Best Heavy Duty Camping Cots For Comfort & Durability

If you want to increase the comfort you get while sleeping in the great outdoors, then you need a camping cot. For campers who don't feel like roughing it on the ground, a camping cot is necessary because it's just like a regular bed.

So, below is a list of the best heavy duty camping cot that will make you enjoy your camping trip with your family or your group of friends.

1. Helinox Lite Cot

The Helinox Lite Cot is a good investment because of its incredibly low weight and cozy construction.

With this 2-pound cot, Helinox, known for its lightweight camping gear, lives up to expectations.

We liked that even though the width of 23.5 inches is on the narrow side, this cot can easily fit in a smaller tent if necessary. The cot weights only little more than hiking pads and less than certain plusher air beds.

It slides easily into a backpack because of its long, thin design while it's in its carrying case. The only drawback is that initially, unfolding the cot requires some extra power, but over time, it becomes easier to put together.

2. Coleman Trailhead ii

The Trailhead II Cot from Coleman has plenty of room to accommodate people who are over 6 feet tall and elevates everyone who is sleeping on it by at least one foot. The large side pockets that are attached to it is a bonus feature because they can contain your glasses, a headlamp, and other little items.

To increase security and prevent sleepers from rolling off, the rails are slightly elevated. Its frame is strong enough to protect you your tent mates, in case you all want to sleep in it. Also, the canvas is firm and supportive.

Because of the steel X-shaped frame and double stitching, this camp cot is more durable and will last for many years before needing to be replaced. It folds up and fits in the carry case that is provided, making it simple to keep and load in the car.

The maximum distance it will travel is undoubtedly from the house to the car because at a hefty 21 pounds, there is no way you'll want to carry this bad boy in your backpack.

It's possible that you'll need to apply some leverage to attach the second brace because there have been reports that the end braces are difficult to fasten to the frame. Once you're up and running, though, you have access to a cozy bed that won't break the bank.

3. Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot

The phrase "heavy-duty" has become a cliche that manufacturers frequently abuse, but in our opinion, the real meaning is that a product is made to withstand a lot of hard use.

It would resemble Cabela's Big Outdoorsman Cot if that phrase were to take the shape of a camping cot. This camp cot It is built to support a massive 600 pounds of weight and is made of a water-resistant polyester fabric and a powder-coated durable steel frame.

We cannot recommend it unless you are car camping, in which case it will serve you well. Of course, this heavy-duty prowess comes at the expense of portability. When weight is not an issue, this cot can contain a large number of people, since it is large, robust, and there's ease of setup.

The cot is provided by Cabela's with an integrated lever arm along the side that locks it in the open position. It folds away for simple storage when you're prepared to break down camp. A cot pad may be purchased to make the arrangement a little more comfortable.

4. JAMBOREE Military-Style Cot

This heavy-duty camping military-style cot is made to withstand extreme conditions. Because of its extreme durability, even the legs have been strengthened within additional metal rods. The Jamboree can support 350 lbs of weight, which is a high weight capacity.

It is 77 inches long and 25 inches wide, which makes it longer than a regular cot. This military-style cot is approximately 17 inches above the ground, with a washable, mildew-resistant polyester cover.

This camping cot has some useful side pockets, including one with a drink holder for the nightcap, and compact size compartments to accommodate different stuff.

The cot also includes a carry case and a built-in pillow, both of which are acceptable but hardly the most comfortable pillows ever. The fact that this cot is the quickest and simplest to set up makes up for this drawback.

Overall, this is a good cot for individuals weighing up to 350 lbs. The only thing I can think of to improve comfort is to add your own foam pad or perhaps a self-inflating air mattress on top.

You can also add some padding, depending on your body weight, so you can feel the support bars through the canvas.

5. Rei Co-op Kingdom Cot

We can't help but love the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 , despite the fact that it doesn't have the highest ratings.

The Kingdom Cot is a fantastic product and a great choice for those looking for bonus features, versatility, and high quality. This cot offers customers a wide range of elevation options. Even when used for beach camping, it can serve as a shay lounger.

