The 600-denier five-panel reinforced fabric is extra sturdy and wear-resistant so it's going to serve you for years upon years.
The legs might leave marks on some surfaces.
If you're an experienced camper looking for a trusty piece of gear to add to your collection, the comfy Byer of Maine 311 cot is a great choice. It's easy to unfold, supports a lot of weight, and will not break or tear no matter how much heavy duty use it sees. A purchase that will last you for years or even decades.
Frame: welded steel
Fabric: polyester
Up to 330 lbs
Foldable construction, non-skid feet, carry bag with shoulder strap
78" x 31" x 18"
21 lbs
Amazon's 30-day return policy
This model has a special mechanism that lets you connect a pair of cots together to create one king-size bed, perfect for couples!
Some users report that the carry bag is of poor quality.
Plus-size people should be quite excited about this cot as it supports up to 400 lbs, enough for most campers. Slimmer buyers will still like it for the high-quality fabric that doesn't sag and the extra-reliable steel frame. A great choice for those seeking extra sleeping space as it's one of the widest models on the market.
Frame: reinforced steel
Fabric: brushed Poly Canvas
Up to 400 lbs
Foldable construction, non-skid feet, carry bag with shoulder strap, pivot arm (for LE models only)
Adventurer/Adventurer LE: 75" x 25" x 17"
20 lbs
Universal LE: 85" x 32" x 19"
24 lbs
Limited lifetime
The nylon fabric is easy to keep clean as a simple wet wipe is enough to get rid of any dirt that may stick to the surface.
Takes up a lot of space even when folded.
The Coleman ComfortSmart cot is easy to take care of and keep clean so your sleeping place will always be tidy and comfy. Besides, the thick foam mattress provides enough support that you won't feel like you're that far from home at all. A solid pick for those seeking that added touch of luxury.
Frame: steel
Fabric: nylon
Up to 275 lbs
Foldable construction, Comfortsmart™ coil suspension system, foam mattress pad included
69" x 25" x 15"
~18 lbs
1 year
The 4 wide legs keep weight distribution even to prevent the cot from sagging.
The weight limit is relatively modest.
This ultra lightweight cot is easy to carry and its compact size means it won't be a bother to fit into your luggage. While it's not fit for larger people, it's certainly a great choice for a slimmer adult or parents that want a comfy place for their kids to sleep on during camping trips.
Frame: steel
Fabric: canvas
Up to 225 lbs
Foldable construction, carry bag with shoulder strap
74.8" x 30.3" x 6.7"
9.8 lbs
Amazon's 30-day return policy
The frame has a mechanism that prevents it from folding back by accident. Plus, the fabric is resistant to UV rays so it won't lose its color.
The unfolding process may take some time to get used to.
Although it doesn't boast the highest weight capacity, size, or ultra-reinforced fabric, this cot is a well-rounded choice with sturdy and durable materials. Plus, it's budget-friendly and a good choice for beginners that don't want to spend too much on their first gear.
Frame: welded steel
Fabric: polyester
Up to 300 lbs
Foldable construction, non-skid feet, carry bag with shoulder strap
75" x 30" x 17"
~21 lbs
1 year
Trusty Piece of Gear
Any experienced camper will tell you that any piece of gear you purchase has to serve you for years. Hikers know all about trusting your equipment and relying on it to withstand heavy-duty use. So if you want a product that will stay with you for years, choose the Byer of Maine 311.
This bed is made with 600-denier five-panel reinforced fabric that won’t sag over time or get worn out. The reinforcements also mean that the bed can support a much higher weight than most, far above an average adult. If hard-pressed, you could even fit more than one person on it though you’d lose some of the comfort.
We do advise against using this model in cheaper tent models as the steel legs of the cot might end up tearing the material or leave some marks on it. It’s not too big of an issue and you can even use it as a reason to sleep out under the starry sky.
This camping cot bed is also easy to unfold as you simply pull one side and the bed spreads out in a matter of seconds. Carrying it around may be a bit tough, though, as 21 lbs isn’t exactly lightweight. Of course, the special transportation bag with a strap will be a big help and ease the burden a bit.
All in all, we’d say that the above-average weight of the cot is justified by its incredibly sturdy construction and durability. So if you want a trusty piece of gear that’s going to be both a comfortable spot for sleeping and able to support your weight, the Byer of Maine 311 is an optimal choice.
Living Large, Sleeping Comfortably
Plus-size people shouldn’t feel restricted from having fun out in the forests and mountains and gear aimed at large individuals is slowly getting more widespread. However, camping cots have been lagging behind in that aspect and so we’re happy to recommend the TETON Sports 1048A.
This is, by a long shot, the biggest portable sleeping spot we’ve seen with unrivaled width. It can also support up to 400 lbs so even plus-size guys and gals should get comfy on this cot. And if you’re a slimmer couple, the spot is wide enough for two if you’re willing to scoot over a little.
