Last Updated on July 19, 2023 by Dean Anderson
Camping in the great outdoors doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience.
Sleeping on a pad is possible, but if you value comfort, a portable air mattress or sleeping cot is recommended. The best camping cot will give you a great night’s sleep and make you forget that you’re out in the wilderness until you wake up refreshed and ready to explore another day!
A camping cot isn’t just suitable for camping trips. You may also want one to act as a spare bed in your home. They can be great for replacing an air mattress. The one you choose will depend on your specific needs.
What do you need to look out for when buying sleeping cots for adults?
Portability
The reality is that you’ll only use a cot if you’re car camping. They aren’t going to be part of a backpacking trip.
Still, you want a reasonably portable camping cot. It shouldn’t be too heavy to haul from the car and it should be straightforward to unfold and setup. Once you’ve finished with it, it should fold to a fairly compact size.
Comfort
Whether you sleep on your back or you’re a side sleeper a comfortable camping bed should offer a reasonable upgrade over a sleeping bag and camping pad solution.
The frame of the cot shouldn’t in any way impede the use. Furthermore, anyone else sleeping in the same space won’t want to hear the cot creaking if the user moves around. This affects the comfort of other campers.
Durability
Cots cost a reasonable amount of money for a decent product. You should, therefore, expect your purchase to be pretty durable and last a few seasons.
Contributing to durability are the materials selected in construction. The surface should be taut and flat, springs should be quiet and the frame while being strong should be light. Lighter products will be made of aluminum while heavier options will be made with stronger steel.
6 Of The Best Camping Cots
| Product | Product Image | Unique Feature | ACS Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot |  | Sturdy & good for side sleepers | CHECK PRICE | |
| Coleman Comfortsmart Deluxe Cot |  | Good if you're tall or heavy | CHECK PRICE | |
| TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Cot |  | Super strong but lots of niggles | CHECK PRICE | |
| Magshion Portable Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot |  | The best for taller users | CHECK PRICE | |
| Easy Cot, Portable Folding Cot by Byer Of Maine |  | Super comfortable and easy to set up | CHECK PRICE | |
| Portal Foldable Camping Cot |  | Firm comfortable surface and generally well made | CHECK PRICE |
On to the camping cot reviews
Here are some of the most popular portable camping cots compared, so you can find the best one for your trip or spare room. If you don’t have time to read the full reviews then check out our comparison table below.
1. Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot – Comfortable and sturdy and good for side sleepers too
With this cot, the setup is super simple. The cot is pretty big, which is great if you want something substantial. Just be warned if you have a smaller tent like a pop-up to measure before purchasing. The cot is comfortable and sturdy even for side sleepers who may struggle with sagging on some cot beds. The fact that the frame and any metal parts are covered with soft material also increases comfort.
No Locking Mechanism But The Kwik Cot Remains Safely In Place
There’s no locking mechanism on the legs, however, this doesn’t mean it will collapse, it simply means that you may worry about it collapsing. Locking mechanisms can bring peace of mind. The weight of your body will be enough to keep it in place though.
If You Or Any Of Your Camping Group Are Fidgety Then This Quiet Cot Might Be For You
The size and weight of the cot is 8 x 9 x 42 inches, and 21 inches high when set up. The value for money is pretty good. One of the unique features of this bed is that it makes much less noise than other cot beds you might find on the market! If you’re a bit fidgety buyers have reported that it doesn’t creak or squeak so much.
Pros
- Squeaks less than other cots
- Comfortable for side sleepers too
- Sturdy enough
- Useful side pockets for a wallet, cell phone etc
- Easy on knees and joints
- Easy to set up
- Cloth covers to frame and springs
Cons
- Very big and may leave little room in your tent
- No locking mechanism on the legs
Conclusion
Overall the Kamp-Rite Kwik Cot is a good product to go for. It’s more than suitable for tall people, and people who need comfort for their joints and back.
If you have light sleepers in your group then they will also appreciate the creak free use. This is also a good option for side sleepers as the surface is taught and doesn’t sag as much as others. The only let down is the lack of a locking mechanism to the legs. Having inspected the cot this is unlikely to cause any issues so overall we highly recommend this camping cot. The side storage is also a nice bonus.
2. Coleman Comfortsmart Deluxe Cot – Nice thick foam mattress but not the easiest to put down
This cot’s setup isn’t too difficult but it does prove harder to take down as the pad has to be separated from the main structure. If you have plenty of space and an extra pair of hands then this won’t prove difficult. In a tight tent or a small spare room though it’s a challenge.
Comfort Of This Adult Cot Can Deteriorate Over Time
Comfort is really good, to begin with, the included pad is thick with foam and it covers all the metal framework and coil suspension. Some users do report sagging though after extended use which might get worse if your a side sleeper putting more pressure down the middle. The coils and the material stretch. This can mean the cot is OK when you first use it but begins to deteriorate over time.
The size is 11.25 x 10 x 39.5 inches, and it’s not too heavy either, so could be good for camping trips. It doesn’t fold down as neatly as the Kamp-Right model though.
