The best tent cots can mean the difference between an okay night’s sleep, and a good night’s sleep. When tenting, elevation matters, as the dampness on the ground is colder, wetter and can cause discomfort when sleeping.
Today, there is more variety to camping cots than ever before thanks to various advancements in technologies and more lightweight materials.
Now, there are also collapsible cots that are lightweight and compact when fully collapsed, so they are very practical to carry around during outdoor camping.
Looking for a new camping cot but don’t know which product to get? You’ve come to the right place.
We’ve tested 10 of the best tent cots for camping available in the market today, and in this buyer’s guide, we will share our findings.
Are Camping Tent Cots Worth It?
If you want to enjoy your camping time and enjoy a good rest outdoors without dealing with uneven ground, swampy grounds, and other issues, then the camping cots are definitely worth it.
Also, if you have a pretty spacious tent, then you can use the camping cot as your private space inside the tent rather than outside, so as you can see the usage of camping cots is actually pretty versatile.
Are there any downsides to the camping cots? Depends. If, for example, you’d prefer to rest on the ground for one reason or another, then camping cots will obviously be redundant.
Also, keep in mind that although there are now lightweight and compact camping cots available, they are still extra weight you’ll have to carry during camping.
What is the Best Tent Cot?
In this buying guide, we’ve tested 10 of the best tent cots available on the market in real camping scenarios.
Based on our tests the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot is our top pick: larger than a twin bed (85 inches sleeping surface) and can support up to 600 pounds of weight.
It also comes with unique pivot arm design for easier assembly. High-quality material from sturdy aluminum frame, high-quality steel legs, and 600D Oxford canvas.
If you are still not sure about the TETON Sports Outfitter as our top pick, however, let’s jump into our full reviews for the top 10 best tent cots for camping available in the market today, starting with the number ten.
10 Best Tent Cots for Camping
#10. REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots for Adults Heavy Duty
Key Features
- The folding cot for adults measures 75″x28″x15″ when open, 1 inch wider than usual. Pack size 41″x9″x7″.
- 7 pounds in weight
- The cot leg tubes measure 1.1″x1.5″
- Thicker, 0.97 inch tube, 600D Double Oxford fabric
- Easy to set up and carry
- 12 support legs in heavy-duty triangle frame
- A 365-day limited manufacturer warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong, and can support heavier body
- Easy to set-up and assemble
- Reliable one-year warranty
- Comfortable gradual headrest incline
- Durable and sturdy despite being quite light
Cons:
- Might produce creaky noise at first
- Relatively difficult to disassemble
Our Verdict
If you want a cot with extra durability and simple setup, then this can be a choice worth considering. Also, comes with a pretty comfortable mattress for more comfort in your sleep.
You’ll also get a built-in headrest as a replacement for your pillow, so if comfort is your main concern, you should definitely consider the ALPS cot. Assembly-free, simply unfold it and you are good to go.
#9. BYER OF MAINE TriLite Cot
Key Features
- Made with a strong lightweight aluminum frame with heat-treated spring steel legs and covered with high strength 600 Denier ripstop polyester
- This lightweight cot can hold up to 250 pounds.
- 74” x 25” x 8”, making it perfect for children and adults, and narrow enough for multiple cots to fit into a tent.
- Easy to assemble
- If you want to use a sleeping pad, there are straps at the head and foot to help reduce slippage while in use.
- Folds in thirds so the packed/travel dimensions are only 28″x7″x3″.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Portable both when folded and expanded
- Useful storage pouch attached to the end bar
- Included carrying bag with a padded shoulder strap
- Easy to use and assemble
- Lightweight but pretty sturdy, can hold up to 250 pounds
- Durable aluminum frame, steel legs, and high-density Ripstop fabric
Cons:
- A bit narrow
- A bit short, not for very tall people
Our Verdict
One of the best tent cots available in the market, easy to assemble and comfortable to sleep on.
Easy to assemble, but pretty durable. Although, with how durable the materials are, you may need a bit of extra muscle work when assembling this cot.
At 74 inches long and 25 inches wide, it is also pretty portable, but it may not be suitable for taller/bigger people. One of the most versatile tent cots for camping available at the moment.
