Sleeping on a sleeping pad or mat isn’t one of the most pleasurable camping experiences. No matter how you adjust in your sleeping bag, it’s not uncommon for campers to wake up in the morning with sore backs, bumps and bruises, a stiff neck, and nasty chills.
A simple solution to this issue is investing in an air mattress or a camping cot. While air mattresses are lightweight, they don’t provide the same comfort as a camping cot, which is more reliable for a good night’s sleep outdoors.
In our article, we’ll discuss key features that car campers should know, highlight our top 8 cots, and explain why we selected the R.E.I. Kingdom 3 as the best overall camping cot.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: cots for tent camping Quick Recommendations
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Editor’s Choice:
REI Co-op Kingdom 3
“Unmatched levels of comfort, simplicity to use and the ability to raise the head into an upright position make the REI Kingdom our top choice” -
Best Value:
Coleman Pack-Away
“If you’re looking for quality that won’t break the bank, then we highly recommend the Coleman Pack-Away” -
Best Lightweight Camping Cot:
Helinox Lite
“If you’re backpacking and want a lightweight cot, the Helinox Lite is the best choice for you” -
Biggest Capacity :
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL
“When it comes to larger camping cots, with its weight capacity of 600 lbs. and its oversized sleeping area, the Outfitter XXL camping cot is our top choice” -
Best Bunk Bed Cot:
Disc-O-Bed Bunk
“If you buddy up when you camp, the Disc-O-Bed Bunk offers a versatile double-camping cot that can be used as a bunk bed, two cots or as a camp bench” -
Best Double-wide:
Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot
“The Kamp-Rite Double Kwik offers 55” of space across, giving you and your partner plenty of space to stretch out” -
Most Comfortable:
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe
“If you enjoy the comfort of a foam sleeping mattress, then the Coleman Comfortsmart is the most comfortable cot to sleep on” -
Best for Extra Room:
Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik
“Larger campers wanting a little more room may like the size, comfort, and price that the Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik offers”
What Are The Best Cots For Tent Camping?
The My Open Country team has tested dozens of car camping cots over the years, and our reviewers have compiled a list of our favorite 8 cots in the list below. We field-tested these cots in a variety of environments, from the Scottish Highlands to New Mexico’s White Sands National Monument. Our 6 testers weigh between 98 lbs (5’0″) and 221 lbs (6’3″).
- REI Co-op Kingdom 3
- Coleman Pack-Away
- Helinox Lite
- Teton Sports Outfitter XXL
- Disc-O-Bed Bunk Bed
- Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot
- Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik
REI Co-op Kingdom 3
Editor’s ChoiceDimensions: 82” x 31.5” x 14” ⸱ Capacity: 300 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 20 lb.
If you’re looking for a comfortable night’s sleep and an easy-to-use sleep system, the REI Kingdom 3 is the standout camping cot in our review.
REI has a reputation for understanding exactly what is needed in an outdoor product, and they don’t miss the mark with the Kingdom 3. Plush padding surrounds the steel and aluminum frame to give you a great night’s sleep – no more banging your funny bone off of the frame when you roll over! Another great feature is the ability to raise the head end of the cot so you can sit up and read in comfort.
The Kingdom 3 is 6’ 10” long and 31.5” wide, making it one of the larger cots on our list. This extra width/length and the plush padding make it a great choice for tall campers or side sleepers who need that little bit more room to sleep comfortably. With a weight capacity of 300 lbs, it provides ample support to most campers.
The Kingdom is a trifold model, making it easy to set up in less than a minute. Its oversized articulated feet also make finding a flat lie simple, even on uneven ground.
The main drawback to this portable folding cot is its packed size — at 33” x 32” x 8.5”, it’s a bulky piece of gear. If you want a similarly sized option that takes up less trunk space, check out the Outfitter XXL (42” x 12” x 7”).
The Kingdom 3 isn’t expensive, but if you are looking for a cheaper option then the Coleman Comfortsmart is a solid alternative.
