We folded and unfolded each product dozens of times and packed them in different cars and cargo carriers to assess portability. All thats left is figuring out which kid is going to sleep on the top. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Its great for stashing your glasses, headlamp, a book, and a bottle of water next to you while you sleep. We did appreciate that this cot included a battery-powered air pump that can both inflate and deflate the air mattress in 4-6 minutes or so. Prep for your next excursion with sleeping bags from DICK'S Sporting Goods. Lightweight cot frames are sturdy enough to support campers weight while they sleep but must be treated with more respect. Also, there are often snap-together or folding sections that can pinch your fingers if youre not careful. Go for the bare essentials with a simple folding cot, or bring along the comforts of home with oversized frames that can easily hold your air mattress. They are heavy and bulky enough that we can't imagine them being used for any sort of backcountry adventure, but they're great for car camping or anything else where you won't need to carry them very far. Whether you prefer sleeping in a tent or under the stars, cots are a portable luxury that can fit into just about any vehicle. In terms of folding or unfolding, this product is easily our favorite, usually only taking a minute or two to get the bed fully assembled. Only valid for new subscribers, California residents, please see the Notice of Financial Incentive, Terms of Service| CA Supply Chains| Customer Service| Privacy Policy| CA Privacy Rights| Aetna MRF Info| Accessibility| Vendors. On this list, the Helinox Cot One Convertible weighs just 5 pounds. It features an innovative lever system that creates a taut, even sleeping surface every time. They are also generally softer than cots that dont have integrated cushioning. Join DICKS Text Alerts to Receive Special Offers! Extra weight to lug around for your dog. The question of camping cots versus sleeping pads depends on how you plan to travel. Weve had reports that the end braces are difficult to attach to the frame, making it likely that youll have to use some leverage to attach the second brace. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. It has lots of pieces and takes a fair bit of force to bend each leg to lock into position when putting it together. If you dont know any bigfoots (bigfeet? On this list, the Coleman Trailhead II Cot is supremely durable, but it weighs a hefty 21 pounds. Additionally, advanced coil construction offers top-notch support and an impressive capacity of 300 pounds. We also found that it can be a little finicky to fully engage the back adjustment mechanism sometimes, requiring just a bit of extra pressure to snap it into place. This type of cot is ideal for campers look for a cot that's compact and easy to carry. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. In general, camping cots are not very compatible with backpacking. Most cots are long enough to fit people as tall as 6 feet and run just over 2 feet wide. They also help to prevent the cold ground from chilling you as you sleep. Tipping the scales at just under three pounds, this model is actually designed for backpacking. His constant search for the next challenge has him doing everything from running ultramarathons and climbing 14ers to gaining 40 pounds to compete in powerlifting, breaking several state records and growing a killer beard in the process. It also pairs with Tetons Outfitter XXL Camp Pad. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Chelsea Boots You Can Pair With Any Outfit, The Best Men's Clothing and Shoes on Sale Now, Kuat Releases a Stripped-Down, Elevated Bike Rack, APL McLaren Hyspeed: The Supercar for Your Feet, The Best Hunting Boots for Every Type of Hunter, The Best Free Standing Punching Bags of 2022, Field Mag x Greater Goods Debut Custom Chalk Bags, The 10 Best Camping Cots for a Better Night's Sleep Outdoors. Generally, the heavier a cot is, the tougher it is. With a whopping 81 inches from head to toe and a 41-inch width, you could fit the average sasquatch in it for a good nights sleep. Thanks to Colemans leakproof system, you can count on this inflatable cot to remain fully pumped throughout the night. This makes them more resistant to drops, exhausted campers flopping down on them, roughhousing kids, and whatever other vigorous activities a bed might face. The Helinox Cot One Convertible weighs just 5 pounds, which is ideal if you have to hike to your campsite. Most are constructed from steel or aluminum. Unfortunately, this cot doesnt pack down to be the smallest and is a bit on the heavy side, so you will probably be restricted to car camping or similar when using this product definitely isnt the most backpacking-friendly option out there. Size isnt the only impressive stat it has twice the weight capacity of the average cot. All of the included components with the Coleman Airbed Cot. Get off the ground and upgrade your camp bedding, figuratively and literally, with a quality camping cot. The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL came next. One word of caution especially for stomach sleepers the sleeping surface does dip down in the middle. These single-piece cots unfold just like a tailgating camp chair in a bag, usually taking no more than a minute or two to get it completely set up and ready for someone to lie down on. For folks seeking a comfortable and elevated sleeping experience while camping, a cot is a great choice. The cots weigh 36 pounds each, and the combination weighs 72 pounds total (36 pounds per bag), so make sure your campsite isnt far from the car. