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For many outdoor enthusiasts, sleeping on the ground is a deal-breaker. A quality camping cot bridges that gap, providing a comfortable, elevated bed so you never have to compromise on a good night's sleep in your tent.
The Coleman Pack-Away Cot is our favorite camping cot. It is easy to set up and break down, and it even includes a handy side table and cup holder.
For a cushy, home-away-from-home experience, the Coleman ComfortSmart is the most comfortable cot we tested.
We bought the 10 most promising camping cots on the market and took them to our favorite campsite for side-by-side testing. Night after night, we evaluated features such as ease of assembly, portability, comfort, and durability to determine which model provided the best night's sleep.
Editor's Note: On August 21, 2026, we updated our lineup and added new media and experiences from the field.
Quick Picks
Here's a quick list of our favorite Camping Cot recommendations.
When weight isn't an issue, the Coleman ComfortSmart's plush comfort makes it the perfect fit for luxury bell-tent camping. We left this tent up over the summer in the Sierra Nevada, and the elevated cot keeps the bedding relatively safe from critters. Credit: Chris McNamara
If you're on the hunt for an excellent all-around cot, it's hard to beat the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. This model is a cinch to set up and take down, requiring only a few minutes due to its mostly unibody construction. It offers plenty of support for both back and side sleepers and has no bars across your head or feet to hit during the night. “For added comfort, I combined it with my own sleeping pad and got a great night's sleep,” said one of our main testers. It folds up into a relatively compact form, isn't too heavy, and appears to be built very sturdily, although it definitely isn't designed for backpacking.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Weight Limit
300 lbs
Measured Weight for Tested Version
19.9 lbs
Available Lengths (Tested, If Multiple)
80.0"
Bedside Organizer
Yes
Number of Pieces
1 + organizer
Our main issue with the Coleman Pack-Away Cot is that it doesn't lock into the unfolded position. This was never an issue once it was set up; however, the legs tended to buckle if we had to drag it around the campsite. This meant we always needed a little extra caution to make sure the legs were in the correct position before sitting down. It could also be a bit temperamental on uneven ground. Regardless, it's one of our all-time favorite sleeping solutions when camping, and we highly recommend it to anyone seeking a top-tier cot. “The thing I liked most about the Coleman is its sturdy frame,” said one of our field testers. “I like feeling secure when I'm up off the ground, and this cot doesn't wobble much at all.” If you're seeking more features, we love the REI Wonderland, but it's less portable and costs more. The REI Co-op Campwell is similar in design to the Coleman, and it weighs less but offers fewer features.
Whether sleeping on the shore or lounging in the mountains, we love the Pack-Away's compact packed size, which allows us to take it just about anywhere. Credit: Jason Wanlass
It didn't receive top scores across the board, but we simply can't deny the REI Co-op Wonderland Comfort Cot its spotlight. This is one of the best products on our list, but we held back from naming it our favorite cot because of its low portability score and its fussy setup. Those two factors aside, we believe the Wonderland is a superb product and an excellent choice for anyone seeking added features, versatility, and top quality. This sleeping surface is large, comfortable, and incredibly adjustable, giving users many elevation options. It can even double as a chaise lounger while beach camping. “I will admit, this model will set you back a few more dollars, but wow, its added features, value, and quality are really worth it,” said our lead tester. We love its built-in, padded headrest, as well as its perimeter padding. We also appreciate its oversized swivel feet, which provide greater stability on uneven ground and protect the flooring of your favorite tent from punctures.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Weight Limit
300 lbs
Measured Weight for Tested Version
23.9 lbs
Available Lengths (Tested, If Multiple)
82.0"
Bedside Organizer
No
Number of Pieces
1
On the downside, the Wonderland isn't compact or easy to carry. Its legs are positioned at slightly odd angles, which makes setup a little fussy, as the legs tend to unexpectedly fold up if not perfectly positioned. Likewise, the headrest portion of the cot requires a fair amount of force to push it down into place. However, these negatives are small when compared to this cot's quality and ability to perform in a wide variety of settings. When directly compared to the Wonderland Cot, we find that the removable mattress of the ABORON Folding with Mat is not as comfortable, but it still performs decently, for about a third of the price. In terms of frame design and durability, the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL compares very well against the Wonderland.
