The 9 Best Lightweight Cots for Camping & Backpacking
Best Classic Camping Cot: Eureka Camp Cot
Trusted by everyone from alpinists to families, Eureka has been helping people discover the outdoors since the 1800s. While best known for their camping tents, their wide range of other camping gear is equally reliable. Their camp cot is great for weekend getaways and overnight camping, setting up without hassle in just a minute. The heavy-duty fabric includes a faux leather headrest for increased comfort, and the strengthened steel frame supports up to 300 pounds. There are cheaper camping cots out there—the Coleman Trailhead II cot is roughly $50—but they’re heavy, bulky, and can even damage your tent.
Packed Dimensions: 37.5 x 5.5 x 5 inches
Minimum Trail Weight: 14.8 lbs
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs
Pros: Compact, included carrying bag
Cons: Feet may damage tent floor
Price: $150
Camping Cot FAQs:
Are cots good for camping?
Yes. Now if you’re wondering, what is the point of a camping cot? The answer is three-fold: A quality camping cot provides superior support over an air mattress (or the hard ground), elevates you off the ground to provide better insulation and keep creepy crawlies at bay, and supports your body after a long day in the outdoors in a familiar manner that allows for a better night sleep. In the summer, air circulation under the cot also helps cool you during the night.
Does a camp cot need a mattress?
Generally, no. A quality camping cot, like those listed above, are all designed to provide support and comfort all night long. That said, if you’re particularly sensitive or just like a plush sleeping situation, pairing a camp cot with a thin Z Lite foam pad or even memory foam mattress (if maximalist car camping) will go a long way. If not using a sleeping bag, I suggest using a thin top sheet as body barrier between you and the cot—especially useful for warm weather camping.
Do you need a sleeping bag for a camping cot?
This is up to you—personally, I like to use a quality camping quilt or outdoor blanket instead of a sleeping bag. The beauty of camping cot is that it’s more similar to your bed at home, so sleeping in a restrictive mummy bag doesn’t make sense. When car camping, I like to lay on a top sheet on top of the cot, and use a thin wool blanket or camp quilt, and a generously sized pillow. It’s the best sleep you’ll ever have outdoors. Trust me.
Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/best-lightweight-cot-for-camping-backpacking
