Best Camping Cots of 2025
Durable, robust, folding cots and ultralight camp cots for comfortable sleep outdoors
August 3rd, 2025
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To find the best camping cots, we spent two years testing camping cots at festivals, campgrounds, month-long summer camps, and more. We tested everything from ultralight backpacking models to plush car-camping beds.
We tested camping cots in everything from sub-freezing temperatures to balmy summer days, from campgrounds in Montana and outdoor festivals in Oregon to a summer camp in the California mountains. We tested cots with and without insulated sleeping pads, depending on the weather, and tested while both sleeping inside camping tents and directly under the stars.
To find the best cots for most people, we gathered a dozen testers (and even some dogs) of different body shapes and sizes, ages and metabolism rates, and self-described "hot sleepers" to "cold sleepers."
Cots should be comfortable and easy to assemble and disassemble. Most importantly, the frame should feel secure. Hinges should stay stable, folded in place, and not wobble when you're sleeping on them. It seems like a simple order, but after testing, we found few cots met these basic criteria.
The best camping cot is the Kelty Lowdown for its comfort, ease of assembly, and value for the price. The Helinox Cot Max Convertible is the best luxury camp cot and the Helinox Lite is the best ultralight camping cot, offering a lighter weight, additional comfort, and a clever set-up that feels the most secure of any cot we tested. The best high-rise cot is the REI Campwell cot due to its easy set up, convenient carry case, and secure locking mechanisms.
Read on to learn more about the cots we tested, what to look for in a cot, how to use a cot, and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Comparison table
| COT | WEIGHT | LENGTH / WIDTH | HEIGHT | FOLDED DIMENSIONS | WEIGHT CAPACITY | BEST USE | MSRP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelty Lowdown Cot | Best Overall Read why |
4 lbs. 12.8 oz. | 75 x 27.5 in. | 6.7 in. | 17 x 7 x 7 in. | 300 lbs. | Summer camp, car camping, rafting | $150 |
| Helinox Cot Max Convertible | Best Luxury Read why |
6 pounds | 82.7 x 29.5 x 5.6 in. | 6.7 in. | 22.8 x 6.9 x 6.9 in | 320 pounds | Backpacking, pack rafting, firefighting | $429 |
| Helinox Lite Cot | Best Best Ultralight Read why |
2 lbs. 13 oz. | 73 x 23.5 in. | 5 in. | 5 x 21 in. | 285 lbs. | Backpacking, pack rafting, firefighting | $300 |
| REI Co-op Campwell Folding Cot | Best High Cot Read why |
17 lbs. 13 oz. | 76 x 25 in. | 18 in. | 8 x 37 x 8 in. | 300 lbs. | Car camping, sleep overs | $100 |
| Coleman Trailhead II | Best Affordable Cot Read why |
20 lbs | 73 x 35 in. | 17 in. | 7.94 x 5 x 39.5 | 300 lbs. | Car camping, sleep overs | $70 |
The winners
Best overall camping cot: Kelty Lowdown Cot
Best for: Summer camp, car camping, rafting
Weight: 4 lbs. 12.8 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Height: 6.7 in.
Dimensions: 17 x 7 x 7 in.
Dimension unfolded: 75 x 27.5 in.
What we liked: Easy and secure set-up, lightweight, value for the price, among the widest
What we didn’t like: Could be longer
The Kelty Lowdown Cot is our overall winner for best overall camping cot. It's easy and straightforward to set up. It stays secure and doesn't wobble when you're sitting or sleeping on it. It feels as comfortable as cots that cost twice the price. And at 4 lb 12 oz, it is relatively lightweight and compact so you could even backpack with it.
The Kelty Lowdown is among the most compact cots we tested and comes with a convenient carry case with a shoulder strap (and actually fits inside without a hassle). The Kelty Lowdown would is also one of the more affordable camping cots, offering everything we wanted at one of the best prices of any cot we tested.
Kelty Lowdown Cot
Our testers spent more than a month sleeping on the Kelty Lowdown Cot and found it among the most comfortable. It stays secure and we never felt like it was going to collapse or fold in on itself, as happened with other cots we tested.
