As we saw in our article on the best camping cots, portable camping cots can provide an excellent luxurious home-like sleeping arrangement during family or car camping.
One of the major limitations of standard camping cots is that it can be a challenge to set them properly in a tent – they may not fit properly or end up causing wear-and-tear to the tent footprint. Wouldn’t it be nice to have something that combines both the tent and cot into a single sleeping gear? Well, tent cots are exactly the gear that you need.
In this article, we will review and list some of the best tent cots available in the market for a comfortable overnight sleep in the backcountry. Our primary focus would be on portable tent cots that can be purchased as a single unit and provide a comfortable sleeping surface for one or two people.
We will also discuss some of the major factors to keep in mind before picking the best tent cot for your needs and share our top picks.
Also check out our article on the best camping hammocks for an alternative elevated sleeping gear for camping, hiking and backpacking.
Best tent cot list
Some of the best tent cots for a comfortable overnight sleep in the wilderness are listed below:| Picture | Product | Specifications | |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot | Cot: 90.0” x 32.0” x 11.0” With Tent: 90.0” x 32.0” x 47.0” Packed: 36.0” x 34.0” x 7.0” 32.0 lbs. | |
  | Ozark Trail One-Person Tent Cot | Cot: 85.0” x 36.0” x 11.8” With Tent: 99.0” x 74.0” x 60.0” Packed: 40.0” x 36.0” x 12.0” 29.5 lbs. | |
  | Outsunny Compact Pop-Up Tent Cot | Cot: 78.0” x 30.7” x 16.5”. With Tent: 76.0" x 34.0" x 63”. Packed: 37.0” x 12.0” x 9.0” 26.2 lbs. | |
  | Tangkula Folding Single Tent Cot | Cot: 81.5” x 32.0” x 12.0” With Tent: 81.5” x 32.0” x 43.0” Packed: 33.0” x 32.0” x 7.0” 29.0 lbs. | |
  | Yescom 1-Person Folding Tent Cot | Cot: 83.5” x 30.7” x 20.5” With Tent: 83.5” x 30.7” x 35.6” Packed: 34.2” x 32.7” x 6.5” 28.6 lbs. | |
  | Desert Walker Camping Tent Cot | Cot: 72.8" x 23.6" x 5.9" With Tent: 78.7" x 26.0" x 47.2" Packed: 19.6" x 12.0" x 4.0" 5.0 lbs. | |
  | Kamp-Rite Double Tent Cot | Cot: 84.0” x 53.0” x 11.0” With Tent: 84.0” x 53.0” x 51.0” Packed: 56.0" x 34.0" x 8.0" 51.0 lbs. | |
  | Winterial Double Camping Tent Cot | Cot: 85.0” x 46.0” x 11.0” With Tent: 85.0” x 46.0” x 41.0” Packed: 48.5” x 33.5” x 8.0” 44.0 lbs. | |
  | Tangkula Folding Double Tent Cot | Cot: 81.5” x 46.5” x 12.0” With Tent: 81.5” x 46.5” x 43.0” Packed: 49.0” x 32.0” x 8.0” 40.0 lbs. |
** The open size mentioned above are the overall dimensions of the tent cot. The interiors and sleeping surface would be a little smaller than the overall size.
What is a tent cot and how can it be useful?
Tent cots are essentially a combination of camping tents and portable cots, assembled in a single unit, to create an off-ground, overnight shelter. Tent cots tend to be compact, lightweight and extremely quick and easy to set up.
Tent cots are a perfect choice for simple one or two-person shelter for car camping, motorcycling, hunting or other multi-day overnight adventures. They are, however, still too heavy for use in hiking and backpacking.
The tent of the tent cot is generally smaller and more compact than the standard hiking or backpacking tents. It is generally non-freestanding, though some manufacturers do offer models with freestanding tents. But, it still has a rain fly, a single oversize door and a vestibule. You can also utilize the space below your bed for extra storage.
The best tent cots are extremely versatile – the tent can be set up on the ground and even on the car or SUV rooftops. Moreover, the tent can be detached from the cot base to create a compact, one-person tent on the ground, while the cot can be used independently as a standard sleeping cot.
Tent cots can be used with or without the tent rain fly as a cot covered with a lightweight bug-net. You can even use them during open-air music festivals or overnight tailgating parties.
In the next sections, we will list our picks for the best tent cots for outdoor adventures and also list out the factors to consider before picking the most suitable tent cot for your next wilderness trip.
