The 8 Best Camping Cots of 2025, Tested

What to Consider When Buying a Camping Cot

Comfort

This is your number one consideration when purchasing a camping cot. Just like sleeping pads, cots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with other factors that impact comfort, too. If you move around in the night, consider a cot with a larger sleeping surface that will allow you to do so. Also, consider tension—if you've slept on a saggy hotel cot and felt its effects for days afterward, then you already know how important a factor this is.

Weight

Whether you're setting up camp right next to the car or hiking/biking/boating to your site, you'll be schlepping all your gear from garage to vehicle to tent and back, which makes a sleeping cot's weight an important factor to consider. More weight doesn't always equal comfort either—there are excellent lightweight camping cots out there.

Ease of Setup & Packability

If a cot is so difficult to setup and dismantle that it leads to frustration, chances are you won't use it as often. Good cots are easy to set up and take down, just like a hammock. Similarly, a cot's packability will affect not only the camp setup experience but also how and where you store it. Packability works in tandem with weight, too; you're more likely to bring a cot on more camping trips if it packs down small and is lightweight, thereby taking up less space in your car or bag and in the garage or closet back at home, too.

Accessories

Cots can be fairly basic, but some brands make a range of accessories to make them even more versatile than they already are. Helinox, for example, has a full range of cot accessories that includes leg extensions, headrests, and insulated covers for camping in a variety of places and conditions.

The Best Camping Cots of 2025

Best Overall Camping Cot: Helinox Cot One Convertible, $350

Fabric: Polyester ripstop
Frame: Alloy and nylon resin
Dimensions: 75 in x 26.5 in (21.5 x 6 in packed)
Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
Weight Capacity: 320 lbs

Pros
- Very easy to setup
- Plenty comfortable to sleep on
- Relatively light

Cons
-You get what you pay for ... and this cot isn't cheap.

Helinox hit the bullseye in designing the Cot One, which expertly balances all the features that make a good camping cot—we could've awarded it the most portable cot, just as well. A unique lever locking leg attachment system makes for easy setup and take-down and also provides enough tension to create the perfect sag-free sleeping surface. As-is, the Cot One elevates campers six inches off the ground, but cot leg extensions can be purchased to elevate your sleeping surface to 18” off the ground (a height better for accessibility as it’s easier to get onto and off). All this, and the thing still weighs in at just over 5 lbs. Better, it comes with a backpack you can carry it in.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 5
Setup: 5
Comfort: 4
Durability: 3
Size: 4
Warmth: 3
Overall Rating: 4.5

Price: $350 (+$99 for Leg Extensions)

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Best Car Camping Cot: Klymit Cedar Mesa Cot, $250

Fabric: Polyester
Frame: Aluminum
Dimensions:80 in x 31 in x 16 in (19 in x 13 in x 7.5 in packed)
Weight: 16 lbs
Weight Limit: 400 lbs

Pros
- A large sleeping surface and a high weight capacity
- Packs down to an extremely compact size

Cons
- The large sleeping surface might make the cot too big for some tents

The 16-pound Klymit Cedar Mesa Cot is heavier than many of the other cots we tested this round, but the extra weight is well worth it. The cot is as long as a twin XL mattress and can support up to 400 lbs without buckling, and yet it can also fold down to a smaller size than many of the other cots I tested. That makes it the perfect option for wedging between all the supplies in the trunk of your car.

I was genuinely impressed with how the Cedar Mesa Cot performed in the field. Klymit’s Easy Lever Lock system felt a little over-designed, with a lot of bulky moving pieces, but I was able to set it up in about 5 minutes. The legs are in part made of plastic, which I don’t love, but I can’t imagine how heavy this thing would be if it was all metal. Stretched over an aluminium trapezoid frame, the 300D ripstop polyester fabric cradled my body nicely without sagging too much or creating any pressure points. I also appreciated that legs included large rounded feet to protect tent floors and a small built-in storage pouch.