The Kelty Lowdown cot is simple to assemble. You unfold the two support poles and slide them into the pockets vertically. Then you unfold the legs and snap them into place horizontally along the cot. We didn't even need directions, though they come printed on the carry case. Like all cots, snapping into place took some pressure, though it was easier on the Kelty Lowdown Cot than many similar cots we tested.
The only drawback of the Kelty Lowdown is that we wish it were longer. At 75 inches long, we couldn't fit a 6-foot long sleeping pad and our pillow above the sleeping pad. Taller campers over 6 feet tall may want to consider the Helinox Cot Max Convertible. However, the Kelty Lowdown is among the widest cots we tested at 27.5 inches, making it among the more size inclusive cots.
The best luxury backpacking cot: Helinox Cot Max Convertible
Best for: Backpacking, pack rafting, firefighting
Weight: 6 pounds
Weight limit: 320 pounds
Height: 6.7 in.
Dimensions: 22.8 x 6.9 x 6.9 in
Dimension unfolded: 82.7 x 29.5 x 5.6 in.
What we liked: Comfort, easiest to set up with clever locking mechanism requires less force than other cots, longer height was more comfortable for taller campers (and campers of all sizes), higher max weight limit, sturdiness despite being lightweight
What we didn’t like: price
The Helinox Lite Cot is our winner for best luxury camping cot. The Helinox Cot Max Convertible is surprisingly compact despite having the longest length of 82", accommodating campers over 6-feet). It also has the highest weight limit of any of the cots we tested.
The Helinox Convertible Max is one of the easiest cots to set up, with a clever locking system that requires less force to align than any other cot we tested. It's a small thing, but after a long day of hiking, we really appreciated not having to use extra energy for setup.
For comfort and ease of use, we think the Helinox Lite Cot is the best luxury cot. Luxury doesn't always mean extra padding. Instead, it means easy to set up and security and stability–something we didn't find in any of the padded camp cots we tested.
So while the price rivals what you'd find in luxury camping mattresses, the Helinox Cot Max Convertible is one of those gear items that can last decades of carting around and using while camping, at outdoor festivals, at campgrounds, while backpacking in the backcountry. Although we've only been testing for two years, the Helinox Cot Max Convertible is versatile and feels like outdoor gear that can last a lifetime.
Helinox Cot Max Convertible
Campers reported that it felt notably roomier and more luxurious than the Kelty Lowdown. This isn't just because the dimensions are wider and longer. The design feels like there is more usable space. The Helinox Cot Max Convertible has scaffolding rods that go right up to the edge of the fabric sleeping platform. Additionally, the fabric is less slippery than the Kelty Lowdown, so there's less sliding around, especially if you use a sleeping pad on top of your cot.
Cots as a category generally require a frustrating amount of force to assemble. With some cots we tested, it sometimes took multiple campers a lot of combined muscle and swearing to get all the parts in place, especially the first time we assembled it. That's not the case with the Helinox Cot Max Convertible. Although I realize this clever locking mechanism contributes to the higher price, I can't emphasize enough how much easier it is to set this one up, especially if you are solo.
Like all the cots we recommend, the locking mechanism on the Helinox Max Cot Convertible is secure without wobbling, sliding, or buckling. The feet stay in place and can handle uneven surfaces, from rocks to fat Jeffery pine cones underneath.
Another unique feature we liked about the Helinox Cot Max Convertible is the ability to turn it into a high cot. Some campers prefer a higher cot so they can store their gear underneath, especially when quarters are tight in a camping tent. You can attach legs (sold separately) into the struts and that will lift it off the ground.
Ultimately, the main drawback on the Helinox Cot Max Convertible is the price. There is no getting around it that this is a very expensive cot. However, it's similarly priced to some of the top-of-the-line camping mattresses out there, and costs less than the Hest Sleep System camping mattress.
If you're haven't been able to sleep while camping and have found other cots to not be wide enough or have an inclusive enough weight limit, then this cot is worth it.
