Camping Cot Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cot for Your Next Trip

Sleeping on the ground works, right up until you wake up at 2 a.m. with a rock under your hip and cold seeping up through your sleeping bag. A camping cot solves both problems at once. It lifts you off the ground, keeps you warmer, and gives you a place to stash your boots and headlamp where you can actually find them in the morning. 

If you're deciding whether a cot is worth adding to your gear list, and which one to buy if it is, this guide covers everything you need to know. 

What Is a Camping Cot? (And Why Use One) 

A camping cot is a portable, elevated sleeping platform made of a fabric bed stretched across a folding frame. Instead of lying directly on the ground, you sleep several inches above it. 

That elevation does a few things for you: 

For anyone who's outgrown sleeping on the ground, whether that's a bad back, a cold-natured sleeper, or just someone who wants a proper night's rest at camp, a cot is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make. 

Camping Cot vs. Sleeping Pad vs. Air Mattress 

This is usually the first real decision people run into, so here's how the three stack up. 

If you're backpacking and counting ounces, a sleeping pad still wins. But for car camping, hunting camp, or anywhere you're not carrying your bed on your back, a cot is usually the better call. It sleeps warmer than an air mattress and won't leave you on the ground by 3 a.m. after a slow leak. 

How to Choose the Right Camping Cot 

Once you've decided a cot is the right call, here's what actually separates a good one from one you'll regret. 

Size: Regular, XL, or XXL 

Cots aren't one-size-fits-all, and this is where most people get it wrong. A regular cot works fine for an average-height adult, but if you're taller or simply want more room to move at night, sizing up matters. Teton cots come in three sizes: Regular (Outfitter L), XL (Outfitter XL), and XXL (Outfitter XXL). 

If you've ever slept on a cot that was a few inches too short, you know exactly why size is worth getting right the first time. 

Here's how the three sizes compare side by side, especially useful if weight capacity is a deciding factor for you: 

If you're on the taller or larger side, or you just don't want to think twice about weight capacity, sizing up to the XL or XXL is worth the extra packed space it takes up. 

Weight Capacity 

Every cot has a maximum weight rating, and it matters more than people think. A cot rated right at your body weight will feel less stable and won't last as long. Look for a cot with a weight capacity comfortably above what you need, especially if you plan to sit on the edge to put on boots or use it as a bench around camp. 

Packed Size and Portability 

Cots are bulkier than sleeping pads by nature, but they vary a lot in how compact they fold down. If you're car camping, packed size matters less. If you're working with a smaller vehicle or need to fit a cot alongside a full camp kitchen and coolers, look for one that folds down efficiently and comes with its own carry bag. 

Frame Material and Durability 

Most cots use steel or aluminum frames. Steel tends to be heavier but more affordable and plenty durable for regular use. Aluminum is lighter, which matters if you're loading and unloading a cot frequently. Either way, check the frame's weld points and leg design. These are the first things to fail on a cheaply made cot. 

Cots for Kids 

Teton doesn't make a dedicated kids' cot, and most kids don't need one. The Regular is the best starting point since it's sized like a small adult cot, plenty of room for a child to sleep comfortably without buying something they'll outgrow in a season. If your child is older or simply wants more room to spread out, the XL gives them extra space to grow into. Sizing up rather than down is usually the more practical (and more durable) choice. 

Do You Need a Cot Pad or Sleeping Pad on Top of a Cot? 

Short answer: in cold weather, yes. 

A cot lifts you off the ground, which is great for avoiding ground cold, but it also means air can circulate underneath you all night. That airflow can actually make you colder than sleeping directly on an insulated pad on the ground, especially once temperatures drop into the 40s and below. 

Adding a cot-specific sleeping pad or a regular sleeping pad on top of your cot solves this. The pad adds a layer of insulation between you and that moving air, so you get the comfort benefits of a cot without sacrificing warmth on cooler nights. If you're camping in mild summer conditions, you can often skip the pad entirely. If there's any chance of a cold night, bring one. 

Best Uses for a Camping Cot 

Cots aren't the right tool for every trip, but they shine in a few specific situations: 

Final Thoughts 

A good camping cot is one of those upgrades that quietly changes every trip afterward. Once you've slept off the ground on a stable, supportive cot, it's hard to go back to a pad alone, especially for car camping, hunting trips, or anywhere comfort and a good night's sleep matter more than packed weight. 

If you're ready to upgrade, Teton's camping cots are built to be comfortable, dependable, and easy to set up, available in Regular, XL, and XXL sizes, so you can find the right fit and get a better night's sleep at camp.