What Others Thought
- Jason Wanlass & Marissa Fox, Outdoor Gear Lab: “…an excellent choice for consumer looking for added features, versatility and top quality.”
- Billy Brown, Justin La Vigne and Meghan LaHatte, GearJunkie: “…so comfortable that we wouldn’t hesitate to use it as an extra bed in a hotel room or cabin.”
- Cam Vigliotta, Forbes: “A top-of-the-line camping cot designed for maximum comfort and durability.”
PROs
- One of the most comfortable cots available
- Large dimensions make it a good choice for tall and side sleepers
- Quick to set up
- Durable
CONs
- Bulky
- Heavy
Bottom-Line: The REI Kingdom 3 is aptly named. This is an incredibly comfortable, padded fold-up cot that is suitable for campers and sleepers of all ilks.
Coleman Pack-Away
Best ValueDimensions: 80” x 32” x 17” ⸱ Capacity: 300 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 21lbs.
The Coleman Pack-Away doesn’t steal the show in any one category or metric but is a cheap option that performs well across the board.
This Coleman cot has a spacious 80” x 32” sleeping area and can accommodate campers up to 6’ 6” and weighing 300 lbs. It’s not as large as the Outfitter XXL or as comfortable as the REI Co-Op Kingdom Cot, but the Pack-Away gets the basics right at a much lower price. Our testers also remarked that it felt sturdy and appreciated the folding side table.
While built with a strong steel frame, one annoying issue we discovered in testing is the inability to “lock” the frame once it’s unfolded. This can be irritating if you need to move the cot slightly and it decides to half collapse on you and isn’t usually a problem with other camping cots.
What Others Thought
- Marissa Fox, Outdoor Gear Lab: “…not the lightest or the most heavy-duty, but it’s a breeze to set up and break down.”
- Ceara Perez-Murphy, USA Today: “…a great choice for those looking for a simple outdoor sleeping solution that is quick and easy to set up.”
PROs
- Price
- Strong folding frame
- Detachable table with cup holder
CONs
- Can’t “Lock” the unfolded position
- Cot’s durability is not the greatest
Bottom-Line: The Coleman Pack-Away is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quality car-camping cot at an affordable price.
Helinox Lite
Best Lightweight CotDimensions: 73” x 23.5” x 5” ⸱ Capacity: 265 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 2.13 lbs.
The Helinox Lite is our favorite camping cot for backpacking trips or camping trips where keeping pack weight to a minimum is a priority.
Thanks to the advanced, high-tech aluminum alloy frame, this Helinox cot weighs an incredible 2 lbs. and 13 oz. This is around a pound heavier than typical sleeping pads, but the extra weight in your pack is worth it if you find sleeping on pads and air mattresses difficult.
It is an easy cot to assemble and folds down into a 20.5 x 5 x 5 inches (roughly 8L) carrying bag.
The Helinox Lite does cut some corners to save weight, most notably in the size of the sleeping area and weight capacity. At 6′ 1″ long by 23.5″ wide, it has a slender profile, but one that is similar to its nearest competitor, the Therm-a-Rest Ultralite. The 300-pound weight capacity of the Ultralite beats the 265 lbs. capacity of the Helinox, but the Helinox’s lower weight and superior comfort earned it a higher overall score from our testers.
What Others Thought
- Meredith Dennis, The Atlas Heart: “…the best lightweight camping cot.”
- Ryan Cunningham, Beyond the Tent: “…can be your secret weapon to making it through the most arduous expeditions.”
PROs
- Lightweight
- Compact carry bag packed size
- Easy to set up
CONs
- Narrow
- Pricey
Bottom-Line: The Helinox Lite cot is the clear winner in the battle of the lightweight cots.
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL
Biggest CapacityDimensions: 85” x 41” x 19” ⸱ Capacity: 600 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 26 lbs.
The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL is the best camping cot out there for campers who need a larger sleeping surface and higher load capacity. It’s the most spacious single cot on our list (it’s wide enough to be a trim double cot!) and can also support the most weight.