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. When you arent using it for camping trips, the, Gear Bargains: Snag 50% Off From Smartwool, CamelBak, and More. Its not light enough for backpacking, but at 20 pounds, its not too heavy to carry to a hike-in campsite. The camp beds sport an impressive 500-pound capacity per bed, which means you can even cram two people per bed if youre in a pinch. Many pads are also designed to add some of the amenities that cots provide. The ComfortSmart Cot from Coleman ($90) provides the most comfort you can get per dollar spent. Nevertheless, when it comes to unpacking, it is by far the most convenient, and its low retail price makes it the perfect option for anyone shopping for a new cot with limited funds. The main body of this cot seems like two of the Pack-Away cots stuck together and can be unfolded in just a minute or two. We go "Off the Map" to find new roads and epic adventures. Just make sure you have enough room in your car for it. For its relatively low price, this cot adds long-term value to any car camping sleeping system. Theres even a mosquito pad and frame so you can sleep under the stars undisturbed. Many backpackers are willing to sacrifice the added comfort of a camping cot for the lighter and more packable sleeping pads. Just shy of the comfort of your bed at home, the air mattress is 7 inches thick and supported by a sturdy folding steel frame. And the lack of crossbars at the head and feet keep you from whacking your head or feet in the middle of the night. At a hefty 19 pounds, this cot should be reserved for car camping. If youre camping next to your car, comfort is a priority, so consider the additional details below. A camping pillow is both a luxury and an easy, lightweight addition to your pack. For this set of tests, we looked at how much each cot weighed, the packed size of each one, and how easy they are to carry. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts). The table is useful for keeping items close at hand while you sleep. Worlds First Bio-Motion Bike Light Makes Cyclists Look Like Humans, Mt. Trek, bike, and paddle with GearJunkie and USARA this season as we explore and compete in wilderness events around America. The carrying case even has built-in wheels, but we found these dont work too well on unpaved surfaces. The remainder of the cots are all significantly less portable. Decide whether you prefer convenience or mobility, and choose the best cot for your needs. We love the lever-arm setup as well. If you want a simple cot to keep you off the ground when you sleep next to your car, start with the lowest-end cot and think about what youd like to add to it. We've researched over 30 of the best camping cots on the market, then bought the 10 most promising models to test head-to-head and help you find the perfect one for your next night under the stars or your next overnight guest. In our testing, weve found that these lighter-weight cots are best eased into when its time for bed. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: [emailprotected]. Billy Brown has a problem sitting still. The Coleman Airbed Cot is also worth mentioning here. Some cots come with a durable, washable polyester cover. It folds up and stores in the included carry case, so its easy to store and pack in the car. Always think about your trip head and your needs as a camper before making your selection: Your cot should be constructed with a sturdy frame. At a whopping 21 pounds, the car is definitely where youll pack it, as theres no way youll want to carry this bad boy in your backpack. Look for a camping cot that is stowed in a bag, preferably one with handles or a shoulder strap. It has an integrated headrest which is excellent for a nap on the beach or a great addition to a car camping setup. Perhaps, but youll definitely be damn relaxed while pondering that question. Read Full Review: Coleman Converta Folding Cot. Camping cots are great for your tent, RV or cabin. A high-quality camping cot helps you get a good night's rest in the great outdoors. This eliminates the need for any sleeping pads or mats. Generally, there are more pieces to put together, and there are more parts that have to be secured to create and maintain tension. This site uses cookies to personalize user experience, analyze site usage and target ads. When shopping for a camping cot, weigh the options you need against how much money you have to spend. There are a few ultralight backpacking cots, but many backpackers choose sleeping pads because they are lighter and more packable. Need Help? The durable steel frame unfolds quickly, and two pull-out side tables provide space for drinks and personal items. Your fingers are usually well away from the folding mechanism, so there is a low likelihood of them getting pinched, and it's effortless to get this cot back in the pack once folded back up. The easy set-up does come at a cost: it packs up fairly large so its best for campsites very close to your car. To help determine the right model for every user, we conducted over a dozen distinct tests for each cot, dividing them into four weighted rating metrics: comfort, portability, ease of setup, and durability. Keep reading to find out which cot is the comfiest, which is the quickest to