- Last Updated on July 18, 2021
- By Fakhar e Alam
On my first camping trip, I could not sleep comfortably because of the rocks and uneven underground underneath even after using a footprint and tarp.
For my second camping trip, I added a mattress to my camping gear, but still could not avoid the wrath of the cold and uneven ground underneath. It took me four camping trips until I came across a best tent cot, it felt a blessing.
Expert’s Choice – The Winner
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
This cot tent won our top pick spot because of its extra- large size and user-friendly design. Apart from that, this cot tent is made of materials that have better strength to weight ratio. It is a solution for all the problems that campers experience in the wilderness.
Considering the problem, we have reviewed the best tent cots, now you don’t have to sleep uncomfortably anymore.
What are the Best Tent Cots for Camping?
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Folding Cot Features:
- The tent cot is made of nylon and aluminum steel alloy frame
- It is roomy for one person and luggage
- It can be converted to a chair
Specifications:
- Weight: 32lbs
- Capacity: 1
- Materials: Nylon fabric and aluminum steel alloy frame
The common problem we face while camping is spending hours in setting up and tearing down tents, and still not sleeping comfortably because of the small size of the tents and uneven ground. Kamp-rite has sort out the common issues by introducing this oversized camping cot.
Kamp-rite oversize tent cot is made of nylon and aluminum steel alloy frame; therefore, it is strong and lightweight at the same time. The frame includes two extra foots for extra stability, you will sleep like a baby no matter where you camp.
The cot’s size is 90″L x 32″W x 36″H, which is more than enough even for a 6’3 tall adult. It can be easily converted to a chair when required.
It is well-ventilated as it has two windows with no-see-um mesh and a hinged door. At the center the tent has a lamp cook, but it doesn’t have storage pockets.
It comes with a nice carry bag and extended rain fly. Note that, it is a waterproof cot, so you are safe from rainwater, too.
Pros
★ The cot is versatile as it can be converted to a chair in breeze
★ It has two extra foot for stability
★ It is waterproof
Cons
✖ No storage pockets
Winter Double Tent Cot with Huge Capacity Features
- This is more than a 1-person cot as it can accommodate a large Labrador and luggage
- The cot has four no-see-um doors with mesh
- It has astonishing weight capacity of more than 500lbs
Specifications:
- Weight: 44 pounds
- Capacity: 1-person
- Material: Nylon fabric and aluminum frame
You may have found the weight slightly heavy, but Winterial has a convincing justification for that. The tent cot is heavy because it is not exactly a 1-person cot, but a 2-person cot tent if you and your partner like to cuddle in camping trips, or you can also take along your dog.
It is versatile cot as you can use it as a lounge chair and a camping tent. It is high-off the ground, so manages to protect from the cold ground even if you don’t use a protective footprint.
It is takes 10-15 minutes to setup the tent cot, it requires substantial effort to pitch the tent on first try, so practice at home before you leave for your camping destination. For ventilation, the tent cot has four no-see-um doors with mesh lining.
Pros
★ It can accommodate two adults when needed
★ It has a weight limit of more than 500lbs
★ The tent cot is comfortable overall
★ You can use air mattress in the cot
★ Four no-see-um doors with mesh lining.
Cons
✖ It is heavy
Tangkula Waterproof Tent Cot Features
- The cot has ventilation arrangement on every side
- The cot is waterproof and does well against high winds
Specifications:
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Capacity: 1-person
- Materials: Oxford fabric and Steel frame
The tent cot is simple yet provides the comfort a camper needs in the wilderness. Made of the durable materials steel and oxford, the camping cot lasts forever. It is takes only 5 minutes to set up the tent cot without much effort.
The cot has ventilation arrangement on every side and D shaped door for easy access. Moreover, the head pockets and hook make life easy.
Note that, the cot has an ample head room, so you will not face any suffocation unlike most cheap tent cots.
The weight has a stable frame, it is not one of those cots where you feel insecure to sleep because of screeching sounds.