The Outfitter XXL measures 7’ 1” long by 3’ 3”, meaning there’s ample room for campers with a larger build. Its sturdy steel legs and aluminum frame also give it an incredible weight capacity of up to 600 lbs.
While this portable cot does disassemble into a reasonably sized (42″ x 12″ x 7″) storage bag, it weighs a hefty 26 lbs. Assembly is also tricky and requires a little practice. Given these shortcomings, our testers all agreed that it’s best suited to taller and heavier car campers who don’t want to push the weight limit on slighter-built cots (or have their feet dangling over the end of shorter ones).
What Others Thought
- Cam Vigliotta, Forbes: “…its sturdiness and spaciousness are well worth the weight.”
- Diane Vukovic, Mom Goes Camping: “…you’ll love how long and wide this cot is.”
- Billy Brown, Justin La Vigne and Meghan LaHatte, GearJunkie: “…great for larger folks or people who toss and turn in their sleep.”
PROs
- Large weight capacity (600 lbs.)
- Large dimensions
- Lifetime warranty
- Mesh storage hammock underneath
CONs
- Not the quickest to set up
- Heavy weight
Bottom-Line: If you’re looking for a large camping cot with a weight capacity above the typical 300lbs. then the Outfitter XXL is our recommended choice.
Disc-O-Bed Bunk Bed
Best Bunk Bed CotDimensions: 79” x 28” x 11” ⸱ Capacity: 500 lbs. (per cot) ⸱ Weight: 60 lbs.
The Disc-O-Bed Bunk is our favorite camping cot for kids and ideal when floor space in your tent is at a premium.
It provides a decent amount of sleeping space on its two bunks and can also be set up as a camp chair or as two separate cots if desired. Each cot measures 79” by 28”, which is reasonably spacious and ample for most campers. With its steel legs, steel frame, and 600D PVC coated polyester fabric, it is one of the most durable and strongest products we have seen (the combined weight capacity is 1000 lbs!).
The main drawback to the Disco-O-Bed Bunk is the sheer weight of the steel frame. At 60lbs., it is by far the heaviest option on our list and only suitable for car camping. Even halving the load for a single cot would still make it heavier than all but the Kamp-Rite Double Kwik. Surprisingly, despite its weight, it packs down into a reasonable 32.5” x 15” x 5” carrying case.
What Others Thought
- Diane Vukovic, Mom Goes Camping: “…we loved the Disc-O bunk beds.”
- Outdoors With Bear Grylls: “…packs up into its bags really easy…a super awesome product.”
PROs
- Double bunks
- Versatility – can be used as two single cots, bunks, or bench
- Large weight capacity
CONs
- Heavy
- More involved assembly than most camping cots
Bottom-Line: If you’re going car camping with a buddy or kids, then the Disc-O-Bed Bunk is a superb, space-saving choice.
Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot
Best Double-WideDimensions: 85” x 55” x 19” ⸱ Capacity: 500 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 33 lbs.
Our testers unanimously rated the Kamp-Rite Double Kwik the best camping cot for couples.
At 55 inches wide, the Double Kwik is one of the most spacious cots for tent camping out there. Its dimensions are large enough, in fact, to accommodate a double-size camping mattress. Even without a mattress, the Kamp-Rite is a winner in the comfort stakes thanks to extra padding around the head area.
The steel frame and 600D polyester fabric make for a highly durable, but heavy cot. Once packed down into its carry bag, it is not the most portable, weighing 33 lbs. and measuring 42 x 11 x 11 inches. The Outfitter XXL is a narrower but lighter option if you want to reduce weight.
What Others Thought
- Alex Temblador, Trip Savvy: “…our favorite double cot because the setup is quite easy.”
- Elina Ansary, The Atlas Heart: “…one of the best double camping cots available.”