put together, and which is the best bargain. Because of its soft 1.5-inch pad topping a stretchy cord around the aluminum/steel tubing, its one of the comfiest cots on the market. FREE SHIPPING* on orders $69+ & Free In-Store Returns* ground shipping only. However, the Coleman Pack-Away Cot doesn't cost too much more than the Kingcamp, so it's worth considering if you can afford it. Just make sure that you double-check that the legs are fully spread before you lie on it. Each metric was weighted proportional to its significance to the overall performance of each cot. This product feels very comfortable to lie on, offering ample support across your whole body. Support us! If youre not traveling in an SUV or wagon, its going to take over a lot of real estate in your trunk. Its impossible to gauge the quality of a cot without actually sleeping on it. This super comfortable cot system can be used as two separate cots, a bench, or a space-saving bunk. We go over all the different From deserts to coastlines, we've tested camping tents for Our search for the best camping mattress starts with Love to cook? Claiming the top spot, we found the Coleman ComfortSmart to be the most comfortable of all the cots we have tested so far. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. If you want the roomiest cot available, the Outfitter XXL Camp Cot ($170) is the best bang for your buck. This makes it less likely that youll roll off of it in the middle of the night. Weve found that theres a proportionate relationship between weight and durability with this type of gear. Another Coleman cot came next, the Coleman ComfortSmart. Set-up is straightforward and takes less than three minutes once you get the hang of it. Youll make your friends jealous with this part cot, part air mattress sleep set-up. The most common description is that its like sleeping on a bag of chips. Because backpackers have to carry all of their gear with them while they hike, weight and packed size are huge considerations. Earn One Point for Every $1 and get a $10 Reward for Every 300 Points. Many of the camping cots that we have tested are generally around 25 inches in width. The bed is 600D canvas, and the folding mechanism and frame have a heavy-duty metal construction that showed no signs of damage after all our testing. GearLab is reader-supported. Durability varies widely with camping cots. This lightweight cot is essentially the same form factor as a chair in a bag, with a similar folding mechanism. HOST NAME :-> 1147392-ProdApp2.big5corp.com However, inserting the airbed into the top pocket, inflating it, and then adding the side tables adds some more time and steps than other cots. All Rights Reserved. Part inflatable mattress and part portable cot, this sleeping solution takes camping to a new level of luxury. How cool is that? A simple car camping cot consists of a folding frame with material stretched over it and should cost somewhere south of $100. In general, the bigger and bulkier a cot is, the easier it is to set up. The Pack-Away Cot didn't sustain any damage throughout our test. Our team of experts is bringing you best camping gear reviews and buying guides. They are also difficult to clean after a camping trip. The main body of the Coleman Pack-Away Cot is a single piece, with an optional bedside table and a cup holder. People who camp in spots that require a short hike from the car have additional considerations. Most cots dont have cushioning the sleeping area is a piece of material like polyester fabric stretched tight to provide support. Your source for comprehensive hunting reviews and buying guides. Its worth noting that sleeping on a camping cot is much like sleeping in a camping hammock. Our next round of tests focused on how comfortable each cot is, both to sleep/lie down on and sit on like a bench. If youre camping next to your car and weight is no issue, you can opt for a heavier cot and rough it up a bit. These options will cost a little bit more because of the lightweight materials and design that go into the construction. The Coleman Pack-Away Cot followed with its solid construction and weight limit rated up to 300 pounds. The KingCamp Folding Deluxe and the Alpha Camp weigh in around 15 to 16 pounds, with the Coleman Pack-Away Cot being a bit heavier, around 23 pounds. If you have ample space, comfort often becomes the first priority. If youre a space and weight saver but dont want to sacrifice comfort, look no further. If you are using a screen reader and are having problems using this website, please call, Baby Delight Go With Me Bungalow Travel Cot, Disc-O-Bed Large Foldable Storage Cabinet. This surprisingly luxurious cot gets its comfort from spring coils and roughly 2 inches of foam padding. The stretched canvas is comfortable but not as durable as some of the pricier cots. The cots are large, so youll need a large dome tent to fit them. Alex Megos Claims First Ascent of Chris Sharma's 'Rastaman Vibrations': 5.15b? The most common complaint about camping outside is how firm sleeping systems are, so a cot with some cushioning is ideal. ), its also great for larger folks or people who toss and turn in their sleep. From the powder-coated steel frame to the thick 1,000-denier fabric, the Kwik Cot is the polar opposite of ultralight. Colemans Camping Cot with Side Table ($85) adds a bit of organization to the companys highly regarded camping cot. This list of recommendations is the result of thorough testing and careful