We totally love its built-in, comfortable pillow and its cushioning around the edges. Its large, swivel feet, provides better stability on rough terrain and guard against punctures to the tent floor.

However, the Kingdom Cot is a little tricky to set up because of the slightly strange angles of its legs, which have a tendency to fold up abruptly if not placed well.

Similarly, it takes some effort to push down the cot's headrest section into position.

These are some of its drawbacks, which does not put away the fact that is made of good quality.

6. Alps Mountaineering Ready Lite Cot

Even though full-sized cots predominate the market, the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is a cot that prioritizes a modest packed size and weight. The ReadyLite, which is designed for both road trips and side trips, tucks away when not in use but comes to life when it's time to go to sleep.

We were immediately amazed with the ReadyLite during our first use because lightweight cots like this one are always a bit of an engineering marvel to construct.

The cot swiftly assembles and transforms a fold of fabric into a complete cot in a matter of minutes by using supports that resemble tent poles. The fact that this cot could support a full 300 pounds was even more astonishing.

The ReadyLite differs from other simple cots by allowing a thin foam or inflatable pad to be sandwiched between the platform and the cot. While this cot is comfortable on its own, it really shines with additional padding. As long as it is 2" thick or less, any camping pad measuring 20" broad will fit.

It will take some effort to bend the ReadyLite's legs into place, but the easiest way is to rest one side of the cot on the ground while bending the other leg into place with your body weight. You'll need a little space to complete it.

The main reason we would consider choosing a taller cot is that it makes donning boots in the morning easier. The ReadyLite is on the shorter end of the camping cot spectrum at 6" high.

7. Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot

The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is a great choice whether you're going on a camping vacation or looking to add a second bed in your guest room.

Assembling the four-piece system takes a few minutes, and it has an easy setup. The cot's size is ideal for a good night's sleep because it's neither too big nor too little. Even on uneven ground, the legs and taut material provide excellent stability. When spending hours on the cot, there was no sinking.

We think it would be better for campgrounds that are close to the car or to put up in your home because the cot weights 18 pounds, which was very substantial when we carried it in the bag. This cot is the best choice for a long-lasting multi-purpose cot due to its comfort and ease of setup.

8. Coleman Airbed Cot

One of our top picks when it comes to air beds on a frame is the Coleman Airbed Cot. However, it actually makes a comfortable sleeping surface for different types of campers.

Because it is constructed of sturdy materials and includes an external battery-operated pump, this mattress is suitable for camping.

If space is a concern for you, the Airbed Cot is a portable Queen-size mattress and has a 600-pound weight capacity. The dimensions are 59 inches wide by 78 inches long. Also, the sleeping surface is elevated by 22 inches above the ground. Access to and from the bed is excellent for the Big Guys.

The Coleman Airbed Cot's ability to transform is what makes it so incredibly good. It can be used as a full elevated bed or converted into a stand-alone, luxurious cot and a queen-size air mattress.

Also, the degree of comfort offered by this portable queen bed is out of this world. Let me tell you, sleeping on the cot and air mattress combo is a dream. The air mattress has vertical chambers of support known as "Comfort Strong Coil Springs" from Coleman. In other words, wherever you lay on the bed, you receive full body support.

The mattress won't sag even if you sit on the edge of the bed, unlike other air mattresses. You shouldn't forget that the Coleman technology goes against what you might expect from an air mattress.

It doesn't have a channel structure like the old, unpleasant, and cheap mattresses, so it won't get damaged after a few uses.

9. Byer of Maine Easy Cot

This camping cot is your best choice if you want extra convenience while car camping . It is the simplest to setup, and it just take a few seconds to have the bed ready to use.

To make the setup even easier, the directions are printed on the side of the bag and are simple to understand. We believe it's best suited for campers who won't have to carry the cot very far, or at all for car camping , as it weighs 21 pounds.

It takes up extra space in the back of a car than some hiking cots, but it doesn't take up much space and is simple to stack with other items of similar sizes.