Overall this offers good value for money is pretty good it just does everything to a decent standard which you would at least expect from a brand like Coleman.
Pros
- Very comfortable for back and front sleepers
- Thick foam mattress
- Not too heavy
Cons
- The surface can stretch, maybe no good for side sleepers after several uses
- Can make noise after a few uses, squeaking as you attempt to get comfortable
Conclusion
The Coleman Comfortsmart Cot is a good cot but perhaps not the best out there for the money. That being said, it isn’t the worst one either. It makes a decent replacement for air mattresses and can be suited to even picky sleepers in the right conditions. It’s also suitable for those who are taller and heavier so given the big brand, it’s likely to find plenty of fans.
3. TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Cot – A decent cot but with some underlying niggles
The Teton cot on the first appearance looks very well made and the manufacturer likes to show off how strong it is. The cot measures 17 x 25 x 75 inches, so a reasonable size for most. The construction certainly looks good. However, some users have remarked that the setup bars on this cot can be difficult to snap into place. Furthermore, there are reports of nuts and bolts coming loose after only a few uses.
It’s fair to say though that of the people that have contacted customer services with issues they have been resolved without quibble by Teton.
A Mixed Bag When It Comes To Comfort Of This Cot
So is this a comfortable cot? Well, reviews have been mixed in this respect. It doesn’t look as comfy as the Coleman and larger users have said you’d be better off with the XXL version. If you’re a smaller person you’ll likely be OK though there have been reports of sagging and tears to the material after extended use. Perhaps this cot is better for camping rather than everyday use in a bedroom or for sleepovers.
Pros
- A decent cot to begin with but some long term issues
- Very strong if you manage to assemble it properly
- Can be attached to a second cot
- Rubberized feet protect the tent floor
- Good customer service when there have been problems
Cons
- Some users have found it difficult to set up
- Nuts and bolts seem to come loose
- Can get saggy in the middle and the fabric can tear
- Cot wobbles if not properly assembled
Conclusion
The Teton Sport with so many mixed reviews is perhaps not the best product to spend your money on. If you look at the product on Amazon you will see plenty of good reviews but scratch under the surface and there are just too many niggles. The metal bars are not sturdy and don’t always snap into place, reports of material sagging and tears, the list goes on.
With such a good pedigree for this kind of product, it’s a shame to be writing this review of a Teton product. Still many do report of excellent customer service should you encounter an issue. Why bother though, if you want a good night’s rest, or you’re purchasing for guests, hedge your bets and go with something more reliable from the outset.
4. Magshion Portable Military Fold Up Camping Bed Cot – Perhaps the best camping bed here if you’re tall but not the most comfortable
The setup of this cot is easy enough, just fold out from the center and then turn the legs out to lock. Simple. It’s apparent that these are also robust products and the manufacturer claims it will hold up to 300lbs.
It’s also an attractive enough product with 5 color options one of them being camouflage for all you hunters or survival folk. The legs are also sturdy, made of steel, and coated in a clean white finish.
Well Built But At The Expense Of Comfort For Heavier Users
The middle leg incorporates a top bar for support. Unfortunately heavier users may well notice this sticking in their back. This can impede the comfort of the cot, especially if you are a heavier male.
On the positive side, there is clearance underneath for plenty of camping gear. Being a larger product it’s also suitable for those who are up to 6ft tall, offering plenty of room.
In terms of value for money, it’s a pretty good product, especially if you’re somebody looking for something sturdy for a taller person.
Pros
- 300 lbs weight capacity
- Solidly built
- Suitable for taller people
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with a free storage bag
- Available in 5 colors
- Good clearance creates a storage area beneath
Cons
- Can go rusty
- Metal support bar can be felt in certain positions
Conclusion
The Magshion Military Portable Camping Cot is pretty good but may not be the best choice if comfort is your number one priority, especially if you are on the heavier side. The color is attractive and stands out well, so you can spot it if you’re arriving back to your tent at night time. If you’re a tall slim person it could well be the best choice here.
5. Easy Cot, Portable Folding Cot by Byer Of Maine – Super comfortable cot to sleep on and the easiest to set up on test
The set up of this cot is ridiculously easy – many sleeping cots for camping are notoriously hard to put together but this product unfolds and folds back up with ease. The framework though a little heavy is very well engineered and it’s this, combined with the 600 denier polyester, that will support weights of up to 325lbs.
A Heavy Product But This Makes It Robust
As mentioned the one gripe many people have with this cot is that it’s quite heavy, which can mean it isn’t great if you’re camping long distances and need to take it from place to place. For car campers, though it’s perfect, unfold, and forget. You just might need a little bit of upper body strength in the first instance.
In terms of value for money, it’s one of the most expensive. That being said, the pros and comfort of the cot more than make up for it. It’s far superior to air mattresses and will offer a great night’s sleep to most people.
Pros
- Very comfortable and no rails underneath to dig into you
- Super easy setup
- Can replace air mattresses
- Comes with a carry bag for storage
- Packaged well to reach you in perfect condition
- Great value for money
Cons
- Pretty heavy
- No good for carrying long distances
Conclusion
Overall, this camping cot is one of the best you’ll find for the price. While it might be heavy, the comfort and ease of use make up for it. It also makes a comfortable camping bed for somebody who is larger than average in size.
