10 Camping Cots That Literally Elevate Your Tent-Sleeping Experience
10 Camping Cots That Literally Elevate Your Tent-Sleeping Experience
Camping is one of the best ways to get outside and connect with nature — whether you're a solo traveler looking to disconnect, or taking the whole family on a national park trip this summer. As with all camping gear, modern options have come a long way from Grandpa’s army cot. From large cots with extra support and stash pockets, to smaller, space-conscious alternatives for backpacking tents, almost everyone can agree that a cot is a wise investment for spending a few nights outdoors. Elevate your shut-eye experience in the wilderness by resting and recharging on one of our favorite camping cots.
1) REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
REI Co-op
rei.com
Far from run-of-the-mill, turn your tent into a luxurious kingdom with this glamping (or "glamorous camping") cot from REI. Most noticeable is the soft heel-to-toe polyester pad that is plush, water-resistant, and quick-drying. The back easily adjusts with the twist of a knob, so you can fine-tune the incline settings to your liking, and even transform this cot into a lounge chair.
A frame made of aluminum and steel is strong enough to hold up to 300 pounds, and three sets of oversized legs are designed for stability on uneven ground. The Kingdom Cot is pretty one-of-a-kind, and there's a good chance you'll find it more enjoyable than most air mattresses.
2) Therm-a-Rest UltraLite Cot
Therm-a-Rest
Looking to sleep off the ground, but running tight on space in your backpack or trunk? The Thermarest UltraLite Cot is the smallest and lightest option on the market (just 2 pounds, 10 ounces for the regular size), making it one of the only backpacker-friendly options around.
It sits just a few inches off the ground, so it's the perfect fit for most smaller tents, and it provides a soft, flat sleeping surface when the only available ground space is rough and rocky. Its fabric even has an insulating layer to help capture body heat that's traditionally lost when sleeping in cots, too, so you'll stay warm even above 10,000 feet!
3) Coleman 765353 Trailhead II Military Style Camping Cot
Coleman
amazon.com
Check this out: under $40. Incredibly easy to set up and take down in a flash, this Coleman option is designed to mimic the ease and speed of cots used by the military.
A strong crossbar steel frame ensures the durability of this cot, and a 300 pound weight capacity ensures plenty of sturdy support.
4) Coleman Queen-Sized Camping Cot
Coleman
amazon.com
If you're hiking with a partner (or you just like to sprawl a bit in your sleep!), this wider option is the perfect solution. With a weight capacity of 600 pounds, there's plenty of room for two.
Even better, the kit comes with a battery-operated pump to inflate the included air mattress.
5) TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
TETON Sports
amazon.com
Are you a restless sleeper who tosses and turns, but doesn't want to fret about falling off your cot in the middle of the night? You're in luck, because the Teton XXL is actually bigger than a twin mattress.
The aluminum frame and S-shaped steel legs can support up to 600 pounds, making this heavy-duty, extra, extra large cot something you can count on, trip after trip. Its size and stability even make it a great option for out-of-town guests if you run out of couch space in the basement.
6) TRAVELCHAIR AirTite Cot
TRAVELCHAIR
backcountry.com
Sometimes it's quite the battle to keep your air mattress in place on your cot, and that alone can be unsettling. Enter the Travelchair AirTite Cot — a cot and air mattress combo.
Eight sturdy legs keep your head up to 12 inches above the ground, away from rocks, pinecones, and creepy-crawlies. And the air mattress, which inflates with just a few puffs, is connected to the frame, so it stays exactly where it should at all times. It's quite the innovation, and a wise choice for anyone who needs all the help they can get to get the best night of sleep under the stars.
7) KingCamp Folding Camping Cot for Adults
KingCamp
If you want to get the best night's sleep when your bed is hundreds of miles away, you'll need a cot that's strong, supportive, comfortable, and affordable. This KingCamp is made of high-strength steel, so stability is never a concern. And while it may look complicated, setup takes less than a minute.
Measuring 74 by 26 inches, there's just enough space for a 6-foot-tall adult to stretch their limbs, and it folds up to the size of a large camping chair. We love the upward angle at the head, which eliminates the need for a pillow, and the side pocket that keeps your headlamp, pocket knife, and bear spray within arm's reach.
8) ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
ALPS Mountaineering
amazon.com
Working with a small tent and budget? This compact cot fits nicely in most tents with a lower ceiling, so you can sleep near the ground without actually being on the ground. The frame is spring-tensioned, so it's super easy to put together, and the polyester fabric is tough enough to hold up to years of heavy use.
It may not look like much, but this compact, wallet-friendly option will support you like a proud mother at graduation.
9) Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe Camping Cot
Coleman
Coleman is a household name in the outdoor world, known for making affordable gear that gets even the stingiest outdoorsman outside. Unlike any other cot on this list, Coleman's ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot has a spring-coil suspension (yes, a suspension!), which flexes more than your traditional canvas option.
The included foam mattress pad spans the entire 6-foot-6-inch length, and the steel frame is made to last and be passed down to your grandkids.
10) Tangkula 2-Person Outdoor Camping Tent Cot
Tangkula
amazon.com
For an all-in-one experience that combines your comfort with your cover, this two person cot with included tent does it all. At under $300 and hovering just at 50 pounds, this is a slightly heavier option that may be best suited for campsites you're planning on driving to rather than hiking to.
Nonetheless, it's super easy to set up and take down within minutes, and the cot itself includes an inflatable pillow and attached air mattress, so in only minutes, you'll be sleeping like a baby.
Because who wants to literally sleep with Mother Nature?