The cot is waterproof and does well against high winds. Moreover, you can use it for deer hunting as it has arrangements to accumulate light snow.
It comes with a carry bag, however, it is of poor quality, so you might have to order an extra carry bag for the camping cot
Pros
★ Made of durable materials
★ Ventilation on every side
★ Easy Setup
★ Sturdy frame
Cons
✖ The carry bag is of poor quality
Kamp-Rite Original with Smart Arrangements Features
- It is a versatile camping cot
- The tent cot has bug nets and smart ventilation arrangements
- It can bear a maximum weight of 135kgs
Specifications:
- Weight: 24
- Capacity: 1
- Materials: Nylon fabric and Steel frame
Kamp-rite designs quality cots for camping and its top models are Kamp-rite original and Kamp-rite oversized cot. The difference between the two is Kamp-cot is slightly smaller and lighter. Plus, it comes at a more affordable price.
Like most backpacking tent cots, this packs small and can be used as a lounge chair. The lightweight frames are astonishingly strong as they can bear a maximum weight of 135kgs.
The tent cot has bug nets and smart ventilation arrangements. The extended rain fly covers the camping cot completely, and even with the fly on you can enjoy the fresh air-circulation. The rainfly protects from heavy rain and cold.
We recommend this camping cot for campers, who want a compact and lightweight tent cot, which is high off the ground and can last forever.
Pros
★ It is a quality tent cot with breathable fabric and strong frame
★ Smart Ventilation arrangements
★ Lightweight as compared to other tent cots for camping
Cons
✖ It is slightly smaller than Kamp-Rite oversized cot
Crua Outdoors Hammock Tent Cot Features
- It is ultralight, and to surprise the weight can be reduced farther by removing frame poles
- It can be used both as a tree tent and conventional tent
- It is a 4-season hammock tent
Specifications:
- Weight: 5lbs
- Capacity: 1-person
- Tent Material: Polyester
It is not a Hammock camping cot exactly, but it keeps you high-off the ground as it can be suspended in the surrounding trees. This smart Hammock tent can be grounded like a conventional tent as well. Moreover, it includes insulated mattress and customized sleeping bag.
Other impressive features include a built-in ground sheet and an integrated anti-bug mesh. To this point, it is clear that the Hammock tent is of high quality and comes with every feature that a camper needs in the wilderness.
It is ultralight, and to surprise the weight can be reduced further by removing frame poles.
Note that, it is a 4-season hammock tent. Normally, 4-seaon tents feel hot in summer, but Crua has used the latest technology to make it as refreshing as beach tents.
In winters the hammock keeps you warm like a Canvas tent, all you need is to choose the right spot and place the sleeping pads properly.
It is the right tent for those, who want to bring change to their camping style by getting more closer to nature. You can hike miles with this super light versatile tent.
Pros
★ Can be used as a tree tent and a conventional tent
★ The tent is made of high-quality materials and attention to details is impressive
★ It weighs only 5lbs and packs small
★ Perfect option for hiking
Cons
✖ Only one storage pouch
Outsunny Combo Tent Cot Set Features
- It has a user-friendly design
- Even the tallest person can sleep comfortably in it
- The cot has a weight limit of 225lbs
Specifications:
- Weight:20lbs
- Capacity: 1-person
- Materials: Fiberglass Poles and Oxford Fabric
Outsunny is the tent cot that you should pitch when the sun is out, or the moon is visible as it is not designed for heavy rain. However, you can add a waterproof rain fly to make it an all-weather tent.
The reason we added it to our list is its user-friendly design, it can be pitched in less than two minutes. Moreover, it has detachable fiberglass cot, which folds small. You can use it as a camping tent and also a camping cot.
The cot is strong enough to bear a weight of 225lbs and is more than 12 inches high off the ground. The cot dimensions are: 78″ L x 20.75″ W x 17″ H.
The cot features two mesh windows and a large door. The dimensions of the tent are: 76″ L x 30.25″ W x 46.5″ H. You may have known by now that the cot is spacious for one person.