Which are the best tent cots for camping and other outdoor adventures?
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot – Best tent cot
Material: 600D ripstop polyester fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated aluminum frame and steel legs. 210D, 190 TPU nylon fabric tent and waterproof rain fly.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 90.0″ x 32.0″ x 11.0″.
- With Tent: 90.0″ x 32.0″ x 47.0″.
- Packed: 36.0″ x 34.0″ x 7.0″.
- Weight: 32 lbs. total.
- Supports one person up to 7′ tall and weighing up to 350 lbs.
Price: $$$.
Features:
- Versatile, oversize 1-person tent cot made of 600D polyester fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated aluminum steel frame, along with a 210 TPU waterproof nylon tent and rain fly. Made in China under the US-based company’s quality control measures.
- Wider and longer than the Original Tent Cot and adds a domed top to create more headroom and interior space.
- Unique, multi-functional hinge design creates a large free-standing space within the tent. Versatile and can also be used as a lounge chair or just the cot with two awning aluminum poles.
- Equipped with two D-shaped oversized doors and two-windows with high-quality zippers. Also has No-See-Um meshes on all windows and doors.
- Comes with two interior storage pouches for storing essentials. Comes assembled and easy to collapse and carry. A matching 600D polyester carrying bag with handle straps is also included.
- Available in two-color combination and backed by a one-year unlimited manufacturer warranty. Priced at under 200 USD for the tent cot with accessories.
- Some other camping and tent cot designs are also available from the same manufacturer, including the best-selling Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot.
Detail Review:
The California-based Kamp-Rite is one of the most established brands for tent cots, and the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot their most spacious 1-person models tailored on the best-selling Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot. And it is our favorite because of the extra sleeping and storage space it provides
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot features a 600D PU-coated (3000mm.) polyester canvas cot cover mounted on an anodized aluminum frame. The cot has powder-coated stainless-steel support legs that are smartly attached to the frame to provide convenient folding and expansion. Like other Kamp-Rite cots and chairs, the cot is made in China under the company’s strict quality control measures.
With an expanded dimension of 90.0″ x 32.0″ x 11.0″., the Oversize Camping cot is larger than even a twin bed. The cot can fold down to about half the size – 36.0″ x 34.0″ x 7.0″., which though not the most compact, is still quite manageable. The whole set up weighs about 32 lbs. and is suitable for one person or two kids up to 7-feet tall and weighing up to 350 lbs. In fact, there are videos online of the cot supporting even a higher weight.
The latest Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot model is wider and longer than the Original Tent Cot and adds a domed top to create more headroom and interior space. And with the latest improvements, it is extremely stable and durable even in inclement weather conditions. The sturdy cot base includes two additional support legs located at each end of the Tent Cot for extra stability. Moreover, its unique hinge design enables the tent cot to be converted to a lounge chair or a standard style cot in no time.
The tent and rain fly of the Kamp-Rite tent cot is extremely well-designed and features a 210D, 190 TPU waterproof surface. The included rain fly is tape-sealed along the seams to provide a weather-proof sleeping system. The tent has two big doors with zippered flaps. The tent also has two windows with high-quality zippers for privacy. All the doors and windows have No-See-Um meshes for superior ventilation and privacy.
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot is available in two-color combinations – military green and grey. It is reasonably priced at under 200 USD and often on discount. And like other high-quality Kamp-Rite products, the cot is backed by a one-year UNLIMITED manufacturing warranty against manufacturing defects – a big testament of the superior quality this cot offers. If you are looking for cheaper, smaller cots, you can also check out some other camping cot designs by the same manufacturer.
- Versatile and spacious tent cot featuring a 600D PU-coated (3000mm.) polyester canvas cot cover mounted on an anodized aluminum frame.
- Wider and longer than the Original Tent Cot with two additional support legs located at each end of the Tent Cot for extra stability.
- Best-in-class 210D, 190 TPU waterproof tent and rain fly. Has two big doors and two windows with zippered flaps.
- Versatile hinge design enables the tent cot to be converted to a lounge chair or a standard style cot in no time.
- Easy to set up and take down – takes less than 4-5 minutes. Comes with a high-quality, 600D canvas fabric carry bag for easy storage and transportation.
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. Competitively priced at under 180 USD.
- Extra-large packed size may not fit all car trunks. Heavier than other standard models.
- Does not come with a sleeping pad or mattress, which has to be purchased separately.