The Wonderland Cot's perimeter padding goes a long way toward keeping sleepers center and preventing kids from rolling off the cot during the night. Credit: Jason Wanlass
If your priority when camping is to have the most comfortable experience possible, check out the Coleman ComfortSmart. Even without the included mattress, this tank of a cot is incredibly comfortable. With the mattress, it's by far the most comfortable we tested. “For such a simple design, this cot really shines when it comes to comfort,” said one of our weekend warriors. He notes, “The individual springs that suspend the mat are really effective at supporting the body.” You have plenty of room to toss and turn, and this model boasts even support across its entire surface — no pressure or drooping points.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Weight Limit
300 lbs
Measured Weight for Tested Version
19.7 lbs
Available Lengths (Tested, If Multiple)
80.0"
Bedside Organizer
No
Number of Pieces
1 + mattress
The tradeoff for all this comfort is that the Coleman ComfortSmart is more difficult to transport. We wouldn't want to carry this cot very far from our vehicles, and the amount of space it takes up can be cumbersome when car camping. 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. If snoozing together, or you just need additional space, the Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed is another very comfortable option that can sleep two. The Coleman Pack-Away Cot is also quite comfortable, but it is slightly stiffer if used without a personal sleeping pad.
The Coleman Converta Folding Cot is a relatively inexpensive product that functions as a sleeping surface or a lounge chair. It's fairly easy to carry and quick to assemble, with an overall construction that appears decently durable. We found it very comfortable as both a cot and a chair, and we appreciate the different reclining levels available in chair mode, thanks to the adjustable brace. “I loved the option of using it to just chill around camp during the day,” said one tester.
SPECIFICATIONS
Rated Weight Limit
225 lbs
Measured Weight for Tested Version
15.5 lbs
Available Lengths (Tested, If Multiple)
76.3"
Bedside Organizer
No
Number of Pieces
1
Unfortunately, this cot doesn't pack down to be the smallest and is a bit heavy, so you will probably be limited to car camping or similar when using it. It's not the one you want to take backpacking. It's also sometimes finicky to fully engage the back adjustment mechanism, requiring some extra pressure to snap it into place. All in all, we believe these are minor flaws, and we highly recommend this product to anyone shopping for a new cot without spending a significant amount of money. If you need something more portable, the Coleman Pack-Away is our top choice. However, if weight and packed size are key concerns, we highly recommend the Helinox Lite for adventures like river running, bike trips, and similar activities.
We love the ability to just chill at camp on our Converta Cot. We also love its amazing price point. Credit: David Wise
Product Comparison Table
From beaches to campgrounds, we snoozed a lot while on the job in order to find the cots that worked the best. Even quick naps on the shoreline were included in our notetaking. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Tested
Our camping experts teamed up to develop a comprehensive test plan, which we applied to every camping cot in this review. We tested every model equally in several different environments, including shorelines, mountains, and deserts. We even set them up at home and binge-watched a few of our favorite series. In the end, our goal was to uncover the unique nuances of each cot, so that we could confidently file a comprehensive assessment of each product.
We set up each camping cot in a variety of climates and regions and then subjected them to rigorous test plan to find where each excelled. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Each model was set up and broken down repeatedly to determine its ease of use and craftsmanship. We also took to the road, spending time at the lake and in the mountains. Along the way, we spent multiple nights testing these cots in varied conditions. Closer to home, we even put our houseguests on them over the holidays. We folded and unfolded each product dozens of times and packed them in different cars and cargo carriers to assess portability. We weighed, measured, studied the fabrics and components, and evaluated the overall construction and design of each product. In the end, we were able to gauge the durability of each, as well as noting any damage or wear and tear sustained during testing. Through our rigorous testing process, we gained extensive knowledge of each product in the areas that we believe matter most. To dive into our testing process, check out our in-depth how we test article.