Best ultralight backpacking cot: Helinox Lite Cot
Best for: Backpacking, pack rafting, firefighting
Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz.
Weight limit: 285 lbs.
Height: 5 in.
Dimensions: 5 x 21 in.
Dimension unfolded: 73 x 23.5 in.
What we liked: Comfort, easy to set up with clever locking mechanism requires less force than other cots
What we didn’t like: Price, lower weight limit
The Helinox Lite Cot is our winner for best ultralight camping cot. At 2 lbs 13 oz, this cot is among the lightest you can find, making it a good choice for backpacking. The Helinox Lite Cot is incredibly compact and comes with its own carrying case that takes up barely more space than some sleeping pads.
The Helinox Lite Cot comes with many of the same features we like on the Helinox Cot Max Convertible, but at a lower weight and a lower price. That makes it a clear winner for backpacking. The Lite Cot is not only the lightest cot we tested, but also one that is functional, easy-to-set up, stable, and comfortable.
Helinox Lite Cot
Despite the lighter weight, it comes with the same clever, easy to lock mechanisms as the Helinox Cot Max Convertible. It also is stable on uneven surfaces.
Instead, the Lite Max saves weight compared to the Cot Max by having smaller dimensions. At 73 inches long, it is shorter than the Cot Max and the Kelty Lowdown and it is also not as wide. This helps keep the weight down, barely weighing more than a conventional backpacking sleeping pad and leagues lighter than a camping mattress. Yet, for wider bodied people, these may not be the best choice.
Ultimately, the main drawback on the Helinox Lite Cot is the price. But if you're backpacking, the Lite Cot is the clear winner for best ultralight camping cot, weighing almost half as much as the nearest competition.
Many backpackers say they cannot sleep comfortably on sleeping pads anymore and have voiced to me their concern that their backpacking days may be over. The Helinox Lite Cot could just be the way to stay out there while actually getting a good night's rest.
Best high-rise cot: REI Campwell Cot
Best for: Car camping, sleep overs
Weight: 17 lbs. 13 oz.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Height: 18 in.
Dimensions: 76 x 25 in.
Dimension unfolded: 8 x 37 x 8 in.
What we liked: Incredible easy assembly/disassembly, stable and locks in place, convenient carry case, storage space underneath
What we didn’t like: 360-degree ground-adjustable feet each need securing, heavier and less compact than other options
The REI Campwell Cot is the best high-rise cot. Unlike every other cot we tested, its assembly and disassembly take seconds–not minutes. It comes with a convenient carry case with shoulder strap and is easy to move around.
Unlike other folding style cots, it feels secure and doesn't buckle when you sit or lay on it. With a higher height than other cots, there is plenty of storage space underneath to store a backpack, camping lantern, extra layers, and water bottle. This makes the Campwell Cot a good choice for when multiple people are sharing a camping tent and space is at a premium.
The Campwell Cot is so easy and intuitive, we second-guessed ourselves because every other cot was such a pain. Many folding style cots feel like complicated origami. That isn't the case with the Campwell Cot.
REI Campwell Cot
Our one issue with the Campwell Cot is the 360-degree ground adjustable feet. Designed to provide stability on uneven ground, we found the feet themselves would jostle into uneven angles, even when the ground was flat. The REI Wonderland Cot (review below) uses similar feet and we find it annoying on that model, too. However, the Campwell Cot's body stays securely flat, so you can go in and level out each foot. For comparison, we had trouble keeping the REI Wonderland's body securely flat and that made it all the more difficult to level out each foot.
High-rise cots as a genre generally will feel colder than lower cots because more cold air can accumulate under the cot. This can be a great win on a hot and humid summer day. It can also be annoying during a late fall camping trip. If you are a cold sleeper or will be camping in cooler conditions, we recommend pairing the REI Campwell cot with an insulated sleeping pad.
The REI Campwell Cot is heavier and less compact than some of the other cots we tested (though admittedly a lot more compact than the other folding cots we tested). However, that is something to keep in mind when packing up a loaded car with camping gear for the weekend–especially if you have a Campwell Cot for each person in the family.
