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The 5 Best Camping Cots of 2024

We bought and tested camping cots from Coleman, KingCamp, Helinox, and others to help you find the best
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Best Camping Cot Review (Testing the best camping cots side by side.)
Testing the best camping cots side by side.
Credit: Marissa Fox
By Jason Wanlass & Marissa Fox  ⋅  Apr 11, 2024

The Best Camping Cots for 2024


After researching more than 30 of the best camping cots on the market, we bought the 10 most promising models for side-by-side testing. Our goal is to help you find the perfect model for you to use the next time you need a portable bed. We extensively tested each model, rating and comparing how easy each is to assemble and transport. We also scored them for comfortability 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.

There are many ways to up the coziness factor when camping. Grab a top camping mattress for your favorite tent, and rest your head on a plush camping pillow. Bring even more comforts of home to the outdoors with one of the best camping showers on the market, and check out our sleeping bag review to determine the right model for your specific needs.

Editor's Note: On April 11, 2024, we added a summary of our buying advice article and more details on our testing.

Top 10 Camping Cots - Test Results

Displaying 1 - 10 (scroll right)
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Camping Cot
Top Pick Award
Most Features and Versatility
Best Buy Award
Best Bang For The Buck
 Best Buy Award
A Versatile Value Option
 Top Pick Award
Most Comfortable Camping Cot
   
Price $90 List
$89.99 at Amazon
$199 List
$199.00 at REI
$85 List
$82.99 at Amazon
$120 List$60 List
$59.99 at Backcountry
$80 List
$75.47 at Amazon
$125 List$180 List
$179.99 at Amazon
$220 List
$199.99 at Amazon
Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Easy to unfold, single-piece construction, comfortableAdjustable, large, comfortable, lots of features, well-builtIncredibly easy to set up, relatively lightweightEasy to setup, integrated organizerEasy to set up, comfortable, versatileVersatile, easy to set upExceptionally comfortable, easy to set upAmple room, comfortable, heavy-duty constructionVery comfortable, tons of space, high weight capacityLightweight, compact
Cons Can occasionally pinch your hands unfolding itHeavy, hard to carry, fussy during setup, more expensiveDoesn’t seem as durable, average in comfortFixed headrest, heavyHeavy, harder to carryCan be a little hard to carry, heavyBulky, heavyBulky when folded, hard to carrytime-consuming to set up, air bed can cause problemsVery hard to set up, seems less durable
Bottom Line If you are looking for the best of the best, this cot is our all-time favorite to dateWhen we overlook its hefty weight, size, and price tag, this is one of the better camping cots we've testedIf you're searching for a new cot on a budget, we think this should be your first choiceIf your top priority is easy setup and breakdown, this is a good optionThis handy cot also doubles as a lounge chair — without breaking the bankThis model can act as a lounge chair or a cot, with plenty of options in betweenIf you value being comfortable above all else, then this is a great choiceIf you value tons of space when laying down, the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL is a superb sleeping optionIf you want a comfortable camping experience for you and a partner or simply want tons of space, this cot is a solid betThis is our top choice for backpacking trips
Rating Categories Coleman Pack-Away Cot REI Co-op Kingdom C... KingCamp Folding De... Alpha Camp Oversize... Coleman Converta Fo... KingCamp Portable F... Coleman ComfortSmart Teton Sports Outfit... Coleman Folding Cam... Helinox Lite
Ease of Setup (35%)
8.0
7.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
Portability (25%)
6.0
3.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
3.0
3.0
2.0
9.0
Comfort (25%)
7.0
9.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
Durability (15%)
8.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
4.0
Specs Coleman Pack-Away Cot REI Co-op Kingdom C... KingCamp Folding De... Alpha Camp Oversize... Coleman Converta Fo... KingCamp Portable F... Coleman ComfortSmart Teton Sports Outfit... Coleman Folding Cam... Helinox Lite
Rated Weight Limit 300 lbs 300 lbs 265 lbs 450 lbs 225 lbs 264 lbs 300 lbs 600 lbs 600 lbs 265 lbs
Measured Weight for Tested Version 19.9 lbs 23.9 lbs 14.4 lbs 15.8 lbs 15.5 lbs 14.0 lbs 19.7 lbs 23.7 lbs 41.9 lbs 2.8 lbs
Tested Length 80" 82" 74" 74.8" 76.3" 74.9" 80" 85" 78" 72.5"
Available Lengths 80" 82" 74" 74.8" 76.3" 74.9" 69", 80" 85" 78" 72.5"
Bedside Organizer Yes No Yes Yes No Yes No No Yes No
Number of Pieces 1+Organizer 1 1 1 1 1 1+Mattress 3 1+Mattress+ 2 Organizers 7
Carrying Bag Yes No Yes Yes No No No Yes Yes Yes


Best Overall Camping Cot


Coleman Pack-Away Cot


73
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Setup 8.0
  • Portability 6.0
  • Comfort 7.0
  • Durability 8.0
REASONS TO BUY
Ample room for most people
Very comfortable
Convenient side table and cup holder
REASONS TO AVOID
Collapses if you drag it around
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight for Tested Version 19.9 lbs
Rated Weight Limit 300 lbs
Tested Length 80"
Available Lengths 80"
Bedside Organizer Yes
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, taking only a few minutes with 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. It folds up into a relatively compact form, isn't too heavy, and seems to be built very sturdily, though it definitely isn't made for backpacking.

