Perhaps this is your first time buying a cot for your tent? Or maybe you’re an avid camper looking for a cot tailored to your needs?
This article helps you navigate the vast cot universe, advising you on the newest and most reliable cots. We rate cots on their comfort, size, longevity, price, and technical features to give you an in-depth analysis.
If you’re short on time, don’t stress, you can skip to our overall top-rated tent cot which is the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot!
Best Tent Cots To Choose From
- ALPS Mountaineering Escalade Cot
- Coleman Airbed Cot
- Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot
- ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot (Budget Buy)
- Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot
- Disc-O-Bed Youth Kid-O-Bunk (High End)
- KingCamp Portable Folding Camping Cot
- Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot (Top Pick)
Compare Top Camping Cots
| Cot Name | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 ALPS Escalade | 76 | Best Tall Cot | Check Out on Amazon |
 Coleman Airbed | 78 | Best for Glamping | Check Out on Amazon |
 Kamp-Rite Double | 70 | Best for Couples | Check Out on Amazon |
 ALPS Lightweight | 80 |  Best Budget Cot | Check Out on Amazon |
 Therm-a-Rest Ultralite | 46 | Best for Backpacking | Check Out on Amazon |
 Disc-O-Bed Youth | 82 |  Best for Kids | Check Out on Amazon |
 KingCamp Portable | 74 | Best Multi-functional | Check Out on Amazon |
 Coleman Pack-Away | 88 |  Best Overall | Check Out on Amazon |
Detailed Breakdown of the Best Camping Tent Cots
1. ALPS Mountaineering Escalade Cot XL
Overall Score: 76
Advantages
- Spacious
- Good support
- Easy set-up
Disadvantages
- Heavy
- Expensive
Comfort
This is the perfect cot for tall people who roll around in their sleep, or just generally like more space. The canvas fabric is taut, which some may consider uncomfortable.
However, it also makes the cot sturdier. It also ensures you don’t feel any frame bars prodding your back.
Size
The cot is 90” x 35” x 22.5” (L, W, H). It measures 7ft. 6 inches in length, which is outstanding for a cot. Better make sure you have a big tent!
While it has the capacity for 325 lbs., this impacts how heavy it is, making it best suited for car camping.
Technical Features
The cot is exceptionally easy to set up. Just pop it open, and you’re ready to go. When taking it down, just collapse the frame, and you’re ready to roll!
This ALPS cot also has angled legs which provide more support and reduce the chance of the cot tipping over or moving. Finally, it has a handy storage pocket attached!
Longevity
The cot frame is made of metal, so it will last a while. However, the grommet sliders and foot bumpers are plastic, so they are not as durable.
Unfortunately, with plastic feet, a cot can cause damage to your tent floor.
Price
This cot is pricey, but you’re paying for the extra room and sturdier frame. We recommend investing in this cot if you value your sleep and need that extra space.
2. Coleman Airbed Camping Cot – Queen
Overall Score: 78
Advantages
- Air bed included
- Cup Holder attached
- Easy set-up
Disadvantages
- Loud when moving
- Batteries needed for the pump
Comfort
If you like a little luxury when you camp, then the Coleman Camping Cot is what you need. The airbed included with this cot has an Airtight® System, which guarantees it will remain inflated all night.
While this cot has the most bed-like feel, the bed itself can make a loud noise when the air bed fabric rubs against the cot frame. So, if you usually move in your sleep, it could keep you up!
Size
This cot is 59″ x 22″ x 78″ (L x W x H). While it is marketed as ‘queen’ size, it is slightly smaller. As the airbed is included, this cot can be heavy, so backpacking with this luxury cot is unlikely.
Technical features
This cot has advanced coil construction, which offers better support and a convenient cup holder! The airbed can be detached if you need to use the cot or bed separately.
The cot even includes an air pump. However, it is battery operated, so don’t forget to pack this, or you could be sleeping uncomfortably.
Longevity
The thickness of the PVC on the airbed is 0.4mm, slightly under standard camping size (0.6mm). This could impact how durable the airbed is.
Luckily Coleman offers a 1-year warranty, so you could always test it out!
Price
This product is great value for a cot and an air bed. This dreamy combination would usually see you paying double or more. We recommend making the most of this bargain if you want luxury.
3. Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-cot
Overall Score: 70
Advantages
- Sturdy
- Mesh pockets for belongings
- Affordable
Disadvantages
- Central mental bar makes it uncomfortable
Comfort
If you are in a relationship and sick of spending your camping trips in separate cots, then the Kwik-cot is your best option. This cot is reliable and sturdy, made for couples by experts.
While it allows you to be closer to your other half, it has a central longitudinal bar down the middle of the cot which unfortunately still separates you.
This issue can be resolved by putting a mattress topper over the cot.
Size
The dimensions of this cot are 85” x 55” x 19” (L x W x H), so it’s also got some great height on it!
Technical Features
This cot has 2 padded head sections, so you can be assured you will have a little bit of elevation for your head at night. It also has secure mesh pockets located under the cot.
Luckily all metal bars are covered, so you don’t have to worry about knocking your legs.
Longevity
While the central longitudinal bar may take away from this cot’s comfort, it adds durability.
The bar supports the sturdy structure of this cot, so at least you know the cot won’t collapse in the middle of the night.
Price
For a cot this wide and long, it’s a steal! As a cot designed for couples, it’s affordable and functional. However, if you’re purchasing this cot for the cuddles, it might not be the best investment.
4. ALPS Mountaineering Lightweight Cot
Overall Score: 80
Advantages
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Durable steel frame
Disadvantages
- Difficult to set up
Comfort
This cot is the best buy if you’re on a budget. Its 600D polyester fabric offers ultimate comfort as well as stability.
