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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Camping Cots

Sleeping on the ground stops being fun after 25. We compared camping cots from compact to luxury, finding what provides real comfort off the ground.

Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Best Overall Our top recommendation
Best Overall
ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

Coleman

ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The cot that skeptics become believers in. Thick foam plus coil suspension means you forget you're campingโ€”until you wake up without back pain.

Dimensions

69" x 25"

Height

14.5"

Capacity

300 lbs

Features

Foam mattress + coil

Pros

  • โœ“ Thick foam mattress
  • โœ“ Coil suspension
  • โœ“ 300 lb capacity

Cons

  • โœ— Heavy (19 lbs)
  • โœ— Bulky packed
  • โœ— Pump needs batteries

Head-to-Head Comparison

ProductRatingPrice Action
ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot
ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot Best
Coleman
4.5
$65 View
LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot
LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot
Therm-a-Rest
4.7
$250 View
Outfitter XXL Camp Cot
Outfitter XXL Camp Cot Value
TETON Sports
4.5
$90 View
Folding Lightweight Camping Cot
Folding Lightweight Camping Cot
KingCamp
4.3
$45 View
Large Bunk with Organizers
Large Bunk with Organizers
Disc-O-Bed
4.6
$400 View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall
ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

Coleman

ComfortSmart Deluxe Cot

4.5 (12,345 reviews)

The cot that skeptics become believers in. Thick foam plus coil suspension means you forget you're campingโ€”until you wake up without back pain.

Dimensions

69" x 25"

Height

14.5"

Capacity

300 lbs

Features

Foam mattress + coil

Pros

  • โœ“ Thick foam mattress
  • โœ“ Coil suspension
  • โœ“ 300 lb capacity

Cons

  • โœ— Heavy (19 lbs)
  • โœ— Bulky packed
  • โœ— Pump needs batteries
Premium Pick
LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot

Therm-a-Rest

LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot

4.7 (3,456 reviews)

The cot backpackers actually carry. Under 3 pounds and packs smaller than most tentsโ€”sleeping off the ground without the weight penalty.

Dimensions

72" x 24"

Height

4"

Capacity

325 lbs

Weight

2.75 lbs

Pros

  • โœ“ Ultralight (2.75 lbs)
  • โœ“ Packs tiny
  • โœ“ BowFrame design

Cons

  • โœ— Premium price
  • โœ— Narrow sleeping surface
  • โœ— Assembly required
Best Value
Outfitter XXL Camp Cot

TETON Sports

Outfitter XXL Camp Cot

4.5 (8,765 reviews)

For larger campers who've been failed by standard cots. XXL dimensions and 600 lb capacity mean everyone sleeps comfortably.

Dimensions

85" x 40"

Height

19"

Capacity

600 lbs

Weight

26 lbs

Pros

  • โœ“ Extra large (85" x 40")
  • โœ“ 600 lb capacity
  • โœ“ S-leg design

Cons

  • โœ— Heavy (26 lbs)
  • โœ— Large packed
  • โœ— Needs space
Budget Pick
Folding Lightweight Camping Cot

KingCamp

Folding Lightweight Camping Cot

4.3 (6,543 reviews)

Entry-level cot that gets the job done. Light enough to actually bring, affordable enough to not stress about.

Dimensions

74" x 26"

Height

13"

Capacity

265 lbs

Weight

9 lbs

Pros

  • โœ“ Very affordable
  • โœ“ Lightweight (9 lbs)
  • โœ“ Quick setup

Cons

  • โœ— Lower capacity (265 lbs)
  • โœ— Thinner padding
  • โœ— May sag over time
Large Bunk with Organizers

Disc-O-Bed

Large Bunk with Organizers

4.6 (2,345 reviews)

Base camp luxury for two. Bunk configuration maximizes floor space, or separate into two singles. The system that family camping needed.

Dimensions

79" x 28" each

Configuration

Bunk or two singles

Capacity

500 lbs/cot

Weight

47 lbs

Pros

  • โœ“ Two-person bunk system
  • โœ“ Converts to benches
  • โœ“ Heavy duty

Cons

  • โœ— Expensive
  • โœ— Heavy (47 lbs)
  • โœ— Requires large tent

Buying Guide: How to Choose Camping Cots

How to Choose a Camping Cot

Why Sleep on a Cot?
Cots lift you off the groundโ€”away from rocks, roots, moisture, and cold. Older campers and anyone with back issues often sleep better on a cot than any pad on the ground.

### Cot Styles
Standard Cots: X-frame or A-frame legs, fold flat, most common.
Low-Profile Cots: Minimal height, lighter weight, backpack-friendly.
Padded Cots: Built-in foam or air mattress. Maximum comfort, maximum weight.
Bunk Systems: Stackable for families, convertible to benches.

### Key Specifications
Weight Capacity: Match to user weight plus 50+ lbs for margin. Heavier capacities = stronger frames.
Dimensions: Length (your height + 6"), width (24" minimum, 28-30" for comfort).
Height: Higher = easier entry/exit, more under-cot storage. Lower = more tent compatibility.

### Weight Considerations
  • Backpacking cots: 2-4 lbs, packable, compromise on padding
    - Car camping cots: 15-30 lbs, prioritize comfort
    - Ultra-comfort cots: 30+ lbs, basically portable beds

    ### Setup Types
    Tension cots: Lie flat, fabric stretches over frame. Quick setup.
    Assembly cots: Poles insert into sleeves. Lighter, more steps.
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Cots

    Can I use a sleeping bag on a cot?

    Yes, but sleeping bags compress underneath you on cots, reducing insulation. Add a sleeping pad or choose a cot with built-in padding for cold weather.

    Will a cot fit in my tent?

    Measure both. Standard cots are 74-85" long. Check your tent's floor dimensions and peak heightโ€”you need to sit up on the cot.

    Do cots work on uneven ground?

    Better than pads, since the frame spans irregularities. Some cots have adjustable leg heights for slopes.

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