3 Best Portable Cots for Camping

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Hey there campers and welcome to my post where I will share my three best portable cots for camping this year. Nowadays, sleeping in the wild does not necessarily mean it has to be rugged and inconvenient. And with the vast array of camping sleeping gear available for you, portable cots could be a good choice.

So for those of you looking to purchase yourself a good portable camping cot, let’s check out some of the options I have come up with below…

My Three Recommended Portable Cots for Camping

I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:

Primary Rating:
4.5
$84.99
Primary Rating:
4.1
$59.98
Primary Rating:
4.4
$299.99
02/18/2024 11:25 am GMT Lasso Brag

What are portable camping cots?

Best Portable Cots For Camping

A camping cot, also known as a camp bed, is a small, portable sleeping options that usually comprises a foldable metal or wood frame with nylon, polyester, linen, or canvas covering on which to lie. Of course there are plenty of sleeping options available such as sleeping pads and air mattresses however these are good for those who want to sleep off the ground.

This elevation provides insulation and airflow for summer and also keeps you off the cold ground in winter. Camping cots are frequently used in emergencies, army camps, and outdoor recreational camping. For extended camping trips, consider bringing a camping pillow and a foam mattress for added comfort.

What should you be looking for?

Below are some of the main factors you should take into account as you shop for a good portable cot for camping:

  1. Ease of setup
  2. Sleeping area
  3. Cushioning
  4. Strenght
  5. Weight and packed size
  6. Additions

Ease of setup

Camping cots are setup and down in two fashions – folding and collapsible.

  • Foldable cots are easier to set up since the frame does not need to be assembled and reassembled after each use, and the top fabric is already attached to the pole system. These cots can be folded by half (bi-fold) or thirds (tri-fold), and to set them up, all you need to do is simply unfold and lock the legs properly. The disadvantage of foldable camping cots is that they are bulky and difficult to transport, even folded.
  • Collapsible cots on the other hand, can require some time to set up as the frame needs to be constructed. On the bright side however, these cots are typically collapsed down to a smaller size allowing them to be carried in a backpack or your vehicle.

Sleep area

There is no standard size for camping cots, so you must choose which one will appeal to your height requirements. Most cots are long enough to accommodate people up to 6 feet tall and just over 2 feet wide. Several designs come in XL or XXL sizes as well. Finally, if you are sleeping beside someone, purchasing a sleeping cot for two people is also an option.

Cushioning

Typically, camping cots do not have installed cushions with usually only a stretched polyester type fabric used to support your weight as you lie on it. Some however do come with pre-attached cushioning so this is an option If you aim for a soft bed. Of course you could also add a sleeping pad to your cot as well.

Strength

This aspect accounts for how sturdy the legs and frames of the camping cot are. Heavy car camping cots are built with solid frames made of steel or steel alloys and contribute to the cot’s exceptional durability. This makes them more resistant to drops, horseplaying kids or whatever other vigorous activity a bed may encounter.

Lighter cots have frames made of aluminum or another lightweight material. The lighter weight is ideal for hiking through the woods, but are usually a little more fragile.

best portable cots for camping - 3 cots in a tent

Weight and packed size

Most camping cots on the market are intended for car camping, where pack size and weight are less of concern. Camping cots are typically quite large. They can weigh as little as 5 pounds and as much as 30 pounds at their heaviest.

Larger cots with steel frames, or those with extra padding, will weigh more. A backpacking cot is designed to be much lighter and more portable, weighing only 3-5 pounds and will usually fit inside smaller tents. An issue with these lightweight backpacking cots however is that they reduce weight and packed size by sacrificing comfort, weight capacity, and overall durability.

Additions

Other potential additions include:

  • Bedside table – Some brands include this feature where you can put your magazine, eyeglasses, mobile phones, or other small items as you relax. In some cases, a cup holder is integrated to keep your drinks.
  • Carrying bag – This becomes very useful to for transportation.
  • Bedside organizers – This feature is an improvement of the bedside table. The camping cot is equipped with side pockets to accommodate your small-sized belongings, which helps you avoid misplacing them.
  • Multi-functionality – This added feature describes the camping cot’s capability of becoming more than just a sleeping gear. It can become a double-bunk bed or even two separate cots. In some instances, the item can be assembled into a comforting outdoor sofa in case your camping chairs are limited in number.