#8. MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Tent Camping Cot Bed
Key Features
- Ultralight and compact weighs only 4.8 pounds and folds down to 16.9 x 5.5 inch
- Cot size is optimal for most people
- Foldable aluminum shock-cord pole structure makes for easy assembly and disassembly
- With tent pole-style aircraft-grade high strength aluminum legs and ripstop nylon fabric, it is sturdy enough to support up to 275 pounds
- 5 heavy-duty rods strongly support the cot make the cot surface flat without sag. 10 anti-skid feet make the bed stable without wobbling.
- The off-ground design keeps you away from hard and wet ground.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- Comfortable material, ideal size for most people
- High-quality material, durable and supports up to 250 pounds
- Easy to set up and fold back
- Waterproof, great for any weather
Cons:
- Might creak when you roll around on top of it
- Not for very tall people
Our Verdict
With its relatively short legs this tent cot is more suitable for ‘friendly’ terrains and weather.
However, it is pretty lightweight and compact, and with the included carrying case you can easily bring this tent cot anywhere by attaching it on various vehicles (bike, motorcycle, kayak, canoe, etc. ).
Easy to assemble, but features a lot of parts so be careful not to lose them when assembling/disassembling the tent cot.
#7. DESERT WALKER Camping Cots
Key Features
- 7001 Aviation aluminum pole, strong and durable
- Special Oxford fabric for extra comfort
- Fully-assembled, easy to use right away
- Ultralight – 1.3kg / 2.8lb
- 185 X 60 x 15 cm / 72.8 X 23.6 X 5.9 in, packing size 50 X φ12 cm /19.7 X φ4.7 in
- Ultralight carrying bag included
- Waterproof fabric with crack prevention
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very lightweight and easy to carry around
- Comfortable cot bed with special Oxford fabric
- Sturdy and strong, but a light aluminum frame
- Easy to install and use right away
- Pretty strong despite its lightweight, can hold medium to a slightly heavyweight body
Cons:
- Relatively thin dimensions
- The fabric may rip if you use it roughly
Our Verdict
One of the lightest tent cots you’ll find in the market, with packed size of only 20×5 inches.
However, when unfolded it offers pretty spacious sleeping space (73 inches), and comes with lightweight but durable 7001 aviation aluminum pole that is virtually unbendable.
Pretty easy to assemble, although you’ll need to follow the instruction manual.
#6. Coleman Trailhead II Cot
Key Features
- Extra wide design for more sleeping room
- Rugged military style
- Strong folding steel X-frame
- Designed for people up to 6 ft. 2 in. tall
- Supports up to 300 lbs.
- Overall Size: 75 x 35 x 17 in.
- Sleeping Area: 75 x 30 in.
- Carry bag included
- 1-year limited warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact size, easy to transport and store
- Comes with pockets to conveniently store your stuff
- Easy to assemble and fold/unfold
- Reasonable price
- Comfortable to sleep and sit on
Cons:
- The stitching can get ripped up after use
- Not suitable for very tall people
Our Verdict
The Coleman Trailhead II is a pretty solid and versatile cot offering a lot of valuable features. It is relatively big with 75×35 inches of size, and comes with organized pockets on its sides for extra storage space.
It is relatively heavy at 20.9 lbs and comes with X-frame design, which may be uncomfortable for some people. However, this tent cot is relatively compact when folded, so it’s still pretty portable.
#5. ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
Key Features
- Robust steel frame, can hold up to 250 lbs of body weight, ideal for most adults and teens alike
- 600D polyester fabric, comfortable and sturdy. Consistent good night’s sleep without compromising quality
- Very lightweight at only 11 lbs
- Packs very small, collapsing to about 2-feet long and 8-inches wide when packed
- Measuring 74 inches by 30 inches, ideal for most adults
- Easy to set up in less than 5 minutes
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy and straightforward setup
- Robust fabric and frame material
- Comfortable to sleep in
- Easy to transport and store
- Great value for what it offers
Cons:
- The canvas might have a slight chemical smell
- Not ideal for very tall people
Our Verdict
A very affordable tent cot, but offers a lot of value for its price. Very light, although it features a steel frame, so it’s also pretty durable. Also, comes with high-quality 600D polyester for its fabric.
Budget friendly and can hold up to 250 lbs of weight. Not the strongest or the most durable, but is a pretty decent choice if you are looking for affordable and lightweight tent cot.
