Best Cot Tent 2023

Cot tents are a great way to enjoy camping without sacrificing comfort and convenience. They combine a cot and a tent into one unit, providing a raised sleeping platform and a sheltered space. Cot tents are easy to set up and take down, and they can fit in most car trunks or roof racks. Cot tents are ideal for solo campers, couples, or families who want to have a cozy and relaxing outdoor experience.

There are many cot tents available on the market, but not all of them are created equal. Some are more durable, spacious, comfortable, or affordable than others. To help you find the best cot tent for your needs, we have reviewed and compared five of the top-rated models in 2023. Here is a summary table of their features and specifications:

Model	Price	Weight	Dimensions	Capacity	Material	Rating
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot	$199.99	32 lbs	90 x 32 x 47 inches	1 person	Heavy-duty 210D nylon fabric and powder-coated aluminum frame	4.5 out of 5 stars
Portable Camping Tent Cot with Mattress	$139.99	25 lbs	74 x 25 x 17 inches	1 person	Waterproof polyester fabric and steel frame	4.4 out of 5 stars
Kamp-Rite Compact Double Tent Cot	$269.99	44 lbs	84 x 52 x 40 inches	2 persons	Heavy-duty 190T nylon fabric and powder-coated steel frame	4.3 out of 5 stars
REDCAMP Folding Camping Cot with Tent	$89.99	15 lbs	75 x 28 x 12 inches	1 person	Waterproof oxford fabric and steel frame	4.2 out of 5 stars

Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot

The Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot is a versatile camping solution that combines a cot and a tent, making it ideal for solo campers who want a comfortable and convenient sleeping arrangement. This tent cot is designed for easy setup, excellent stability, and protection from bugs and the elements. It offers ample room for one person and their gear, making it suitable for various outdoor adventures.

Pros:

Easy Setup: The tent cot is straightforward to set up, allowing you to have your shelter ready quickly, even if you’re camping alone.
Cot Comfort: With a comfortable cot built into the design, you can sleep elevated off the ground, which is especially helpful in keeping you dry and away from crawling insects.
Weather Resistance: The tent cot is made of weather-resistant materials, and when combined with the rain fly, it offers excellent protection against rain and wind.
Ample Ventilation: While providing protection, the tent cot also has ample ventilation options, including windows and doors with screens, ensuring airflow while keeping bugs out.
Roomy Interior: The oversized version provides enough space for a person and some gear, allowing for a comfortable camping experience.
Durable Construction: Quality materials and construction ensure that this tent cot can withstand various weather conditions and outdoor adventures.
Quick Teardown: Packing up the tent cot is as easy as setting it up, making it a convenient choice for those on the move.

Cons:

Not Fully Waterproof: The tent cot may not be completely waterproof in heavy rain without the rain fly, so you’ll need to use it in wet conditions.
Limited Size Options: While the oversized version provides more room, there are limited size options available.
Ventilation in Rain: Ventilating the tent while it’s raining can be a bit tricky due to the design, and you may need to compromise between airflow and staying dry inside.

What People Say (Based on Reviews): Reviewers generally appreciate the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot for its ease of setup, comfort, and protection from bugs and the elements. Many campers find it to be a valuable addition to their gear, especially when camping alone. They praise its durability, roomy interior, and the fact that it keeps them off the ground.

Some reviewers mention minor issues with condensation in certain weather conditions but suggest ways to mitigate this by using ventilation effectively. Others note the tent cot’s impressive performance in adverse weather, including rain and wind, highlighting its reliability.

Overall, this tent cot receives positive feedback for its practicality and comfort, making it a suitable choice for solo campers looking for a hassle-free camping experience.

Portable Camping Tent Cot with Mattress

The Portable Camping Mattress is a versatile outdoor sleeping solution that includes a cot, air pad, and sleeping bag. While it offers ease of setup and sturdiness, it has received mixed reviews regarding its zipper design, missing parts, and air mattress performance.

Pros:

Easy Setup: The cot is straightforward to assemble, making it convenient for solo campers.
Sturdy Build: The cot can support individuals of up to 260 lbs and provides a comfortable night’s sleep for most users.
All-in-One Package: It includes an air pad and a sleeping bag, reducing the need for additional camping gear.