One note: the cot’s large size might make it too big for some tents. I also found that the cot was a bit tricky to disassemble. I’d recommend re-reading the instructions before you try and take it apart. Once I had managed, though, I could really appreciate how small it folded down. It’s extremely easy to transport and store, making it a great option for car camping.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 4
Setup: 2
Comfort: 5
Durability: 4
Size: 5
Warmth: 5
Overall Rating: 4.5

Price: $250

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Best Budget Camping Cot: REI Campwell Cot, $100

Fabric: Polyurethane-coated recycled polyester
Frame: Steel
Dimensions: 76 in x 25 in x 18 in (8 in x 37 in packed)
Weight: 17lbs, 13oz
Weight Limit: 300 lbs

Pros
- It's extremely easy set up

Cons
- The exposed screws on its top might pop a sleeping pad

The REI Campwell Cot is an easy pick for the best budget cot. While there are plenty of cots on Amazon that are marginally cheaper, I’ve found they lack the reliability I’d expect from anything I plan to sleep on. The Campwell has functionality in spades. The setup process is extremely straightforward—unfold it from its carrying case, push its legs into position, tighten the four corner suspension straps, flip it upright, done—its fabric is thin and stretchy, yet plenty supportive. The cot’s 18 inch tall steel legs provide plenty of clearance for gear underneath, and yet it all packs down into a camp-chair sized package you can carry on your shoulder. The fact that you get all this for only $20 to $30 more than the cheapest camp cost I could find makes me confident the Campwell is the best camp cot for anyone on a budget.

There are some required compromises. It’s a bit smaller than other cots we tested, especially disappointing given its heftiness, but also not as sturdy. When I tried to move it to another spot, it started to collapse on itself. This never happened while I was laying on it, but might be worth thinking about if you tend to thrash in your sleep. Worse, the cot has some exposed screws on its top, which could pop a sleeping pad in seconds. Given that most people only camp in the summer, when you wouldn’t need the insulating powers of a sleeping pad, I don’t think this is a dealbreaker.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 4
Setup: 5
Comfort: 3
Durability: 4
Size: 3
Warmth: 3
Overall Rating: 4

Price: $100

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Best Camping Cot for Backpacking: Helinox Lite Cot, $300

Fabric: Aramid ripstop
Frame: Alloy and nylon resin
Dimensions: 73.5 in x 2 3 in (22 in x 5 in packed)
Weight: 2.66 lbs
Weight Limit: 265 lbs

Pros
- An extremely light package

Cons
- Difficult to set up

The Helinox Lite Cot is a unique camp cot designed for backpacking. It weighs 2.66 lbs and packs down to approximately 5 in x 22 in, making it exceptionally compact and portable. The cot sits quite low to the ground and has a narrow profile of 23 inches wide with a weight capacity of 265 lbs. It consists of four legs, two side rails, and a thin fabric sleeping surface, so it’s a fairly simple design that packs a surprising amount of comfort for such a small piece of gear.

The Lite Cot is by far the most difficult cot I had to assemble for these tests. The legs require a ton of force to bend into position, and the side poles frequently catch when threading through the fabric, making both assembly and breakdown difficult experiences. There were actually some times where I actually could not put enough force on the aluminum legs and had to have my partner step in. The legs also tend to catch on the fabric during disassembly, which worried me given how thin and lightweight the material is. My experience might be different than yours—indeed, there are a ton of reviews on Helinox claiming that the setup is easy. Either way, if something does tear or break, I have generally found that Helinox has incredible customer service.

Once it was setup, thankfully, I found the Lite Cot extremely comfortable. Especially compared to an inflatable sleeping pad, which I've often found myself slipping off of in the middle of the night. The head of it might droop a little bit, which can easily be counteracted with a camp pillow (or some strategically bunched up clothes).

Those who aren’t hiking far and don’t mind a little bit of extra weight (4.8lb total) might appreciate the wider frame of the GreenWild Ultralight Camp Cot by Naturehike. The GreenWild can’t quite compete with the Helinox Lite, but it was a surprisingly affordable and impressive camp cot for backpacking (and car camping) too.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 5
Setup: 2
Comfort: 3
Durability: 3
Size: 2
Warmth: 3
Overall Rating: 3.5

Price: $300

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Most Durable Camping Cot: Camptime Roll-a-Cot, $146

Fabric: PVC-coated 1000-denier polyester yarn
Frame: Aluminum
Dimensions: 74 in x 28 in x 15 in (37 in x 5 in packed)
Weight: 10 lbs
Weight Limit: 250 lbs

Pros
- Built to withstand anything the outdoors might throw at it
- Made in the USA Cons
- Some people might find the polyester fabric uncomfortable

Camptime is a much smaller company than the other brands on this list, but the Spokane, WA based maker is well known for their river ready gear. I’ve been using its roll-up table while traveling for years, but didn’t know the company made a camping cot until I started doing research on forums for this article. After sleeping on the Roll-a-Cot, I get the appeal. It’s a simple and tough piece of gear that’s made to get tossed around on rapids and covered in sand, yet is plenty comfortable to lay on. Quite the engineering feat, and enough to make this the cot I personally see myself using most moving forward.