#4. Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo
Key Features
- AirTight® system is factory-tested to be leak-free
- ComfortStrong™ coil system provides better support for all-night comfort
- Double Lock™ valve is dual-sealed to be leak-free
- Included 4D pump for easy inflation and deflation, outdoors or indoors (batteries sold separately)
- 2 side tables with cup holders
- Sewn-in cover keeps airbed in place
- Strong folding steel frame
- 22-in. bed height makes getting in and out of bed easier
- Designed for people up to 6 ft. tall
- Supports up to 600 lbs.
- Dimensions: 78 x 59 x 22 in.
- Carry bag included
- 1-year limited warranty
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Provides elevated sleeping support, very comfortable
- Doubles up sleeping space with 74 inches length
- Very reliable, durable materials, can last a long time
- Comfortable cot-style air mattress
- Can support up to 600 pounds of total weight
Cons:
- The air mattress design might not be for everyone, and pad cover not removable
- Relatively heavy
Our Verdict
The unique highlight of this tent cot is that it features an air mattress (that you can fill with air) as the sleeping surface. You can deflate it for easier transport, and the air mattress is pretty comfortable to sleep in.
You also get a battery-powered pump to inflate the air mattress, so it’s pretty easy to assemble. Made for 2 people (74 inches), but it is pretty compact when folded.
If you want the extra comfort of the air mattress, this Coleman Camping Cot and Air Matress can be an ideal choice.
#3. Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
Key Features
- Heavy duty 190T Nylon
- No-See-Um Mesh on all windows and doors
- Elevated cot base for off-the-ground comfort
- Heavy duty, powder-coated aluminum steel frame
- Easy use, corrosion-resistant zippers
- Unique multi-function hinge design
- Converts to a lounge chair or cot
- Superior quality clips and buckles
- Interior storage pouches
- Quick, easy set up
- Weight rating recommendation of 350 lbs
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Easy to set up and assemble
- Sturdy and stable with heavy-duty Nylon canvas
- Complete protection from various elements
- Versatile, can convert to a lounge chair with unique design
- Elevated cot base
Cons:
- Very heavy due to its large size
- Large size when folded, so may be difficult to store
Our Verdict
This Kamp-Rite tent cot is pretty big at 90 inches long and 20 inches wide. Making this cot a great choice if you want extra space.
It also comes with 11 inches of height from the ground for extra comfort and security. The canvas is made of 210D material, so it is pretty durable and is protected from all elements.
Also, a unique feature is how the windows are covered with No-See-Um Mesh, ensuring good air circulation will protecting you from bugs and other elements outdoors.
#2. Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot
Key Features
- Fabric: ripstop polyester laminate with reflective coatings
- Materials: Nylon cot feet, anodized aluminum poles
- Top fabric: Ultralight Polyester Ripstop laminate
- 19 kg/2 lbs 10 oz
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact when folded, easy to carry around
- Very comfortable to sleep on
- Side poles fit nicely underneath the cot
- You can easily place the spanner poles within cut-outs in the feet
Cons:
- A lot of parts so takes a bit longer to assemble and you can lose these parts
- Not the most durable
Our Verdict
Just like the name “Ultralite”, the key highlight of this camping cot is its lightweight material and portability, with only 2 lbs and 10 ounces of total weight, thanks to its specially-designed aluminum frame.
It is not only durable but has been engineered cleverly so you won’t hear any creaky sounds when sleeping on it. Also, even though it’s lightweight, it can hold a maximum weight of 325 pounds, so you wouldn’t need to worry when sleeping on it.
A downside is that the assembly process can be time-consuming since there are a lot of parts involved. It’s not the cheapest option available, but will definitely be worth it if portability is your main concern.
#1. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot
Key Features
- Unique pivot arm design. A built-in lever that makes putting that last end bar in place quick and easy
- Reinforced steel S-leg assembly strengthens the cot and provides stability
- Larger than a twin bed and supports up to 600 pounds
- Cot folds down for easy transport; Pack weight 26 pounds (11.8 kg)
- The oxford cot top pulls tightly into place so you can sleep comfortably.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique, innovative design allowing quick and easy setup
- Has a large sleeping surface for extra comfort
- Strong and sturdy material; aluminum frame, steel legs, and a 600D oxford canvas sleeping surface.