Cons:

Zipper Design: Some users have reported issues with the zipper design, particularly at the bottom of the tent, which can allow water to enter during rain.
Missing Parts: Several customers have received products with missing parts like tent pole tips and rain fly straps, leading to inconveniences.
Air Mattress Performance: The included air mattress may deflate relatively quickly, causing discomfort during extended use.
Vulnerability to Animals: The tent lacks a secure bottom closure, which means small animals can potentially enter the tent.

Based on the 10 reviews:

Review 1 mentions difficulties with instructions and issues with securing the tent during rain but praises the cot’s sturdiness and ease of setup.
Review 2 is positive, emphasizing the ease of setup, suitability for one person or two smaller individuals, and durability in windy conditions.
Review 3 highlights concerns about the tent’s insulation and its inability to seal completely, leading to discomfort in colder weather.
Review 4 points out a critical defect in the form of a missing zipper on the door, potentially rendering the product unusable for some customers.
Review 5 outlines various issues, including missing parts and the air mattress deflating quickly, leading to potential return requests.
Review 6 expresses concerns about the tent’s vulnerability to animals due to the bottom not sealing properly.

Overall, this product appears to offer convenience and sturdiness for certain users but has received criticism for design flaws, missing parts, and air mattress performance. Buyers should consider their specific camping needs and the reported issues before making a purchase.

Kamp-Rite Compact Double Tent Cot

Pros:

Easy Setup: The cot is straightforward to assemble, making it convenient for solo campers.
Sturdy Build: The cot can support individuals of up to 260 lbs and provides a comfortable night’s sleep for most users.
All-in-One Package: It includes an air pad and a sleeping bag, reducing the need for additional camping gear.

Cons:

Zipper Design: Some users have reported issues with the zipper design, particularly at the bottom of the tent, which can allow water to enter during rain.
Missing Parts: Several customers have received products with missing parts like tent pole tips and rain fly straps, leading to inconveniences.
Air Mattress Performance: The included air mattress may deflate relatively quickly, causing discomfort during extended use.
Vulnerability to Animals: The tent lacks a secure bottom closure, which means small animals can potentially enter the tent.

Based on the 10 reviews:

Review 1 mentions difficulties with instructions and issues with securing the tent during rain but praises the cot’s sturdiness and ease of setup.
Review 2 is positive, emphasizing the ease of setup, suitability for one person or two smaller individuals, and durability in windy conditions.
Review 3 highlights concerns about the tent’s insulation and its inability to seal completely, leading to discomfort in colder weather.
Review 4 points out a critical defect in the form of a missing zipper on the door, potentially rendering the product unusable for some customers.
Review 5 outlines various issues, including missing parts and the air mattress deflating quickly, leading to potential return requests.
Review 6 expresses concerns about the tent’s vulnerability to animals due to the bottom not sealing properly.

REDCAMP Folding Camping Cot with Tent

The REDCAMP Folding Camping Cot is a sturdy and comfortable sleeping cot that can be used for camping, traveling, or home use. It is made of durable steel frame and 600D polyester fabric, and can support up to 500 lbs. It is easy to set up and fold down, and comes with a carry bag for convenient storage and transport. It measures 75″x28″x15″ when open, and 41″x9″x7″ when folded. It weighs 14.7 lbs.

Some of the pros of this product are:

It provides a comfortable and elevated sleeping surface that keeps you away from the cold, damp, and uneven ground.
It is stable and spacious enough for most adults, and can also accommodate kids, teens, or toddlers.
It is versatile and can be used as a standalone shelter or inside a larger tent. It can also be used as a lounge chair during the day.
It is durable and water-resistant, and can withstand various weather conditions and environmental factors.

Some of the cons of this product are:

It is heavy and bulky, and might not be suitable for backpacking or hiking trips.
It might be too hard or too narrow for some people’s preference. You might need to add extra padding or bedding to make it more comfortable.
It might squeak or creak when you move on it, which can be annoying or disturbing.

Some of the things that people say about this product are:

“This cot is awesome! I bought it for camping and it was so easy to set up and take down. It was very comfortable and I slept like a baby. I highly recommend it!”
“I got this cot for my son who is in the army. He loves it! He says it is very sturdy and cozy, and much better than sleeping on the ground. He also uses it as a sofa in his barracks. He says it is worth every penny.”
“I was disappointed with this cot. It was too hard and too narrow for me. I felt like I was sleeping on a board. It also made a lot of noise when I moved on it. I returned it and got a refund.”

