The 7 Best Camping Cot For Side Sleepers: Camping in the Wilderness

Comfortable sleeping cots are the only bedding choice for campers looking to enjoy their camping trip. They are comfortable, easy to set up, and keep you far above the ground while you sleep. They are great whether you’re campaigning by yourself or in a larger group.

In this post, I review the best camping cot for side sleepers in 2024 and guide you through picking the right ones for your needs with the buying guide section.

The Top 7 Camping Cots in 2024 

1. Coleman Camping Cot

The Coleman camping cot is a delightful air mattress with a packaged air pump combination for campers who prefer a little more flexibility and comfort while outdoors. It comes in various sizes with different weight limits, meaning it can easily accommodate more than a single camper at once. 

It features the Comfort Strong coil system for all-around support for your body. The Coleman air mattress relies on a Double lock valve to keep the mattress firm and leak-proof. This feature dramatically extends its use time and guarantees your comfort long-term.

The Coleman cot can support up to 300 pounds on the basic models and can support campers that are 6 feet tall and below. The cot comes with a complimentary 4D pump which you can use to inflate and configure the bed to your preferred firmness. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Coleman camping cot certainly has a lot going for it. It is easy to set up and use. It’s even easier to transport, and most couples and camping duos will appreciate the large and accommodating air bed out in the wild. However, it’s a bit weightier compared to other affordable cots in its size category.

It is certainly not the strongest either, supporting only 300 pounds. Despite all that, it’s a great choice and has a lot of interesting side benefits. You can entertain guests with the air bed, use the pump on other inflatable products, etc. It is also more comfortable than other cots in the market.

2. REDCAMP Folding Camping Cot

Unlike the first cot we looked at, this one features a more grounded design. It is a heavy-duty one-piece cot that extends outwards to form a steady, reliable bedding surface capable of supporting 500lbs. 

The secret to its sturdy and reliable base is the elliptical tubes that make up the cot bar. It is sturdy and long enough to support large men and women over 6ft tall. Each tube is 1.5 inches thick. 

The dimensions of the cot are 75″ x 28″ x 15″. It weighs about 18 pounds in total, so you won’t have problems transporting it over long distances. The bedding is thick Nylon padded with foam in between for extra comfort. 

Pros 

Cons

Takeaway

You should invest in the Redcamp folding cot if you’re in the market for a functional and durable cot. It will not provide you with great back support or the best ergonomics, but it will get you through multiple camping trips, hunting seasons, and emergencies. 

Its impressive support frame is superior to some of the more expensive cots on the market, and it is more compact and better-designed than most of its competitors. The Redcamp’s only shortcoming is that it’s not wide enough for multiple campers to use.

3. OSAGE RIVER Lightweight Camping Cot

The Osage River folding camp bit made it onto our list because it is comfortable and ergonomic. It is smaller than most collapsible cots available on the market. It folds up to the size of an armchair and comes with a nice polyester bag for easy transportation.

It is lightweight and uses durable carbon fibre tubes as a support base. The remarkable support base is paired with a heavy-duty 600D PVC-coated polyester upper, which lets it withstand rain, fog, and sweat. Overall, the cot weighs 13 pounds.

The Osage River cot has an elevated headrest for side sleepers and uses a design profile that lays no bars over the sleeping area. This makes it safer and more comfortable for long-term use.

The Osage River folding tent also features a side pocket for storing personal items. You can place your smartphone, diary, laptop, toothbrush, and other essentials in it before you sleep each night.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This might just be one of the best camping cot for side sleepers in 2024. It has no obvious drawbacks, whether you’re camping with it or using it at home. It accommodates all sorts of users, can support over 300 pounds of weight, and campers more value than other products at its price point.

4. Coleman Trailhead II Cot

The Trailhead II is a military-style Cot for campers. It is a bit different from most cots most campers might be used to, but its peculiar form makes it an excellent choice for campers looking for more durable cots. 