Ozark Trail One-Person Tent Cot – Value pick for the best tent cot
Material: 600D, oxford fabric cot with a 1″ padding, mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. Double-layer polyester taffeta tent and rain fly with 2 fiberglass poles.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 85.0″ x 36.0″ x 11.8″.
- With Tent: 99.0″ x 74.0″ x 60.0″.
- Packed: 40.0″ x 12.0″ x 12.0″.
- Weight: 29.5 lbs. total.
- Supports one person (or two kids) up to 6’9″ tall and weighing up to 250 lbs.
Price: $.
Features:
- Value-for-money tent cot with an extra-large cot and double-layer tent and rain fly. Made in China for a US-based company’s quality control measures.
- The cot is made of 600D PU-coated oxford fabric mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. The tent has a double-layered polyester taffeta construction that is water-resistant. For full waterproofing, apply sealant along the seams. Guy-ropes and stakes are also included for a stable setup.
- Features a 1″-thick padding on the cot for extra comfort. The inner mesh provides ventilation and protection against bugs. A full-sized rainfly with a large zippered door provides easy access.
- Comes with two vestibules, two mesh pockets and a gear loft below the tent frame for storage.
- Easy to set up and take down and comes with a carrying sack for easy transportation.
- Available in a single beige-grey color combination and backed by a six-month manufacturer warranty.
- Competitively priced at under 110 USD. A two-person, Ozark Trail Double Tent Cot is also available from the same manufacturer.
Detail Review:
If you are looking for a tent cot that provides an elevated soft sleeping surface with ample protection from bugs and weather elements and do not want to spend a fortune, then the Ozark Trail One-Person Tent Cot is a perfect choice for you. Its spacious design, double-layer tent and extra storage space are some of the features that made it edge out the Outsunny Compact Pop-Up Tent Cot. This cot plus tent combo may not be the cheapest option out there, but it truly offers the best value-for-money.
The Ozark Trail One-Person Tent Cot features a 600D oxford fabric cot cover mounted on a durable metal frame. The frame is totally rust-resistant. The cot has a 1-inch thick padding that provides a more comfortable sleeping surface for both back and side-sleepers. Like most other Coleman products, the Ozark Trail Tent Cot is made in China under Coleman’s quality control processes. (It is marketed in some regions around the world as OzTrails tent cot).
The frame of the Ozark Trail Tent Cot is made of powder-coated stainless-steel that is both sturdy and lightweight. The frame has three evenly-spaced folding support legs that provide a cross-legged type support system to the cot and mattress. The frame legs have plastic floor protectors. This design ensures that the cot would not cause undue wear and tear to the ground below and still provide a stable sleeping surface.
The cot provides a wide 85.0″ x 36.0″ sleeping surface which can easily accommodate a person up to 6’9″ tall. And though the tent is rated at maximum support for 225-250 lbs., we feel it can easily support someone weighing up to 280-300 lbs. A two-person tent cot is also available from the same manufacturer.
The tent and rain fly of the tent cot are made of polyester taffeta which is rated as water-resistant but is not fully waterproof. You can make it waterproof by applying a sealant or spraying it with a waterproofing spray. The tent is double-layered and with two fiberglass poles, provides a spacious canopy tent area with overall dimensions of 99.0″ x 74.0″ x 60.0″.
The tent has a single oversize door for easy access, however, there are no vents in the rain fly. The meshed tent can also be used without the rain-fly as a lightweight bug net.
The Ozark Trail One-Person Tent Cot is competitively priced in under 110 USD. It is available in the standard beige-grey color combination and backed by a six-month manufacturer warranty.
- Value-for-money elevated tent cot with an oversize cot, free-standing tent and rain fly. Suitable for one person up to 6’9″ tall and weighing up to 225-250 lbs.
- Features a 1″ padding on the cot for extra comfort, with a canopy tent and rain fly for a spacious set up. Versatile and can also be used with just the inner mesh and without the rain fly.
- Has two vestibules, mesh pockets on each end and a gear loft for extra storage.
- An all-inclusive package that includes the padded cot, tent with a rain fly, 2 fiberglass poles, guy-ropes, stakes and a carrying stuff sack.
- Competitively priced at under 110 USD and backed by a six-month manufacturer warranty.
- The tent is water-resistant but not fully waterproof.
- The rain fly does not have a vent, so condensation can be a problem when the door is zippered down.