We tested camping cots using five performance metrics:
Ease of Setup (35% of overall score weighting)
Portability (25% weighting)
Comfort (25% weighting)
Durability (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Our camping cot review is brought to you by Marissa Fox and Jason Wanlass. Due to a back injury from professional snowboarding and the resulting surgery, Marissa has struggled to find a sleeping pad that works. However, camping cots seemed to do the trick, and she is now somewhat of an aficionado, bringing her extensive cot expertise to this review. She also enlisted a panel of outdoor adventurers, avid car campers, and other cot enthusiasts to gather more general opinions on how comfortable each cot is for people of different body types.
Jason is a native of Utah and spends time outdoors every week. He spends time playing at local lakes, dunes, and campgrounds, where he routinely uses cots for sleeping under the stars. Jason is also an avid car camper, hiker, and backpacker with extensive knowledge of general outdoor gear. He has been a member of the GearLab family for more than six years.
From frame quality to comfort and durability, we tested it all.
Analysis and Test Results
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. Each metric was weighted based on its importance to each cot's overall performance.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
If you are searching for a reliable camping cot on a budget, then it's hard to go wrong with the Coleman Pack-Away Cot or the Coleman Converta cot. The Pack-Away is one of our favorite cots, and it doesn't hurt that it retails at a very affordable price. The Coleman Converta is also very comfortable and easy to set up, and its versatility adds even more value for the price, since it offers both a cot and a lounge chair for the same cost. We also feel that, for its durability alone, the REI Co-op Campwell is a decent value.
Ease of Setup
First and foremost, we rated and compared the amount of work required to set up and break down each camping cot. Points were awarded based on how long it took to assemble/disassemble each cot, if there were any particularly problematic pinch points, and how many pieces each cot was made of. We also noted how easily the cot could be fitted back into its carrying bag.
The Coleman Pack-Away Cot, ABORON Folding with Mat, and the Coleman Converta Cot are the easiest to set up. The Pack-Away Cot is the easiest, and the ABORON Folding with Mat unfolds and snaps into place easily.
The Converta Cot can be set up in just a couple of minutes. Credit: David Wise
The main body of the Coleman Pack-Away Cot is a single piece, with an optional bedside table and a cup holder. However, you do need to take a few moments to ensure the legs are angled correctly before getting in, as this cot lacks a defined locking mechanism. Overall, it's quick and easy to get the Coleman Pack-Away Cot ready to go when bedtime approaches.
Despite its name, the Pack-Away isn't the easiest to pack away, but we think the sleeping experience it offers is worth it. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Converta Folding Cot unfolds in one smooth motion. The only part of setup and breakdown that took a little extra time was ensuring the backrest-adjustment locking mechanism was fully engaged when setting up these cots for chair mode.
Breaking out our Converta Folding Cot.
Next up: the Coleman ComfortSmart. This cot is very similar to the Coleman Converta, but it folds in half rather than thirds. This makes it a little more cumbersome to set up, but its unibody design can usually be ready to lie down on in less than 2-3 minutes. You unfold the main part, then pop out the legs, and you're all set. This cot features a mattress that conveniently stows inside the legs and is easy to pull out and place on top once set up. 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.
Dozens of springs and the included mattress makes the ComforSmart exceptionally comfortable. Credit: Marissa Fox
The Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed isn't too difficult to set up, but it is a bit more time-consuming. The main body of this cot resembles two Pack-Away cots stuck together and can be unfolded in just a minute or two.
All of the included components with the Coleman Airbed Cot. Credit: David Wise
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. We appreciated that this cot included a battery-powered air pump that can both inflate and deflate the air mattress in about five minutes.
A breakdown of the setup process of the Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed.
Portability
Next, we rated and scored how easy it is to move each cot. For this set of tests, we examined their weights, packed sizes, and how easy they are to carry.