Its solid frame is elevated, providing campers ample lift and distance from the cold, hard floor. The trailhead II is built to last and relies on the strong cross-bar. The stove frame is made from stainless steel and can support up to 300 pounds. Taller campers will have no issue sleeping on this cot either. It has dimensions of 73 x 35 x 17 inches, which is large enough for most men and women, around 6 ft 2 inches. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Coleman Trailhead is not as complicated or feature-heavy as most luxury camping cots you’ll find on the market today, and that might be a good thing. It has a simple, time-tested support system design that guarantees longevity and performance. The support is made from steel and protected with a weather-resistant coating.

The sleeping surface is very comfortable too, and you can add a pillow and bedding to make it even more comfortable. The biggest advantage of choosing this cot over the various others is the price. Because it’s simpler to build, it has a lower retail price. 

5. HOMFUL Folding Camping Cot

The HOMFUL folding cot is the lightest cot we’ve looked at so far. In its collapsible form, it weighs under 5 pounds and fits into a snug little carry-bag.

The secret to its ergonomic size and weight is its construction materials. The frame is made from sturdy 6013 aluminium alloy, which allows it to support up to 300 pounds. The cloth is made from 4200 Oxford cloth and is tear-resistant. 

The HOMFUL folding cot is easy to set up and disassemble. It uses a locking mechanism that ensures it remains balanced throughout the night. You can use the HOMFUL folding cot for camping, hiking, and a guest bed.

Unfolded, the HOMFUL folding cot has the dimensions of 74 x 25 x 15 inches, and it collapses down into 22 x 6 inches.  

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

If you’re looking for a super-lightweight cot, then this might be right for you. The HOMFUL cot is as impressive as they come. It packs down to a small carry bag, features a muted-down ergonomic design, and can support up to 300 pounds of weight. 

There are very few things to complain about this cot. It’s so light you could easily carry multiple cots on a single camping trip without issue. 

6. Extremus New Komfort Camp Cot

The Extremus New comfort camp cot is another great military-style cot for campers. It folds and opens up with a hinge mechanism, and it is great for long-distance hiking and camping trips.

It is elevated 17-inches off the ground and keeps you far from insects, animals, and the tent floor. The cot is 75 x 35 x 17 inches and provides plenty of room for men and women below 6 feet. 

Its button frame is made from coated solid steel, and the bedding is made from 300D polyester. It is rated to support up to 300 pounds.

The Extremus sets itself apart from most cots on the market with its most outstanding feature: a full-body body side storage space. You can store anything from knives, flashlights, phones to food in them. On top of the great storage, the device also comes with a convenient storage bag. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Extremus camping cot is another good camping tent. Judging the cot based on its features alone, it is easily one of the best cots for sleeping outdoors. It has a side storage bag, a free transportation bag, and weatherproof protection. Its only flaw is the hinge mechanism. Without prior experience with the product, it will be somewhat difficult to set it up, even with the manual handy. It is the best cot for the average camper.

7. TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot

You’ll appreciate this XL-sized cot if you’re out camping with your kid or significant other. Don’t let its flimsy-looking upper fool you; it features a one-piece 600D Oxford upper and a steel-reinforced S-leg assembly structure that can support up to 600 pounds. The Oxford cover is soft, breathable, and you can pair it up with an air mattress if you need to. It is one of the best camping cots for side sleepers available on the market.

The mounting system is the most outstanding feature of the Teton sport XXL cot. It uses a pivot arm lever which makes setting up S-style cots child’s play. 

It features a 19-inch elevated design that keeps campers far away from insects, animals. It collapses into a light 28-pound bundle that is easy to transport. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This is one of the best double cots for camping in the wild. It is spacious, sturdy enough to handle your combined weight, assuming you’re both under 600 pounds, and you can add an air mattress if you so chose. The new pivot lever makes it easier to set up than other S-style cots, and it weighs only 28-pounds. 