Outsunny Compact Pop-Up Tent Cot
Material: 600D, oxford fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. Single-layer polyester taffeta tent with fiberglass poles. No rain fly.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 78.0″ x 30.7″ x 16.5″.
- With Tent: 76.0″ x 34.0″ x 63″.
- Packed: 37.0″ x 12.0″ x 9.0″.
- Weight: 26.2 lbs. total.
- Supports one person up to 6’2″ tall and weighing up to 300 lbs.
Price: $.
Features:
- Four-in-one tent cot combo that comes with a tent cot, sleeping bag, pillow and air mattress for a complete sleeping system. Made in China.
- Features a 600D oxford fabric cot mounted on a powder-coated steel frame, with a detachable polyester taffeta tent supported by fiberglass poles. The single-layer tent is not the most durable and only water-resistant, not water-proof
- Has a large zippered door for entry and exit. Also has a zippered mesh window on one side for ventilation. But does not include a rain fly which has to be purchased separately.
- High-quality air mattress with an inflating pump and nylon canvas sleeping spread provide soft-cushion surface to sleep on.
- The all-inclusive bundle comes with a cot, tent (no rain fly), fiberglass poles, air mattress with pump, pillow, sleeping bag and a carrying bag for easy transportation.
- Available in standard military green color and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Competitively priced at under 150 USD for the bundle.
- A larger 76″ x 53.5″ Outsunny double tent cot option is also available from the same manufacturer. Also available without the mattress and sleeping pad.
Tangkula Folding Single Tent Cot
Material: 600D, 3000mm. PU-coated Oxford fabric cover mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. 420D waterproof oxford tent and rain fly with aluminum poles.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 81.5″ x 32.0″ x 12.0″.
- With Tent: 81.5″ x 32.0″ x 43.0″.
- Packed: 33.0″ x 32.0″ x 7.0″.
- Weight: 29.0 lbs. total.
- Supports one person (or two kids) up to 6’6″ tall and weighing up to 275 lbs.
Price: $$.
Features:
- High-quality, spacious one-person tent cot with a 600D PU-coated oxford fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. Comes with a compact 420D, waterproof oxford fabric tent and rainfly. Made in China.
- The aluminum roof poles help in creating extra height, but it is only high enough to sit down comfortably.
- Provides excellent ventilation and access with 2-D sized doors and 2 small openings on the other two sides, each with zippered mesh and extra zippered flaps. Two awning poles are also included to properly set up the sides and rainfly. Holds its shape even in high winds and rain.
- Easy to set up and folds down to a small carrying size that would fit most car trunks. Comes with a carrying bag with handle straps for easy transportation.
- The package includes the cot, tent attached to the cot, a rainfly, two roof poles, two awning poles and a carry bag.
- Priced at under 180 USD and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Available in a single military green color.
Yescom 1-Person Folding Tent Cot
Material: 300D, 2000mm. PU-coated oxford nylon cot cover mounted on a powdered-steel frame. 210D Oxford tent with polyester mesh windows and metal awning poles. No separate rain fly.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 83.5″ x 30.7″ x 20.5″.
- With Tent: 83.5″ x 30.7″ x 35.6″.
- Packed: 34.2″ x 32.7″ x 6.5″.
- Weight: 28.6 lbs. total.
- Supports one person (or two kids) up to 6’7″ tall and weighing up to 330 lbs.
Price: $.
Features:
- Budget, oversized tent cot featuring a 300D PU-coated Oxford nylon cot cover mounted on a powdered-steel frame and 210D Oxford fabric tent. Made in China.
- Features a high – 14″ elevated sleeping platform mounted on a sturdy metal frame that is supported by four U-shaped legs. The legs have non-slip plastic protectors for stable support even on soft soil.
- Has a combined tent + rainfly (not separate) with polyester mesh windows having zippered flaps for privacy. Comes with two D-shaped doors – one on each side, with zippered closures and flap covers.
- Equipped with two-indoor gear organized pockets for storing the essentials. A carry bag is also included for easy transportation.
- Competitively priced at under 140 USD for the complete set up. Comes with the cot, tent, awning poles, pocket organizers, carry bag and an instruction manual.
- Available in a single military green color and backed by a 30-day hassle-free returns commitment.
Desert Walker Camping Tent Cot
Material: 600D oxford canvas cot surface mounted on a tubular anodized aluminum frame. 20D nylon mesh tent and 15D silicone-coated nylon rainfly.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 78.7″ x 26.0″ x 5.9″.