PROs
- Super wide
- Padded head section for extra comfort
- Durable fabric and steel frame
CONs
- Very Heavy
- Large packed size
Bottom-Line: If you and your partner need a double-wide sleeping platform that’s a little roomier than most, then the Kamp-Rite Double Kwik is the best camping cot you can buy!
Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe
Most ComfortableDimensions: 80” x 30” x 15” ⸱ Capacity: 300 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 19.5 lbs.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is our favorite low-cost luxury camping cot. This relatively inexpensive cot is topped with a thick foam mattress, making it ideal for campers looking for a cozy, all-in-one sleeping solution without having to invest in an inflatable sleeping pad.
The ComfortSmart is available in two sizes. The larger size can accommodate campers up to 6 feet 6 inches, and the smaller standard size, campers up to 5 feet and 7 inches. Our reviewers were all big fans of the integrated mattress, but also agreed that the 40” x 30” x 6” packed size was a little bulkier than would’ve liked.
If comfort is your priority, then it’s a straight out head-to-head battle between the ComfortSmart and the REI Kingdom 3. For our testers, the ComfortSmart was moderately more comfortable than the Kingdom but the Kingdom’s overall features ultimately won it the top prize overall.
What Others Thought
- Meredith Dennis, The Atlas Heart: “…a lightweight, comfortable, and easy-to-assemble cot.”
- Jason Wanlass & Marissa Fox, Outdoor Gear Lab: “If you value being comfortable above all else, then this is a great choice.”
PROs
- Thick foam mattress is extremely comfortable
- Easy to set up
- Fairly priced
CONs
- Bulky
- Heavy
Bottom-Line: The Coleman Comfortsmart is a great option for campers looking for a little extra comfort in their sleeping system.
Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik
Best for Extra RoomDimensions: 84” x 33” x 22” ⸱ Capacity: 350 lbs. ⸱ Weight: 23 lbs.
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik is a solid option for campers looking for an extra-large camping cot at an affordable price.
Measuring 7 feet long and 33 inches across, it can fit even the tallest of campers, while its 350-pound weight capacity means it’s plenty strong. It also sits almost two feet above the ground, making it easier to get into and out of. The top fabric is robust, 600D canvas and the cot has added padding around the head area to improve comfort.
If you’re looking for even more comfort, then (depending on your height and budget) our testers agree you’d be better off with the Coleman ComfortSmart or the Kingdom 3. Our review’s other oversize camping cot, the Teton XXL, is slightly longer and wider, but also more expensive.
What Others Thought
- Camping World: “…the perfect choice for the person who needs a little more sleeping space to be comfortable.”
PROs
- Large
- Padded head section
- Easy to assemble
- Durable polyester fabric and steel frame
- Storage room underneath
CONs
- Heavy (23 lbs.)
Bottom-Line: Active sleepers, side sleepers and larger campers wanting a little more room may like the size, comfort, and price that the Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik offers.
Sleeping Cot Comparison Table
| Product Name | Dimensions | Capacity | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| REI Co-Op Kingdom 3 | 82” x 31.5” x 14” | 300 lbs. | 20 lbs. |
| Coleman Pack-Away | 80” x 32” x 17” | 300 lbs. | 21 lbs. |
| Helinox Lite | 73” x 23.5” x 5” | 265 lbs. | 2.13 lbs. |
| Teton Sports Outfitter XXL | 85” x 41” x 19” | 600 lbs. | 26 lbs. |
| Disc-O-Bed Bunk Bed | 79” x 28” x 11” | 500 lbs. (per cot) | 60 lbs. |
| Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot | 85” x 55” x 19” | 500 lbs. | 33 lbs. |
| Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe | 80” x 30” x 15” | 300 lbs. | 19.5 lbs. |
| Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik | 84” x 33” x 22” | 350 lbs. | 23 lbs. |
Top Choices by Category
Comfort: REI Kingdom 3 and Coleman Comforsmart Deluxe
Active Sleepers: REI Kingdom 3, Coleman Pack-Away, Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik, or Teton sports Outfitter XXL
Tall Sleepers: REI Kingdom 3, Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik, Teton sports Outfitter XXL or Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot
What Features Should You Consider in a Camping Cot?