The Helinox Lite is the lightest model by far, weighing in at less than 3 pounds. It packs into an approximately 5-inch by 20-inch cylinder, and can easily be strapped to a backpack or fit on a pannier or bike rack. Its small size also makes it extremely easy to toss into a car or roof carrier, even when hauling tons of other gear.
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. Credit: Marissa Fox
The remaining cots are significantly less portable. They're 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 any other situation where you won't need to carry them very far. In terms of portability, the REI Co-op Campwell scored well for ease of movement. Although a little heavier than some models, it has a great stuff sack and shoulder strap.
The Coleman Pack-Away Cot came next with its middle-of-the-road results. The Coleman Pack-Away is around 23 pounds. It folds up to about 6 inches by 6 inches by 40 inches—about the size of a chair in a bag. It isn't too cumbersome to carry for short distances, as long as you aren't carrying much else. However, you would struggle to strap these to a backpack or carry them for any significant distance, and this is not their intended application.
Although a little hefty, the REI Co-op Campwell is relatively easy to transport.
The Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed is easily the heaviest of the group, weighing over 40 pounds. The carrying case even has built-in wheels, but we found these don't work too well on unpaved surfaces. We definitely wouldn't want to have to move this cot any distance without a vehicle.
Although larger, the Coleman Folding Cot and Air bed's carrying case has two well-placed handles for easier transport.
Comfort
Our next round of tests focused on how comfortable each cot is, both for sleeping on and lying down on, as well as for sitting on, like a bench. Specifically, we had different judges try out each one and give their overall impressions, as well as note if they hit their elbows on the sides or their heads or feet on the ends of each cot.
Claiming the top spot, we found the Coleman ComfortSmart to be the most comfortable of all the cots we have tested so far. This cot includes a padded mattress, but we still found it to be one of the most comfortable models, even without it. It has ample room for most people to avoid hitting their elbows, head, or feet on the frame. This product feels very comfortable to lie on, providing ample support throughout your entire body. Likewise, the REI Wonderland Cot is also one of the more comfortable options on our list, due to its flexible, bungee-cord support system, as well as its quilted top and padded headrest.
This cot is plenty long for all but the tallest people. Credit: Marissa Fox
The Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed is also worth mentioning here. We found it to be particularly comfortable, even without the air bed in place, with the air bed elevating this cot to a downright luxurious sleeping option when camping. However, it still is an air bed at the end of the day, and that feel and type of support isn't for everyone.
The Coleman Airbed is a supremely comfy solution for camping. Credit: David Wise
The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL came next. This cot is ginormous — it's even wide enough that you could almost get two people on it (if they didn't mind getting very cozy). The mat provides more than enough support for a good night's sleep, and you can also use it as a bench.
The XXL offers ample sleeping area. Credit: Marissa Fox
The Converta offers support at both the head and foot of the cot, resulting in a highly supportive surface for the whole body. We found these cots very comfortable in both sleeping and sitting modes.
Showing the comfort settings of the Coleman Converta Folding Cot.
The built-in headrest makes this cot quite comfortable. Credit: Marissa Fox
Lastly, we think the ABORON Folding with Mat is worth mentioning. It didn't score as well as our top performers in this metric, but for the price, we feel this cot offers fair comfort, especially when combined with its optional mattress top. The top isn't as comfortable as we thought it would be, but it still does a good job of providing an extra layer of padding.
Deploying the optional mattress of the ABORON Folding with Mat. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Durability
While we only tested a single unit of each model over a few months and can't speak beyond that, we noticed stark differences in how these cots held up during our testing. We based our assessments on our overall impressions of the design and construction, as well as any damage or wear and tear sustained during use.
Overall, we believe the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL and REI Wonderland are two of the most durable cots we have tested to date. Both employ impeccable components and materials and are built to last. The Teton Sports Outfitter XXL boasts a whopping maximum weight of 600 pounds, while the REI Wonderland can hold a respectable 300 pounds. The Teton's 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.
Showing off the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL's very durable frame.
