10 Best Portable Camping Cots – Reviews and Buying Guide 

There are two types of outdoorsy people; those who enjoy sleeping on the hard floor with only a sleeping bag for comfort and those who value little luxuries. If you are in the latter camp, then the best portable camping cots are a thing of beauty to you. 

A camping cot is this collapsible bed that in no way takes away from the experience of being in the wild. Instead, you get to enjoy it more when you wake up with a back that isn’t aching from the stiffness of the ground and your body is well-rested. Being compact, it only takes up little space in your car and its carrying case makes it super portable. 

We review 10 of the best on the market.

Portable Camping Cots – Reviews & Buying Guide

1. Coleman Comfort Smart Cot

  Get it now on Amazon.com

This sleeping pad is made from thick foam. It gives superior support to the user. Durable steel has been used to make the frame making it not only strong but also capable of being used for a long time. The cot can support up to 600 pounds in weight. It folds in the middle so that it can be easy to carry and will fit most car trunks. The cot is light enough to carry from one place to the next easily without straining.

Big or heavy people will find this cot comfortable and it can carry their weights comfortably. This cot will not hurt your back if you sleep on it for a long time. This makes it ideal for people who are going camping for several days. You can also use this cot as a guest bed in your home since it is easy to move around in the house and can be folded and kept once the guest is done.

2. REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots

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The redcamp cots are heavy cots that can support a weight of up to 500 pounds. The cot can be easily installed in 10 seconds or less. They are wide and are perfect for adults, heavy people, kids, toddlers, and children. The portable camping cots are available in green, blue, and grey and comes with pillows. A thicker sleeping cot is ideal for people who move around a lot while they sleep. You have freedom of movement with this cot. It has 12 legs that hold it up from the ground

You can use this cot outdoors on the grass, forest or indoors in a bedroom or even in an office. This cot is suitable for any place you would like to put it on. It is convenient for support and rest and can easily be folded and carried around from one point to the next. Thick elliptical tubes have been used on the cot legs to give this camping cot stability and strength. No assembly is required for this cot.

3. Alpcour Folding Camping Cot

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To give this camping cot superior strength, this manufacture has used soft, breathable material that is constructed in a double layer of 6000D polyester. It is water-resistant fabric and is easy to clean. This cot weighs 13 pounds making it light to carry around on camping trips or hikes. Despite being lightweight, the cot is made from strong, durable steel tube frame. A padded pillow has been built in for extra comfort and a large side pocket is available to help store keys, cellphones, water bottles, toys, and many more items that you might need. 

 A gentle incline gives the user comfort and ensures that there is no more back, neck, or shoulder pain. You do not need a mattress pad, sheets or pillows. The cot is perfect for camping, backpacking, or laying on the beach and even the backyard. This cot is a combination of both lightweight and heavy-duty. A carry bag is available to put it in after folding.

4. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot

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This camping cot has a built-in lever that makes it easy to set up and secure in place. All the corners can be secured without any struggle at all. A reinforced steel s-leg gives this cot stability and strength. You will wake up refreshed without aches if you use this camping bed giving you a good and relaxing camping experience. It will give you great support. A storage bag included making it easy to carry it around and use it in different places. 

Larger than a twin bed, this cot supports up to 600 pounds easily. The cot then folds down easily and is easy to transport. You can sleep comfortably and hassle-free. It is wide and long so that you can have plenty of room to spread out and relax. Innovative rubber bushings help to absorb shock and add firm support. The aluminum frame is lightweight and sturdy with easy to attach connecting pins. Set up is easy and detail instructions are available for the user.

5. OSAGE RIVER Folding Camping Cot

  Get it now on Amazon.com

 This lightweight cot has tubular carbon steel legs that support up to 300 pounds. A carry bag makes it easy to carry from a place to another. The headrest has been elevated to ensure comfort whether you are using a pillow or not. It features a side pocket to keep cellphones, flashlights, and other items. The fabric used to make the cot helps to prevent moisture and is suitable for places with wet conditions. You don’t have to worry about getting wet or absorbing moisture from the ground. 

 To set up the cot, one needs to put it on even ground and press down on the four frames joints directly above the vertical support legs. This can be used as an option for a houseguest who sleeps over. You can use it to lounge in your backyard or relaxing on the beach. The cot is wide and you can lay on any side comfortably. Though the cot has enough space, it can pack down to the size of a normal camp chair.

6. DESERT WALKER Camping cots

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The desert walker is a light and portable cot. Aviation aluminum alloy has been used to make it strong enough to hold heavyweights. A tough structure that is tear-resistant and durable. It is also very breathable. You do not need any tools to assemble this cot. An instruction manual is available to help you put it up in the correct way. It is however advised that one not use sudden impact force after installation.

The design of the bracket is removable and one person can remove the installation. Each bed comes with accessories, which include two crossbars, four support rods, a carry bag, and a cloth mattress. This cot is light and compact when it is folded and can be carried by just one hand. The top pulls tightly into place and gives you a great sleeping surface. The fine workmanship of the cot and precise sewing details makes it neat looking and classy. 

