The 5 Best Camping Cots of 2025

Our Picks of Camping Cots

Best Overall Camping Cot

Coleman Pack-Away Cot

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 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. “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.

Measured Weight for Tested Version	19.9 lbs
Rated Weight Limit	300 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 it always warranted a little extra caution to make sure the legs were in the correct position before sitting down as well. 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.

Read more: Coleman Pack-Away Cot review

Best Bang For The Buck

KingCamp Folding Deluxe

If you want a great cot, but funds are tight, check out the KingCamp Folding Deluxe. In terms of folding and unfolding, this product is easily our favorite, typically taking only a minute or two to fully assemble the bed. This lightweight cot is essentially the same form factor as a chair in a bag, with a similar folding mechanism. It features an integrated headrest, which is excellent for napping on the beach or a great addition to a car camping setup. “I'm a side sleeper, so I like to sleep with my head elevated,” said one of our key testers. “I really liked how the headrest slopes up. It allows my head to stay at a perfect angle.”

Measured Weight for Tested Version	14.4 lbs
Rated Weight Limit	330 lbs
Available Lengths (Tested, If Multiple)	74.8"
Bedside Organizer	Yes
Number of Pieces	1

The KingCamp Folding Deluxe is plenty comfortable, but it's a bit on the narrow side and doesn't offer the same level of uniform support provided by other cots we have tried. The folding mechanism and overall construction don't seem quite as heavy-duty as those of some other cots. Given our experience with folding chairs in a bag, we wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the most durable product available. 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 on a budget. The ABORON Folding with Mat offers the same type of elevated headrest as the KingCamp, but it also comes with a decent pillow-top sleeping pad, and the manufacturer says it can hold triple the weight. We also feel the REI Co-op Campwell offers a lot of value for the cost.

Read more: KingCamp Folding Deluxe review

A Versatile Value Option

Coleman Converta Folding Cot

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 to be very comfortable both as a cot and a chair, and appreciate the different reclining levels available when 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.

Measured Weight for Tested Version	15.5 lbs
Rated Weight Limit	225 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 on the heavy side, so you will probably be restricted to car camping or similar when using this product. 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.

Most Features and Versatility

REI Co-op Wonderland Comfort Cot

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 due to its low scores for portability and the fussy nature of its 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 allow for greater stability on uneven ground and protect the flooring of your favorite tent from being punctured.

Measured Weight for Tested Version	23.9 lbs
Rated Weight Limit	300 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 it a little fussy when setting it up, 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 desire and durability, the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL compares very well against the Wonderland.

Read more: REI Co-op Wonderland Comfort Cot review

Most Comfortable Camping Cot

Coleman ComfortSmart

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.

Measured Weight for Tested Version	19.7 lbs
Rated Weight Limit	300 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.

Read more: Coleman ComfortSmart review

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.

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, and has extensive knowledge of general outdoor gear. He has been a member of the GearLab family for more than six years.

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 proportional to its significance to the overall performance of each cot.

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 Kingcamp Folding Deluxe or the Coleman Converta cot. The Kingcamp is honestly one of our all-time 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, with its versatility providing even more value for the price, as it not only offers a cot but also a lounge chair for the same cost. We also feel, for its durability alone, the REI Co-op Campwell is a decent value.

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. Unfortunately, most of the cots designed for backpacking, like the Helinox Lite, are on the more expensive side. Those on a budget may struggle to find a suitable ultralight cot that can be carried into the backcountry.

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 took note of how easily the cot could be fitted back into its carrying bag.

Taking the top spots in this metric, the Kingcamp Folding Deluxe is one of the quickest and easiest camping cots to set up or break down that we have seen to date. This cot unfolds just like a tailgating camp chair in a bag, typically taking no more than a minute or two to fully set up and get ready for someone to lie down on.

Your fingers are usually well away from the folding mechanism, so there's a low likelihood of them getting pinched. It's also effortless to get this cot back in the pack once folded up. Folding it up is just about as easy as unfolding, with only a slight tug required to release the locking mechanism and minimal effort to collapse it together.

The Coleman Pack-Away Cot, the KingCamp 4-Position, ABORON Folding with Mat, and the Coleman Converta Cot all followed when it came to ease of setting up. The Pack-Away Cot is almost as easy and fast to unfold as the Kingcamp Folding Deluxe. Still, the legs are a bit more cumbersome to unfold, and there is a slightly higher risk of pinching your fingers. The ABORON Folding with Mat unfolds and snaps easily into place.

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.

The Converta Folding Cot and the KingCamp 4-Position are both single-piece cots that unfold in one smooth motion. The only aspect of setup and breakdown that required a little extra time was ensuring the locking mechanism for the backrest adjustment was fully engaged when setting up these cots for chair mode.

Another Coleman came next, the Coleman ComfortSmart. This cot is very similar to the Coleman Converta and the KingCamp 4-Position, 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 easily pulled out and placed 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.

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.

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.

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 remainder of the cots are all 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 KingCamp Folding Deluxe and the Coleman Pack-Away Cot came next with their middle-of-the-road results. The KingCamp Folding Deluxe weighs approximately 15 pounds, while the Coleman Pack-Away Cot is slightly heavier, at around 23 pounds. They fold up to be approximately 6 inches by 6 inches by 40 inches — about the size of a chair in a bag. They aren't too cumbersome to carry for short distances, so long as you aren't carrying much of anything 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.

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.

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.

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 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 Converta and KingCamp 4-Position models offer support at both the head and foot of the cot, resulting in a highly supportive surface for the whole body. We found these cots to be very comfortable, both in sleeping and sitting modes.

The KingCamp Folding Deluxe doesn't have side rails, but some pressure points can be quite painful if you clip your elbow or knee on them. The integrated headrest is nice, and there is enough support to be reasonably comfortable, but we could see adding some extra padding if we were going to use this for an extended trip.

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 a fair amount of 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.

Durability

While we only tested a single unit of each model over a few months and can't speak beyond that, we noticed some stark differences between how these different cots held up to our testing process. We based our assessments on our overall impressions of the design and construction, as well as any damage or wear and tear that had been 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.

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 to be a little 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 steered clear of any damage throughout testing. Both the Coleman Converta and KingCamp 4-Position felt very solid to us and are rated for 225 and 264 pounds, respectively. Neither suffered any damage.

The KingCamp Folding Deluxe has a rated weight of 265 pounds and didn't suffer anything beyond minor wear and tear in our tests, but we are a little hesitant about its folding mechanism. It seems to be much less sturdy than the top cots and borrows heavily from folding chairs in a bag, which, in our experience, aren't the most durable.

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.

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 its limits, but we did weigh it down with 600 pounds without any problem.

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 amount of force required when assembling or disassembling this product gave us some cause for concern, as we could easily see it leading to a pole snapping or tearing the fabric. We ended up stretching out the fabric in a few places when trying to snap the legs in, as well as permanently bending one of the poles.

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 are generally split into two categories: ultralight and standard cots. As the name suggests, ultralight cots are much easier and lighter to transport and set up, but may be less spacious or comfortable. It's essential to consider your sleeping space and factor in the amount of 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 can be unfolded and set up in under a minute, while others require assembly with multiple pieces and various steps to achieve a functioning cot. When considering cots, consider how long you plan to stay between places and whether the extra setup time is worth it.

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, then look for cots that provide a topper, either through air or padding. Other options offer more versatility for those who are willing to compromise on comfort for the sake of portability and setup time.

What About Weight?

Some cots are ideal for individuals weighing up to 225 pounds, while others can accommodate those weighing up to 600 pounds. The weight capacity will also directly correlate to 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.

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.