Best affordable cot: Coleman Trailhead II
Best for: Car camping, sleep overs
Weight: 20 lbs
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Height: 17 in.
Dimensions: 7.94 x 5 x 39.5
Dimension unfolded: 73 x 35 in.
What we liked: Value for the price, dimensions
What we didn’t like: Hard to get in end struts/cross bars, heavy
There are no frills with the Coleman Trailhead II, but the price is right and it's often on sale. The Trailhead II cot is easy to find at a big box store before a last-minute trip to the mountains.
While it's not going to be the fanciest, it's more reliable than similarly priced options out there. The folding setup isn't quite as intuitive or secure as the REI Campwell cot. It unfolds like the Campwell but still requires you to add the end strut/crossbar to secure the head of the frame, like in the Kelty Lowdown or Helinox. It took some muscle to get the second end strut into place, too.
Coleman Trailhead II
The Coleman Trailhead II has the widest dimensions of any cot we tested—a whopping 35 inches. This is great for bigger bodied folks and campers who move around in the night. However, this also meant that we couldn't fit as many of these cots in a camping tent. A so-called 4-person tent can't really fit more than two of these comfortably if you want any room for your stuff. The 17-inch height on the Coleman Trailhead II is helpful for storing gear underneath, though.
The Coleman Trailhead II is one of the heavier cots we considered, which annoyed some testers but was fine for others. It comes with a convenient carry bag.
For a budget product, the Coleman Trailhead II still comes with a one-year warranty. All in all, with the Coleman Trailhead II cot, you get a similar product to the REI Campwell cot, just heavier and less refined. Depending on your individual tolerance for struggles with leverage during assembly/disassembly and for increased weight/bulkiness bringing it to your campsite, the Trailhead II could serve you well.
Other camping cots we tested
KingCamp Cot
Best for: Car camping, backpacking
Weight: 4.9 lbs.
Weight limit: 264.6 lbs.
Height: 4.7 in.
Dimensions: 13 x 5.1 x 5.1 in.
Dimension unfolded: 75 25 inch.
The KingCamp Cot is an Amazon bestseller that has a similar design to the Helinox Lite Cot at a lower price. However, we think it is worth it to invest in the Helinox instead. The lever-locking mechanism on the KingCamp Cot looks similar to the Helinox, but required so much force to ratchet into place, we started breaking out the wrench. It took multiple campers a lot of muscle to get the bars into place. To set it up, we eventually had to call over our friend from another tent (who does a lot of crossfit) to help us out.
KingCamp Cot
Best for: Guest bedroom, car camping
Weight: 20 lbs.
Weight limit: 300 lbs.
Height: 14 in.
Dimensions: 33 x 32 x 8.5 in.
Dimension unfolded: 82 x 31.5 in.
The REI Wonderland Comfort Cot was a strong contender for best camping cot with mattress. With built in padding, this cot looks more like a recliner than the other cots we tested. We had no issue with the padding on this one.
The big issue with this cot is getting it locked securely in place. In our testing, it folded on itself. It also has the same annoying and unstable feet as the REI Campwell Cot, though because the body of this cot doesn't stay in place, the foot issue becomes near impossible to correct. This cot doesn't come with a carry case and takes up a bunch of space in the car or when stored in the garage.
If you want padding, you're better off going with as luxurious of a camping mattress as you can find, like the Hest Dually or ExPed MegaMat or LuxeMat. While those mattresses will take up a fair amount of space in your vehicle or garage, it is still less space than the Wonderland Comfort Cot and much, much easier to set up.
REI Co-op Wonderland Comfort Cot
What to look for in a camping cot
Locking mechanisms, stability, and security
Find one that folds and locks easily. A big differentiator for me between so-so camp cots and the best camp cots is their folding and locking mechanisms. Some set up more easily than others. Some moving parts get stuck and figuring out how to unstick them can be even more annoying if you're doing it at night while mosquitoes are buzzing by. Practice setting up at home with plenty of light–and make sure that it is locked and secured before sitting or lying on it!