6. Portal Folding Portable Camping Cot – Firm comfortable surface but some minor durability issues
Our first impression is that the Portal looks a lot like the Byer Of Maine and Kamp-Rite branded products. The 600D polyester canvas looks tough and shares a similar central stripe pattern. While the powder-coated steel frame feels strong and durable.
Easy to fold up camping cot
Set up of the cot is straightforward, taking less than a minute. Though locking the legs in place can be a bit of a wrestle. Once they are the resulting surface is taught and firm.
Just ensure that when you unfold the cot the top rails are aligned with the gaps on the edge of the fabric. If they aren’t, they might tear through under pressure.
Finishing touches
In terms of the overall finish, it’s a bit of a shame there aren’t any fabric flaps of material to cover the small visible parts of the side rails. This would increase overall comfort. We do however appreciate the caps on the bottom of the steel legs, these will prevent digging holes into a tent floor.
Proportionally this cot appears long and thin. It will suit tall people and those that sleep on their side thanks to the lack of central support. If you are on the larger size, you’ll be well-accommodated thanks to the 300lb rating.
Firm cot surface with no sagging
In terms of comfort, this is particularly firm. If you prefer a softer surface, you may want to look elsewhere or consider adding a camping pad.
The height of the cot also makes it good for sitting on during the day. Again, the firm surface means that the side rails don’t dig into your thighs. If you’re older or have limited mobility this also makes it easy to sit upon.
Awkward leg latches
Breaking down the cot is also simple, most of the time. Prolonged use can sometimes result in the latches bedding in on the legs. The short thin shape makes them a little difficult to get a hold of in order to release. A jolt or tap with a heavy object can help in that case.
Pros
- Powder-coated steel frame
- Supports 300lb in weight
- Firm comfortable surface
- The good quality double stitching on fabric
- Quick setup
- Can be used as a bench
- The height makes this an accessible product
Cons
- Leg and latches are thin and flimsy and can lock in place
- Care needs to be taken on setup to prevent rails from piercing the fabric surface
- Some long-term durability concerns
Conclusion
The Portal camping cot isn’t a bad product. Many people will buy this and have no complaints at all.
You should buy this if you’re either tall or most comfortable when sleeping on your side and like a firm surface. It’s also good because of the height and taught surface for older folks who can’t get as close to the floor as easily as they once could.
On the other hand, we feel those cheap metal latches could cause long term durability issues. On a brand-new sleeping cot, they’re already awkward to handle.
Final Verdict – Which is the best camping cot of this bunch?
All of the camping cot reviews on this list have their own unique pros and cons. However, one clear winner has been found among them all!
Easily the most comfortable camping cot
The Easy Cot, Portable Folding Cot is by far the best camping cot out there. The comfort and value for money are unbelievable, and you’ll only experience this for yourself when you test it out. Of course, the one con to this product is that it’s pretty heavy, it’s weighty because it’s well made and built to last which also makes it the best heavy-duty cot on the test. For those that want a lighter option, we have also declared a runner up.
A lighter alternative to the winner
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot may not be as comfortable or easy to use as the Easy Cot, but it’s a close second. The one benefit it has over the winner is that it is much lighter, so might be more suitable for camping trips where portability is important.
A noisy sleeping experience
Not every camping cot reviewed on the list is OK to use. Some of them are underwhelming at best, but the one that is best avoided is the TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Cot. This cot has few redeeming features. It may appear to work just fine when you first set it up, but the sagging and noise that can come with it after use just lets it down.
Whether you’re looking for a camping cot to replace an air mattress/spare bed, or one to go camping with, the winner and the runner up on the list could be suited to your needs. For a spare room or trips where you won’t need to carry the bed, The Easy Cot, Portable Folding Cot is your number one choice.
The best camping cot for side sleepers
For camping trips, especially ones where you will be carrying your bed, The Kamp-Rite Oversize Kwik Cot is a safe option and this is also one of the best camping cots for side sleepers. The Portal is also worth a look in this respect.
To make sleeping on a cot even more comfortable partner either of these with a good quality sleeping pad and a sleeping bag and you have a great sleep system.
Eight years ago, I took a risk and left a miserable office job to follow a lifestyle career that involved my love for the great outdoors. I’ve taken my love for camping, hiking and travel to the next level by running my small campground with a friend near Portland, Oregon. It’s for way less money but this has truly been a dream come true and the running involves lots of family and friends.
The next evolution of that was to get online and start allcampingstuff.com. At our campground, I spend a lot of time setting up camping equipment for customers and disposing of the garbage products they leave behind. If I can help just a few people with advice on good camping gear, then this website venture will be worth it.
So, if you want to avoid the duds and spend your money wisely you’ve hopefully come to the right place.
Thanks for the review. You may find it interesting that, according to the specs on amazon, the Easy Cot is two pounds lighter than the Camp-Rite Oversize.