The 5 Best Camping Cots of 2023

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A camping cot helps keep yourself warm and comfortable outdoors.

Even with the aid of a sleeping bag, laying on the ground isn’t ideal. You’re exposing yourself to the elements, including to any wandering insects or animals.

What Are the Best Camping Cots?

The best camping cots are ones that are easy to use, comfortable, roomy, and supportive. You should also consider the height, price, and any extra features.

If you’re a tall person, then the length will be a deciding factor for you.

The last thing that you want is to set up your camping cot only to realize that half of your body hangs off the end.

Let’s dive in with the five best camping cots on the market.

1. Helinox Cot One Convertible

This model from Helinox comes in two available sizes. The regular size comes in at 75 inches, while the extended model is an impressive 82.5 inches.

If you’re a taller person, then you’ll benefit from the Cot One Long. It’s long enough to ensure that your feet won’t stick out at night, even if you’re over 6 feet tall.

Optional leg extensions give added versatility to the height. So if you aren’t happy with the default 6.5-inch height, you can opt for the affordable extensions.

The proprietary alloy frame is durable and extremely strong. It has a max weight capacity of 320 pounds, and it comes with a 5-year warranty.

Specs (Cot One Regular)

• Length: 75 inches
• Width: 27 inches
• Height: 6.5 inches
• Capacity: 320 lbs

Features

• Proprietary alloy frame
• Optional leg extensions
• Lightweight and portable
• Carrying case included
• Three available colors

Overview

The Helinox Cot One is a lightweight, portable cot that’s perfect for camping. It has an optional leg extension and comes with a carrying case to ensure easy transport. The proprietary alloy frame is durable and strong, and it can support up to 320 pounds of weight. Along with the Cot One Regular size (75 inches), there are also two other sizes: The Long model (82.5 inches) or the Extra-Long model (112 inches).

2. Coleman Pack-Away Cot

Suppose you like to enjoy beverages while camping; this is the cot for you. It comes with a removable side table to store your drinks and other accessories.

It has a reinforced folding steel frame for excellent support.

It can fit individuals up to 6 ft. 6 in. tall. At a width of 40 inches, it’s wider than most camping cots out there. As a result, you’ll enjoy some extra sleeping room.

Specs

• Length: 80 inches
• Width: 40 inches
• Height: 17 inches
• Supports 300 lbs

Features

• Sturdy steel frame
• Extra-wide width for added sleeping room
• Removable side table with cup holder
• Carrying bag included

Overview

The Coleman Pack-Away Cot is a sturdy camping cot that comes with an extra-wide width for added sleeping room, and it’s even taller than most other camping cots available. This bed will support up to 300 lbs of weight, so it’ll work well for individuals 6 ft 6 in or shorter who are looking for more space when they sleep on their outdoor excursions. The carrying bag makes transportation easy too.

3. Coleman Airbed Twin Cot

Next on our list of the best camping cots is this offering from Coleman. The Airbed Twin Cot may be a tad smaller than our other options, but it still packs a punch.

For one, it comes with a 4D pump for easy inflation. Since it inflates, you’ll enjoy superior comfort and support than other cots.

It’s factory-tested to ensure that it’s leak-free. You’ll enjoy the raised height at 23.5 inches, as it makes getting out of bed easier.

Specs

• Length: 74 inches
• Width: 40 inches
• Height: 23.5 inches
• Supports up to 300 lbs

Features

• Inflates for superior comfort
• 40-inch wide sleeping surface
• Sewn-in cover to keep airbed in place

Overview

The Coleman Airbed Twin Cot is a great option for campers looking to get the most out of their cot. It’s factory-tested, so it does not leak and has an inflatable design that provides comfort throughout your sleep. The raised height makes getting in and out easier than other camping options on this list while also supporting up to 300 pounds! This choice may be slightly smaller than our other selections but packs all the features you need when sleeping outdoors – especially if you’re someone who loves being close to nature or enjoying their own space when they go camping with friends or family members.

4. REI Co-op Camping Folding Cot

This camping cot is one of the most affordable options on our list. At $99.95, it’s both cost-effective and high-quality. The steel frame provides support, while the polyester fabric provides comfort.

It folds up for effortless storage at home or on the road. It’s 75 inches long and can support individuals up to 6 feet tall.

Specs

• Length: 75 inches
• Width: 25.5 inches
• Height: 17.5 inches
• Supports up to 300 lbs

Features

• Affordable price
• Comfortable ripstop polyester
• Durable construction

Overview

• Cost-effective, versatile camping cot
• Lightweight and durable
• Easy storage

The REI Co-op Camping Folding Cot for camping is a great option for looking to save money. This camping cot is affordable for most people and offers high-quality features that you wouldn’t get with some other options in this price range.

5. REI Co-op Kindgom Cot 3

REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is a great choice for people looking to get a high-quality camping cot at an affordable price. The oversized feet provide excellent stability, and the polyester fabric is water-resistant. It’s long enough for individuals up to 6 ft 5 inches tall and supports up to 300 lbs.