Weight
We tested camping cots from 2 lbs 12 oz to nearly 25 pounds. How lightweight you want your cot to be depends on how you'll be using it. Will you be backpacking or using it at a walk-in campsite? You may want a lighter tent. Can you pull up right next to where you're setting up the cot? It may be worth going with something heavier.
Packability
We tested cots that take up more room than some outdoor furniture, all the way to cots will fit in lightweight backpacking backpacks. What sort of packability is suitable for you depends on where you'll be taking it, how you store it during the off season, and what can fit in your vehicle.
Sleep area
When choosing a cot, get the dimensions right. Sure, you may be able to save a few bucks going for a shorter or narrower camping cot, but if your feet are hanging off the end, you aren't going to get a great night of sleep. Similarly, make sure your cot is wide enough for the broadest part of your body–with several inches to share.
Make sure it will fit in your tent. Many so-called 4-person or 6-person tents actually can't fit 4 or 6 camping cots. Get out the tape measurer to find the dimensions on your camping tent. Remember to add some buffer for personal space and a place to store shoes, gear, etc.
Load capacity
Most of the cots we tested range from 250 to 300 pound load capacity. Remember that load capacity includes the weight of you plus your gear including a sleeping bag and camp mattress (if you're using one).
Durability
We think a camping cot is a piece of gear that should last multiple generations of campers. We looked for durable materials like locking mechanisms that are made of metal and won't break or stick. We also considered the thickness of the material on the platform.
Sleeping height
We tested low cots and high cots. Generally, testers felt more comfortable sleeping lower to the ground so they didn't worry about rolling off. However, when the whole family is sharing the tent, it can be nice to have high cots for the extra storage space underneath.
Comfort
Comfort is arguably the most important thing to consider when choosing a cot. All testers found camp cots to be more comfortable than sleeping pads or camping mattresses we tested side-by-side. In fact, some testers found the cots to be more comfortable than real mattresses.
However, to get that comfort, campers had to feel stable and secure in the locking mechanisms on their cot. So while the comfort of our four winners was excellent and nearly indistinguishable between the three, the comfort associated with other cots we tested left something to be desired.
Support
Cots work by providing a taut but giving fabric suspended between a scaffolding of (usually) metal rods. The result is that the fabric supports the back as you sleep. None of the fabric cots we tested sunk or sagged, unless there was a problem with securing the metal rods in place.
Setup and takedown
Some of the cots we tested took seconds to set up and take down. Others literally took an hour, plus the time it took driving the cot home (once fully assembled) where we worked on it with tools from the garage. We rated setup and takedown as among the most important features of a cot. If it was easy, intuitive, and could be done at the end of a tiring day of hiking, we considered that a win.
Camping cots vs. sleeping pads and mattresses
Sometimes you want to use camp cots and inflatable sleeping pads together.
Camping cots:
Pros:
Comfortable night of sleep
High-rise cots have storage underneath
No need to deflate from night to night like camping mattresses
Can be used with sleeping pads for more insulation
Cons:
Weight limits
Lack insulation so are best suited for summer
Some models can be tippy or difficult to set up
Generally heavier and bulkier than sleeping pads
You can roll off
Sleeping pads:
Pros:
Lightweight and compact for backpacking
Takes up less space in storage or in a vehicle or backpack
Multiple sleeping pads can fit inside of a camping tent better than cots or mattresses
Can be used with cots to add extra insulation
Cons:
Generally less comfortable than cots or camping mattresses
Generally narrower than cots or camping mattresses
Can easily slide off the sleeping pad due to slippery surface fabric
Sometimes, sleeping pads can be loud (from the crinkling of the Mylar insulation inside)
Camping mattresses:
Pros:
Better insulation than cots so can be used in winter
Can use with sheets from home so can feel more comfortable to some people
Generally have a bigger sleeping area than camping cots
No weight limits
Lower to ground so less likely to slip off or lose pillows, etc.