It is recommended for people, who want a comfortable camping experience and are not fond of spending time in setting up a tent.
Plus, if you spend a few dollars on tarp and rain fly for rain protection , it can be used as a military cot tent.
Pros
★ It sets up in less than 2 minutes
★ It has a detachable cot for comfortable sleeping experience
★ It packs small in carry bag
★ It can accommodate air mattress easily
Cons
✖ Not 100% waterproof cot tent
Yescom Single Portable Tent Cot Features
- The cot is around 12-inches high off the ground
- It can be folded and unfolded with ease
Specifications:
- Weight: 25lbs
- Capacity: 1-person
- Materials: Polyester fabric and Aluminum frame
Yescom single cot is among the most affordable camping cots in the market, still it offers comfort in par with the most expensive cots out there. However, it is not designed for extreme weather, it can only resist light showers.
The cot is around 12-inches high off the ground and has two metal legs for support. Note that, it has a maximum weight capacity of 120 kgs. It has two windows with mesh linings and two large zippered doors.
One of the doors also creates an awning for dry entrance and to store wet shoes. Moreover, it has hangers for wet clothes and towels.
It can be folded and unfolded with ease and it comes with a carry bag. Normally, it takes 5-10 minutes to setup.
This cot tent is for those, who want an affordable cot for camping in normal conditions.
Pros
★ Affordable
★ Hangers for clothes
★ Impressive built quality
Cons
✖ Not for extreme weather conditions
How to Choose the Best Tent Cot for Camping
Unfortunately, there are a lot of poor Tent cots in the market and a handful of good quality Tent cots. This Buyers’ guide will help you choosing the right cot as includes all the important features that you look for in a camping cot.
Smooth and Easy Setup
Usually tent cots are easier to setup as they have lesser poles, stakes and guylines. However, some cots fold and unfold roughly or act up in the process.
Therefore, it is important to know whether the product you are buying folds and unfolds smoothly or not. Normally, cots take 10-15 minutes to set up and it is a straight-forward process.
The tent cots we have reviewed are extremely easy to set up, few of them doesn’t even take 2 minutes to pitch.
Lightweight
Lightweight camping cots are rare as it is difficult to manufacture a cot that is both lightweight and strong until we compromise on certain essentials.
Campers find every tent cot heavy, even if it weighs less than 10 pounds because they have other luggage to carry as well.
Considering the problem, manufacturers are designing ultralight tents that weigh less than 5lbs, but, unfortunately, we can’t have an ultralight sleeping cot tent. The average weight of tent cots is between 25lbs to 35lbs, any cot heavier than that comes in a category of heavy cot tents.
Camping Cot Material
One can gauge the quality of tent cot from the materials used in it. Good quality camping tent cots are made of Nylon and aluminum. Nylon fabric is more breathable and lighter as compared to Polyester.
Aluminum has higher strength to weight ratio. However, most tent cots that have a higher weight limit are made of Steel, so you have to trade-off strength for weight.
Waterproofness
Mostly campers, complain about the waterproof capabilities of a tent cot. To know whether a tent cot is waterproof or not, you have to see its waterproof rating. The waterproof rating is usually from 500mm to 8,000mm, and the higher the rating is, the better the cot’s waterproofness.
A waterproof rating less than 1000mm is vulnerable to heavy rain and light rain, so to be on the safer side, buy a tent cot with a waterproof rating more than 1000mm or add to the waterproof coating before leaving for the trip. Another important thing that measures the waterproofness is the attention to details.
The vulnerable spots should be covered properly like zippers and vents. Seams should be thermally sealed for better protection, and the rain fly must cover the whole tent cot.
Size and Elevation
Mostly tent cots are designed as a one-person tent or 2-person tent because they become heavier when the capacity is increased and that’s not what campers want.
Campers choose Tent cots over conventional tent for comfortable sleeping experience as cots elevate you high-off the hostile ground. Now the question how much elevation is better, the answer is 10-inches or more. All the tent cots on our list are elevated more than 10-inches high off the ground.