Specs

• Length: 82 inches
• Width: 31.5 inches
• Height: 14 inches
• Supports up to 300 lbs

Features

• Full polyester plush padding
• Oversized feet for stability
• Folding frame for storage at home

Overview

• An extremely comfortable camping cot
• Long enough for individuals up to 6 feet 5 inches tall
• Aluminum tubing for durability

If you’re looking for a comfortable camping cot that will support your weight and is long enough to accommodate people up to 6 feet 5 inches tall, this product from REI Co-op may be the best option. The oversized feet provide excellent stability, and the polyester fabric is water-resistant. You can easily fold it into its storage frame when not in use or pack it away in your car if need be. Folding aluminum tubing provides durability without adding much weight, so even those with back issues should find this an easy purchase decision.

What is A Camping Cot?

A camping cot is a lightweight bed that can be set up in minutes. It’s usually made of canvas or nylon and typically has an insect net to keep bugs off your face. Some models also have built-in storage pockets for personal items like your wallet, keys, phone, glasses, etc. The size of the mattress ranges from full (twin) to queen and king sizes. A camping cot supports most people’s weight, but it’s not designed for sleeping on all night long; it’s meant as a place to sleep when you’re out car camping or hiking.

Campsites are never perfect because they’re often uneven with rocks and roots sticking up everywhere, making them uncomfortable at best and painful at worst. Even the best tent-pitched campsite can be unbearable if you’re on a sleeping pad or air mattress that is constantly deflating, and that’s why a camping cot gives you the comfort of an air bed (without the inconveniences) and the firmness to rest well.

Why Do We Need a Camping Cot?

Let’s face it. Sleeping on a camping mat is a nightmare – between the uncomfortable, uneven ground and the lack of support, you’ll never get a good night’s sleep. A camping cot takes care of these common campsite problems by giving you a firm sleeping platform with enough room to stretch out under your mosquito net cocoon. Even if you’re sleeping under the stars, a camping cot will keep animals and crawling insects off your face.

Types of Camping Cot

Camping cots are available in different designs that vary by size, weight, materials used for manufacturing, features, etc. But there are two basic styles that are similar yet slightly different. Listed are the best-selling ones – let’s take a look!

1) The Sleeping Platform Style This is probably what most people think of when they imagine a camping cot since it’s designed exactly like an elevated bed with solid sides on either side to keep you from falling out during the night. This type has enough room for one person or two kids to sleep comfortably without sliding off the sides. It’s a good choice for short-term camping trips when you’re not bringing your family along.

2) The Coiled Style This style is more versatile because it’s wider and flatter, allowing you to stretch out or wrap up in blankets if it’s freezing or have a second person lay down with you. It typically has vertical bars on one side of the cot that keep your sleeping bag in place while you sleep, preventing it from slipping off the cot, which could make for an uncomfortable night’s sleep.

Does A Camping Cot Need A Mattress?

You don’t need a mattress because you sleep on the cot.

This is just one of the camping cot myths that abound when sleeping on a camping cot. Many people think you need some mattress or pad when sleeping on a camping cot, but nothing could be further from the truth. Many manufacturers indeed put padding in their mattresses and pads with nice designs, but all this does is make them more comfortable to sleep on (and perhaps look at). It’s not necessary to pad or line your cot with padding.

When sleeping on a camping cot, you are sleeping vertically. This is the opposite of sleeping horizontally (on a regular bed). Your back is meant to be straight when vertical; if it isn’t straight, many medical doctors say that you can develop problems in your spine and hips over time. Sleeping on a movement-free surface like a camping cot allows this natural alignment to occur without disrupting the mattress or pad underneath you, as they usually do on regular beds. Some people report feeling better after their first night on a camping cot because they aren’t experiencing lower back pain, hip pain, or other aches and pains from the surface they usually sleep on.

However, it would help if you were not sleeping on a camping cot without your sleeping bag or blanket. Even though your bedding will tend to move around when using a camping cot, there must be something between the cot and you. This ensures that no pointy parts of the frame make their way through the fabric of your bedding and poke you in your sleep (which can happen). If it’s too warm for a blanket or comforter, then a thinner layer like a sheet should do fine as well. It doesn’t need to cover you completely; pull it up enough to keep any sharp points from making themselves known while laying on the cot.

And that’s it. A camping cot does not need a mattress because you sleep on the cot.

Are Camping Cots Comfortable To Sleep On?

Camping cots are useful for camping because they are lightweight and packable. The camping cot is designed with a bag which makes it easy to transport on the campsite after use. It is also designed with straps to be secured to trees or other structures to keep it out of reach of animals. It is comfortable to sleep on; however, the size of the camping cot you choose will depend on your height and weight.

So, what’s the answer? Camping cots are comfortable to sleep on. They are designed to provide a good night’s sleep for your camping trip. Some people even use camping cots at home. They’re also easy to transport and store in between uses.

That’s A Wrap

Finding the best camping cot for your needs may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This article has laid out some of the most important considerations you should make when determining which camping cot is suitable for you. You’ll want to think about how frequently you plan on using your new camping gear and what size will work with various scenarios (like if two people need to sleep on one cot). If you keep these things in mind, you’ll find yourself with an excellent camping cot that fits your needs.