slept on rocks as well. So, when it was time to find the best cots available, I knew what to look for. I took the time to find the best cots for nearly any camping situation to spare you from the restless nights I’ve been through.

I based my selections on the following criteria:

• Durability: What type of fabric is it made of, and how will it withstand use?
• Size: How big is it, and how tall does it sit off the ground? 
• Packability: How small does it fold down for long trips?
• Weight: Is it light enough for a remote backpacking trip, or is it better for campgrounds?
• Setup: How long does it take to set up?
• Weight Capacity: Must have a good weight capacity to size ratio.

The Best Camping Cots: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Camping Cot

Specs

• Weight: 5 pounds
• Dimensions: 78″ L x 28″ W x 6″ H
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Lightweight
• Folds up small
• Great weight capacity for its size

Cons

• Setup takes several minutes

If you never know what adventure is next, a good generalist cot is your best bet. They should be lightweight, portable, and sturdy enough to last years. The Alps Mountaineering Ready Lite Cot fits the bill. Alps Mountaineering has always been about building lightweight, durable products for mountaineers worldwide. While climbing a mountain might not be on your camping to-do list, this cot is lightweight and comfortable for a long night’s sleep. I’ve taken this cot just about anywhere, including several backcountry fishing trips deep into the Everglades. At less than five pounds, this cot folds down small enough to easily store it in my boat without taking up extra space. Setup takes a few minutes, and I am ready to go for an early morning of fishing.

Best Inflatable Cot

Specs

• Weight: 7 pounds, 3 ounces
• Dimensions: 78″ L x 26″ W x 6.5″ H
• Weight Capacity: Unavailable 

Pros

• Double Decker
• Equalizing Air Chambers
• Can be used as a double wide

Cons

If your camping style calls for an adaptable and packable cot, the best inflatable cot, the Big Agnes Goosenest Double Decker Inflatable Cot, is a do-it solution for any outdoorsman. Big Agnes makes several inflatable cots, but the Goosenest Double Decker offers multiple configurations to maximize its usefulness in camp. It comes with two inflatable cots with a built-in buckle system on each. This allows you to secure them as a double-stacked cot for maximum comfort.

If you find yourself camping with multiple people, you can attach the buckles side by side for a double-wide cot. I find myself turning to this cot on long trips when I need a good night’s sleep. At just over 3 lbs a piece, on a solo trip, I can bring one, easily fit it in my pack, and inflate it with the upcycle inflation pack for a well-cushioned sleep. The inflation pack solves the problem of bringing a heavy pump in your pack and makes the setup faster. Once inflated, the different air chambers disperse air evenly, so rocks and uneven ground won’t affect your comfort.

Best King Size Cot

Specs

• Weight: 20 pounds, 8 ounces
• Dimensions: 85″ L x 40″ W x 21” H
• Weight Capacity: 450 pounds

Pros

• Strong and stable
• Large sleeping space
• High off the ground

Cons

• Too heavy for backpacking trips

Recharging with the family and spending a weekend in the woods is a favorite pastime of many. A good cot can make the difference between a restless night and an enjoyable getaway. If you find yourself booking campsites and loading up the car, a large and sturdy camp cot is ideal for your trips. As the best king-size cot, the Titan XL Cot from Browning is an excellent option for family camping trips.

With over 7 feet of sleeping length and a 450 lb weight capacity, anyone can sleep on it. It’s easy to set up and rugged enough to handle a pile of gear during the day and be ready for a night in camp. I find myself putting clothes, gear, or whatever I might have lying around on the cot and off the ground. This keeps my gear clean and dry during the day when people are running around camp. The large side pockets also come in handy to keep your phone and any tools accessible when you need them.

Best Lightweight Camping Cot

Specs

• Weight: 2 lbs 8 oz
• Dimensions: 72.5” L x 23.5” W x 5” H
• Weight Capacity: 265 pounds

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight
• Highly portable
• Sleeps well

Cons

When the elk are bugling deep in the backcountry, and all that separates you from the herd bull is the weight of your pack, having the best lightweight camping cot is vital. The Helinox Lite Cot weighs under three pounds and folds down in a compact size to easily pack around. It is a great option for backcountry hunters and hikers alike, especially when a good night’s sleep is crucial for the day ahead. When I know I’ll be hiking miles through rough terrain, I reach for a cot before a sleeping pad.

Hunting and hiking require you to be alert and aware, which can be hard to do if you don’t sleep. A good night’s rest makes all the difference for the next day, and cots keep you off the ground and comfortable. The Lite Cot is supported with a lightweight aluminum frame that provides a firm level of support. Pair it with a nice sleeping bag, and you truly have a luxury camping experience no matter where your adventure takes you.