It is also a great choice for single campers who like more sleeping space. It also has a lot of obvious uses outside camping. You can use it to entertain guests and even nap. 

How To Pick The Best Camping Cot On Your First Try

It’s natural for buyers to want the best bang for their buck when they’re shopping for camping cots. While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest or most expensive cot you can find, you’re better off understanding what features make up a great camping cot. 

In the guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about buying camping cots.

Choose the Right Weight

If you’ve gone through the section where we reviewed the best camping cot for side sleepers, you must have probably noticed that different products have different weight capacities. Certain cots can handle 300, and some go as high as 600 pounds.

The specific cot you choose or shortlist should correspond with your weight. However, we recommend you opt for products with higher limits when you can. It gives the cot a lot of reuse value, making sure people who are larger than yourself can use the product if needed. 

You should note that products with higher weight capacities are larger and heavier. A double cot, for example, at times, is twice as heavy as a regular cot. So, you might need a car or multiple people to hull it long distances. 

Portability

The question of capacity easily segues to portability and size. A good cot, regardless of price, should be portable and easy to transport. Ideally, a one-person cot should weigh somewhere between 5 to 15 pounds, and a great two-person cot should weigh close to 30 pounds.

Aside from the overall weight, you also need to consider the collapsible dimensions of the cot. You want to choose cots that you can conveniently carry with you. It’s a big plus if the cot you’re looking at comes with a convenient carry bag.

Assembled dimensions 

The assembled dimensions are the most important feature to look out for when you’re shopping. It is usually listed somewhere on the product sheet, and it tells you whether the cot is tall and wide enough for you and your tent. 

From the dimensions, you should calculate the cot’s clear distance from the floor and plan out storing camping supplies using that information.

Frame materials

Your cot needs to be made of sturdy materials to support your weight for numerous camping trips. 

A cot’s list of materials is easy to tell just how durable or sturdy the cot is. The best material for a cot’s structure is steel or aluminium. When it’s coated and used in an X, S, or vertical style cot, it shines through. C shapes structures are typically found in cheaper, less reliable cots, and you should purchase them if you’re looking for a cot for a few camping trips. 

Make sure all the feet and ends of your core are covered in rubber tips or rounded. Cots with rounded tips last longer because they stand a lower chance of ripping into the cot fabric.

Cot fabrics

Polyester and Nylon are the top fabric choice for camping cots. They are waterproof, easy to clean, and durable. Unfortunately, they are not very breathable, but they can be very comfortable and soft. 

Easy assembly

It is often an overlooked feature, but it’s essential to your overall experience. You want a product that is easy to set up consistently. That way, you don’t take several hours out of your day, on top of the time it already takes to assemble for the first time.

Most manufacturers designed their products to be easy to assemble, but a few still make their stoves demanding to use.

Avoid cots with screws, or products that require a lot of force to set up. Instead, you want to prioritize products with a simple lever system or tension cords that automatically snap into place when you yank on it. 

You should read the product manual before you start assembly. It’ll save you lots of time and energy. 

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most popular questions people have about camping cots.

Are camping cots worth it?

Yes, they are. They keep you off the ground, dry, and provide great lumbar support while you rest. They are a step up from sleeping bags and hammocks. 

Should you use a sleeping pad with your camping cot?

You should if you can carry it along with you. Sleeping pads provide more cushions and make sleeping cots warmer. 

Are sleeping cots great for winter camping?

You can use your sleeping cot to camp in the winter if you apply some form of insulation between the cot and your sleeping bag or mat. 

Conclusion

Whether you’re out camping in the wilderness or entertaining a guest, every nature lover can find a use for a comfortable cot. The best camping cot for side sleepers are practical, versatile, and safer than sleeping bags, hammocks, or plain blankets, and a well-built cot will serve you for months to come. 

If you’ve read through the guide, you should already know how to find your dream cot. Pay attention to sequential features like storage, dimensions, size, weight, and so on, and you’ll be able to find a great hammock irrespective of your size, weight, or weight.