Best Camping Cots 2022 – Lightweight Portable Cots Review

Last Updated on March 29, 2022 by Afsar

Looking for the best camping cots?

Camping is surprisingly rewarding if done properly. One common mistake every newbie makes is by not taking enough preparation for the trip. Just like traveling, camping also requires a sheer amount of time to prepare for it. Simply put, if you ever try to pitch your tent on a rough surface or over a rock, you will have terrible back pain when you wake up. Camping or backpacking cots have become a very popular sleeping accessory over the years among the outdoor enthusiasts, and there’s no denying that it can significantly improve the quality of sleep in the wilderness. Camping cots are quite versatile and can be used in different surfaces with ease. In simple terms, camping cot is basically a type of collapsible bed to be used in different camping situations. Camping cots are designed with the focus of serving people to have good nights sleep outside of their home. Camping cots are mostly used for recreational camping in family-friendly campsites, summer camps, picnic spots, or national parks. Very few people will be bringing their camping cot to the top of the mountain. Some of the backpacking cots are so lightweight, they can be brought to remote places, but that’s not very common. Usually, a camping cot comes with a metal frame which unfolds to offer a strong platform for sleeping in uneven or rough terrain. There are a lot of amazing camping or backpacking cots available on the market, and I am going to share some of the best camping cots in this post.

Best Camping Cots 2022

Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot

As they’ve already proven themselves time and time again with their outdoor gears, Coleman certainly knows how to build tough and useful camping cots. This adjustable camping cot can be used for sitting, sleeping, reclining or taking rest. From the picture, you can see that the removable side table also increases the functionality of the camping cot. It comes with drink holder, additional space for snacks or other personal items like a book.

This versatile camping cot’s spacious design not only offers ample resting room but makes sure you get a good night’s sleep with it. The dimension of the cot is 80x44x17 inches when unfolded. Coleman Pack-away camping cot uses durable steel frame which can support up to 300 pounds. Due to the spacious design, it can accommodate people up to 6 feet 6 inches tall. When unfolded, this camping cot becomes small enough to fit in most car trunks for easy storage. Also, it comes with carrying for easy transportation.

As mentioned before, Coleman specializes in outdoor gears like stoves, coolers, tents, and they ensure that this camping cot is no exception. This camping cot can significantly improve your outdoor camping experiences, and you get it for a very reasonable price. Finding a camping cot with such price will be hard. In a nutshell, I think this is one of the best camping cots of the market.

Best cheap camping cot 2022

• Removable side table with cup and beverage holder
• Durable steel frame provides a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
• Can accommodate people up to 6 feet 6 inches tall
• Dimension: 80x44x17 inches
• The foldable design takes less space
• Easy setup
• Can be used for sitting, reclining, sleeping and more

Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot

Finding a camping cot with reasonable price can be tricky. There are lots of features to have, and once they are met in a product, the price goes high. I think this is where the camping cot from Teton Sports can come very handy. Teton Sports introduced a lot of cool features in this folding camping cot. To start with, the pivot arm of the cot makes it super easy to setup within minutes. It’s a built-in liver which allows putting the last end of bar in place without wrestling.

Teton used a strong, sturdy, and reinforced steel X-leg which strengthens the cot and offers a great stability. In simple terms, the x-leg feature makes it a great portable cot. The easy to attach connecting pins also make it very easy to setup. Teton provides this cot in four different sizes to meet different people’s need. So, if you want a bigger version of the same camping cot, you can always get it. This package also comes with a sturdy carry bag which can be used to transport easily.

Everybody wants a good night’s sleep, especially when camping in the outdoor. If your budgets are low or if you don’t want to spend a lot of money, Teton sports camp cot can be the best for you.

• Pivot arm lever makes setup easy
• Reinforced steel X-leg assembly provides stability and strengthens the cot
• Longer than a twin mattress
• Maximum weight capacity: 400 lbs
• Foldable design for easy transport
• Available in different sizes

Coleman ComfortSmart Cot

Coleman is a leader when comes to making amazing outdoor gears at a low price. If you read carefully, you will find a lot of Coleman camping cots in this article. ComfortSmart is just another amazing cot from Coleman which comes at a very reasonable price. This folding camping cot provides a bed0like comfort to get a good night’s sleep in the wilderness. The coil suspension system with the thick foam mattress ensures superior support.