The Camptime Roll-a-Cot consists of PVC-coated polyester fabric with two sets of 15 in aluminum legs. You don’t really see this meshy fabric much outside of river gear, but it’s a handy material for its quick-draining and drying properties. The fabric is firm but not uncomfortably stiff (though it can be adjusted to be firmer) and its meshy weave allows it to breathe a little.

The legs are easy enough to set up, even if the outside poles require a bit of finesse to slide under the fabric—I would certainly recommend reading the instructions to help do this the first time. Ultimately, I think the small inconvenience is worth it, since it unlocks the cot’s packability.

The Roll-a-Cot also has a leg up on most other cots I tested because its storage bag can tie to the legs to act as an extra storage spot in your tent. Camptime also claims that the Roll-a-Cot’s height fits perfectly over the wheel wells in truck beds for use off the river too, making it a highly versatile and durable cot for many kinds of adventures. I tested the standard size for this piece but Camptime offers quite a few varieties of the same general design, including wide, long, short, and green versions with a sleeve for sleeping pads, so you can easily find a cot that fits their needs.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 4
Setup: 4
Comfort: 3
Durability: 5
Size: 5
Warmth: 2
Overall Rating: 4.5

Price: $146

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Best Camping Cot with a Mattress: REI Wonderland Cot, $199

Fabric: Polyurethane-coated recycled polyester
Frame: Aluminum, steel
Dimensions: 82 in x 31.5 in x 14in (33 in x 8.5 in packed)
Weight:20 lbs
Weight Limit: 300 lbs

Pros
- Extremely easy set up
- Very comfortable to sleep on, with a mattress that allows you to adjust the firmness level to your exact preferences

Cons
- It's very large and heavy

While most camp cots are pretty minimalist, the REI Wonderland Cot is an absolute beast that includes a literal built-in mattress. The sleeping surface sits on an adjustable shock cord system that allows you to dial in the exact firmness level that you want. This unique setup makes it extremely comfortable, making it the perfect option for someone who traditionally struggles to sleep outside.

The cot arrives folded in three giant sections with the legs already assembled, you don’t have to do much to set it up for sleeping. The steel and aluminum legs are stable, with circular bases that tilt to match the contours of the ground (and won’t tear the floors of your tent). At 82 x 31.5in when deployed, it provides a spacious sleeping area with a 300lb weight capacity, though at 20lb it's definitely on the heavy side. When packed, it measures 33 x 32in, making it quite bulky and cumbersome to carry to your car. But if you have the space in your vehicle and your tent, the weight and size trade off is worth it for the comfort.

I found this cot delivers exceptional comfort that rivals a real bed. The integrated padding and springy platform create a luxurious sleeping experience, especially for side and back sleepers like myself. While the large packed size and 20lb weight feels a little excessive, the comfort level is so great that I'd happily use it as a guest bed at home.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 1
Setup: 4
Comfort: 5
Durability: 4
Size: 5
Warmth: 4
Overall Rating: 4.3

Price: $199

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Best Folding Camping Cot: Zempire Z-Leg Single Stretcher, $120

Fabric:Polyester oxford
Frame: Steel
Dimensions: 74.8 in x 25.2 in x 16.9 in (39 in x 6.3 in x 5.7 in packed)
Weight: 17.6 lbs
Weight Limit: 265 lbs

Pros
- Quick to set up
- Tall enough to store plenty of stuff underneath

Cons
- The legs don’t have feet and could tear through tent floors

Zempire is a newer brand to the USA that hails from the outdoor haven of New Zealand. After sleeping on the Zempire Z-leg Single Stretcher, I can confirm it's a solid car camping option built for ease and durability. The cot weighs 17.6 lb and features a powder-coated 22 mm steel frame with thick polyester oxford fabric that can support up to 265 lb. When deployed, it measures 74.8 in x 25 in and sits 16.9 in off the ground, making it one of the taller cots we tested. The setup and takedown are both fast and simple. The Zempire unfolds as quickly as a camp chair and it packs away just as easily. It’s not the smallest, when packed up its 39 in x 6.3 in x 5.7 in, but it’s reasonable for the trunk of most vehicles.