FAQ

Are portable cots for camping worth it?

Yes, portable cots can be a great option for camping. They offer a comfortable and elevated sleeping surface that can help you avoid sleeping on the ground, which can be uncomfortable and cold. Portable cots are also relatively easy to set up and can be transported easily, making them a convenient choice for camping trips.

My three recommendations broken down

So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:

1. Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

This first camping cot is easy to fold and unfold, provides comfortable support and is absolutely portable. It comes from a well-known brand and provides quality and portability at a very affordable price. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Coleman
  • Dimensions folded: 41.5 x 11.25 x 3.94 inches
  • Sleeping area: 80 x 32 inches
  • Support weight: 300 pounds
  • Weight: 7 pounds
  • Type: Foldable
  • Accommodation: Single person

Other inclusions:

  • Bedside table
  • Cupholder
  • Carrying bag

Why have I chosen it?

This is a great heavy-duty item with durable steel frames that can support a 300-pound load and accommodates people to a height of six feet and six inches. If you are looking for a budget-wise item without trading off comfort, the Coleman Pack-Away Camping cot is for you.


2. NAIZEA Folding Cot Camping Cot

This next camping cot has thick cushioning, sturdy frames and four anti-sag reinforcement belts for extra support. And for extra room during the day, it can easily be folded down to save space within your tent. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Naizea
  • Dimensions: 28″x14″x75″
  • Sleeping area: 75″x28″x14″
  • Support weight: 880 pounds
  • Weight: Not specified but below 50 pounds
  • Type: Foldable
  • Accommodation: Single person

Other inclusions:

  • Thickened pad on top of reinforcement belts
  • Carrying bag
  • Steel wire lock

Why have I chosen this?

This product guarantees stability and durability with extended leg support. Its ten legged crossed-tube structure is capable of handling an 880-pound load and the impressive folding design means it folds and unfolds with ease. This is a great option for those who camp with families or want a little extra comfort.


3. Disc-O-Bed Youth Kid-O-Bunk

This last option is a collapsible sleeping cot that you can bring with you anywhere you go and functions as two separate cots, or to save space, a double bunk bed. See its specifications below:

  • Brand: Disc-O-Bed
  • Dimensions: 65″ L X 32.5″ W X 32″ per cot
  • Sleeping area: 62″x28″
  • Support weight: 200 pounds per cot
  • Weight: 40 pounds
  • Type: Collapsible
  • Accommodation: Single person per cot

Other inclusions:

  • Carry bags
  • Side organizers
  • Stack adapters
  • Locking straps

Why have I chosen this?

This last product is perfect for those camping with children. The bunk is designed without a third leg or a center beam for extra comfort and made of high-quality, 600-denier polyester sleeping decks that can handle anything a child can throw at it. Additionally, the cot’s end frames which are rounded which accomplishes the following:

  • to reduce ground sinking,
  • to enhance overall bunk system stability,
  • to protect tent floor surfaces.

If you camp with kids, you could do a lot worse than this one.

 
 
 
Primary Rating:
4.5
Primary Rating:
4.1
Primary Rating:
4.4
$84.99
$59.98
$299.99
Primary Rating:
4.5
$84.99
Primary Rating:
4.1
$59.98
Primary Rating:
4.4
$299.99
02/18/2024 11:25 am GMT Lasso Brag

Conclusion

There you have it, my three best portable cots for camping this year. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences with them.

Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections, or would like me to check anything else out for you.

Until next time

Have fun

Paul

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Hi, I'm Paul

I am a passionate fishing, camping and four wheeled driving hobbyist who researches, tests and educates around issues and equipment relevant to them.

I am by no means a professional however my passion is to assist you in making informed decisions about buying and using awesome gear that will give you the best chance of success at whatever you are doing for the best price.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Paul