Coleman used a durable steel frame which can support up to 275 pounds. It can accommodate people up to 5 feet and 7 inches tall. The cot is also available in two different colors, but I prefer the gray one. It has a dimension of 69X25X15 inches when unfolded. Due to the design, it fits most car trunks when folded. On top of that, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get this fantastic cheap camping cot.

Overall, great value for the price.

• Low price
• Bed-like comfort
• Superior support, thanks to coil suspension system with the thick foam mattress
• Durable steel support
• Maximum weight capacity 275 pounds
• Can accommodate up to 5 feet 7 inches tall
• Dimension: 69X25x15 inches
• Fits most car trunks when folded

Mountain Trails Base Camp Cot

We love ourselves some good night’s sleep, especially after a hectic outdoor session. Mountain Trails offers a very cheap camping cot which has a weight capacity of 225 pounds. It has a dimension of 6.81” width and 2.99” height. Most outdoor lovers who use camping cot often complain about the time it requires to set up. However, if you decide to buy this camping cot from mountain trails, you will love it’s easy to set up.

Mountain trails use rugged and powder coated steel frame to keep it simple and compact. This powder-coated steel frame is lightweight but very strong to withstand harsh nature. You will find a carry bag which makes the transportation and storage easier. This convenient portable camping cot comes with a very reasonable price and has excellent benefits.

• Weight capacity: 225 pounds
• Powder coated steel frame for sturdiness
• Easy to assemble
• Carry bag included
• Lightweight design
• Suitable for both kids and adults
• Lightweight: Weighs only 9 pounds and 12 ounces

Byer Of Maine Allagash Plus Cot

Carrying a heavy camping cot can be frustrating. Most of the camping cots are heavy, but not the Byer of main Allagash plus cot. Allagash plus cot weighs only 8.5 lbs. and carrying it is very comfortable. This lightweight backpacking cot uses a strong lightweight aluminum frame which has been heat treated. 

This cot uses spring steel legs and 600 denier polyester which can hold up to 250 pounds. The 600-denier polyester fabric is very strong and can withstand a harsh environment. The dimension of the cot is 75”X30”X8”. Due to the spacious design, both kids and adults can comfortably use this backpacking cot. Portable cots should be easy to set up, and this is no exception.

It is super easy to assemble. You just have to unfold and snap the legs to start using it. Its great leg design ensures that you can use it with a tent. You can tuck the legs into a sleeve and roll up for easy carrying. The legs will become a carrying handle to make it a backpacking cot.

• Lightweight: weighs only 8.5 lbs
• Maximum capacity 250 pounds
• 600 Denier polyester used
• Dimension: 75”X30”X8”
• Easy to assemble
• Leg design makes sure you can use it with a tent

ALPS Mountaineering Ready Lite Cot

Alps Mountaineering is a backpacking company making different gears for outdoor enthusiasts. Established in 1993, Alps mountaineering has established themselves as a great manufacturer of sleeping bags, cots, and backpacks. Just like as most of their backpacking related products, this is a backpacking cot which is made of high-quality raw materials for serious camping lovers. 

It uses a sturdy ripstop fabric, which is lightweight but has great durability. The lightweight aluminum frame makes it easier to carry and has outstanding durability. The lightweight 7000 series aluminum frame, dual layer honeycomb ripstop fabric, and the five legs provide great stability up to 3000 lbs. Alps mountaineering uses a compact foldable design which includes a shoulder carry bag to make it easier to carry.

It has a dimension of 78”L X 28”W X 7.5H. The backpacking cot weighs only 4 lbs and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. ALPS pride themselves in the quality of their products and claims to use a hard and strict set of specifications to meet the quality of standards. That being said, the price of the ready lite cot from ALPS is very reasonable.

The best lightweight camping cot

• Sturdy ripstop fabric
• High portability: Lightweight aluminum frame with high durability
• Weighs only 4 lbs
• Foldable design
• Shoulder carry bag for easy transportation
• Maximum weight capacity is 300 lbs
• Reasonable pricing
• Comfortable and offers great support

Big Agnes Cot One Convertible

Helinox specializes in making some of the best lightweight equipment, and Big Agnes cot is one of their best camping cots available on the market. This lightweight but durable folding cot comes with a simple yet highly functional design which makes it super easy to set up. The set-up handles are easy to pull to set it up within minutes.