When shopping for a camping cot, there are a few key factors to consider. This includes comfort, ease of use, sleeping space, durability, weight and packed size, and extra features.
Comfort
Getting a good night’s sleep requires a comfortable sleeping surface. The majority of camping cots have a simple thin top fabric cover tensioned across the frame. This will provide a degree of additional comfort over the standard setup of a sleeping pad on the ground.
Some camping cots come with “comfort upgrades”. These can take the form of a top mattress (see the Coleman Comfort), padding around the frame (see the REI Kingdom 3), and the ability to tension up or down the firmness of the top fabric.
If you’re getting to the age where stiffness and lack of flexibility hinder your movement then the height of the cot above ground level can be an important consideration. Look for a comfortable cot that sits a couple of feet off the ground, as this will put you at a more natural sitting height when getting up/down.
Ease Of Setup
When it comes to assembly, there are two main types of camping cot – folding cots and collapsible cots.
Folding camp cots such as the Coleman ComfortSmart are the easiest to set up as the frame doesn’t need assembled/disassembled with each use, and often the top fabric is pre-attached to the pole structure. These cots either fold in half (bi-fold) or thirds (tri-fold) and to set them up you just need to unfold and lock the legs in place. The downside to foldable camping cots is that they are bulky and awkward to transport.
A collapsible cot requires a little more assembly, and this can vary from just a few seconds of setup like the Kamp-Rite Double-Kwik, to significantly more involved cots such as the Disc-O-Bed Bunk.
Lightweight camping cots suitable for backpacking trips, such as the Therm-a-Rest Ultralite and the Helinox Lite, are collapsible to help decrease the overall packed size.
Sleeping Space
The size of the sleeping area will have a profound effect on the quality of sleep you get on your camping trip.
There is no real standard size for camping cots, but the products we tested ranged from 69″ – 85″ in length and 23.5″ – 55″ in width. The vast majority of cots are 6 feet or longer, but if you are a tall camper, then pay particular attention to this one.
The width of cot you need depend on whether you are an active/side sleeper or you have a larger frame, with these two groups needing more room.
If you’re active in your sleep or have a big build, then look for wider cots such as the REI Kingdom (31.5″), Coleman Pack-Away (32”), Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik (33″), or the massive Outfitter XXL (41″). At around two feet across, you’ll find ultralight backpacking cots such as the Helinox Lite restrictively narrow.
If you’re a backpacker, then you’re better opting for a wide sleeping pad rather than a narrow backpacking cot like the Therm-a-rest Ultralite or the Helinox Lite.
Lastly, if you intend to sleep with your partner, then look for a double-wide option like the Kamp-Rite Double Kwik. At 55″ wide, this will comfortably sleep two.
Further reading: For more double-wide options check out our review of the top double camping cots.
Strength & Durability
When it comes to strength and durability, your pre-shopping inspection should focus on the design and materials of the frame and legs and the top fabric.
Frame and Legs
There are two main types of frame and leg materials to choose from: aluminum and steel.
Aluminum cots are strong and lightweight, but not as durable as steel. Aluminum cots are the more common type these days and found in ultralight cots such as the Helinox Lite all the way up to the oversized Teton Sports Outfitter XXL.
Steel cots tend to be more heavy-duty and can take more punishment. The downside is that steel’s weight restricts the cot’s portability.
There are two common leg designs: U-shaped and X-shaped legs.
U-shaped models such as the Coleman SmartComfort are a simpler design that help distribute the weight load more evenly across the tent floor. As such, U-shaped models are better suited to uneven ground as they’re less likely to rock.
X-shaped legs are mostly found on heavy-duty, high-weight-capacity models such as the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon or the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL.
Top Fabrics
When it comes to the top fabric, there are two things that matter – the type of material and the denier rating.