- With Tent: 78.7″ x 26.0″ x 47.2″.
- Packed: 19.6″ x 12.0″ x 4.0″.
- Weight: 2.6 lbs cot only; 5 lbs. total.
- Supports one person up to 6’2″ tall and weighing up to 440 lbs.
Price: $$$$.
Features:
- Ultralight tent cot combination, featuring a 600D oxford fabric cot cover mounted on an aircraft-grade aluminum frame. The tent is made of standard 20D nylon mesh and comes with a 15D double-sided silicone-coated nylon rainfly. Made in China.
- Multi-functional design with two-doors and two-vestibules. Provides decent 3-season support and can be used with or without the tent, rainfly or both.
- An all-inclusive package that comes with two shock-corded side poles, four support rods, nine aluminum stakes and a cloth cot mattress/pillow.
- Requires some skills to install and take down but is extremely stable once set. An oxford fabric carry bag is also included for easy storage and transportation.
- Available in a single red color and backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty against defects. The cot is also sold separately without the tent.
- At over 300 USD, Costlier than most other tent cots.
Kamp-Rite Double Tent Cot
Material: 600D ripstop polyester fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated aluminum frame. 400D, 190 TPU nylon fabric tent and rain fly.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 84.0″ x 53.0″ x 11.0″.
- With Tent: 84.0″ x 53.0″ x 51.0″.
- Packed: 56.0″ x 34.0″ x 8.0″.
- Weight: 51 lbs. total.
- Supports two persons up to 6’6″ tall and weighing up to 500 lbs.
Price: $$$.
Features:
- Versatile double tent cot made of 600D polyester fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated aluminum frame, along with a 190T waterproof nylon tent and rain fly. Made in China for a US-based company.
- Features a smartly-designed U-shaped support base that balances the two cot sides separately. Does have a support rod in the middle that can be uncomfortable without a pad or mattress.
- Unique, multi-functional hinge design creates a large free-standing space within the tent. Versatile and can also be used as a lounge chair or just the cot.
- Equipped with two D-shaped oversized doors and two-windows with high-quality zippers. Also has No-See-Um meshes on all windows and doors.
- Comes with two interior storage pouches for storing essentials. Comes assembled and easy to collapse and carry. A matching 600D polyester carrying bag with handle straps is also included.
- Available in a single military green color combination and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Priced at under 300 USD for a twin-bed cot.
- Some other camping and tent cot designs are also available from the same manufacturer, including the best-selling original Kamp-Rite Tent Cot.
Winterial Double Camping Tent Cot
Material: 600D ripstop polyester fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated aluminum frame. 420D, waterproof nylon fabric tent and rain fly.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 85.0″ x 46.0″ x 11.0″.
- With Tent: 85.0″ x 46.0″ x 41.0″.
- Packed: 48.5″ x 33.5″ x 8.0″.
- Weight: 44 lbs. total.
- Supports two persons up to 6’9″ tall and weighing up to 500 lbs.
Price: $$$$.
Features:
- Deluxe 2-person tent cot featuring a 600D polyester cot cover mounted on an anodized aluminum frame. Comes with a 420D waterproof nylon fabric tent and rain fly. Made in China.
- Well-ventilated design with 4 no-see-um doors with mesh lining and two overhead zippered windows. Two wide doors – one of each side provide an easy entrance.
- The aluminum frame features 4 bar-legs attached to the frame by Velcro straps for superior stability, even in windy conditions. No support bar through the middle provides seamless sleeping area.
- Easy to set up and take down. Comes with a carry bag for easy storage and transportation.
- Available in a single grey color combination and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty upon registration.
- Costly at over 300 USD for the two-person cot.
Tangkula Folding Double Tent Cot
Material: 600D, 3000mm. PU-coated Oxford fabric cover mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. 420D waterproof oxford tent and 3-sided rain fly with aluminum poles.
Size and Weight:
- Cot: 81.5″ x 46.5″ x 12.0″.
- With Tent: 81.5″ x 46.5″ x 43.0″.
- Packed: 49.0″ x 32.0″ x 8.0″.
- Weight: 40 lbs. total.
- Supports two persons up to 6’2″ tall and weighing up to 500 lbs.
Price: $$$.
Features:
- A two-person counterpart of the popular Tangkula one-person tent cot. Similar build – a 600D PU-coated oxford fabric cot cover mounted on a powder-coated steel frame. Comes with a compact 420D, waterproof oxford fabric tent and 3-sided rain fly. Made in China.
