Are Camping Cots Comfortable? (Read This First)

Camping cots are special beds that you can use when camping, fishing, or hiking. They are portable and easy to pack.

You might decide to go on a camping trip sometime and consider taking a camping cot along. But how much comfort can you expect from sleeping on a camping cot?

Camping cots are comfortable. The camping cot is completely off the ground; therefore, you won’t need to worry about the rocks giving you discomfort. Using sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets, you can also make a camping cot more comfortable.

In this article, I’ll give detailed comparisons between camping cots, air mattresses, and camping cots and sleeping pads.

You’ll also get information on some of the best camping cots you can buy.

Are Camping Cots Better than Air Mattresses?

Both camping cots and air mattresses have features that make them superior to one another. 

Here is a detailed comparison between camping cots and air mattresses based on certain features:

#1. Durability

Camping cots are more durable than air mattresses. Air mattresses can easily get holes and rips in them because they are always in contact with the ground.

Camping cots usually last longer than air mattresses because only their metal portion is in contact with the ground.

#2. Weight

Camping cots weigh more than air mattresses because of their metal frame. Camping cots averagely weigh around 15-20 pounds, while air mattresses weigh around 10 pounds.

#3. Packability

Regarding packability, air mattresses are a better option than camping cots. 

Camping cots will take up a lot of space even after folding them. An air mattress’s surface area decreases greatly when you deflate and fold them.

#4. Workability

Camping cots are easier to use than air mattresses. Once you unfold a camping cot, it is immediately ready for use.

On the other hand, air mattresses can be more stressful because you’ll need to inflate them before use.

#5. Cost

In terms of cost, both air mattresses and camping cots are available in various price ranges. You can find any of them depending on the budget you’re working with.

Are Sleeping Pads More Comfortable Than Camping Cots?

Sleeping pads and camping cots both have features that make them superior to each other. Finding one more comfortable than the other depends on what features interest you.

Here is a detailed comparison between sleeping pads and camping cots based on certain features:

#1. Insulation

In terms of insulation, you’ll find more comfort on a sleeping pad than on a camping cot. 

Sleeping pads comprise insulating materials such as Ethylene Vinyl acetate and thermoplastic copolymer. These materials help to trap air that keeps you warm during the cold.

As for camping cots, they do not work well during the cold. That is because they do not contain insulating materials, and the air will move around them in cold weather.

#2. Durability

Camping cots are usually more durable than sleeping pads. Unlike sleeping pads, camping cots do not touch the ground when you use them, and the legs are made of durable metals.

Sleeping pads lose their durability over time since they are often in contact with the ground.

#3. Weight

Cots usually weigh more than sleeping pads. For example, an average sleeping pad weighs 2.2 kg, while an average cot weighs 15-20 pounds.

Sleeping pads are for you if you want something light to carry around.

#4. Packability

In terms of packability, sleeping pads are for the win. Cots take up a lot of space even after you fold them. As for sleeping pads, you can deflate them and roll them up in a small space.

#5. Workability

Cots are easier to use than sleeping pads because once you unpack them, you can hop on. As for sleeping pads, you’d need to inflate them first before using them.

#6. Cost

Regarding price, both sleeping pads and camping cots are on the level. However, you can find different sleeping pads and camping cots in various price ranges.

8 Most Comfortable Camping Cots

Here is a list of the  most comfortable camping cots:

#1. OSAGE RIVER Standard Folding Camping Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the OSAGE RIVER standard folding camping cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	75 x 28 x 18.5 inches
Capacity	One person
Weight	12.45 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the OSAGE RIVER standard folding camping cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	5
Comfort	5
Portability	4
Durability	5
Size	5

You can purchase the OSAGE RIVER standard folding camping cot for about $55 on Amazon.

#2. L.L.Bean Easy Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the L.L Bean easy cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	79 x 30 x 17 inches
Capacity	One person
Weight	21 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the L.LBean Easy cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	4.5
Comfort	5
Portability	5
Durability	5
Size	4

You can purchase the L.L Bean easy cot for about $300 on Amazon.

#3. ALPS Mountaineering Camp Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the ALPS mountaineering camp cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	86 x 40 x 22 inches
Capacity	One person
Weight	19 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the ALPS camp cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	4
Comfort	5
Portability	4
Durability	5
Size	4.5

You can purchase the ALPS camp cot on Amazon for about $200

#4. Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the Kamp-rite double kwik cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	85 x 55 x 19 inches
Capacity	Two person
Weight	33 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the Kamp-rite double kwik-cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	5
Comfort	5
Portability	3
Durability	4
Size	5

You can purchase the kamp-rite double kwik-cot on Amazon for $190

#5. Byer of Maine Easy Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the byer of maine easy cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	78 x 18 x 31 inches
Capacity	One person
Weight	21 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the byer of maine easy cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	5
Comfort	5
Portability	4
Durability	5
Size	4

You can purchase the byer of maine easy cot for about $120 on Amazon

#6. FE Active Folding Camping Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the FE active folding camping cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	74.5 x 27.5 x 31 inches
Capacity	One person
Weight	21 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the FE active folding camping cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	4
Comfort	5
Portability	5
Durability	4
Size	5

You can purchase the FE active folding camping cot on Amazon for about $70

#7. Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot

Here is a table to show the specifications of the mountain summit gear horizon cot:

Specification	Details
Dimension	75 x 27.55 x 14.5 inches
Capacity	One person
Weight	18 pounds

Here is a table to show the ratings of the mountain summit gear horizon cot based on certain features:

Features	Ratings (Out of 5)
Ease of use	5
Comfort	5
Portability	3
Durability	5
Size	5

How Can You Make Camping Cots More Comfortable?

Here are some tips to make your camping cots more comfortable:

#1. Use Sleeping Pads

You can use sleeping pads to make your camping cots more comfortable. Sleeping pads serve as a means of insulation and extra cushioning.

#2. Extra Blankets

More blankets can provide your camping cot with extra layers of cushioning.

#3. Using the Right Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags come in a variety, and choosing the right one can increase comfort.

Here are some of the best sleeping bags you can use:

• TheremaRest Persac
• Rab Solar Eco 4 
• Marmot Atom
• Big Agnes’ dream island 20
• Vango Nitestar Alpha 300 Quad

#4. Use Pillows

Pillows can help to provide you with an extra layer of cushioning when sleeping on your camping cots.