This convertible cot comes with a storage bag with zipper closure. Carrying this camping cot is super easy, thanks to this storage bag. The dimension of the cot is 6” height and 9” wide. It weighs 1.2kg, and the maximum capacity is 145kg. The frame of the cot is made of lightweight TH72M aluminum alloy. The side poles are shock-corded like the tent poles which ensures fast assembly. This is a great car camping cot to have for your next adventure.

Best car camping cot to have.

• Set up within a minute
• Excellent for car camping
• Folding design
• Lightweight TH72M aluminum alloy frame
• 6”X9”
• Maximum capacity: 320 lbs
• Zippered carrying bag provided
• Compatible with helinox leg kit (sold separately)
• Side poles are shock-corded like tent poles for much faster assembly

Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot

If you love camping with your friends or partner, you may want to bring a two-person camping cot. Kamp-Rite’s double Kwik-cot is a two-person camping cot which comes with amazing features. One common issue with the two-person camping cots are that they are heavy, and often a hassle to store. But, that is not the case with Kamp-Rite’s Double Kwik-Cot. This double camping cot weighs only 33 lbs and the maximum capacity 500 lbs. It is one of the best double camping cot of the market.

The dimension of the camping cot is 42” X 11” X 11” when folded. After setting up, the dimension is 85” X 55” X 19”. The package comes with a heavy-duty 600D carry bag to make the transportation easier and safer. In a nutshell, this is a highly versatile double camping cot which can be used both indoor and outdoor. So it can be used in your place if a sudden guest appears from nowhere. Due to the strong support, getting a good nights sleep is far more comfortable than traditional cots.

Best camping cot for two person

• Two person camping cot
• Compact and convenient design
• Sturdy support
• Heavy-duty and powder coated frame
• Heavy-duty 600D fabric base
• Head section is padded
• Weighs 33 lbs
• Maximum weight capacity: 500 lbs
• Low price

Coleman Queen Airbed Folding Cot

Most outdoor lovers struggle to find a queen size camping cot. For them, the Queen Airbed folding cot from Coleman should be a great product to consider. It is a great addition to have besides your other camping gear as it portable, comfortable, and comes with great materials. This camping cot mattress comes with ComfortStrong coil construction which offers incredible support and comfort. Coleman used an AirTight system which prevents the mattress from leaking.

Sturdy steel cot can support up to 600 pounds of weight while accommodating up to 6 feet two inches in height. You can understand that this is a spacious design to accommodate two adults at the same time. The cot and the separate airbed double the sleeping space. You will find a 4D battery-operated pump with the package. It can inflate or deflate the airbed easily.

Also, it offers elevated sleeping support. The versatile design ensures that it can be used both indoors and outdoors. There is two side table with cup holders to keep drinks, books, or other personal items. Both the Airbed and the cot can be folded inside the included carry bag for easy storage.

Best queen size camping cot.

• ComfortStrong coil construction offers excellent support and comfort
• The airtight system in mattress prevents leaking
• Maximum weight capacity 600 pounds
• Can accommodate up to 6 feet two inches long person
• 4D battery operated pump inflates and deflates quickly and easily
• Durable steel frame
• Cup holders on both sides to keep beverages, drinks, books or personal items
• Airbed and cot can be folded easily into the included carry bag
• Versatile design to be used in both indoors and outdoors

Osage River Folding Cot

Osage River folding camp cot is one of my favorites for its incredibly low price and the value it provides. This camp cot comes with 600D PVC coated polyester fabric. It is quite strong and comfortable. Osage used tubular carbon steel with X frame construction which has a powder coat finish. This frame is highly durable and supports up to 300 lbs. The dimension of the folding cot is 75”X28”X18.5”.

Due to the clever design, you can sleep on your side or your back without any problem. You will have a carrying bag for easy transportation of the camping cot. The setup of the camping cot is relatively easy and takes a very short time. You have to turn it over and straighten the bottom leg support to open it. This lightweight backpacking cot weighs only 13 lbs, and can be used for camping, outdoor activities, beach, picnic, or relaxing at home.