- Provides excellent ventilation and access with 2-D sized doors and 2 small openings on the other two sides, each with zippered mesh and extra zippered flaps. Two awning poles are also included to properly set up the sides and rain fly and create a covered door. Holds its shape even in high winds and rain.
- Easy to set up and take down. Comes fully assembled with a carrying bag having handle straps for easy transportation.
- The package includes the cot, tent attached to the cot, a rain fly, two roof poles, two awning poles and a carry bag.
- Priced at well under 300 USD and backed by a one-year manufacturer warranty. Available in a single military green color.
Additional Options
In addition to the tent cot models listed above, a couple of manufacturers sell tents which are designed specifically to fit their camping cot models. While this arrangement may not be the cheapest option, it is still pretty viable for anyone who is looking for a versatile, heavy-duty tent cot for camping, hunting or biking:
- TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Quick Tent: High-quality, solo camping tent that can be set on the ground or with the best-selling Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Cot. Made of taffeta polyester mesh with a standard waterproof rainfly. Has overall dimensions of 82″ x 39″ x 32″ and packs to a compact 25″ x 8″ x 5″ and 4.3 lbs. Priced under 65 USD and backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Therm-a-Rest Cot Tent: Premium made in the US, ultralight cot tent that can convert any cot into a freestanding solo shelter. Comes with hubbed poles, waterproof rainfly and meshed tent. Available in two sizes for use with standard and XL tent cots. Costs over 250 USD and backed by a lifetime warranty.
Alternatively, you can look to buy a pop-up Bivy tent and improvise it to be used with your camping cot.
How to pick the best tent cots for camping and other outdoor adventures?
The best tent cot is one which is compact and portable, comfortable to sleep on and easy to set up and take down. After all, you are not going to haul all this weight to find that your shelter cannot provide you with the convenience and comfort of sleeping on an elevated surface. Worry not! we have only recommended the models that are durable, reliable, convenient and comfortable.
Once you have decided on the broad budget that you have and the number of occupants (one or two-person), you need to look at a few important factors before picking the best tent cot for camping, glamping, boondocking or other outdoor adventures. These major considerations are summarized below:
- Building material of the tent cot
- Design of the tent cot
- Size and weight of the tent cot
- Packing size and portability
- Additional Factors and Considerations
Building material of the tent cot
The construction material of the tent cot – specifically the fabric of the cot cover, the material of the frame and legs and the fabric of the tent and rain fly is an important factor as it governs the durability and reliability of the tent cot. Why else do you think there is so much variation in the price of these camping cots?
Specifically, the construction quality governs the following major things:
- The durability of the tent cot to last more than a few camping trips.
- The ability of the tent and cot to survive inclement weather – rain and high winds.
- Noise and sag-free cot cover with a stable sleeping surface.
All the options that we listed feature a cot cover made of high-quality 600 deniers or more oxford or polyester fabric that is stretch-free, durable and comfortable, and noise-free too. The nylon or polyester fabric is also PVC or PU-coated to provide superior water-protection (2000mm. to 3000mm.).
The tent cot frames are made of generally made of hollow stainless steel or anodized aluminum tubes, with additional welding or clamps at the stress points.
The legs also have plastic or rubberized floor protectors to prevent wear and tear to ground. The frame and legs are coated with a rust-resistant paint, making them more durable and weather-proof.
The cot is attached to the tent frame through a series of clips or Velcro straps or both. Some tent cots even have aluminum awning poles and tent poles to provide better support to the tent.
In terms of the build quality, we found the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot and its variants to have the best construction.
Check the overall building material of the cot, tent, and frame before picking the best tent cot for your outdoor trip. If you are in doubt, pick one of our recommended products – you will find them pretty durable and sturdy.
Design of the tent cot
There are certain design features that you should check out before pulling the plug on a specific tent cot model for your next outdoor trip. These design features are as follows:
- Rain fly or No-fly: Whether the tent cot comes with a separate rain fly or not controls how versatile the tent cot set up can be. A separate all-side rain fly means that you can arrange the cot in a way to provide maximum protection during inclement weather conditions such as rains, snow and wind. And a separate rain fly means that you can use the cot without the tent or without the fly to reduce the carrying weight.