10. Osage River Cot

The Osage River Standard Folding Camping Cot is simply folded back down after being quickly built by stretching out the canvas cloth over the metal frame. It takes less than a minute to set up and fold, is quite convenient, and is simple to take in and out of its storage bag.

The cot is simple to transport to and from the car and fits perfectly in its carrying case. It may be too large to transport over long distances, but it is incredibly portable for car camping.

You can use this cot while camping and you will be impressed by how easy it is to fit in the tent and have a good night's sleep. If you're tall, this camping cot is long enough for you to sit comfortably on it.

We are convinced that the cot will last for many years because of the way it was built and the materials used. And if you weren't previously convinced, the cost of this cot makes it clear that you should get it.

11. Coleman Comfortsmart

You can check out the Coleman ComfortSmart if having a pleasant experience while camping is your top priority. This tank of a cot is surprisingly comfortable even without the supplied mattress.

It's by far the most comfortable we tested with the mattress. This type provides uniform support across its whole surface, with no pressure or drooping areas, giving you plenty of room to turn and toss about.

The Coleman ComfortSmart is more difficult to travel with because of all this luxury. Because of how much room it takes up, you wouldn't want to carry this cot too far from your car while car camping.

While moving the Coleman ComfortSmart may be difficult, sleeping in it is no. Therefore, you will be happy to use it for any camping trip, provided someone else moved it there for you.

12. KingCamp Folding Deluxe

The KingCamp Folding Camping Cot is the right cot you, but not just not for sleeping. Couples can use this spacious camping cot, which has a lot of useful features.

The extra-wide sleeping area of the KingCamp contains non-slip plastic feet to stop excessive movement, elastic bands to fasten your sleeping pads, and these features help make the area more secure.

Although this isn't the lightest camping cot r, the carrying bag has wheels to make it easier for you to move it. The triangular durable steel frame design holds up to 550 pounds. To avoid tears, the cot is made of sturdy 1200D Oxford fabric.

Keep in mind that this is a simple cot with no additional cushioning and a metal bar running down the centre of the bed, making cuddling difficult without a heavy blanket.

13. Teton Sports Outfitter XXL

With hundreds of five-star Amazon ratings, The Teton Sports Outfitter can be found on gear lists of outdoor publications and offers everything we're looking for in a high-quality cot. With larger dimensions all around that allow more space to stretch out, it's even wide enough to co-sleep with children.

The Outfitter cot is adaptable, pleasant, and user-friendly. Because you can store a lot of goods underneath, the increased height makes it much simpler to get on and off and frees up space inside the tent.

The Teton Cot is unique in that it features a built-in lever that makes snapping the tightest end bar into place less challenging.

This great cot is really durable and will last you through many camping seasons. It serves as a comfortable, solid bed for overnight visitors at home. This is made possible by its aluminium frame and the durable steel which makes it sturdy without being overly heavy.

The Teton Sports camping cot is also available in a smaller, lighter adventurer model with the same pivot arm if weight and space are concerns.

14. Disc-O-Bed Camping Cot

For the curious little ones in your life, the Disc-O-Bed Kid-O-Bunk is a flexible and cutting-edge sleeping option. It is designed to provide comfort and durability when traveling.

It's important to note that this arrangement isn't limited to bunk beds: The Kid-O-Bunk's adaptability is one of its best features. The design may be assembled as a bunk bed or two separate cots, but it can also be turned into a sitting bench for usage throughout the day. Disc-O-Bed makes it simple to disassemble and pack away the cots into a carrying container, despite the fact that a configuration of this scale may seem a little intimidating.

It is a great option for camping vacations, sleepovers, and more because of its convenience, portability, and versatility.

15. Klymit Cedar Mesa Cot

Klymit, a newcomer to the camping cot market, gave it their all with the $250 Cedar Mesa Cot. This cot, which is ideal for people who are taller, comes in two sizes: Large, which measures almost 6.5 feet, and XL, which measures just over 7.

This roomy cot is perfect for use while cowboy camping in your tent, truck bed, or by the fire.

