Top 10 Best Camping Cots in 2021 (Coleman, Kamp-Rite, and More)

When sleeping poorly can affect your camping activities, a good camping cot can be the solution. They are great sleeping systems for those who want to be saved from the misery of sleeping on the cold, hard ground while camping during the summer or fall.

And if you have back problems, a camping cot can help you get a night of sound sleep, allowing you to stay active during the day. The space below the cot is useful for storing your camping gear and essentials.

A camping cot can offer some protection from snakes and other creepy crawlies, too, unlike a sleeping bag or a camping mattress. If you usually camp with your family, you'll also like it when your kids can rest well and be ready for the next day's adventures. 

When we looked at the online marketplaces, we found that camping cots are great in number. Here's our list containing camping cots with good ratings. 

Your choice of a cot will primarily be affected by what kind of camping you do. Certainly, those who travel by car and stay in a cabin will have different considerations from those going on a solo hiking trip in rough terrain for two weeks. We'll help explain the materials, specs, and special features which should influence your decision.

The structure of the cot says a lot about its ability to support larger weights. The fabric quality and strength also matter if the top is made of fabric.

The frame is one of the core components that determine the camping cot’s stability and comfort. It would be best to choose a cot with a lightweight, rust-resistant, and sturdy frame.

While most heavy-duty cots come with steel frames, aluminum is commonly used for standard camping cots. Both are strong and can render great support and stability to the cot. However, aluminum is more lightweight. But it can bend when subject to lots of weight or pressure.

On the other hand, steel can withstand heavy weights and can last long without bending. But to make sure how much weight a cot can handle, check the product's description. Many products can withstand a weight of 300 pounds, but there are also products that have a max weight of 600 pounds!

While the cot’s material must remain your priority, you also shouldn't forget to check how easy it is to fold the cot for mobility. Many products can fold up to a very compact size that fits into your car trunk or even a storage bag. But those that come with a mattress might take up more space. 

The legs of camping cots determine their stability and support and are an equally important feature to consider during decision-making. Camping cots can have X legs, C legs, or vertical legs. 

X-shaped legs offer great strength and durability to the cot to bear varying weights. They are greatly preferred by those in the armed forces and can provide the comfort of a king-sized bed. They are a favorite among serious campers who cannot do away with a good night’s sleep.

Camping cots with C or U-shaped legs are super portable, easy to fold, and are great for casual campers. They can be folded twice or thrice depending on the number of legs available. 

Multiple legs enable even distribution of weight in addition to being easy to carry. Some camping cots with vertical legs feature one leg at each corner plus an additional leg on each side for optimal support, but they aren't that common.

If your cot has X or vertical legs, a lot of pressure goes to the feet and can damage your tent floor. To prevent the legs from tearing or puncturing the floor, ensure that the feet have rubber caps.

Polyester is commonly used in camping cots. It's lightweight, offers great support, and is easy to clean and maintain. However, there are many kinds of polyester, and they are not created equally. You should look specifically for 600D polyester, as it's a heavy-duty material that is strong, dust-resistant, and can provide some insulation as well. 

Nylon is another popular material. Compared to polyester, it's more durable and feels softer. Although nylon can repel water just like polyester, it actually takes a longer time to dry. So when it comes to rain, polyester performs better.

A cot with cotton canvas fabric can be heavy and can grab all the dust and dirt from the surroundings. They retain stains and can be difficult to clean. But if you get tempted by its comfort and classic looks, you can go for it, regardless of the shortcomings.

For camping in the hot summer months, a cot with a mesh top will be the best choice. They offer better air circulation below without trapping heat between the ground and your body.

A spring system and fabric tension of the cot determine its ability to provide a comfortable sleeping surface. Some come with a spring system alone, and some are reliant only on fabric tension. You can also find cots that have both fabric tension and a spring system for optimal comfort. 

The spring suspension system offers great support and is perfect for those with back problems. You'll also find many products that come with a foam mattress to give you some extra support. 

Some cots come with an adjustable tension system that enables removing, adding, or relocating the supports. As mentioned earlier, if your cot is fabric-based, the comfort will depend on the fabric’s tension.

There are camping cots that offer extra padding on top for additional comfort. They can be heavy and bulky and can be difficult to transport. But if you’re a car camper and don’t have to lug the cot far, or you want something for a seasonal cabin, a plush cot with padding will be best.

A standard camping cot is 75 inches long and 25 inches wide. You can also find longer cots to accommodate taller individuals and wider cots for those who want more space.

A standard cot made of an aluminum frame can weigh anywhere between 15 and 20 pounds. And if your cot is made of heavy-duty steel, it will be heavier. The same applies to a cot with extra padding or a foam mattress on top.

There are some portable cots that weigh about four pounds only. They usually stay close to the ground and are great for backpackers who want to travel light. Those cots might not be able to tolerate a lot of weights, too. Sturdier cots are better, but you may have to sacrifice that to reduce weight for portability.

Simple camping cots are straightforward and are easy to assemble and pack. But if your camping cot comes with features such as tension springs, it can take a while before you completely unfold it and assemble it for use.

But none of these will take the time it takes to set up a tent! Most models can be set up in a breeze after a few attempts. Cots that collapse into multiple folds pack small and are easy to assemble. They are highly recommended for inexperienced campers.

Certain features are not compulsory but are added to offer more comfort. A side table attached to the cot can be a good option and can provide a home-like luxury. You can place your water bottle or other essentials like your phone, keys, or a flashlight on it for easy access in the middle of the night.

Some cots come with side pockets or storage organizers to store your valuables. Convertible camping cots with innovative designs are ideal when camping with friends or family. They can be converted into a bunk bed or collapsed to make a bench to sit on during the day, or you can unlock the cot to separate it into two single cots.

You can also find self-contained cots that resemble an off-the-ground tent. They are made of nylon or polyester and give extra protection from insects and moisture if used inside a standard tent. Some are so flexible that you can convert them into a standard cot or a lounge chair during the day.

Are you a beginner at camping? Need help picking a good place to place your tent by? Then check out this video by Howcast that gives you a few pointers on what kinds of areas to set up camp by!

Are you looking for other outdoor sleeping options? And do you have the right shelter for your wilderness adventure? Here are some recommendations from us!

When choosing between traditional camping cots and ones that come with padding or a mattress, your preference is all that matters. If comfort is your priority, a cot with a mattress will be ideal. If you like to pack light and navigate long distances, you should consider a traditional cot, and, if needed, an air mattress for additional comfort.

Before you hit the buy button, take some time to understand what to look for, and learn about others' experiences with the product. You might have to invest some time before you can find the best camping cot. But you're less likely to go wrong in your choice!

Author: Biji Ravindran

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