Surprisingly for such a lightweight and affordable cot, the comfort you receive from this product is unbeatable.
Size
It measures 74” x 30” x 7.5” (L x W x H), so it’s good for an average-height person. Also, it is fairly lightweight, weighing in at 9.5 lbs., making it handy for backpacking.
Technical Features
This futuristic-looking cot has curved legs that prevent damage to your tent floor. ALPS claims this cot is easy to set up. However, when testing, we found it fiddly and difficult to assemble.
You will need to apply brute force!
Longevity
The steel structure on this cot is extremely durable, and its curved legs will ensure you can camp in extreme conditions or on uneven surfaces.
Price
This is a great option if you’re buying a cot on a budget. It is durable, lightweight, and, most importantly, gets you off the ground!
5. Therm-a-Rest Ultra-lite Cot
Overall Score: 46
Advantages
- Lightweight
- Great for backpacking
Disadvantages
- Low durability
- Low head section
Comfort
Therm-a-rest is the one for you if you need a lightweight cot for backpacking expeditions! Unfortunately, this cot’s comfort is questionable.
The cot is so low to the ground that moving on and off can be annoying. Alongside this, the head section of the cot droops. You find your head hanging off the end if you’re slightly above average height.
Size
This cot is extremely compact and light, weighing in at 2.6 lbs. This portable cot is 72” x 4” x 24” (L x W x H), so great for anyone of average height and build.
Technical Features
The poles used for the structure of the cot bend in a way to allow the cot to dip in the center. This prevents you from rolling out in the middle of the night!
It is also super portable and easily straps to a backpack.
Longevity
While this product is seriously light, it unfortunately makes it delicate. The fabric across the cot is easily stretched around the pole holes, and we noticed signs of wear and tear from the first use.
It is also not water resistant, which could be irritating if you’re camping in the wet!
Price
Although it is cheaper than other ultra-lite cots, the Therm-a-Rest is not particularly durable. If a cot will only last you a night, then it’s hard to justify paying the money for it.
6. Disc-O-Bed Youth Kid-O-Bunk
Overall Score: 82
Advantages
- Perfect for kids
- Multi-purpose
- Durable
Disadvantages
- Expensive
Comfort
The Disc-O-Bed is a fun cot that’s perfect for family adventures! The bunk bed style makes it great for kids, while parents can also enjoy its multi-purpose function.
The cot fabric is PVC-coated 600D polyester, so it’s comfortable and resilient.
Size
The bunks measure out at 34” x 16” x 8.75” (L x W x H), so it’s a reasonable size for children to sleep in and fit compactly into your tent.
When used as a bench, this cot can take up to 500 lbs., so you can fit the whole family!
Technical Features
The multi-functionality of this cot means it can be used as bunk beds, two twin cots, or even made up into a bench.
An added advantage is that this cot does not require any tools for setup, so it’s easy to build and even easier to switch between the different functions.
Longevity
Disc-O-Bed is famous for its strong and durable cots. They even used to make these bunks in bulk for humanitarian organizations.
The bunk beds have a heavy-duty steel frame, so your conscious can rest knowing it won’t break while your kids sleep.
Price
These cots aren’t cheap, but they’re completely worth it. You don’t only get high quality, you get the guarantee that your children will enjoy this cot as much as you!
7. KingCamp Portable Folding Camping Cot
Overall Score: 74
Advantages
- Multifunctional
- Easy set-up
Disadvantages
- Uncomfortable
Comfort
This cot is another great multi-functional product. It can be used as a chair, sun lounger, or cot. The cot fabric is taut, so it can be uncomfortable when sleeping.
Yet when being used as a chair, you know your back will have the support it needs.
Size
Compared to the lightweight Therm-a-Rest weighing 2.6 lbs., this cot is 15 lbs., so you can tell it will be heavy.
It measures 74.8” x 23.2” x 13” (L x W x H), so it is tall enough for the average person to sleep well.
Technical Features
The best feature of this cot is its 3 reclining positions. An added benefit is how easy it is to set up. You take it out of the bag, unfold it, and presto!
Longevity
This product has more pivot points than typical cots, and that’s because it’s multi-functional. More pivot points can impact a product’s durability as these are usually weaker joints.
Price
For a multi-purpose product, it is a reasonable price. This is best for someone who likes longer or hotter camping stays, where you know you’ll use a chair or sun lounger.
8. Coleman Pack Away Cot
Overall Score: 88
Advantages
- Spacious
- Tall
- Easy set-up
- Removable side table
- Durable steel room
Disadvantages
- Cot legs don’t lock
Comfort
This is our best pick for cots! It is extra wide for comfort, so if you like to turn in your sleep, it’s got you covered. It is also longer than most cots, so it’s great for tall people!
Size
It is fairly light for a bigger cot weighing in at 7 lbs., and measures out at 80” x 44” x 17” (L x W x H), so you’ve got some extra room too!
Technical Features
This cot is easily collapsible, so you can put it up and take it down easily. It also has a removable side table with a drink holder, handy if you’re camping in winter and want your coffee close!
Longevity
We found this cot extremely durable. It has a steel frame and sturdy polyester fabric, which adds to the endurance of this product. The only drawback of this cot is that its legs don’t lock in place.
However, we found this did not impact the performance or comfort.
Price
For the level of durability, comfort, and added features, this cot is usually very affordable. It may have a simple style, but we can assure you it’s worth every penny.
Final Thoughts
When searching for the best tent cot, it is important to ask exactly what you want. Is it for your kids? Do you need a tall cot? Maybe you’re looking for the best backpacking cot?
Our overall best tent cot for any scenario is the Coleman Pack-Away Camping Cot. In this review of the best tent cots, we’ve asked all the questions, so you don’t have to!
Whatever your needs, we have you covered.