Best Camping Cot
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Contents
- Comparison Of Cots
- Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot - My Favorite Review
- Sunnyfeel Review
- Alpha Camp Review
- Teton Review
- Are Camping Cots Worth It?
- Do You Need A Sleeping Pad With A Cot?
- Is A Cot Better Than An Air Mattress?
- Is It Warmer To Sleep On A Cot Or On The Ground?
- How To Choose A Backpacking Cot?
Now that I’m almost fifty, it’s harder to sleep directly on the ground. I started bringing a tent cot to sleep on. Plus, camping in Texas, being off the ground gives me an extra piece of mind from the creepy and crawly bugs that might have slipped into the tent. My current choice for the best camping cot is the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot. It is long enough that my six-foot-four frame can lay on it. And it holds my 250 pounds. Plus, it comes with a removable nightstand with a cupholder. I use it to hold my phone charger.
The sleeping cot is sturdy but stiff. I slept one night on it without a sleeping pad so that I could write this review. I was able to sleep, but my body was sore. The next night I put my Big Agnus sleeping pad on the cot. I slept 7 hours.
Compare the cots by size and holding weight.
| Name | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Holding Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman | 80 | 32 | 17 | 7 | 300 |
| ALPHA CAMP | 74.8 | 26.4 | 13.8 | 14 | 600 |
| OSAGE RIVER | 75 | 28 | 18.5 | 13 | 450 |
| TETON | 75 | 25 | 17 | 20 | 400 |
Let’s take a deeper look at what I think is the best camping cot.
1 - Portability
The cot comes in a carrying-case. If you fold the cot properly it should fit into the carrying case. While the cot is too large to take with you on a backpacking trip, it is small and light enough that you should be able to take it on any car-camping trip. You also should not have any problem finding a place to store the cot at home.
2 - Easy Setup
I once bought a backpacking cot. You had to snap in the legs. It took so much force, I sprained my hip. I hated putting it together so much, I never used the cot on a camping trip.
By comparison, this cot is simple. You unfold the cot and make sure the legs open up all of the way. Then attach the optional nightstand.
3 - It Has Great Ground Height
The cot is about 3 feet off the ground. This is a perfect height. Short enough that if you did roll-off, it won’t be a hard-fall. But high enough, that you won’t worry about bugs and the right height for tying your shoes.
4 - Perfect For Big And Tall People
I’m 6’4”. That’s the same height as Jason Kidd who was an all-pro NBA player. I will not fit on all cots. But I can stretch out on this cot. And it doesn’t seem to have any problem with my weight which is around 250 pounds. According to their sales material the cot can fit a 6 foot 6 inches person and up to 300 pounds.
5 - The Side Table Is Awesome
I love the side table - there’s slots in rails (photo). I wear glasses and I have to figure out where to put them without worrying about crushing them. I can see well enough with 1 eye that I can find them without a problem. Same thing with my phone.
So the table provides a nice safe place to place these.
Plus it has a cup holder. The cup holder is large enough it even holds my Pure Leaf Tea bottle. It has a square bottom that is hard to fit into most cup holders.
While you don’t need a sleeping pad for comfort, it’s still a good idea to have one to help provide insulation from the cold air that blows under the cot.
SUNNYFEEL Folding Camp Cot Review
Buying a camp cot anytime soon? If so, you might find yourself looking at SUNNYFEEL’s folding camping cot. It is a camping cot that offers good value for the money. In this review, we will be going over some things you should know about this camping cot to help you make your purchasing decision.
A SUNNYFEEL Folding Camping Cot Review:
1 - Comfort
Whenever you are buying a cot, you will likely be prioritizing comfort. After all, who wants to purchase a cot that isn’t comfortable to lay on? Luckily, this camping cot comes with a lot of features that can enhance your comfort. For one, it comes with a 5-position reclining system. this means you will be able to adjust the level of recline based on your comfort level. This gives you enough versatility to offer you the optimal reclining position based on your activity whether you are laying down reading or looking to take a nap.
2 - Portability
Having a portable camp cot is a must. After all, you will be carrying the cot around with you when you are on your outdoor adventures. Likewise, you may be using it while on-the-go in other scenarios. This camping cot comes with a design that makes it easy to fold up within seconds. Best of all, it folds completely flat. Because it folds flat and because it’s made up of premium yet lightweight materials, you will be able to transport it easily when you are heading out on your camping trip.
3 - Heavy Duty Construction
With a lot of camping cots that have a focus on durability, you have excess weight that you have to deal with. This camping cot was specifically made with durability in mind but without sacrificing portability. Thus, you are getting a heavy-duty construction with a focus on lightweight materials. It is made up of anodized aluminum with steel inserts ensuring you get something that is built to last but that is also built to be easy to move around. Along with this, it comes with the high-density fabric being made up of 600g 2x1 Textilene fabric.
4 - Warranty
As with any camping cot, you want to ensure it’s backed by the manufacturer. Any cot that comes with a warranty shows that the manufacturer believes in its product. This one is backed with a 1-year warranty. Therefore, you can trust that it will stand up to any wear and tear within those 365 days.