comparison. Also, ensure that the cot isnt too bulky to carry alongside the other necessary gear. It can be a little tricky to feed it back in for storage, but this doesn't add too much time to breaking down the Coleman ComfortSmart. For the ultimate in luxury camping that is sure to make you the envy of any campground, the Snow Peak Campfield Futon brings home-quality furniture to your campsite. In addition to the minimal weight, one of the best features of the Helinox One is its versatility. If youre not sure whether a cot will fit you, look for the specifications online. The Helinox Cot One is light enough to take into the backcountry, but is still comfortable enough to sleep on if you occasionally go car camping. Join DICKS Text Alerts to Receive Special Offers! The air mattress/cot combo is the way to go for two people, so youre not divided by a hard, metal center crossbar. Weighing in at a manageable 5 pounds and packing to roughly the size of a closed-cell foam pad, this cot can easily fit in a backpack or be strapped to the outside. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Campers who need additional comfort on their outing might go for a cot that has a plush foam mattress. Unfortunately, most of the cots designed for backpacking, like the Helinox Lite, are on the more expensive side. Read Full Review: KingCamp Folding Deluxe. It also happens to be one of the longest at 82 inches, enough length for a 6'6"-tall person. And not all cot frames are alike. While we only tested a single unit of each model over a few months and can't speak beyond that, we did notice some stark differences between how these different cots held up to our testing process. If luxury is the goal and weight isnt an option, a camping cot plus a sleeping pad is the way to go. Sharing in-depth conversations between the world's adventurers, athletes, and outdoorspeople, The GearJunkie Podcast is your inside look into the outdoors industry. It offers tons of support for both back and side sleepers and doesn't have any bars across your head or feet to hit during the night. In chilly weather, a cot keeps you off the cold ground. It packs up a bit bulky by folding like a beach chair, but given its size and comfort level, thats expected. First and foremost, we rated and compared how much work it took to set up and break down each camping cot. Regrettably, the Coleman ComfortSmart does trade a considerable amount of portability for its exceptional comfort. However, camping cots did, and she is now somewhat of an aficionado and brings her extensive cot expertise to this review. However, theyre all but impossible to pack with you on a long hike or backpacking trip. Camping cots tend to be on the larger side, weighing anywhere from 5 pounds on the lower end to around 30 pounds on the higher end. A camping cot supports you more like an actual bed, which can make a huge difference in sleep quality. You can arrange the set as two separate cots, a large bench, or a bunk bed set. Choose the biggest, cushiest cot you can find, and dont worry about the weight. On this list, the Coleman Trailhead II is our Best Budget pick at just $60. Some companies offer pads designed specifically to work with certain cots. *Price Promotions - Due to manufacturer restrictions, select new release and other specified products are excluded from price promotions. If you are shopping for a new cot on a budget and aren't looking to use it for backpacking, then the KingCamp Folding Deluxe is a wonderful option. It could easily be strapped to a pack and is the perfect option for anyone who has struggled to find a camping pad that worked for them or has to sleep on their side in the backcountry. Overall, we think the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL seems to be the most durable of the cots we have tested to date. It folds down into a quarter of its full length, which gives it a square profile that is very cumbersome to carry. Oh and there's one other clever, handy touch a foldout nightstand with a cup holder. You and your partner will sleep like a rock on this queen-size air mattress/cot combo. The polyester material is taut and reliable, yet forgiving enough to cradle your body. Along with your carefully selected sleeping bag, cots also help to regulate body temperature. ***************************************************. From this list, wed consider the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot among the most comfortable camp cots on the market. Even without the included mattress, this tank of a cot is incredibly comfortable and with the mattress, it's by far the most comfortable we tested. What kid doesnt love a bunk bed? Sleeping on the ground, even with the help of inflatable or foam sleeping pads, is still sleeping on the ground. The attached side pockets add a great touch of organization, holding your glasses, headlamp, and other smaller items. We recommend the deluxe size, as the regular is quite small. We found these cots to be very comfortable, both in sleeping and sitting modes. Its important to either bring an under quilt or pair your cot with an insulated sleeping pad. Easy to set up and break down, the cot provides plenty of support (up to 300 pounds). Its fairly easy to carry and quick to put together, with an overall construction that seems decently durable in our experience. The Helinox Lite is a little on the large side for our tastes when it comes to backpacking but you can strap it to a pack without too much difficulty. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Its also a heck of a lot easier to get in and out of than something close to the ground a welcome feature for older or stiff-muscled campers. This meant it always warranted a little extra caution to make sure the legs were in the correct position before sitting down as well. When we test camping cots, we consider numerous factors, including durability, weight, value, and most of all comfort. The length will fit sleepers up to 66 tall and can hold up to 275 pounds, so it can handle everyone from the average NFL tight end to kids. However, you do need to take a few moments to make sure the legs are angled correctly before getting in it, as there isn't a defined locking mechanism with this cot. The insulation within the pad absorbs some of the cold coming from the ground, preventing it from sapping heat from your sleeping bag. However, they are bulky, and they usually require an external power source to fully inflate. For its relatively low price, this cot adds long-term value to any car camping sleeping system. No sponsored content. No one ever says, I wish I had a smaller bed.. We wouldn't want to carry this cot for any amount of distance, plus the amount of space it takes up can be cumbersome while car camping. We also noticed that depending on your height, the support for your head could be lacking. Other models are designed to securely hold an air mattress. We found the top car camping and family camping tents for every budget and use. As is often the case when it comes to gear, there is always a tradeoff when it comes to how easy a camping cot is to set up. When choosing the best camping chair, we have a lot of After side-by-side testing of 17 of the industry's top Our never-ending hunt continues for the perfect sleeping A good camp table can make all the difference in a Go from camping to glamping by bringing a camp shower with KingCamp Portable Folding 4-Position Camping Cot, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Easy to unfold, single-piece construction, comfortable, Incredibly easy to set up, relatively lightweight, Exceptionally comfortable, easy to set up, Can occasionally pinch your hands unfolding it, Doesnt seem as durable, average in comfort, If you are looking for the best of the best, this cot is our all-time favorite to date, If you're searching for a new cot on a budget, we think this should be your first choice, If your top priority is ease of setup and breakdown, this is a good option, If you value being comfortable above all else, then this is a great choice, This handy cot also doubles as a lounge chair without breaking the bank, The Coleman Pack-Away Cot is an all-around fantastic option that we would highly recommend for most people, Pairing an excellent overall performance with a very reasonable price, the KingCamp Folding Deluxe is a great choice for the bargain conscious shopper, This is one of the most comfortable cots that we have tested, This model can act as a lounge chair or a cot, with plenty of options in between, While the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL is bulky and cumbersome to carry, it offers more than enough sleeping area for even the most claustrophobic camper, If you want a comfortable camping experience for you and a partner or simply want tons of space, this cot is a solid bet, This is the top cot for your next backpacking trip, While the Desert Walker Ultralight cot costs less than the other ultralight models, we werent thrilled with it overall. This cot includes a mattress, which conveniently stows inside the legs and is easy to pull out and put on top once set up. Here are the best camping pillows currently on the market. You can also purchase an insulated sleeping pad designed specifically to fit the cot. He lives with his wife and their two cats in Sacramento, California. Copyright 2022 GearJunkie, All Rights Reserved. Those on a budget may struggle to find a suitable ultralight cot for carrying into the backcountry. The cot will elevate you off the ground and give you a bigger space to sleep on, while the pad adds a good amount of softness. Any piece of gear is useless if you cant set it up. Dont exclude your furry friend from having the same comfortable camping experience as you. The S-leg design is the first weve seen of its kind. When you arent using it for camping trips, the Kwik Cot can function at home as a handy guest bed. If youre looking for a versatile way to sleep comfortably in the outdoors, read on. It has the same features as our Most Comfortable pick, just larger one inch shy of standard queen specs. Other features of this cot include a padded head section, a built-in mesh pocket, and a spacious carrying bag. Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Walmart. The GearJunkie team includes a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts. While the Coleman ComfortSmart may be a pain to move, it's anything but to sleep in, and provided someone else got it there for us, we would gladly use it for any camping trip. TIME :-> Tue Aug 02 09:54:49 PDT 2022 In most cases, setup is a breeze and only takes few minutes. If you are shopping on a budget, then we highly recommend you check out the Coleman Converta Folding Cot. Reinforced steel hinges help ensure durability. We did our due diligence and caught some Zs on numerous cots until we identified the best. One thing to consider with ComfortSmart is its huge packed size, as its built for camping right next to your car.