Camping is a popular outdoor recreational activity that allows people to get back to nature and experience the great outdoors. However, a good night’s sleep is essential for enjoying your camping trip. The comfort of your sleeping situation can make or break your camping experience. Many campers choose to sleep on cots instead of directly on the ground for increased comfort and insulation from the cold ground. With so many cot options on the market, how do you determine which cot is the most comfortable for camping?
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What Makes a Cot Comfortable for Camping?
When evaluating cots for camping comfort, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Sleep surface – The fabric and suspension system that makes up the lying surface can greatly impact comfort. Look for cots with padded or canvas sleeping surfaces.
- Mattress thickness – Thicker mattresses or sleeping pads tend to be more cushioned and comfortable.
- Frame design – The frame and leg design affects the cot’s strength, stability, and height off the ground.
- Portability – If you’ll be hiking with your cot, lightweight and collapsible/folding cots are easier to transport.
- Size – The cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for comfortable sleeping. You don’t want a cot that’s too small or large.
- Weight capacity – Make sure to choose a cot with an appropriate weight capacity for the intended user(s).
By evaluating cots based on these criteria, you can narrow down the choices to find the most comfortable camping cot for your needs.
Top Comfortable Camping Cot Picks
After researching a wide selection of camping cots on the market, these models rise to the top in terms of comfort:
Coleman Camping Cot
The Coleman camping cot is one of the most popular and affordable cots with great reviews for comfort. Key features include:
- Steel frame with durable polyester sleeping surface
- ComfortSmart coil suspension system
- Folds up easily for transport and storage
- Supports up to 275 lbs
- Available in multiple sizes
This is a great all-around camping cot at a reasonable price point.
REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
REI’s camping cot offers excellent padding and ergonomic design for superior comfort and support. Key features:
- Aluminum frame with suspended mesh sleeping surface
- Thick foam padding and ergonomic shoulder cutouts
- Large size – 85″ long x 40″ wide
- Includes side pockets for gear storage
- Supports up to 500 lbs
This luxuriously padded cot is ideal for larger campers who want the most cushioning and back support.
Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Cot
The Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Cot is known for its excellent portability and comfort. Key features:
- Sturdy steel frame with polyester sleeping surface
- Unique disc suspension system
- Folds down to a compact circular shape
- Lightweight – only 14 lbs
- Supports up to 500 lbs
This cot’s innovative design makes it the perfect pick for backpackers and campers on the go.
What Type of Camping Will You Be Doing?
When selecting a camping cot, it’s important to consider the type of camping you will be doing most. This will help determine what comfort features are most important for your needs.
Car Camping
For car camping out of an RV or at a campsite with parking access, weight and portability are not as much of a concern. Focus on comfort features like padding, larger/wider sleeping space, and cots with higher weight limits for multiple users.
Backpacking
If you’ll be hiking longer distances and carrying your gear on your back, lightweight and compact cots are crucial. Look for innovative folding cot designs that transport easily and have light yet rugged frames.
Winter Camping
Cold weather camping requires insulation from the frozen ground. Look for cots with sleeping pads or thickness to prevent heat loss through the underside. Water-resistant fabrics are also good in case of rain or snow.
Beach Camping
For beach camping, look for cots with legs that can dig down into the sand for stability and frames that resist rust and corrosion from ocean air. Increased elevation helps keep you cooler in hot weather and above the sand.
Cot Comfort by Sleeper Size and Weight
Your physical size and weight will affect which cot size and weight capacity is most comfortable for you. Here are cot comfort recommendations based on your specs:
| Sleeper Size/Weight | Ideal Cot Size | Recommended Weight Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5′ tall and under 150 lbs | Narrow cot or small (under 30″ wide) | At least 225 lbs |
| 5′ to 6′ tall and 150 to 250 lbs | Standard width (around 30″ wide) | At least 300 lbs |
| Over 6′ tall or over 250 lbs | Extra wide and extra long | At least 400-500 lbs |
Choosing a cot size and capacity that fits your body type ensures you’ll have enough sleeping space and sturdiness.
Common Features That Increase Cot Comfort
Beyond basic construction, there are some other features that can enhance comfort in a camping cot:
- Pillows – Having a dedicated cot pillow, or a cot with an integrated pillow, allows for comfortable head and neck support.
- Pockets and shelves – Built-in storage options give you a place to keep personal items within reach.
- Padded mattress – A separate mattress pad or foam topper adds cushioning for better sleep.
- Leg levelers – Adjustable leg height lets you stabilize your cot on uneven ground.
- Canopy – An attachable canopy provides shade and allows air circulation on hot sunny days.
- Rocking cot – Rocking or swinging cots can help soothe you to sleep like a hammock.
Tips for Getting Comfortable on a Camping Cot
Once you choose the camping cot that’s right for you, here are some tips for maximizing comfort during use:
Place on flat ground
Position your cot on the flattest, smoothest site you can find. This prevents wobbling and uneven sleep surface.
Orient properly
Point the head and foot ends of the cot in your preferred direction. Having the opening by your feet makes it easier to get in and out.
Use a sleeping pad
Layering a sleeping pad on top of the cot can significantly increase softness. Mummy-style pads work well.
Utilize leveling feet
Adjust the extendable leg levelers to stabilize and make the cot flush on bumpy terrain.
Fill gaps beneath
Fill dips or holes under the cot legs with rocks, wood, or other material to prevent collapse.
Add a pillow top
Use a compressible camping pillow, rolled up jacket or towel to elevate your head for better spinal alignment.
Elevate feet
Place a folded blanket or other pack under your feet to put your body in a semi-reclined position.
Conclusion
A good cot can make or break the quality of your camping trip. The most comfortable camping cots provide a sleeping surface and design made for restful sleep in the outdoors. When choosing a camping cot, look for adequate padding, excellent support, proper sizing, and features tailored for the type of camping you do most. A cot like the Coleman Camping Cot or REI Kingdom Cot offer excellent comfort across a variety of camping adventures. With a comfortable camping cot matched to your needs, you’re set up for sweet dreams under the stars.