The best sleeping cots are essential for outdoor goers who are not comfortable lying on the ground to rest. These elevated platforms allow campers at backpackers to have a relaxing experience while resting--away from the sticking rocks, branches, and dirt.
Now, there are numerous sleeping cots that you can get today. However, not all of them have the same quality. When choosing a sleeping cot, you need to ensure that it can serve its purpose. It has to be durable, easy-to-assemble, and downright convenient.
Below are some of the top-rated sleeping cots designed for outdoor use. Check each of them and see which one suits your preferences and requirements.
| Dimensions | Frame Material | Cot Cover Material | |
| Coleman Cot Trailhead II | 75 inches x 35 inches x 17 inches | Alloy Material | Polyester |
| TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot | 85.75 inches x 41 inches x 19.25 inches | Aluminum | Polyester |
| HITORHIKE Camping Cot | 74.8 inches x 27.6 inches x 6.7 inches | Aluminum | Nylon |
| MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Tent Camping Cot | 74.8 inches x 27.4 inches x 6.5 inches | Aluminum | Nylon |
| Tough Outdoors Camping Cot | 83 inches x 32 inches x 19 inches | Aluminum | Polyester |
| Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Easy-Set Cot | 75 inches x 28.7 inches x 14.5 inches | Steel | Polyester |
| Helinox Lite Cot | 73 inches x 23.5 inches x 5 inches | Aluminum | Polyester |
Camping cots are a nice alternative to sleeping on the ground or on a pad. These cots, or cot-style sleeping systems, can be set up almost anywhere you can think of and are very easy to use. One of the best camping cots on the market is the Coleman Cot Trailhead II. This camping cot is lightweight, easy to set up, and has been constructed with durable and rugged materials.
This unit has a higher elevation than most of its counterparts, allowing more distance between you and the ground. It has a cross-bar alloy steel frame that enables it to lift up to 300 pounds. Meanwhile, its cover is tailored from rugged polyester. It is resistant to sagging and wear-and-tear.
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Few things can turn a backpacking or camping trip into a miserable experience, but sleeping in a cold, hard, wet sleeping bag is a sure-fire way to ruin your trip before it even starts. In an effort to provide campers with more comfort, TETON Sports has spent a great deal of time designing a camping cot that is not only strong but comfortable as well.
The TETON Sports Outfitter XXL can be considered as the pinnacle of large sleeping cots. It has high-quality construction, which is clearly seen on reinforced steel S-legs that provide both durability and stability. The frame is also easy to assemble and disassemble. In fact, the unit can hold up to 600 pounds, which is suited for two or more people.
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The HITORHIKE Camping Cot is a lightweight cot perfect for camping and hiking trips. With a weight of just 5 pounds and a foldable design, it is easy to bring along. It assembles without any tools; you can set it up within minutes. The cot is sturdy enough to hold up to 280 pounds, and it comes with a carry bag, so you can bring it with you anywhere.
Surely enough, the construction of its cot material fits the bill, too. Specifically, it features a thick nylon cloth that is thoroughly water and sag-resistant. The nylon has ripstop qualities, as well. Even when exposed to the elements, this outdoor cot remains rugged.
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When it comes to picking the right camping cot, comfort is vital. Your ideal camping cot should be lightweight, durable, and portable. The Marhway Ultralight Camping Cot delivers on all three counts. The cot weighs only 5 pounds but can hold up to 275 pounds. Its ripstop nylon is cool enough to sleep under on hot summer nights. Furthermore, its surface is pretty wide. You can lie on it comfortably since it's spacious.
This ultralight sleeping cot comes with two support bars, one pillowcase, five crossbars, and one carry sack. The bars and rods are all tailored from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is lightweight but holds one sleeper adequately. It can also stand on the ground steadily on uneven or full with inconsistencies, thanks to its adjustable legs.
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If you want to experience using a military-grade camping cot, you should try this unit from Tough Outdoors. It has a bigger sleeping surface than a standard military-style cot. Its aircraft-grade aluminum is lightweight but durable, which is essential for every outdoor application. Meanwhile, its 600-denier polyester canvas offers comfort and sturdiness. You can rest here conveniently.