• Made of 600D PVC coated polyester fabric
• Available in three different colors
• Durable frame: tubular carbon steel for x frame construction with powder coat finish
• Supports up to 300 lbs
• Easy to set up
• Carry bag provided
• Can be used for multiple purposes

KingCamp Strong Stable Folding Camping Bed Cot

KingCamp’s folding cot comes in six different colors to match your camping gears. As you can see in the picture, this colorful camping cot comes with a side pocket to keep your cellphone, books, or essentials. Outdoor enthusiasts often complain about bringing a separate pillow for a headrest, and KingCamp listened to it and ensured that you don’t need a pillow if you use this cot. The angle of the top flanges offer you a good headrest, so you don’t need to bring an extra pillow for that.

High strength steel tubes bracket, triangle structure, and breathable 600D double layer oxford fabric ensure that you get the good nights sleep with comfort. It can fit most people up to 6’2”. The cot itself weighs only 15.9 lbs and has the maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds. This lightweight backpacking cot is great for both adults and kids for outdoor exploring, beachside rest, picnic, and more outdoor activities.

• Available in several different colors
• Side pocket
• The angle of the top flanges
• Steel tubes bracket
• Triangle structure
• Breathable 600D double layer
• Weighs 15.9 lbs
• Maximum weight capacity: 220 lbs
• Storage bag included
• Multi-use

Disc-O-Bed Large with Organizers

If you are camping with your friend or partner, you might want a camping bunk cot which can accommodate two people. This bunkable cot system is compatible with a broad range of tents. You can find this camping cot in three different colors: green, black, and navy. Disc-O-Bed uses rust resistant and powder coated steel to make the frame. As a result, it is highly durable and offers maximum weight capacity of 500lbs per each cot.

The sleeping deck material is 28” wide, and it dries so quickly. It has proper ventilation and can be removed for cleaning. You will also find two side organizers where you can keep a lot of personal items. Due to the structure of the camping bunk cot, it takes a little bit more than the normal cots to setup. However, it’s quite easy to follow the process and get a good nights sleep.

• Available in three colors
• Height off the ground of 11 in
• Maximizes floor space
• Rust resistant and powder coated steel frame material
• Ultra strong with weight tolerance 500 lbs/per cot
• Straightforward setup system
• Sleeping deck width: 28″
• Quick dry deck materials
• Cool ventilation
• Two side organizers to keep personal items

How to choose the best camping cots?

Finding the top best camping cots can be a daunting task. However, we took the task very seriously and used the important factors to judge if a camping cot fits our list. We will share the factors we used so that you can also learn them, and make a delicate decision for yourself. There are hundreds of camping cots available on the market, and not all of them suits your type of adventure. For example, some may prefer a queen size camping cot, and some may prefer a lightweight camping cot. Also, depending on the transportation system, the choices will vary. Without further ado, let us introduce the factors we considered to find the best backpacking cots.

The usage patterns

The first question you need to be asking yourself is why are you purchasing a camping cot? Is it for camping? Recreational? Or hiking and camping? Primarily, most of the cots available in this article are for camping, but some of them may not be used for different types of activities like pool or patio resting. If you want to use the cot for different types of activities, we suggest you buy a multi-purpose camping cot. Some of these multi-purpose camping cots are suitable for different occasions like camping, hiking, outdoor exploring, picnic, patio usage, and more.

Weight

Unless you are using a car for transportation, you would love a lightweight camping cot. It ensures that the carrying of the cot is easy and less frustrating. Even if you use a car, you will still love a lightweight cot. Single cots are often lightweight, but when you look for more comfort, space, or durability, the material of cot becomes heavy. I prefer camping cots with aluminum frame for their low weight. However, this may increase the price. If you want to save some money, you may choose the steel construction, but it will increase the weight.

Assembling process and time

Nobody likes a camping cot which takes forever to assemble. Some of the available camping cot on the market takes a lot of time to assemble and dismantle. We have mentioned some easy to assemble camping cots in the list. Often overlooked, this factor can be frustrating if not taken care of. When you reach your camping site, you just want to set the camping cot and chill with your friends. We suggest buying a camping cot with straightforward assemble system with simple designs. Also, unfolding and snapping the parts should be easier. Cheap camping cots are unlikely to offer you that benefit. So, investing a little bit more than usual will eventually help you land a camping cot with the easy assembly process.

Size

Size is singlehandedly one of the most important factors to consider when finding a camping cot. Most of the camping cots available online have a poor dimension. We tried mentioning the dimension of all the camping cots we listed in this article. The size of the camping cot decides how you are going to transport it. If you are transporting your camping cot in the trunk of your car, you need to check the dimension and see if it fits your trunk.