As an example, all the Kamp-Rite Tent Cots come with a full rain-fly, making them extremely versatile. A three-sided rainfly can still provide enough protection – the Tangkula Folding Single Tent Cot and its two-person counterpart feature a three-sided rainfly. Of the options that we have listed, the Yescom 1-Person Folding Tent Cot and Outsunny Compact Pop-Up Tent Cot do not come with a separate rain fly and instead rely on the zipper flaps on the mesh windows for weather protection.
- Number of doors and windows: Most of the options that we listed have two full-sized doors with zippered enclosures with meshed windows on the other sides. This ensures ample ventilation and also prevents unwanted condensation in the tent even when the flaps on the windows are covered.
- Vestibules and storage space: The size of the vestibule and additional storage space that helps you to keep your gear safe and secure is also something to consider.
- Free-standing support poles and awning poles: The presence of awning poles to create an entrance and also maximize the storage space in the tent is also something to check out. And if the arrangement is free-standing, you get extra head-room and also the option to use the tent separately without the cot. Just remember that more the number of poles, the larger and heavier the packing size of the tent would be.
- Cot support system for two-person tent cots: If you are looking for a two-person tent cot, then the presence of a support bar in the middle is also something to keep in the mind. If you are with your homies, you might prefer having such a bar, but with family, it may make the sleeping surface less seamless. The Kamp-Rite Double Tent Cot is a double tent cot that comes with such a support bar to keep the two cot surfaces independent of one another, while the Winterial Double Camping Tent Cot and Tangkula Folding Double Tent Cot do not have a support bar in the middle and provide a uniform sleeping surface.
Keep these different design features also in mind before picking the best tent cot for camping, hunting or other outdoor adventures.
Size and weight of the cot
The size and weight of the tent cot is also an important consideration to keep in mind as it governs the height and maximum weight that the tent cot can support.
The size of a tent cot is expressed in terms of its length, width and height of the tent. Unlike the camping cots, where the height and weight are most important, the height of the tent cot is also an important dimension as it would govern whether you can sit tall in the tent or simply crouch down!
Among the tent cots for one person, all the options that we listed support adults up to 6-6.5 feet tall and weighing up to 225 pounds to 350 pounds. In all regards, our top pick – the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot offers the best-in-class sleeping surface and can support persons up to 7 feet tall and weighing up to 350 lbs. And you will have a lot of room to spare to store your gear by your side.
If you are looking for a camping cot for two people, the options we have listed, such as the Winterial Double Camping Tent Cot and Tangkula Folding Double Tent Cot have a sleeping surface that is larger than a twin bed, making them excellent choices for adults and children alike.
The height of the cot – specifically the clearance from the ground and overall height of the tent with the cot is also something to check out. We have listed both free-standing and non-freestanding or compact tent cots. The freestanding tent cots such as the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot and Ozark Trail One-Person Cot Tent provide excellent headroom, while the more compact tent cots, such as the Tangkula Folding Single Tent Cot only provide a Bivy-type headroom.
While most tent cots are too heavy to be suitable for backpacking, the overall weight is also something to look out for. After all, you would not want to haul a heavy load even in your car and at the same time pick an option that is sturdy enough to not bungle under your load while sleeping.
All the options that we listed have a manageable weight ranging from 25 up to 60 lbs. for two-person camping cots. The only exception is the Desert Walker Camping Tent Cot which weighs only 5.0 lbs. and is perfect even for backpacking.
Check the overall size, the clearance from ground and weight of the tent cot before picking the best tent cot for your needs.
Packing size and portability
Closely related with the overall size and weight of the tent cot is its packing size and portability. It is important to pick a tent cot that packs to a size which can fit in the car’s trunk (and if not the trunk, at least in the backseat).
The best tent cots are ones which collapse to at most half their full-size and pack small to be carried in an included carrying case. We have indicated the folded size of all the options that we have listed to give you an idea of the packing size you would need to account for.
Along with the packing size, it is important to pick a model that is easy to take down and fold without the need for any special tools or techniques. All the options that we have listed, especially the Kamp-Rite Tent Cots are extremely easy to set up and take down. Off-course the two-people camping cots would require a slightly more effort to take down, so keep that in mind before picking the best tent cot for your requirements.
Check out the overall size (both open and packed), and portability of the tent cot before zeroing in on a specific model.
Additional factors and miscellaneous considerations
In addition to the major factors discussed above, there are some other miscellaneous considerations that can make a particular tent cot a preferable choice over other options.