Easy Set-Up: Byer of Maine Easy Cot

Easy Set-Up

Specs

• Weight: 21 pounds
• Dimensions: 78″ L x 31″ W x 18” H
• Weight Capacity: 330 pounds

Pros

• Super easy setup
• 600-denier fabric
• Good for home or camp use

Cons

• The heaviest cot I tested

There’s nothing worst than being tired only to realize you never set up your cot. Most cots have too many moving parts to quickly set up, especially in the dark. The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is simple to use and requires no assembly. It works off of a trifold setup, remove it from the package and fold each side out, flip it over, and you are ready to go. I find myself reaching for this cot when I need an extra bed for a friend staying the night and on any camping trip where I know the car will be nearby. At 21 pounds, it’s a little heavy for any hiking trip. But the Easy Cot makes up for it with 600-denier fabric, making it the most comfortable and durable cot I tested and ensuring it will get its fair share of use.

Best Dog Cot

Specs

• Weight: 3 pounds, 2 ounces
• Dimensions: 35.5″ L x 23.5″ W x 8.5″ H
• Weight Capacity: 132 pounds

Pros

• Easy setup
• Lightweight 
• Sturdy fabric that’s hard for dogs to scratch

Cons

• Helps to acclimate your dog to it

If you bring your dog on all your adventures, you want them to be just as comfortable as you are in the tent. Dog beds are too large to bring on long hikes, and the tent floor can get very cold. As the best dog cot, the Helinox Elevated Dog Cot keeps your dog off the ground while still being small enough that you can pack it on long hikes. Like the human version, the dog cot features a rigid aluminum frame and a monofilament mesh that holds up well against dog nails and teeth.

It weighs around 3 lbs which is light enough to bring your cot and the dog cot without adding a lot of weight to your pack. Unlike a traditional dog bed, this cot keeps your dog elevated like a regular cot, keeping your dog warm and dry. However, I recommend setting it up around the house first to acclimate them to a raised bed. It’s a great option to bring wherever you bring your dog, I find myself using it on my boat, in a tent, or even in the back of the car if we stop somewhere to relax.

What to Consider When Choosing a Camping Cot

Purchasing a cot is more of a personal decision than you might think. First, consider where you might use it, who will use it, and how you plan to bring it. A lightweight backpacking cot is perfect for campers hiking far from civilization, while others might want a larger and more supportive cot for casual trips. Understanding what features and performance you need on your adventures is the first step in finding the best camping cot.

Size

When buying a cot, you should think about where you’ll be putting it. If you own a low-profile tent, you will want to avoid large comfort cots because they sit higher off the ground and won’t fit in the low ceiling. For some, a cot that can be used for camping and a guest around the house is ideal. These larger comfort cots are perfect for keeping you higher off the floor and more comfortable. Don’t forget to look at the size of the actual sleeping area. Not all cots are created equally; some will give you plenty of space to move around, whereas others leave you staring at the tent’s roof all night long.

Durability and Components

Look for a cot with sturdy components; this means a rigid frame that can support your weight. Frames are typically made of aluminum or steel. While the steel frames can be stronger, they are much heavier and usually found on most comfort cots. Lightweight backpacking cots feature aluminum frames that save weight and are detachable for easy storage in a pack. When it comes to the actual sleeping area, strong nylon or canvas material is a go-to. The best camping cot covering should be tight to provide a firm and supportive sleeping area while also withstanding years of abuse without ripping.

Setup Time

One of the most overlooked but critical factors of selecting a camping cot is the time it takes to set up. The difference between a few minutes and a half hour might not seem too bad, but when you are deep in the woods and ready for bed, an easy setup is a must. A cot should be self-explanatory, so you don’t need to drag an instruction booklet all over the place. Look for simple setups. My ultralight cots typically feature two collapsible sidebars and cross bars that snap into place. It’s easy enough that by just looking at the pieces, you can figure out where they should go. This saves time and gets you ready for the next day’s adventures.

FAQs

Best Camping Cots: Final Thoughts

Choosing the best camping cot is a crucial piece of enjoying your time camping. A comfortable and easy to-set-up cot are good places to start, but the most important factor is how you plan to use the cot. Finding the right cot for your camping style should be the deciding factor. My top picks cover various camping situations and should help steer you in the right direction. But always do the research and tailor your selections to yourself and your adventures to find the best camping cots for your next trip.

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