- 600 lbs. weight capacity
- Compatible with numerous accessories and comes with a carrying bag
Cons:
- Doesn’t have locking mechanism to hold the end bars securely
- Takes up relatively large space both in storage and transport
Our Verdict
Our top pick, the Teton XXL cot, is indeed, XXL, offering very large sleeping surface (85 inches long and 40 inches wide) and can hold up to 600 pounds in total weight.
Very comfortable to sleep in, but it also offers some unique features especially for easier assembly: the pivot arm provides us an easier time in fitting the fabric with the frame.
Aluminum frame, combined with steel legs for extra sturdiness, and the canvas is made of 600D Oxford canvas famous for its comfort without sacrificing durability.
What Should I Look For In a Tent Cot?
Here are several key factors to consider when choosing between different camping cots:
Weight Limit
Most camping cots are just made of fabric tightened across a frame (typically metal). So, it’s very important to check whether the camping cot is capable of supporting your full body weight.
Most manufacturers will list how much weight the camping cot can support in their product descriptions.
You wouldn’t want to have yourself lying on top of the broken camping cot in the middle of the night and probably injure yourself. So, keep this factor in mind.
Portability
It’s important for the camping cots to be light and compact enough to carry around, especially if you are planning to walk a lot when camping.
However, keep in mind that the lighter the camping cot is, typically it can only hold less weight, so again, pay attention to the weight limit.
Camping cots are made in various different materials: aluminum is lightweight, but pretty durable and is also corrosion-resistant, while steel camping cots are heavier but can hold more weights while also being more durable.
Aluminum cots are prone to developing bent legs after extended use, and to tackle this issue, there are camping cots that are made of an aluminum frame but have steel legs to provide the best of both worlds.
Size
You have to consider two things: the size when it has been folded up, and the size when the camping cot is fully expanded.
The folded size will let you know how much space you’ll need to store the cot, and will also affect portability.
You should be able to easily store most camping cots in a wardrobe, under your bed, or on the roof of your RV when you are bringing it on camp.
Most camping cots are designed for just one person to sleep in, but some are large and durable enough to fit two adults.
If you roll around a lot when sleeping, consider getting a wider camping cot, so you won’t bump into the side rails during your sleep.
Also, don’t forget to measure the length of the camping cot, or else you’ll have your feet hanging over the edge of the cot for the whole night.
Keep in mind, however, that the camping cot will take up space inside your tent, which can be an issue during cold nights and/or bad weather conditions where you can’t sleep outdoors.
It’s important to find the right balance between size and portability depending on your needs.
Fabric Material
Choose a fabric material that is strong enough but can also provide good insulation.
Remember that due to the construction of most camping cots where the fabric is only stretched across the frame, if the fabric isn’t strong enough, then your camping cot won’t be able to support much weight no matter how strong the frame and legs are.
Also, consider whether the fabric material is easy to clean, so when you spill your drinks or food on the fabric, you can easily detach it from the frame and wash it.
Regarding insulation, nylon or polyester typically provide better insulation so the cot can keep you warm throughout the night.
In most cases, you should avoid camping cots made of canvas. Canvas is durable but is hard to clean and also quite heavy.
Ease of Use
How easy it will be to assemble the camping cot is a very important factor to consider. You wouldn’t want to spend an hour assembling the camping cot to sleep in after a long, tiring day of hiking.
Especially if this is going to be your first camping cot, choose one that is easy enough to set-up. Choose frames with U-shaped legs, that are typically very easy to assembly and/or do not require any assembly at all: simply snap the legs into place and you’re done.
Frames with X-shaped legs are typically stronger but require a little assembly.
Although most modern cots are easy enough to assemble and set up, read the instruction manual on how to set up the cot before making your purchase not to be sorry later.
Comfort
If you plan to add extra padding onto the camping cot, or a foam mattress, then comfort shouldn’t be an issue.
If not, however, check the position of the crossbars on the frame, and avoid those who feature crossbars on your back or other potentially uncomfortable places.
Some camping cots do come with extra padding for more comfort and added insulation for warmth.
Conclusion
Well we hope that we’ve provided all the information you need regarding the best tent cots for camping. If you enjoyed this article, we think you might like some of these articles too.
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