I also appreciate the ease-of-assembly of this camping cot, which authenticates its military design. Interestingly, this cot comes with an accessory pouch. You can attach it on its side; you can store your essential outdoor accessories such as your multi-tools and survival knives.
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Mountain Summit Gear is a company that has been making camping gear for outdoor enthusiasts for over 40 years. They pride themselves on making equipment that is top-notch, durable, and easy on the eyes. Their latest product, the Horizon Easy-Set Cot, is no exception. After spending a few weeks using this unit, I am confident that this cot met my expectations. It also comes at a price point that makes it an excellent value.
The cot is sturdy enough to hold an adult (up to 300 pounds) yet light enough to be carried for miles, making it perfect for car camping. The 600-denier polyester fabric equipped on the cot is super tough; it sustains consistent use without sagging. Meanwhile, its steel frame is resistant to rust and corrosion.
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We are big fans of camping. I mean, who isn't? We love to get out in nature, relax, and enjoy some peace and quiet. Since we love camping so much, I've decided to review the Helinox Lite Cot. The Lite Cot is a lightweight but sturdy sleeping platform for the outdoors. Touted as one of the world's lightest cots, the Lite Cot weighs in at just 2 pounds but still supports up to a hefty 265 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot also has proprietary aluminum alloy legs and frame, which contribute to its impressive weight reduction. Its setup is fast and easy; it features a single bungee cord that helps in the self-assembly of its poles. With these features, the cot is suitable for both backpacking and backcountry expeditions.
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Camping cots provide a stable platform for you to sleep on, but they are not without their challenges. Here are some tips that will help you get a good night's rest in the great outdoors.
First, you need to think about how long you will be camping and how many people will be with you. You have to determine if you are going to be accompanied by people or you are going to do the adventure by yourself.
People can opt for single-person sleeping cots. But they are also free to get multi-person cots, especially if snuggling together can help beat the coldness.
Keep in mind, though, that the bigger the sleeping cot is, the heavier and bulkier it becomes. You should take that into account.
Next, you need to consider the weight of the cot and how easy it is to set up and disassemble. It is not that difficult to figure out that heavy outdoor gears are not suitable for backpackers and lightweight outdoor applications. But at the same time, they are suitable if you are just going to settle somewhere near.
Keep in mind that the weight of the sleeping cot is influenced by the materials used in its construction. Steel is heavier than aluminum, but it offers more durability and strength.
Polyester and nylon are practically the same. They would only differ in their thickness, which is measured in deniers. The higher the denier the number, the thicker and sturdier the fabric. But at the same time, that should add to the weight of the cot.
Most people ignore this aspect, but it is also a factor that determines the quality of the sleeping cot. Would you want to get an outdoor cot that is difficult to set? Of course, my answer to the question is a big no. I don't know what's your response, but I hope that you have the same answer as me.
Each of the outdoor cot these days has its respective designs. You have to check which one offers the most convenience for you. If you can assemble or disassemble it quickly, then the unit should give you a fine time in the outdoors.
Outdoor cots are using different mechanisms (such as spring tensions) to provide support and comfort to their users. Some of these tension systems allow configuration so that you can set the cot in a setting where you are comfortable. Other outdoor cots allow fine-tuning by the addition and removal of some of its parts.
There are also cots that feature padded mattresses and foams. They are somewhat similar to recliners. They are downright comfortable but expect that they are bulky and heavy.
You also have an option to get camping pads and mattress toppers to provide your existing cot with extra comfort and cushion.
Don't ever pick inexpensive cots that have bad crossbar placements. They will cause inconveniences in your sleep!
An adjustable cot design can also provide the necessary angle to make the experience much more comfortable outdoor.
Aside from these factors, you should also mind the portability of these sleeping cots. Make sure to look for a cot that is made for outdoor use, and that has a carrying case that will make it easy to transport and store. Finally, it is essential to consider the price and other accessories that are available for your cot.
If you can get these considerations right, you will be able to get the best sleeping cots for any of your outdoor trips.