How to Choose a Cot Tent

Before you buy a cot tent, you should ask yourself some questions:

How many people will sleep in the cot tent? Cot tents come in different sizes, ranging from single to double. If you are camping solo, a single cot tent will suffice. If you are camping with a partner or a friend, you might want to opt for a double cot tent that can accommodate two people comfortably.
How much weight can the cot tent support? Cot tents have different weight capacities, depending on the materials and design of the frame and the fabric. You should check the weight limit of the cot tent before buying it and make sure it can support your body weight and any additional gear or bedding that you might use.
How easy is the cot tent to set up and take down? Cot tents vary in their ease of assembly and disassembly. Some cot tents have a simple folding mechanism that allows you to set them up or take them down in minutes. Others have a more complex system that requires more time and effort. You should look for a cot tent that has a quick and easy setup and breakdown process that suits your camping style and preference.
How durable is the cot tent? Cot tents are exposed to various weather conditions and environmental factors that can affect their longevity and performance. You should look for a cot tent that is made of sturdy and durable materials that can withstand wear and tear, such as aluminum or steel frames, nylon or polyester fabrics, and heavy-duty zippers and seams. You should also look for a cot tent that has a waterproof or water-resistant coating or rainfly that can protect you from rain, snow, or dew.
How comfortable is the cot tent? Cot tents are designed to provide you with a comfortable sleeping surface that is elevated from the ground. However, some cot tents are more comfortable than others, depending on the quality and thickness of the fabric, the size and shape of the frame, and the presence or absence of a mattress or pad. You should look for a cot tent that has a soft and breathable fabric, a spacious and stable frame, and an integrated or compatible mattress or pad that can enhance your comfort level.
How much does the cot tent cost? Cot tents vary in their price range, depending on the brand, model, features, and quality. You should look for a cot tent that fits your budget and offers good value for money. You should also compare different options and read customer reviews to get an idea of the pros and cons of each cot tent.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about cot tents:

What is a cot tent?

A cot tent is a hybrid camping shelter that combines a tent and a cot. It consists of a fabric canopy that covers a metal or plastic frame that supports a sleeping platform. A cot tent provides you with an elevated sleeping shelter that keeps you away from the ground and offers protection from weather elements.

Are tent cots worth it?

Tent cots are worth it if you value comfort, convenience, and versatility when camping. Tent cots offer several advantages over traditional tents or cots, such as:

They are more comfortable than sleeping on the ground or on an air mattress.
They are easier to set up and take down than pitching a tent or inflating an air mattress.
They are more versatile than using a separate tent or cot. You can use them as standalone shelters or inside larger tents. You can also use them as lounge chairs during the day.
They are more durable than air mattresses that can puncture or deflate.

Are cot tents comfortable?

Cot tents are comfortable because they provide you with an elevated sleeping surface that is level and firm. They also keep you away from the cold, damp, and uneven ground that can cause discomfort or health issues. However, some people might find cot tents too hard or too narrow for their liking. In that case, you can add extra padding or bedding to your cot tent to make it more comfortable.

What are camping cots used for?

Camping cots are used for sleeping outdoors in various situations, such as:

Car camping: Camping cots are ideal for car camping because they are easy to transport in your vehicle and offer more comfort than sleeping on the ground or on an air mattress.
Backpacking: Camping cots are not recommended for backpacking because they are too heavy and bulky to carry in your backpack. However, some camping cots are designed to be lightweight and compact enough for short-distance hiking or biking trips.
Hunting: Camping cots are useful for hunting because they allow you to sleep above the ground and avoid potential predators or pests. They also offer more visibility and ventilation than sleeping in a tent.
Fishing: Camping cots are convenient for fishing because they enable you to sleep near the water and access your fishing gear easily. They also provide more comfort and support than sleeping on a boat or on a dock.
Emergency: Camping cots are handy for emergency situations because they can be set up quickly and provide a safe and comfortable sleeping shelter. They can also be used as makeshift beds in shelters or hospitals.

About the author

Vu Tuan Tran is a passionate camping enthusiast with over 20 years of experience. He has camped in all kinds of terrain and is an expert in setting up tents, cooking over campfires, and finding the best spots to stargaze. He is also a skilled photographer who loves capturing the beauty of the natural world. If you are looking for a camping partner who is knowledgeable, experienced, and fun-loving, then Vu is your guy.