Our main issue with this 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 found ourselves dragging 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 would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a top-tier cot. If you're seeking more features, we love the REI Kingdom Cot 3, but it's less portable and costs more.

Read more: Coleman Pack-Away Cot review

camping cot - whether sleeping on the shore or lounging in the mountains, we love...
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

Best Bang For The Buck


KingCamp Folding Deluxe


67
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Setup 9.0
  • Portability 5.0
  • Comfort 6.0
  • Durability 5.0
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly easy to set up and break down
Inexpensive
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Doesn't seem as durable as other models
So-so in terms of comfort
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight for Tested Version 14.4 lbs
Rated Weight Limit 265 lbs
Tested Length 74"
Available Lengths 74"
Bedside Organizer Yes
If you want a great cot, but funds are tight, check out the KingCamp Folding Deluxe. 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. This lightweight cot is essentially the same form factor as a chair in a bag, with a similar folding mechanism. It has an integrated headrest, which is excellent for a nap on the beach or a great addition to a car camping setup.

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 constructions don't seem quite as heavy-duty as some of the other cots, and given our experience with folding chairs in a bag, we wouldn't be surprised if this isn't the most durable product out there. 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.

Read more: KingCamp Folding Deluxe review

camping cot - it looks complicated; however, this cot shines when it comes to ease...
It looks complicated; however, this cot shines when it comes to ease of setup.
Credit: David Wise

A Versatile Value Option


Coleman Converta Folding Cot


66
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Setup 8.0
  • Portability 4.0
  • Comfort 7.0
  • Durability 7.0
REASONS TO BUY
Works as a cot and lounge chair
Easy to set up
REASONS TO AVOID
Not the most portable
Weight limit is on the lower side
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight for Tested Version 15.5 lbs
Rated Weight Limit 225 lbs
Tested Length 76.3"
Available Lengths 76.3"
Bedside Organizer No
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 put together, with an overall construction that seems decently durable. We found it to be very comfortable both as a cot and a chair and appreciate the different reclining levels you can choose from when in chair mode with the adjustable brace.

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 think these are minor flaws and we highly recommend this product to anyone shopping for a new cot without spending a ton of cash. If you need something more portable, the Coleman Pack-Away is our first choice.

camping cot - we love the ability to just chill at camp on our converta cot. we...
We love the ability to just chill at camp on our Converta Cot. We also love its amazing price point.
Credit: David Wise

Most Features and Versatility


REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3


68
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Setup 7.0
  • Portability 3.0
  • Comfort 9.0
  • Durability 9.0
REASONS TO BUY
Super adjustable
Large
Comfortable
Lots of features
Well-built
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Hard to carry
Fussy during setup
More Expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight for Tested Version 23.9 lbs
Rated Weight Limit 300 lbs
Tested Length 82"
Available Lengths 82"
Bedside Organizer No
It didn't receive top scores across the board, but we simply can't deny the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 its spotlight. This cot is one of the best products on our list, but we held back on naming it our favorite cot because of its low scores for portability and fussy nature during setup. Those two factors aside, we feel the Kingdom Cot is a superb product and an excellent choice for anyone looking for added features, versatility, and top quality. This cot is large, comfortable, and incredibly adjustable, giving users many elevation options. It can even double as a chaise lounger while beach camping. 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.

On the downside, the Kingdom Cot 3 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.

Read more: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 review

camping cot - the kingdom cot's perimeter padding goes a long way toward keeping...
The Kingdom 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

Most Comfortable Camping Cot


Coleman ComfortSmart


65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Ease of Setup 7.0
  • Portability 3.0
  • Comfort 9.0
  • Durability 7.0
REASONS TO BUY
Includes a mattress
Spacious and supportive
REASONS TO AVOID
Very large
Hard to carry
Expensive
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight for Tested Version 19.7 lbs
Rated Weight Limit 300 lbs
Tested Length 80"
Available Lengths 69", 80"
Bedside Organizer No
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. You have plenty of room to toss and turn, and this model boasts even support across its entire surface — no pressure or drooping points.