Manufacturers use a denier rating to measure the fabric’s thickness, which directly correlates to the durability. The higher the number, the more durable and thicker the fabric will be. This is represented as ‘D’ and the products we reviewed range from around 400-600D, with the majority being close to the upper end of this range.
Camping cots use canvas, ripstop polyester, or nylon for the top fabric. Canvas cots such as the Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik are highly durable but are harder to clean. Synthetic nylon or polyester is less durable but easy to clean, quick to dry, and more resistant to tears.
The majority of cots (the Helinox Lite, Disc-O-Bunk Bed, and the ALPS Mountaineering Ready Lite, for example) use rip-stop polyester as a top fabric.
Weight & Packed Size
The importance of weight and packed size in your decision depends mostly on the type of camping you’re doing and how much storage space you have in your vehicle.
If you are car camping and own a large SUV or truck with ample space, then this isn’t a concern. If you’re heading on a backpacking trip, however, it’s one of your top priorities because you’ll need to haul all your gear from campsite to campsite.
The car-camping cots we tested range in weight from 15 lbs. up to 60 lbs (Disc-O-Bed camping bunk bed). Larger cots with steel frames, such as the Kamp-rite Oversize Kwik, (23 lbs.) or ones with additional padding, such as the REI Kingdom 3 (20 lbs.), inevitably weigh more than simpler cots with aluminum frames.
Backpacking cots typically weigh around 3-5 lbs. The Helinox Lite is the lightest we reviewed at 2 lbs. 13 oz. and the cot packs down to just 5″ x 21″. However, these lightweight backpacking cots cut weight and packed size by compromising on comfort, weight capacity, ease of setup, and overall durability.
When it comes to packed size, the overall “collapsed” dimensions will depend on whether it’s a folding or collapsible cot. If trunk space is at a premium on your camping trips, then you want to look for a collapsible cot. Collapsible cots also come with a carrying bag that makes them easier to transport from your car to your pitch.
Extra Features
Some cots come with convenience-enhancing add-ons, such as side tables, storage nets, cup holders, or integrated headrests. For example, the Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik camp cot has side storage pockets, a mesh storage hammock underneath, and a padded head section, while the Coleman Pack-Away has a detachable table with drink holder and the REI has adjustable legs and a padded headrest and footrest.
These may seem like small touches, but they can make a world of difference.
Camping Cot Reviews: Final Verdict
Our favorite camping cot overall is the REI Kindom 3 owing to its generous sleeping space, well-thought-out features, and bed-like comfort.
If you need something a little lighter (17 lbs. lighter!), then the Helinox Lite is the way to go. For backpackers who have trouble sleeping on the ground, this ultralight cot is a great addition to your kit.
If you prefer a little more wriggle room, we recommend the REI Kindom 3, the Coleman Pack-Away, or the Teton Outfitter XXL. All of these also have a bit more length and width.
How did you like our article? If you have any comments or questions, drop us a line in the box below. And if you’d like to share this post with your friends, share away!
FAQs
Two of the most commonly asked questions about camping cots are whether they’re worth it and whether they’re comfortable or not. We answer both of these questions below.
Are camping cots worth it?
Yes. If you’re a car camper, side sleeper, or just have trouble sleeping on a tent floor, then a camping cot is an invaluable piece of kit.
Most cots are too heavy for backpacking, but this isn’t an issue if you’re camping in the frontcountry. For side sleepers, even a beefy sleeping pad can be uncomfortable and leave your hipbone pressed against hard ground. With a cot, there’s no pressure point, so it’s much like sleeping in your bed at home. Having a raised sleeping platform also makes it easier to get into/out of bed and keeps you up and away from any critters that might be roaming your tent floor.
Are camping cots comfortable to sleep on?
Most camping cots are comfortable to sleep on – the only exception to this general rule is cheaply or poorly made cots, many of which have too much flex and/or pressure points in all the wrong places. The most comfortable models, according to our testers, are cots with an attached mattress.