Stability or tippiness is not an issue
Cons:
Can be bulkier and heavier than sleeping pads or some cots
Inflation can take some time
Camping cots care and maintenance tips
Cleaning fabrics
If you get dust, sand, or mud on the fabric of your camp cot, you can usually spot-clean with a damp cloth and maybe a bit of biodegradable soap. If it's a bigger area, you may want to consider handwashing the fabric.
Lubricating hinges and frame joints
Camp cot frames are designed to last a long time, but may require occasional lubricating of hinges with silicone-based lube.
Storage to avoid fabric sag
Camping cot fabric can stretch out over time so it's essential to disassemble and put your cot away when you're not using it. It's ok to leave it up in your tent for multiple days or even weeks, but you shouldn't keep your cot forever assembled. Give the fabric some time to rest and stretch back to its original shape, taking care to store it out of sunlight and in a cool place (heat can sometimes make some fabrics stretchier).
Repairing tears and replacing hardware
It's rare, but if you notice any fraying or tears in the fabric of your camp cot, repair the tear using patches. If it starts to impact stability and safety, contact the manufacturer for additional parts, which they often may sell at a discount. If any hardware starts to get sticky or loose, you can also contact the manufacturer for a replacement part.
FAQ
What weight capacity do I need in a camping cot?
To determine the weight capacity you need for a camp cot, consider that it must hold you, plus your gear. A good rule of thumb is multiply your personal weight by 1.2 for a safety margin. If that is below the maximum weight limit, you're likely good with your selected cot.
Can I use a camping cot on uneven ground?
Camping cots are designed to handle some amount of uneven ground, depending on the frame flexibility and whether it has ground-adjustable feet.
Do cots provide enough insulation from the cold ground?
Most camping cots do not provide as much insulation from the cold ground as a camping mattress or sleeping pad. The higher the camp cot, the more likely you are to feel cold. Camping mattresses and sleeping pads are rated by independent third parties that assign them an R-value, which is a measurement of insulation. If you are a cold sleeper or are camping in colder conditions, you can use a sleeping pad on top of your camping cot for extra insulation.
Are camping cots suitable for backpacking?
Some camping cot models are designed to be ultralight so you can take them backpacking. However, traditional cots are generally too heavy for backpacking. Ultralight models can weigh as little as 2 lb 12 oz and are as compact as a backpacking tent. However, they generally take longer to assemble and are lower to the ground than some of the high cots that use a folding design.
How we researched and tested
We have been testing camping cots for the past two years in everything from sub-freezing temperatures to balmy summer days. We tested in campgrounds in Montana and outdoor festivals in Oregon. We tested on backpacking trips in the San Gabriel mountains. We also tested cots side-by-side for more than a month at a summer camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
To find the best cots for most people, we gathered a dozen testers of different body shapes and sizes, ages and metabolism rates, from self-described "hot sleepers" to "cold sleepers." We even tested with a few dogs to see how comfortable they found the cots.
We tested each cot with different brands and types of sleeping pads, sleeping bags and even quilts. We also tested in camping tents and backpacking tents of different sizes.
To test how slippery cot fabric is, we tested cots with and without sleeping pads, depending on how much extra insulation we needed.
We tested cots while sleeping inside camping tents and directly under the stars.
We evaluated camp cots based on different needs, taking into account the tradeoffs between lightweight cots vs. comfort-focused options. Generally, across all the cots, we used the same criteria: comfort, ease of setup and disassembly, stability, and security of the frame, and durability. At the end, we factored in any extra features as well as overall price when it came to categories like the best budget option.
Why you should you trust us / About the author
Liz Thomas is an award-winning Los Angeles-based writer and Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. A former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail, Liz came to Treeline Review from New York Times/Wirecutter, the New York Times’ product review site, where she was a staff writer on the outdoor team.
Liz has talked gear on Good Morning America (TV), in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, Men’s Journal, Women’s Health, Gizmodo, and Outside Magazine.
To test the best camping cots, she and 16 other campers tested camping cots side-by-side for two years, from Montana to the Sierra. Collectively, we've spent more than 60 nights sleeping on cots for this article.
You can read more about Liz at her wikipedia page here or on her website. See all her Treeline Review articles on her author page.