Is It Worth Getting?
This camping cot by SUNNYFEEL is certainly worth considering. It’s one of the better-priced camping cots available in the marketplace. Best of all, it features a good balance between comfort, portability, and durability. When you purchase this cot, you know you are getting the best of both worlds. Because of this, it’s certainly a recommended buy for anyone looking for value for their money. This makes for a good option for someone seeking a multi-purpose cot that is capable of standing up to a variety of use-cases and conditions.
Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Cot
The Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Cot is one of the best contenders for camping cots if you need something that supports a lot of weight. By the end of this review, you should be able to decide whether or not this camping cot is for you.
An Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Cot Review:
1 - Build Quality
When buying a camping cot, the first thing that you should be looking at is its build quality. This camping cot offers a stellar build quality being made out of high-quality materials all around. The tubes are made up of steel along with the bracket. The bracket features a triangle structure for better support. The entire frame is made up of durable steel and it features 600D Oxford fabric which is more than capable of supporting up to 600 pounds. Thus, it is one of the best-built camping cots you will find in the marketplace. No corners were cut in the making of this cot.
2 - Portability Factor
Another big factor that you are likely going to be concerned with when buying any type of camping equipment would be the portability factor. After all, you will be carrying the item around with you from point to point. Despite the high build quality and durability, this camping cot is more than portable enough to be used as a lightweight camping cot option. It only weighs around 14 pounds which is something you should be able to add to your camping list with ease. Best of all, it can be folded to a compact size and it comes with convenience and an easy-to-use carry bag making it easy to carry.
3 - How Is The Set-Up Process?
One of the things a lot of people like in a camping cot is the fact that they are generally much easier to set up than some of the other options you have available. Thus, if you were to purchase a cot that is difficult to set up, it would likely prove to be a dealbreaker in terms of your purchasing decision. This camping cot comes with a very easy setup process. The included pole structure makes it very easy to get it assembled within minutes. Likewise, the disassembly process is just as easy making it easy to put up and to take down.
Is This Camping Cot Worth Buying?
This camping cot is perfect for those who are looking for an oversized and well-built cot. It is capable of supporting up to 600 pounds and it is extremely comfortable to lay on. It can comfortably fit sleepers who are as tall as 6 feet and 2 inches because of its long length when unfolded. With so much room to move around, you won’t find yourself stuck in an uncomfortable laying position for long. The cot itself is portable enough and it offers excellent build quality making it an excellent value for those who value these things. You cannot go wrong when you purchase this Alpha Camp Oversized camping cot.
OSAGE RIVER Comfortable and Lightweight Folding Camping Cot
OSAGE RIVER Comfortable and Lightweight Standard Folding Camping Cot
The Osage River Folding Lightweight Camping Cot is designed to ensure a way to relax in comfort with its portability and user-friendly setup. The extra-long and wide design accommodates all types of camping enthusiasts. These folding camp cots are also great for sleepovers or guests.
Key Benefits And Features
- Good size
- Affordable price
- No assembly, easy to setup
- Head incline
As described in the title, this product is categorized as a type of folding cot. Once packed the cot reduces to a compact size. This cot does not require assembly and it comes with its own headrest. The camp cot offers a portable and easy-to-use sleep solution, ideal for camping and beach trips. It also comes with a carry bag for convenient storage.
Here is a list of the features you can expect from the Osage River Folding Lightweight Camping Cot:
Ultra Lightweight
Designed with super lightweight carbon steel tubular legs, this product can withstand 450 pounds. The plastic flat feet also help to stop the fold-up cot from collapsing into soft soil.
Extremely Durable
Made with a heavy-duty 600D PVC coated polyester, this helps to stop the buildup of moisture in wet and humid weather conditions. When packed, this product is slightly bigger than a camping chair, and only weighs 13 pounds.
Very Comfortable
The dimensions of this fold-up cot when open is 28-inches wide, 18.5-inches high, and 75-inches long. This allows users to sleep comfortably on their backs or sides. These cots also come with elevated headrests that increase comfort without or with a pillow.
Easy To Carry And Set Up
This camping cot is incredibly easy to set up. All that is needed is to press down firmly on the 4-frame joints that lock the cot into position. To close the cot, put the cot on one side and loosen the joints. From here, fold up the legs by pulling on the frame-cords.
Additional Features
This cot comes with a convenient side pocket for cell phones, an outer mesh pocket, and another pocket to store items such as a flashlight.
The Osage River Folding Lightweight Camping Cot is 18,5 inches tall, which means it won’t fit in a bivy-tent, but it is ideal for standard solo tents and anything bigger. These cots are also perfect for off-ground sleeping. This feature is not only comfortable but also useful since campers can store items under the cot. When sleeping on a pad or even the ground, there isn’t much space for other camping gear.
Final Thoughts
The Osage River Folding Lightweight Camping Cot provides a highly portable and easy-to-use sleep solution. These cots are ideal for guests or sleepovers, beach trips, and camping adventures. The cot folds up easily into a durable nylon carry bag for simple transport and storage.
