Buying Guide
How to Buy Camping Cots
This short guide helps you choose a camping cot that balances comfort, stability and portability. It highlights the most important factors, the common types you will find, what to check before buying and quick expert tips so you can decide fast and buy with confidence.
Key factors to consider
Think about how you will use the cot and match features to that use.
- Comfort: Look for included cushions or a removable pad about 2.5 to 3 inches thick for real comfort; check if it fastens so it does not slip.
- Width and length: Standard camping cots range from about 28 to 32 inches wide and 75 inches long. Wider cots feel roomier for side sleepers.
- Weight capacity: Choose a cot rated for your weight plus a safety margin. Common ratings here are 450 to 600 pounds.
- Frame and fabric: Heavy duty steel tubing, X or triangular leg frames and durable fabrics like 1200D Oxford increase stability and lifespan.
- Packed size and weight: Typical folded dimensions are around 41 x 10 x 7.5 inches and weights near 17 pounds. Make sure that fits your vehicle or storage needs.
- Extras: Look for features you will use often like side pockets, non slip feet, an inclined headrest for back support and a carry bag.
Types and features to compare
- Basic folding cots: Simple frame, lighter, no mattress. Good if you pack light and add your own pad.
- Cots with removable mattress: More like a bed on-the-go; mattress usually compresses in shipping so allow time to fluff it up.
- Extra wide models: 30 to 32 inches for a roomier sleep surface.
- Heavy duty cots: Reinforced frames and extra legs for higher capacity and less bounce.
- Ultra portable models: Prioritize low folded volume and quick setup if you move a lot.
- Comfort add-ons: Head tilt, dual side pockets and thicker fabric add convenience and a more home like feel.
Where to buy and what to check
- Online marketplaces: Best for selection and price comparison. Read multiple customer reviews and check seller ratings. Confirm exact folded size, weight and returns policy before you buy.
- Outdoor and sporting goods stores: Useful for trying a setup and inspecting frame quality and mattress feel in person.
- Shipping and returns: Look for free shipping and an easy return window. Note mattress compression may require time to expand after delivery.
- Price expectations: Expect quality camping cots in the roughly $74 to $95 range for the features covered here.
Common mistakes to avoid and quick expert tips
- Mistake: Buying without checking weight capacity. Always exceed your body weight by a safe margin.
- Mistake: Ignoring folded dimensions and weight. A comfortable cot that will not fit your trunk is useless.
- Tip: If the included mattress is thin, budget for an extra sleeping pad to improve insulation and comfort.
- Tip: Choose models with non slip feet and multiple legs for stability on uneven ground.
- Tip: Follow the manufacturer setup steps or video the first time so you know how to open and fold it quickly when camping.
- Tip: Prefer cots with side pockets and a head incline if you plan to read or use the cot for naps and guests.
Final Thoughts
Pick a cot that matches your primary use: prioritize weight capacity and frame strength for frequent or heavier users, mattress thickness and width for comfort, and packed size for portability. Check dimensions and return policy before you buy and allow any compressed mattress time to expand. With the right balance you will get a stable, comfortable sleeping solution for camping, travel or guest use.