Benefits of Getting Camping Tent Cots
Tent Cots combine the comfort of Cots and Protection of Tents to give you both comfort and protection in the wilderness. Tent Cots use Steel or light aluminum legs for support, and you can use air mattress or beds for bad backs on it. Other reasons to get a Tent cot are:
Easy to Set-up
Tent Cots take less time than Regular tents in assembling as they have lesser poles and guylines. Moreover, cots keep you warm by elevating you off the ground; therefore, you don’t have to carry extra equipment like Tarp, blanket etc. for warmth.
Some Cot tents just need to be unfolded, so that you spend all of your time enjoying the surrounding rather than pitching a convoluted tent.
Comfortable Sleeping Experience
In conventional tents one of the problems is sleeping on patchy grounds, no matter what you use as a sleeping pad you still feel the rocks or uneven ground underneath.
Plus, it becomes nearly impossible to protect yourself from the cold ground until you don’t insulate the tent with multiple layers. Sometimes the tent rip due to sharp stones or splinters. As tent cots have long legs, which keeps you elevated off the ground help you in avoiding such problems, you will sleep warm and comfortably.
Read more: Sleeping on a cot for long term, is it good or bad? read the detailed guide.
Sleeping Pad Vs Cots
Sleeping pad Vs Cots has always been a hot debate among campers, but experienced campers know that if you are seeking comfort and warmth, then they should be used in conjunction.
Using Cot alone does not help you retain your body heat, and even if you use an inflatable air mattress, you cannot retain your body heat; therefore, it is important to use sleeping pad with Cot.
However, Trekkers and Hikers go for lightweight option, and they avoid cot as they can be heavy for backpacking trips. Likewise, using sleeping pad alone has its own problems e.g. they do not protect you from the rocks, splinters and cold ground underneath.
Especially, people with bad backs will not like sleeping in pads. For people, who like light backpacks, a wonderful option is Tree Tents. Tree Tents look like Hammocks, but offer protection like a regular tent, and are extremely light weight.
Unlike Hammocks these offer storage space, reliability and other cool features.
Conclusion
Tent cots are important part of camping gear. Unlike regular tents, these tents with built-in cots are comfortable like your bedroom. They are easier to setup and more protective.
However, these are not the right option for backpacking for their heavy weight.
In our list we have reviewed different types of cots from Collapsible tent cot to Extra-large tent cot, but our favorite tent cot is Kamp-Rite oversize tent cot. This tent cot is made of nylon and aluminum steel alloy frame; therefore, it is strong and lightweight at the same time.
The frame includes two extra foots for extra stability, you will sleep like a baby no matter where you camp.
Best Camping Cot FAQs
Use tent cot in conjunction with Sleeping pads. This way you will be able to retain your body heat and add more comfort to your camping. Use a Folding Cot as they are easier to carry. For weather protection, make sure your Tent cot comes with a rain fly, if not, then buy a rain fly.
Tent Cots combine the comfort of Cots and Protection of Tents to give you both comfort and protection in the wilderness. Tent Cots take less time than Conventional tents in assembling as they have lesser poles and guylines. Moreover, cots keep you warm by elevating you off the ground and keep you safer from annoying insects. Note that, Tent cots are heavy, but some have lightweight aluminum frame and Foldable design.
Using Cot alone does not help you retain your body heat, and even if you use an inflatable air mattress, you cannot retain your body heat; therefore, it is important to use sleeping pad with Cot. In warm climate, one can use camping cot without a sleeping pad.
Fakhar has been a camping enthusiast since he was a small kid. He belongs to the area, which has the second-largest mountain and most glaciers. Thus, he has been around people, who know everything about nature and the wilderness.
For the love of nature, he chose Environmental Sciences as his field of study and graduated with distinction. Apart from working for a non-profit organization, he wanders on the Karakoram and Hindukush ranges with his camping equipment that he loves to collect.