Teton Sports Adventurer Camp Cot Review
TETON Sports Adventurer Camp Cot; Folding Cot Great for Car Camping
Whether you are car camping or traditional camping, you want something that is going to provide you with a good night’s sleep. There is nothing like getting some good shut-eye while outdoors. However, getting quality shut-eye outdoors can be a struggle. This has a lot of outdoor adventurers looking for the perfect camp cot. A camp cot can be a great investment for various reasons. However, you want to find the right one. In this article, we will be reviewing the Teton Sports Adventurers Camp Cot to help you figure out whether or not it’s a good choice for you.
Teton Sports Adventurer Camp Cot Review
1 - Ease of Use
One of the things that a lot of people want to find in something like a camp cot is easy accessibility. With the pivot arm that is built into this camp cot, setting up the cot is an absolute breeze. With a traditional camp cot, you would normally struggle with the last end bar. With this pivot arm technology, that problem disappears. This enables you to be able to effectively set up the camp cot without the normal hassle that would come with it.
2 - Comfort
When you are searching for something to sleep on outdoors, one of the primary factors of your purchasing decision will likely be whether or not it’s comfortable to lay on and sleep on. This camp cot does what you want which is to keep you off the ground. This alone makes it worth having. However, the bed surface is made up of 600D oxford canvas which makes for a relatively comfortable laying experience. Also, the legs are sturdy so you won’t find yourself wobbling if you are someone who shifts regularly while sleeping.
3 - Durability
You want to find a cot that is durable enough to handle the outdoors. This camp cot by Teton is very durable with an excellent build. For one, it comes with a reinforced steel X-leg that helps to provide even more stability, but it also comes with the durable 600D canvas to ensure you get a lot of use out of it.
4 - Portability
Portability should always be in the front of the discussion when you are talking about gear that you will be taking with you camping. This cot folds plenty to ensure you can take it around with you without hassle.
5 - Limited Lifetime Warranty
As with any outdoor equipment, you want to purchase from a brand that stands behind its products. Teton offers a limited lifetime warranty which should give you plenty of peace of mind.
Is It Worth Buying?
Ultimately, this camp cot is one of the best available for its respective price point. You are getting a durable yet comfortable camp cot that offers plenty of surface area for a peaceful night’s sleep. Along with this, you are getting a cot that has a design that offers hassle-free setup and takedown to ensure you don’t have to fiddle with it too much. Because of all of this, it is certainly a worthwhile consideration for anyone who is seeking solid value for their money.
Are Camping Cots Worth It
Yes. Unless you’re backpacking or in a survival situation, there’s no reason to sleep directly on the ground. Sleeping off the ground is more comfortable. It’s easier to get dressed. And you will avoid any bugs that have crawled into the tent. And if your tent gets water in it during a rainstorm, your cot will keep you dry.
Do You Need A Sleeping Pad With A Cot
Yes, if it’s colder weather. Cold air will blow under the cot and will suck the heat from your body just like the ground. Hammock campers also suffer the same problem. They call it “cold butt” syndrome.
Is A Cot Better Than An Air Mattress
A cot is better than an air mattress on the ground. But you can put an air mattress on a cot instead of using a sleeping pad. This might be more comfortable for you.
Is It Warmer To Sleep On A Cot Or On The Ground
As long as you have a quality sleeping pad, I find the difference negligible. The sleeping pad on the ground takes up less space and weight which is important for backpacking or motorcycle camping. But for the average adult car camper - a cot will probably provide a better night’s sleep.
I was in Boy Scouts from Bear Cub all of the way to Eagle. My Dad was my Scoutmaster for many years. And for some reason he didn’t let us use cots except when we were at Boy Scout summer camp. I think that might have been a camp requirement.
So when I returned to camping as an adult, I avoided buying a cot. I do love my Big Angus sleeping pad but my hips don’t enjoy sleeping on the ground. I don’t like hammocks.
As with all pieces of camping equipment, there are many choices. The number of choices can be overwhelming. You need to consider how long the cot is, how easy it is to setup, how wide the cot is, and how much weight the cot can support. Many cots now have extra features such as the ability to sit up like a lounger, a pillow, or a side-table. Cots are also multiple use. They are excellent for guests such as kids sleepovers. If you are thinking that you must give up camping because you can’t sleep on the ground anymore and are not ready to move to hammocks or invest in an RV, then you should give cot camping a try. And use this article to help guide you to choose the right cot for you.
How To Choose A Cot For A Backpacker
I personally don’t think backpacking cots are worth it. They add weight, can take alot of effort to put together (in particular, after you’ve been hiking all day with a pack on) and don’t raise you high off the ground.
If you don’t have problems being close to the ground, I would instead invest in a quality sleeping pad. They are going to be expensive but will add much more comfort to your tent sleeping.
Or if you are thinking about a ultralight cot because you want to be off the ground, then try out hammock camping.
However, if you really want to try out a backpacking cot, then I would suggest the Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot. Assembling this cot is like putting together Ikea furniture but it was able to fit my 6’4” 250 pound body.
