One of the most important elements of any camping trip is the ability to get a good and restful night’s sleep.
Because without a good night’s sleep it can be really hard to enjoy the days camping activities. Because of this campers often have many questions such as “are camping cots comfortable” and “do camping cots provide a good night’s sleep?
As a camper myself it seems like I have tried just about every sleeping set up imaginable in search of the perfect night’s sleep including camping cots and I’m happy to report that yes camping cots are comfortable to sleep on.
While camping cots won’t compare to the comfort level of your full-size bed at home they are leaps and bounds better than sleeping on the ground and provide plenty of comfort while sleeping in a tent.
Why are Camping Cots Comfortable?
There are several reasons why camping cots are comfortable and a good choice if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep while camping.
- Allows the camper to sleep above the ground instead of on it which helps to avoid an uncomfortable and uneven sleeping surface.
- Elevated sleeping position ensures the camper will stay high and dry while sleeping.
- Provides superior protection from bugs and snakes.
- Keeps the camper cooler at night during summer camping because it allows for airflow underneath the bed.
- Keeps the camper warmer during the winter as the cot prevents contact with the cold ground.
- Provides a great base to add additional layers of comfort such as extra blankets, sleeping pads, or an air mattress.
- Camping cots can also pull double duty by providing a chair to sit on during the day.
What Make a Good Camping Cot?
Camping cots can be a great choice to sleep comfortably in a tent but it’s important to remember that not all camping cots are created equal.
While it can be tempting to go with a cheaper camping cot to save a little money you are far better off in the long run to spend a little more on a quality cot that will be dependable and hold up over time.
When looking for a quality camping cot there are few key indicators you can use to ensure you’re making a good choice.
The first thing to look at is the brand of the cot and the reputation that the brand has in the camping industry. Picking a cot from a quality manufacturer such as Coleman or REI can go along way to help ensure you’ll be sleeping on a well-built camping cot for years of trouble-free use.
The next thing to look at is the actual construction of the cot. Make sure the cot frame has an all metal construction and uses as little plastic as possible, especially around the hinges and moving parts. Also, make sure there is quality stitching at the seems to ensure the fabric will up over time.
The final thing to do is to actually lay down on the camping cot to make sure that it’s a good fit for you and your preferences.
If you plan to purchase your camping cot online be sure to at least read user reviews of the camping cot to ensure the tent has been reviewed favorably and received high marks for both durability and comfort.
Disadvantages of the Camping Cot
Even though camping cots can be one of the most comfortable things to sleep on while camping it’s not all good news when it comes to camping cots. Below are some of the disadvantages or negatives of camping cots.
- Camping cots are usually heavy and bulky which means they are best suited for car camping and will not work for backpacking.
- More complicated design with more failure points compared to a camping sleeping pad.
- Takes up a lot of space inside the tent and can be too large for small 1 or 2 person tents.
My Top Picks for the Most Comfortable Camping Cots
My top two picks for a comfortable camping cot are the Coleman Trailhead II Cot on Amazon for its simplicity and ease of use and the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot on Amazon for its ultimate level of comfort.
Related Questions:
Are There Camping Cots for Two People?
Yes, camping cots come in all shapes and sizes and they make camping cots that can accommodate two people such as the Coleman Airbed Cot on Amazon.
Is There a Weight Limit on Camping Cots?
Yes, there is a weight limit on camping cots and while this can vary depending on the quality and construction of the cot it’s usually around 300 pounds. It’s important though before using any camping cot to check the specific weight limit for that cot.
How Wide and Long is a Camping Cot?
While this can vary as well, single camping cots are approximately 75 to 80 inches long and 25 to 30 inches wide which should easily accommodate an average size adult.
Do They Make Camping Cots for Kids?
Yes, there is a wide variety of camping cots for kids that can accommodate toddlers all the way up to young adults. They even make a camping cot for kids called the Kid-O-Bunk that is a stackable bunk bed style version of a camping cot.
Looking for the ultimate in camping cot comfort and protection? You might want to check out our article on “Which is Better a Camping Bed Tent or a Standard Tent“.