Setting up the Cedar Mesa Cot takes less than ten minutes. Klymit's Easy Lock technology, which is on the crossbars, makes for an easy setup. To lock each mechanism into place after attaching the side poles and legs to the crossbars, just push down on it. This guarantees the stability of the cot's construction.

This cot is so comfortable, portable and light. Although the cot is very hard in itself, once you are lying on top of it, the 300D polyester ripstop is just enough to accommodate you.

How Do I Choose the Best Camping Cot?

If you want to buy the best camping cot for your next road trip, then there are some things you should consider.

These things are:

1. Comfort

When you want to buy a camping cot, you should always look out for comfort.

A larger camp cots with lots of room and padding are more comfortable. They are, however, nearly impossible to bring on a backpacking excursion. Smaller camp cots don't have the frills and comforts of a larger cot despite being much more movable. So, for best use, certain cots require you to pair your sleeping pad with them, while some even come with built-in pads.

If you are used to sleeping on your back, adding a sleeping pad to your camping cot setup might help make it more cozy and comfortable.

Cots that don't necessary need an extra sleeping cushion sometimes have a hammock-like feel to them. The cloth should have just enough elasticity to allow your body to be supported comfortably while maintaining enough structure to prevent sinking.

2. Size and Weight

Most camping cots available in the market are made for car camping, when weight and pack size are less of an issue. The average weight of a camping cot ranges from 12 pounds on the light end to about 30 pounds on the heavy end.

The weight of a camping cot is influenced by the fabric, and design. Aluminum frames will be lighter than those built with heavier metals like steel. Compared to nylon and mesh, cot materials like canvas and polyester tend to add weight.

So, think about where you plan to use your camping cot and how the design as a whole may affect your ability to carry it into your campground or pack it with you when you go hiking.

3. The Setup Process

If you can't set something up, it's no good having it in the first place. A cot's bed is often made of a material that has been tightly stretched over a frame that supports your body.

Many people find it difficult to pull the final piece of material over the frame, needing assistance from another person to pull with sufficient force.

4. Durability

The durability of camping cots varies greatly. A cot is often more durable the heavier it is.

Sturdy frames constructed of steel or steel alloys support the weighty car camping cots. This increases their resistance to drops, roughhousing kids, and any other demanding activity a bed may experience.

The frames of lighter cots are made of aluminum or another lightweight material. Although they are far more delicate, the smaller weight makes them ideal for hiking through the woods.

5. Price

When looking for a camping cot, you need to balance the features you need with your budget.

Start with the cheapest cot and consider what additions you'd like to make if you just need a simple cot to keep you off the ground when you sleep next to your car. A basic car camping cot should cost less than $100 and is made up of a foldable frame with fabric spread over it.

If you want more alternatives, a better enhanced option will cost you an additional $150 to $250, so be prepared.

Camping Cot vs Sleeping Pad: Which is Better?

This can be a tough question to answer, but it all depends on personal preferences.

If you are using a camping cot, you will be raised off the ground, which makes for a god night's sleep. They also help in keeping you from feeling chilled while you sleep due to the chilly ground.

Also, they give more room for sleeping. You are less likely to roll off of it in the middle of the night. However, cots are more heavier than sleeping pads. Because of this, they don't work well when it comes to portability.

It does not take away the fact that camping cots are an excellent option for folks who only sleep a short distance from their cars.

They won't have to carry their cots very far, so the extra weight and bulk won't be a big problem.

On the other hand, sleeping pads are more lighter and more compressible. They are softer than cots without built-in padding.

You do have to sleep on the ground though, so it will expose you to the hardness of the ground and may allow the cold ground to seep into your sleeping bag.

At the end, you will realize that a camping cot and a sleeping pad are the best alternative if luxury is the desired outcome and weight is not an option.

The best of both worlds can be had by using a foam sleeping pad and a camping cot. The pad offers a decent deal of comfort, and the cot will raise you off the ground and give you a larger area to sleep on.

Now you know how important it is to choose the best camping cot for your next vacation.

This is because a nice camping cot raises you off the ground, provides a surface for you to sit on, a storage space for your camping stuff, and, most importantly, a portal bed for beautiful night rest.

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