The tradeoff for all this comfort is that the Coleman ComfortSmart is more of a pain 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 while 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.

Read more: Coleman ComfortSmart review

camping cot - the coleman comfortsmart is great for longer trips or even just...
The Coleman ComfortSmart is great for longer trips or even just relaxing.
Credit: David Wise

Compare Products

select up to 5 products to compare
Score Product Price
73
Coleman Pack-Away Cot
Best Overall Camping Cot
$90
Editors' Choice Award
68
REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
Most Features and Versatility
$199
Top Pick Award
67
KingCamp Folding Deluxe
Best Bang For The Buck
$85
Best Buy Award
67
Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Cot
$120
66
Coleman Converta Folding Cot
A Versatile Value Option
$60
Best Buy Award
66
KingCamp Portable Folding 4-Position Camping Cot
$80
65
Coleman ComfortSmart
Most Comfortable Camping Cot
$125
Top Pick Award
59
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL
$180
53
Coleman Folding Camp Cot and Air Bed
$220
53
Helinox Lite
$300

camping cot - from beaches to campgrounds, we snoozed a lot while on the job in...
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 Test Camping Cots


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 discover the unique nuances of each cot, so that we could confidently file a comprehensive assessment of each product.

camping cot - we set up each camping cot in a variety of climates and regions and...
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 them, measured them, studied their fabrics and components, and also evaluated the overall construction and design of each product. In the end, we were able to get a sense of how durable each is, as well as noting any damage or wear and tear sustained throughout testing. Through our rigorous testing process, we were able to gain extensive knowledge of each product in the areas that we feel 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 and resulting surgery from professional snowboarding, Marissa has struggled to find a sleeping pad that worked. 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 get more general opinions of how comfortable each cot is to people of different body types.

Jason is a native of Utah and seeks time in the 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.

Some of these cots are far easier to assemble than others.
Some of these cots are far easier to assemble than others.
It can take a fair amount of force to assemble and tighten the...
It can take a fair amount of force to assemble and tighten the fabric on some products.
It can take a bit of effort to get the legs clipped on to the side...
It can take a bit of effort to get the legs clipped on to the side rails of the Helinox cot.

How to Pick the Best Cot


We've put together four important considerations to help you decide on 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 important to consider your sleeping space and factor in how much room you have in your tent. Look at cot dimensions and consider how it will sit inside the walls of your sleeping space. Remember that you'll be elevated off the ground, where tent walls start to slope inward. Also consider packability, how easy transport will be, and how far you plan to carry your cot.

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 take less than a minute to unfold and set up, while others require assembly with multiple pieces and various steps to achieve a working cot. When looking at cots, consider how long you plan on staying between places and if the extra setup time is worth it.

camping cot - when looking for a cot it's a good idea to take a look at the setup...
When looking for a cot it's a good idea to take a look at the setup process.
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, then look for cots that provide a topper, either through air or padding. Other options will provide more versatility for those who don't mind sacrificing comfort for portability and setup time.

What About Weight?


Some cots are ideal for up to 225 pounds, while others can accommodate up to 600 lbs. 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.

camping cot - cots come in a variety of sizes and orientations. hopefully, with...
Cots come in a variety of sizes and orientations. Hopefully, with our advice, you can choose the best one for your personal needs.
Credit: Marissa Fox

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 giving you even more bang for the buck, as you not only get a cot but also a lounge chair for the same price.

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 for carrying into the backcountry.

Ease of Setup


First and foremost, we rated and compared how much work it took 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 easy it was to fit the cot back into its carrying bag.


Taking the top spots in this metric, the Kingcamp Folding Deluxe and the ARAER Camping Cot are some of the quickest and easiest camping cots to set up or break down that we have seen to date. These 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.

The KingCamp is one of the easiest cots to unfold that we have ever...
The KingCamp is one of the easiest cots to unfold that we have ever seen.
The ARAER is very quick to unfold.
The ARAER is very quick to unfold.

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. 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, 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 or the Alpha Camp, but the legs are a bit more cumbersome to unfold, and there is a slightly higher potential to have your fingers pinched.

camping cot - the converta cot can be set up in just a couple of minutes.
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 make sure the legs are angled correctly before getting in it, as there isn't a defined locking mechanism with this cot. Overall, it's quick and easy to get the Coleman Pack-Away Cot ready to go when bedtime approaches.

camping cot - despite its name, the pack-away isn't the easiest to pack away, but...
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: Marissa Fox

The Converta 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 we found took a little extra time was to make sure the locking mechanism for the backrest adjustment was fully engaged if you were setting these cots up for chair mode.

The headrest can be set to a variety of different heights or laid...
The headrest can be set to a variety of different heights or laid flat.
The locking mechanism for the height can be a bit finicky at first.
The locking mechanism for the height can be a bit finicky at first.

