Top Rated Cots
Our top-rated cots are easily packed and are lightweight which makes them ideal for backpacking trips. They're incredibly durable and provide the perfect night's sleep on uneven terrain.
This premium cot is perfect from birth and can be extended as your child grows. It's expensive, but has a gorgeous look and feel.
Easy to Assemble
A cot that is easy to set-up and take-down will make your life much simpler if you plan on camping frequently. A good cot folds into a compact, portable format with a handle that makes it easy to transport and put away. It's also comfortable to sleep in, so that you can get a restful night's rest.
Certain cots are equipped with cutting-edge technology which make them extremely easy to assemble. For example a cot with push-down joints can be snapped in position in a matter of seconds, which is very convenient. A lock mechanism is another excellent feature that stops joints from slipping loose. This is particularly useful when traveling 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's a bit larger than the other cots that we reviewed and may not fit in smaller tents. It also comes with a base frame with puck legs that allow it to stay flat on the ground and keep it from digging into your tent's floor fabric. The Kingdom Cot 3 also has a comfortable, cushy mattress that elevates your body off the ground and provides more comfort than other cots we test.
If you're a backpacker who requires a cot for sleeping in, you should consider the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots are able to be used as wall tents and are light enough to carry in a backpack. They're a great choice for hunting sites that can only be reached by ATV, truck, or pack animal.
If you're looking for a cot that has built-in bed but with no bars on the feet or the head you should look for a model that has both. These models are a bit bigger than other beds, but can still be carried in your car and stacked with other gear. They are also ideal for short hikes, when you require a comfortable and quick place to sleep.
Comfortable
The most comfortable camping cots are comfortable enough to offer you a good night's sleep. They're a much closer approximation to the mattress than sleeping pads, which can appear lumpy and hard and are more difficult to set up and expose you to cold ground which can get into your sleeping bag. Cots that incorporate pads or pockets for pads tend to be more comfortable and soft than those that don't have.
Some cots, including the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot, feature a true air mattress that makes it one of the cushiest camping cots available. It is also large enough to hold two people if they're not too tall. This makes it a perfect choice for shared tents or family camping trips.
If you're traveling by backpack, the comfort of your cot is very important. Backpackers tend to be focused on reducing weight in their packs, and as such, they may be willing to sacrifice certain comfort features to lighten the weight of their equipment. Cots such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot are great for backpackers because they can be easily moved and stored inside a backpack, and still providing support and stability.
If you're camping close to your car, and you do not have to think about bringing your gear along with you, consider purchasing an outdoor cot that provides more comfort. The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a excellent example of a camping cot that's equipped with padding to appear as like a real bed as is possible. It's a bit heavier than some of the other options on this list however it's still light and compact enough to be carried by backpackers. It's among the most comfortable cots that you can purchase for less than $200. The only issue is that it's too small for those who like an extra large surface to sleep on.
Durable
A sturdy camping cot is crucial for long-term use. It must be impervious to elements such as rust and corrosion. The majority of cots are made from aluminum or steel. The most durable ones have a coating that blocks water. You can shield your cot by covering it with a tent or tarp to shield it from rain.

The frame of your cot can also have an impact on its durability. Aluminum frames are lightweight, but can bend easily. They are not as durable as steel frames. If you're planning on roughing it, a more robust Coleman Trailhead II Cot may be the better choice. It can withstand more weight while being constructed to last.
Cots are a great option for comfort when compared to sleeping bags. They offer a bit more stability and tend to be less clumpy than sleeping pads. cots offers come with extra features such as storage compartments or side tables to enhance the functionality.
Cots come in various styles and materials, but they typically have similar constructions. Canvas or cotton are heavier fabrics that are more comfortable to sleeping on than polyester or nylon. Lightweight cots are more prone to tearing. It's best to choose an item that is durable.
When deciding which cot you want to buy, you should also consider the ease of putting up and disassembling the co-teach. Certain models require some assembly while others can be set up by simply unfolding them and locking them into place. The top cots will be able to meet your requirements for ease of installation and still provide the comfort and durability that you want.
We've reviewed the top-rated cots in our extensive review, ensuring that you find the ideal model for your next camping excursion. Whether you're looking for a lightweight, portable option that is ideal for backpacking, or a robust cot for car camping, we've got the reviews and recommendations to help you pick the best one.
Lightweight
There are lightweight cots that are ideal for those who wish to camp comfortably but not needing to carry a lot of equipment. They provide a comfortable night's sleep. These cots are typically made of either steel alloy or aluminum frames, which are strong and able to support heavier loads than lighter models. They can also come with a polyester or nylon sleeping surface, which is comfortable to lay on and won't cling to the sand like traditional tent mattresses do.
The OEX Ultralite is a good example of a lightweight cot designed to be used for backpacking. At just 2 pounds 13 ounces, it's very lightweight to carry and simple to set up. However, it's small and narrow for taller people and the sleeping surface does not provide much cushioning or support.
There are also cots with lightweight construction that are made for car or tent camping like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot is very sturdy and offers plenty of room for most campers, with a spacious bed area that's sufficient to provide a good night's sleep. The maze of poles may be intimidating at first but once you're used to it, it becomes simple to put together.
Backpacking enthusiasts will need to find a cot designed for backpacking, such as the Helinox Lite Cot and the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot. These cots are lighter than standard cots, making them suitable for backcountry hunting trips. They can be easily carried in a backpack, and can make remote hunting areas more comfortable.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is a different option for hunting in the backcountry. It's compact and lightweight, so it can easily fit into the majority of backpacks. It's not as comfortable as some of the other cots we tested however it's an excellent choice for backpackers.
If you're looking for a cot that will allow you to sleep comfortably camping, think about the features that are important to you. There are tots and cots with plush padding, a pillowtop, and other features that can make camping feel like a luxury hotel suite.