7. Coleman Trailhead II Cot

  Get it now on Amazon.com

This military-style camping cot is a heavy-duty cot made from polyester fabric. It measures 75 inches by 30 inches by 17 inches and can be used by people of up to 300 pounds in weight. Durable steel makes the frame and the strong folding steel X-frame gives it stability. The design is comfortable and supportive and a dual cross bar steel frame adds to the support. It does not have a center crossbar so it is comfortable. 

Pockets keep your camping gear near and easy to reach. A person of up to 6feet and 2 inches tall can fit in the cot comfortably. It folds compactly making it easy to carry around especially if you are backpacking.  You will have no problem turning from one side to another while sleeping on this cot. A big screwdriver can be used to set up the cot. This cot weighs 18.3 pounds once it has been folded. 

8. Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot

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This extremely versatile cot stands 11 inches above the ground and can be used indoors or outdoors. It is an oversize sleep shelter made to provide protection and deliver comfort and convenience. The heavy-duty nylon material makes it unique and no- see mesh has been used on all the windows and doors. The hinge is multifunction. You can convert it to a lounge chair or a cot with its powder-coated aluminum steel frame. Its big windows will allow plenty of air inside the tent and the rainfly comes in handy if it rains.

The base has two additional support legs on each end of the cot to make it more stable. It is set up in a matter of minutes and once folded, a waterproof carry bag has been provided to keep and carry it in. the oversize tent cot is wide and long to create more interior space for the camper. It ensures that the camper is protected from any elements that might bring discomfort. 

9. REDCAMP Folding Camping Cots

  Get it now on Amazon.com

This is a double layer oxford strong heavy-duty sleeping cot for adults of up to 500 to 600 pounds. It is portable and has a carry bag. It can be comfortably used by heavy and tall people. The wide cot can accommodate an adult with a kid, teen, or toddler. No assembly is required for this cot. It can be easily installed. You can fold it and put it in the storage bag within seconds. It has reinforced bracket to make it stable and supportive.

Two pairs of leg support are available on each side. There is a handle on the bag to make it easy for one to carry it along. Thick strong elliptical shape steel is used as its frame making it strong and durable. It can be used for reclining, sleeping, and sitting. You can use it while camping, as a guest bed, folding cot for lounges, and even as an office cot. Use this cot together with a mattress pad, sleeping pad, and pillow.

10. ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot

This is a strong and comfortable cot. An adult of up to 400 pounds can use this sleeping pad bed easily. Steel pipe frames and sturdy 1680D oxford fabric has been used to make this cot strong and stable. Not only is this cot strong, but it is also made for comfort. The cot can be set up in a few seconds and can also be easily folded. The weighs only 14 pounds once folded and is easy to carry with the convenient carry bag.

A pillow and mattress are provided with each cot for more comfort. The bed can also be used as a lounge in the backyard, at the beach, and even in the office.

Attached on the cot is a storage pouch that can be used to store things like cellphones, wallets, keys, water bottles, bug sprays, sunscreen, and many other items. Your essentials do not need to be placed on the ground while you are relaxing on the cot.

Portable Camping Cots – Buying Guide

Among the many brands on the market, you will find the best camping cot without breaking the bank. These four considerations will make it simpler than it seems. 

Durability 

For folded cots, two things will matter as far as the material is concerned; frame and the material that makes up the cot’s cover. Most frames are either made of steel or aluminum, both of which are good. While aluminum is light, it will not stand as much weight as steel and will not last as much. On the other hand, steel is heavier. They are both resistant to harsh weather elements and ideal for the outdoors. 

The top cover of the cot maters because it forms the surface where you sleep. Popular material used; polyester, nylon, or cotton, all of which have their pros and cons. Cotton is rip-resistant and will not get damaged easily, but it is also hard to clean. Polyester and nylon are much better. While at it, you may want t be keen on water resistance. 

Design of the Camping Cot

Single or double bunker? If you’re pressed for space but still want to bring your kids along for camping, a double bunker is a good idea. Most are designed for kids or light weighted people, and so single bunks are better options for adults.

Ease of assembly is yet another factor to consider in any preferred design because you don’t want to spend three hours putting together your cot. The ideal folding cot would take no more than seven minutes to assemble and disable. It should also be compact enough to carry effortlessly and store. 

Weight will be a concern if the cot is made of steel frames and it will also be heavier if it is long. Good thing is that steel lasts for so long that the weight will be a small price to pay. If you would prefer a lighter cot, then aluminum frames are preferred. 

The weight capacity is another crucial part of a portable camping cot’s design that will matter when buying. Most of the ones on the market will handle up to 300lbs max, but some brands mention they can go up to 600lbs. Depending on your weight, you will want to choose one that will not give in to your tossing and turning. 

Warranties

Most manufacturers limit their involvement to manufacturer’s defects but will not extend to wear and tear. Few will throw in a lifetime warranty, but it will still be limited. You will be hard-pressed to find better, and it makes sense because covering wear and tear is a little tricky for business. You want to at least go for a year’s warranty and a flexible return policy.  

Portable Camping Cots – FAQs

Conclusion – Wrapping Up

Does the best portable camping cot the most expensive? Not really, even though there is a negative correlation between price and quality in most products. You don’t want to go for the cheapest that has been made using the flimsiest of material around, but at the same time you don’t want to buy a brand just for the same of it.  We hope you will find our buying guide helpful and eye-opening.