Next, the Coleman ComfortSmart features a durable frame and is rated at 300 pounds. It sustained no damage in our tests, although we could see that the included mattress or its springs are likely more susceptible to damage than the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL.
The Coleman Pack-Away Cot followed, featuring a solid construction and a weight limit of up to 300 pounds. It also stayed undamaged throughout testing. The Coleman Converta felt very solid to us and are rated for 225 and 264 pounds, respectively. Neither suffered any damage.
The KingCamp 4-Position feels very solid to us. Credit: David Wise
We also loved the durability aspects of the REI Co-op Campwell. This cot is a little narrow and not as comfortable as some, but it's undeniably strong and built to last. Its steel frame is rated for 300 pounds, and it is double-stitched, reinforced, and tough.
Checking out the REI Co-op Campwell's durability. This tester weighs 250 pounds, and didn't notice any swaying or buckling when using the Campwell. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Although we question its overall durability (its price alone makes us skeptical), we do feel the ABORON Folding with Mat needs to be highlighted for its impressive strength. The manufacturer claims a 900-pound weight limit. At first, we thought it was a typo, but then we put our ABORON to the test. We didn't max it out, but we weighed it down with 600 pounds with no problem.
A close of the ABORON's intricate criss-cross frame. It's super strong, but we just don't know how long it will hold up over time. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Next up is our ultralight cot. The Helinox Lite is rated up to 265 pounds, an impressive feat for its lightweight design. It held up fine to the rigors of our side-by-side testing process. However, the force required to assemble or disassemble this product raised concerns, as we could easily see it leading to a pole snapping or the fabric tearing. We ended up stretching the fabric in a few places when trying to snap the legs in, and we permanently bent one of the poles.
Getting a good night's rest is one of the most important ingredients in any successful adventure. We spent hours on each cot, lounging, napping, and sleeping, in order to help you find the one that works best for your next outdoor experience. Credit: Jason Wanlass
How to Pick the Best Cot
We've compiled four key considerations to help you choose the best-fitting cot for your next overnight adventure. These are just a few of the points we cover in more detail in our camping cot buying advice article.
Do You Need to Consider Size?
Cots generally fall into two categories: ultralight and standard. As the name suggests, ultralight cots are much easier and lighter to transport and set up, but may be less spacious or comfortable. Consider your sleeping space and how much room you have in your tent. Examine the cot dimensions and consider how it will fit within the walls of your sleeping space. Remember that you'll be elevated off the ground, where the tent walls start to slope inward. Also consider packability, how easy it will be to transport, and how far you plan to carry it.
How Important is Setup?
The last thing you want to deal with while out camping is a hard-to-set-up piece of gear. Some cots unfold and set up in under a minute, while others require assembly with multiple pieces and steps to become functional. When considering cots, consider how long you plan to stay between places and whether the extra setup time is worth it.
When looking for a cot it's a good idea to take a look at the setup process. Some cots are easy to plop into place, while others require a little more finesse. Credit: Jason Wanlass
What Makes a Comfortable Cot?
Identifying a comfortable cot comes down to the amount of room, space above the ground, and any additional materials that help promote a comfortable night's sleep. If comfort is king, look for cots that include a topper, either air or padding. Other options offer more versatility for those willing to compromise comfort for portability and setup time.
Sometimes small things, like a curved headrest, can make the difference between a comfortable night's sleep, and a night full of tossing and turning. Credit: Jason Wanlass
What About Weight?
Some cots are ideal for individuals weighing up to 225 pounds, while others can accommodate those weighing up to 600 pounds. Weight capacity also directly correlates with how heavy and big your cot may be. When looking at cots, consider whether you plan to share your cot and whether you can accommodate the extra length and weight associated with larger cots.
Packing up and heading home.Cots come in a variety of sizes and orientations. Hopefully, with our advice, you can choose the best one for your personal needs. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
Hopefully, this has been a helpful analysis in your quest for a new camping cot, whether you're looking for a top-tier or budget model, a heavy-duty option for extended use, or an ultralight edition to take on your next backpacking trip.