Another Coleman cot 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 includes a mattress, which conveniently stows inside the legs and is easy to pull out and put 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.

camping cot - the included mattress makes the comforsmart exceptionally comfortable.
The included mattress makes the ComforSmart exceptionally comfortable.
Credit: Marissa Fox

The Coleman Airbed Cot isn't too difficult to set up but is a bit more time-consuming. 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.

camping cot - all of the included components with the coleman airbed cot.
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.

The main frame of this cot unfolds quite easily.
The main frame of this cot unfolds quite easily.
This cot is large enough that a second person can be helpful but it...
This cot is large enough that a second person can be helpful but it isn't too bad to do by yourself.
The included pump can be used to inflate or deflate the air mattress.
The included pump can be used to inflate or deflate the air mattress.

Portability


Next, we rated and scored how easy it is to move. 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.


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.

camping cot - the helinox lite is a little on the large side for our tastes when...
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 remainder of the cots are all significantly less portable. 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. In terms of portability, the KingCamp Folding Deluxe and the Coleman Pack-Away Cot came next with their middle-of-the-road results. The KingCamp Folding Deluxe weighs in at about 15 pounds and the Coleman Pack-Away Cot is a bit 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.

camping cot - it isn't too bad to carry the alpha camp for short distances but we...
It isn't too bad to carry the Alpha Camp for short distances but we wouldn't want to hike with it.
Credit: David Wise

The Coleman Airbed Cot is easily the heaviest of the group, tipping the scales at over 40 pounds.

The Airbed cot packed up in its carrying case.
The Airbed cot packed up in its carrying case.
We definitely wouldn't want to carry this cot very far.
We definitely wouldn't want to carry this cot very far.

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 amount of distance without a vehicle.

Comfort


Our next round of tests focused on how comfortable each cot is, both to sleep/lie down on and sit 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 if you omitted it. It has ample room for most people to avoid hitting their elbows or their head and feet on the frame. This product feels very comfortable to lie on, offering ample support across your whole body. Likewise, the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is also one of the more comfortable cots on our list, due to it's flexible, bungee-cord support system, as well as its quilted top and padded headrest.

camping cot - this cot is plenty long for all but the tallest people.
This cot is plenty long for all but the tallest people.
Credit: Marissa Fox

The Coleman Airbed Cot 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.

camping cot - the coleman airbed is a supremely comfy solution for camping.
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 has more than enough support to get a good night's sleep, and you could easily use this product as a bench as well.

camping cot - the xxl offers ample sleeping area.
The XXL offers ample sleeping area.
Credit: Marissa Fox

The Converta and KingCamp 4-Position have support at the head and foot of the cot and provide an excellent amount of support. We found these cots to be very comfortable, both in sleeping and sitting modes.

The Converta cot in lounge chair mode.
The Converta cot in lounge chair mode.
The Converta Cot in sleeping mode.
The Converta Cot in sleeping mode.

The KingCamp Folding Deluxe doesn't have side rails, but there are some pressure points that 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.

camping cot - the built-in headrest makes this cot quite comfortable.
The built-in headrest makes this cot quite comfortable.
Credit: Marissa Fox

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 assessments on our overall impressions of the design and construction, as well as any damage or wear and tear sustained during use.


Overall, we think the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL and REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 are two of the most durable of the 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 Co-op Kingdom Cot 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.

The burly frame on the XXL is fairly heavy but should be able to...
The burly frame on the XXL is fairly heavy but should be able to take some abuse without issue.
The XXL has a burly frame that should last for many seasons.
The XXL has a burly frame that should last for many seasons.

Next, the Coleman ComfortSmart has a durable frame and is rated at 300 pounds. It didn't sustain any damage in our tests. Still, we could see the included mattress or the springs being a little more susceptible to damage than the Teton Sports Outfitter XXL.

The Coleman Pack-Away Cot followed with its solid construction and weight limit rated up to 300 pounds. The Pack-Away Cot didn't sustain any damage throughout our test. 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.

camping cot - the kingcamp 4-position feels very solid to us.
The KingCamp 4-Position feels very solid to us.
Credit: David Wise

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 aren't the most durable in our experience.

camping cot - the frame of the kingcamp doesn't seem as burly as some of the other...
The frame of the KingCamp doesn't seem as burly as some of the other options.
Credit: Marissa Fox

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 it takes 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.

camping cot - getting a good night's rest is one of the most important ingredients...
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

Conclusion


Hopefully, this has been a helpful analysis in your quest for a new camping cot, regardless of whether you are looking for a top-tier or bargain model, a heavy-duty option for extended use, or an ultralight edition to take on your next backpacking trip.

Jason Wanlass & Marissa Fox