However, you don’t necessarily have to share your sleeping area and feel cramped. Instead, get a pair of these cots and, using a special mechanism, join them together to create a king-size cot that you can relax on together.
We do have to admit that the carrying bag isn’t the best we’ve seen. You have to fold the bad carefully into the bag or you risk tearing it, which would be ill-advised when you’re out in the wild. Still, if you take good care of it, the bag easily supports the 24-lb cot frame and the strap is strong enough to carry it comfortably on your shoulder.
So if you’ve got a broad complexion or just want your cot to be extra spacious, the TETON Sports 1048A is a thrifty choice. The welded steel frame and brushed polycanvas will hold immense weight easily and you can rest assured that the cot won’t sag or break during your nightly rest. A reliable pick for adventurers!
Always on the Go
When you’re out camping, there’s little time to spend on maintenance and keeping things neat. That’s why we recommend the Coleman ComfortSmart, the best camping cot for those that don’t like to stay static longer than required.
We particularly like this cot because it is perfect for easy maintenance. You can brush off any dirt or debris using your hand or a wet wipe if something’s particularly sticky. The nylon fabric dries out pretty fast so you can even wash it with some water. The whole bed will be ready to go in just a couple of minutes.
The ColemanComfortSmart is also easy to put together and unfold as it’s pretty lightweight and the fabric doesn’t snag on the frame. However, we have to admit that the cot takes up quite a bit of space when it’s folded so make sure to get a spacious bag for it. One reason for the size may be the coil suspension system that this bed uses. We’d say that more than justifies it as the coils help keep the cot from sagging or tearing. Plus, there’s the thick foam mattress that softens your rest and inches this cot closer to feeling like an actual household bed.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is easy to keep neat and tidy, weighs relatively little, and provides a most comfortable resting spot for a traveler. So if you’re always itching for adventure and want a cot that will always keep you ready to go, choose this one.
A Load Off Your Back
It’s nice to have a soft sleeping spot even while you’re deep in the forest or up a mountain. But not everybody wants to lug around 20 pounds of extra weight just for a comfy bed. Luckily, there’s a third option available and it’s the Mountain Trails 97938.
This cot weighs just 9.8 lbs so you’ll barely feel its addition to your pack. We’re speaking proverbially, of course, since you won’t actually have to stuff the Mountain Trails bed into your backpack as the model comes with its own carry bag.
We have to admit that the 225 lbs max weight isn’t the highest out there but that’s through no fault of the fabric, that’s for sure. The high-quality canvas is reliable and easy to clean, stretched carefully to prevent tears. You don’t have to worry about accidentally tipping the cot over if you turn and toss in your sleep either. The 4 wide legs keep the Mountain Trails 97938 standing firmly even if the ground is less than smooth. Besides, they’re made of steel so don’t worry about external damage leaving your cot misshapen and useless.
So if you want an affordable and lightweight cot that will help you feel at home in the wildest of forests, the Mountain Trails 97938 is the right choice. It won’t make a dent in your budget but it will make a big difference in your sleep quality.
No Budget Stretching Required
Working on a budget and seeking a comfortable folding camping cot to make your nights out in the wild more pleasant? Don’t worry, not all models cost an arm and a leg, some are reasonably priced and provide excellent quality. One that stood out to us is the Coleman 765353.
This model’s frame is made of sturdy welded steel that might not be lightweight but is sure to serve you for years and years. Plus, the fabric of choice here is polyester. It’s easy to clean, resistant to UV-rays which means it won’t fade after heavy use, and stretches well. These two elements guarantee that the bed will support any adult or child below 300 lbs.
We have to admit that the process of folding the cot back is a bit finicky and may be annoying early in the morning right after you’re done sleeping. But it’s offset by the reliable mechanisms that keep the bed unfolded no matter what so you don’t have to worry about the cot snapping shut on you in the middle of the night.
The Coleman 765353 also doesn’t weigh all that much and you can carry it along easily using the free bag. It’s easy to sling over your shoulder and, since this model is pretty compact, the bag shouldn’t get in the way while you walk.
All in all, while we wouldn’t call the Coleman 765353 the outright best camping cot on the market, we can definitely say that it’s one of the top choices in the budget-friendly range.
What Is a Camping Cot?
Love going out for a camping trip to the woods or the mountains but aren’t as excited about sleeping on the cold hard ground? That’s completely understandable, after all, hiking is about experiencing untouched nature, not laying your head on a bunch of stones. This active lifestyle is supposed to improve your health but a sleeping bag in the middle of a field probably won’t do you any good. That’s why we recommend getting a simple and compact camping cot. It’s a little bit of comfort that you can take with you on any trip out into nature and it’s going to be worth it just for that little piece of luxury. Since hiking is a mind and body workout, it only makes sense to rest afterwards like you’d do after any other workout in the city.
These cots are lightweight enough that they won’t be all that noticeable in your luggage and can easily fit an adult. They may not be as comfy as your king-size bed at home but that little touch of comfort is worth a ton when you’re far away from the house.