One such consideration is the accessories and replacement parts that come with the tent cot (or are available for purchase in the market). All the options that we listed come with a high-quality carrying bag for easy transportation and side pockets and organizers to store the essentials. Our value pick – the Ozark Trail One-Person Cot Tent and another option- the Outsunny Compact Pop-Up Tent Cot even comes with a sleeping pad, making it an excellent choice for family camping.
The availability of head-rest or a versatile locking angle allowing the cot to be used as a lounge chair for reclining in addition to sleeping is also something that you might want to look at.
While it does not affect the utility of the camping cot, another consideration is the color combination in which the cot is available. Most of the options that we listed are available in single standard dark-color combinations – military green, grey or black. So you do not have a lot of choices there.
Finally, one of the most important additional consideration is the warranty and after-sales support offered on the tent cot by the manufacturer. The general rule of thumb is that longer the warranty period, the more reliable and durable the tent cot would be.
Most of the options that we listed are backed by one or more year manufacturing warranties, so you can use these cots for a long time without worrying about their durability and reliability. Just make sure that you always purchase the tent cot from an authorized re-seller and get the product registered if it is required.
You can look at all these features to determine if they make a specific tent cot a better choice over others.
Accessories for tent cots
Most camping cots do not come with a sleeping pad. If you are looking for more cushion, you may look at purchasing a cot mattress or sleeping pad of the appropriate size. Some of the popular options to check out are:
- Kamp-Rite Single Self Inflating Pad: High-density closed-cell foam mattress with overall dimensions of 77″ x 32″ x 4″. Features a soft velour top with a PVC base. Can support up to 275 lbs.
- TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Pad: Premium open-cell foam pad with a soft, 300D canvas cover. Available in three sizes to fit standard, large and extra-large cots. Backed by a lifetime warranty.
- Milliard Tri-Fold Cot Mattress: Double-layer foam mattress with 3-inches of cushion. Features a 600D removable and washable polyester cover. Measures 75″ x 31″ x 3″ when open and 31″ x 25″ x 9″ when folded.
- Lightspeed Outdoors Super Plush Camping pad: Lightweight sleeping pad made of Lightspeed’s proprietary FlexForm stretch fabric. Measures 77″ x 30″ x 3″ when open and 30″ x 7.8″ x 1.5″ when rolled down.
While most tent cots come with vestibules, additional storage pockets, you may want to get an additional cot organizer to maximize the storage space. You can check out the following budget options:
- TETON Sports Cot Organizer: Best-selling camping cot organizer with a thick tear-resistant canvas fabric body. Comes with eight pockets, a flat-bottom drink holder with a drain hole and a toilet paper clip. Fits any tent cot with a side rail.
- Guide Gear Cot Organizer: Multi-purpose camping cot organizer featuring a 600D polyester with PVC coating construction. Comes with clip-in straps to attach to any camping cot. Also features meshed bottle holder and rifle straps on back safely secure your rifle in place
- Rothco Cot Accessory Pouch: Budget, low-capacity camping cot pouch made of nylon fabric. Comes with sturdy side straps and Velcro pockets for storing the necessities.
Finally, another accessory that you might need with your cot is a camping pillow. For the best inflatable and compressible camping pillows, you can check our article on the best camping and backpacking pillows. If space is not a concern, you would find the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow especially comfortable.
Final thoughts on the best tent cots for camping and other outdoor adventures
Camping in the wilderness does not mean that you will have to give up on a comfortable overnight sleep. And you do not always need to cramp in your car for some rest. What you need is a tent cot that combines the benefit of a camping cot and the weather and bug protection of a tent into a single sleeping gear. And you can expect a home-like elevated sleeping surface away from the weather elements, all the creepy crawlers and the deformities of the ground.
In this article, we looked at some of the best tent cots for camping, biking, hunting and other outdoor adventures. Our primary focus was on tent cots that are lightweight, portable and sold as a single compact gear to combine the features of a tent and a cot.
We also looked at some of the major considerations to keep in mind before picking the best tent cot and shared our top picks.
We hope that you found this article useful and it would help you in picking the best tent cot for your next outdoor trip. Do let us know your feedback by commenting below. Until next time, happy camping!
Image credits:Amazon.com
A camping cot and a tent are in essence independent camping gear, but more people are finding it more convenient to just go for the combined cot tent. They come in a selection of choices including single and double options.
I enjoy spending time outdoors during the summer. My friends and I would take our camping gear, drive up th the foot of the nearest hiking trail, set up our tents and sleep under the stars. It’s an amazing experience.