Besides that, the size of the camping cot will also impact your sleeping situation. You need to buy a camping cot which can accommodate you properly. You need a good night’s sleep, and you need a spacious design. This is particularly more important if you are a tall person or move during the sleep.

One other reason to check the size of the cot is to match it with the tent floor. You need to check the width and length of both the cot and the floor. Try to make sure that there are some extra inches to spare. The height of the cot should be optimal: not too high or short. In that way, you can stay close to the ground and yet keep some of your items under it.

Fabric Strength

Besides the frame material, the fabric also plays a role in increasing the weight capacity. If you read the camping cot reviews already, you will notice that the fabrics are rated in Denier or “D”. As higher the Denier is, the more quality, strength, and reliability you get with the fabric. I tried to share camping cots which come with 600D denier fabric. They are great, but not all manufacturers use them for their camping cots.

Additionally, some of them expensive camping cots will feature a fabric called “ripstop”. Ripstop fabrics are strong and resist tearing better than regular materials. You will also find regular fabrics in the cheaper camping cots.

Comfort

The primary reason to buy a camping cot is to get a good night’s sleep. If you buy a camping cot, and fail to get a good night’s sleep, then there’s no point buying it. The comfort level of the camping cot depends on the fabric, construction, spring and mechanic system. Some of the camping cots will allow you to adjust the tension system to get the advanced level of comfort and support you desire. Please note that a lot of camping cots won’t come with the tuning system.

As the fabric of the cot will be the surface you will be laying down, you may need to check the harshness of it. However, the most fabric used in camping cots is quite soft but durable. If you are very concerned about the harshness, you should check it on a local store before buying on online.

Weather

Are you camping in summer or winter? Most of the camping cot comes with a thin fabric to reduce the weight, and this may be a problem during the winter time. As the fabric is thin, you may feel the cold breeze coming from it and sucking the body heat. This might not be a problem if you are using the camping cot inside a tent. If you are camping in a cold night in the winter, we recommend using an insulated col, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad.

Frame

The frame of the camping cot plays a significant role in offering stability. Most of the cheap camping cots come with low-quality frames. If the frame is weak and breaks easily, you will be just wasting money. A good camping cot will come with a durable frame which will flex without the hassle and offer service for a long time. Choose a camping cot with thick frame and joints. Also, you don’t want to increase the setup time: buy a cot which has easy to fold and unfold frames, reducing the time requires to set up.

Accessories

Just like smartphones, cots are also becoming smart. Just kidding!!! Manufacturers are now offering a lot of different accessories to make your camping experience better. Let check the different types of accessories that may come with your camping cot:

Side table: The most common types of accessories that comes with camping cot is the side table. A lot of manufacturers are providing a side table in the camping cot to keep your phone, book, beverage, or other personal items. This may not a must to have features, but it’s nice to keep a book to read.

Storage pockets: Just like side tables, you may have already seen storage pockets in the cot where you can keep a reading book or other miscellaneous items.

Foam Mattress: Love a comfy bed? Want to experience the comfy feeling while night camping? Some of the camping cots come with comfortable foam mattress.

FAQ

Why should I buy a camping cot?

Fair question. I am assuming that you are new into camping, and you are concerned why you may need a camping cot. If you are camping outdoors, and plan to lay down or spend a night outside, you will need a camping cot. There are several reasons but the most important one is to get a good night’s sleep. The surface of the camping spot might be rocky or uneven, but the cot can still offer you an even surface to have a good sleep. On top of that, some camping spots have bugs, and you may want to avoid them. A camping cot can also come very helpful in the winter to have warmth.

Can I use camping cot at home?

Short answer: Yes. You can use the camping cot at your home. Camping cots are made to be used in different places, and you can use it at your home. You can keep your camping cot in the patio or in the guest room.

What frame material should I choose?

It depends. Most of the camping cots use an aluminum frame. Aluminum frames are lightweight but strong. The other common material used in the frame is steel. Steel frames are heavy but offer good weight capacity. If you are highly concerned about weight capacity, I suggest you check the table comparison table.

Conclusion

Finding a camping cot that will work in every situation is tough. The best camping cot will change depending on the requirements of the users. One who prefers a lightweight camping cot will find a queen size camping cot awkward, and vice versa. Just make sure that weight and height requirements meet the products, and you should be fine.

(4 votes, average: 4.75 out of 5)

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