My overall impression after field testing is that this camp cot excels at what it's designed for: car camping with maximum convenience. It's comfortable and supportive to sleep on, plus its tall profile and simple frame design offer plenty of under-bed storage to maximize floor space in your tent. The 17-inch height makes getting in and out effortless compared to low-profile ultralight cots, and there's ample room underneath for gear storage. While the 17.6 lb weight makes it too heavy for backpacking, it's perfect for car camping where comfort and quick setup take priority over packability.

The primary drawback is the lack of feet or padding on the legs that could easily rip through tent floors, so I would recommend covering them somehow. It is also so fast to unfold that it’s a little unwieldy at times - I dropped metal legs or pinched my fingers a lot during these tests but one of the Zempire legs actually hit me in the face. So while I’d advise caution when setting it up, overall it’s a simple, sturdy, and comfortable cot and it’s refreshing to see this level of quality from a newer brand.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 3
Setup: 5
Comfort: 4
Durability: 3
Size: 4
Warmth: 3
Overall Rating: 4.3

Price: $120

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Best Camping Cot for Winter: Helinox Cot One Convertible Insulated, $500

Fabric: Polyester ripstop
Frame: Alloy and nylon resin
Dimensions: 75 in x 26.5 in (26 in x 8.5 in packed)
Weight: 7lb, 1 oz
Weight Limit: 265 lbs

Pros
- The cot’s built in sleeping pad is insulated enough for winter temperatures

Cons
- The cot is quite expensive

In general, camping cots provide very little insulation. Those who favor a sleeping bag might not be bothered by this, but as a quilt user, I find I usually have to use a sleeping pad along with my cot to keep myself warm at night. The Helinox Cot One Convertible Insulated is the one cot that can actually keep up with year-round adventures without an additional sleeping pad. The Cot One Convertible Insulated features an inflatable sleeping pad surface with a 5.0 R-value, which completely eliminates the cold airflow problem I’ve experienced with other cots. It’s supposedly rated down to -30 degrees, though I hope to never be in a situation where I can confirm this. The Cot One Convertible Insulated provides a consistent slight flex down the center of the cot, creating a comfortable natural sleeping contour, especially when paired with the soft sleeping pad. It measures 75 in x 26.6 in, sits 6.5in off the ground, and weighs 6.63 lbs.

Like other Helinox cots, the Cot One Convertible Insulated is made from a proprietary DAC aluminum alloy that helps keep weight down but provides a lot of strength. The frame can support up to 325 lbs. Setting up this Helinox model was much easier than setting up the company’s Lite Cot—the legs use a lever lock system instead of making you force them together.

The Cot One Convertible Insulated is pricier than basic cots, but the included sleeping pad is so excellent I think it’s worth it. The fact that you can use the cot without having to blow up a separate sleeping pad makes it an extremely easy way to stay comfortable and warm in winter.

Detailed Ratings
Ease of Transport: 4
Setup: 4
Comfort: 5
Durability: 4
Size: 3
Warmth: 5
Overall Rating: 4.5

Price: $500

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Camping Cot FAQs:

Are cots good for camping?

Yes. Now if you’re wondering, what is the point of a camping cot? The answer is three-fold: A quality camping cot provides superior support over an air mattress (or the hard ground), elevates you off the ground to provide better insulation and keep creepy crawlies at bay, and supports your body after a long day in the outdoors in a familiar manner that allows for a better night sleep. In the summer, air circulation under the cot also helps cool you during the night.

Does a camp cot need a mattress?

Generally, no. A quality camping cot, like those listed above, are all designed to provide support and comfort all night long. That said, if you’re particularly sensitive or just like a plush sleeping situation, pairing a camp cot with a thin Z Lite foam pad or even memory foam mattress (if maximalist car camping) will go a long way. If not using a sleeping bag, I suggest using a thin top sheet as body barrier between you and the cot—especially useful for warm weather camping.

Do you need a sleeping bag for a camping cot?

This is up to you—personally, I like to use a quality camping quilt or outdoor blanket instead of a sleeping bag. The beauty of camping cot is that it’s more similar to your bed at home, so sleeping in a restrictive mummy bag doesn’t make sense. When car camping, I like to lay on a top sheet on top of the cot, and use a thin wool blanket or camp quilt, and a generously sized pillow. It’s the best sleep you’ll ever have outdoors. Trust me.