Camping is one of the best ways to get into the outdoors. If you plan on staying overnight, you'll also need a place to sleep. Instead of using a traditional tent, you also have the option to use a tent cot. This way, you're off the ground and safe from insects or snakes. Today we'll be take a look at the best tent cots to use for your camping shelter.
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PRODUCT
PRODUCT DETAILS
OUR #1 RATED
Kamp-Rite
Oversize Tent Cot
Nylon, elevated sleeping platform to stay away from bugs and snakes with heavy duty weather protection.
Kamp-Rite
Tent Cot Original Size
Nylon, with lightweight aluminum frame to support up to 300 pounds. Also works as lounge chair.
Winterial
Double Outdoor Tent Cot
Elevated for traveling and set up in minutes, with aluminum collapsible frame to support up to 500 lbs.
Kamp-Rite
Double Tent Cot
Sleeps two people with zippered screen door openings and a lightweight aluminum frame.
Tangkula
Camping Tent Cot
Heavy duty waterproof material with large D-shape screen doors, and a compact folding design.
What Is A Tent Cot?
A tent cot is both a tent and a cot, hence the name. This camping shelter works to provide adequate sleeping in the outdoors. In addition, it offers coverage from weather and can be folded into a seat position during the daytime. Many even feature a rain fly for protection from heavy weather.
Who Needs To Use A Tent Cot?
Tent cots can be quite useful for a wide variety of people. They offer a compact lightweight folding design to pack up and travel with anywhere. They can sleep around 1 to 2 people and a dog depending on the size of the cot. These tents work best for those car camping or with a UTV, since they're a bit heavy to carry along for backpacking or hiking.
The following YouTube video goes over the setup and uses for a tent cot:
How Do I Choose A Tent Cot?
In order to choose a tent cot for camping, you first must determine which size cot you need. Generally they come in one of two sizes:
Single Tent Cot: A single works best for those camping solo. This size will handle around 300 pounds with plenty of privacy and functionality. Many also feature a rounded top for room to sit up inside the tent.
Double Tent Cot: A double offers room for sleeping two people. This size can load up to 500 pounds with a bit more internal space. In a double, the width extends leaving room for a partner to sleep comfortable inside.
Buy a tent cot that's of minimal weight. When setting up camp, it can be a burden to lug around a heavy piece of gear. These cots work best if you have a vehicle to move them around in as they can weigh anywhere from 30-50 pounds.
Choose a tent cot that is made well so it lasts. Your cot will endure lots of wear and tear in the outdoors. Thus, it needs to be durable. Not to mention, you want it to keep you safe from any harsh weather that may come your way.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a tent cot:
- Ensure you pick the right size cot.
- Buy a cot that's a weight you can handle.
- Choose a tent cot that is well made.
What Is The Best Tent Cot?
We've looked at a range of tent cots for camping and have selected five cots. The main things we've looked at are quality, price, and sizing. We've reviewed these five tent cots and listed some pros and cons for each cot.
our #1 rated
Kamp-Rite
Oversize Tent Cot
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Kamp-Rite oversize tent cot is available in one size and color. The shelter features an over-sized top to be able to sit up inside the tent. It also comes with a heavy duty rain fly to handle wet weather conditions. The size of this cot works best for those solo camping or with a dog.
Customers who purchased this shelter liked how much room there was inside. People said that the rain fly even protected them from pouring down rain. Customers also said that it was very easy to set up.
Some customers who used this for camping said that it was a bit bulky to fit inside their truck bed. A few people commented that the edges of the floor will get damp in steady rain. Some customers also said that the set up can take time to learn.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Kamp-Rite
Tent Cot Original Size
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Kamp-Rite original tent cot comes in one size and color. This is the first patented design ever made, and has a compact style used by the U.S. Military. The cot features a folding mode to also be used as a lounge chair. In addition, it features no see um mesh on the doors and windows to keep insects out.
Customers who purchased this shelter said that it held up in high winds, and heavy rains without getting wet. People said that the cot set up and disassembled quick and simple. Customers also said that the tent fabric can be quite airtight for warmth.
Some people who purchased this shelter said that it can get moisture inside during really cold weather. A few customers who used this cot said that it should be used with a rain cover. Other customers reported that the size can be somewhat tight. In addition, it would not be recommended for people with claustrophobia.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Winterial
Double Outdoor Tent Cot
Quality
Price
Our rating
This double outdoor tent cot by Winterial comes in one color and size. The cot features a double wide size for sleeping two people. It also comes with an aluminum collapsible frame and support for up to 500 pounds. In addition, the tent fabric is of heavy duty nylon with 4 windows and insect free mesh lining.
Customers who purchased this double size said that it works well for large guys with gear or couples. Many customers also said that it has an easy set up and take down. Other customers commented that with the windows closed it held heat in very well.
A few customers who purchased this shelter said they wished that the tie downs to secure the rain fly were longer. Some people who purchased this cot said that the size is quite large even when folded up. Some customers also said that there's only one way in and out of the tent with the rain fly on.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Kamp-Rite
Double Tent Cot
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Kamp-Rite double tent cot comes in one size and color option. It features the ability to sleep two people with zippered openings at both ends of the tent. The cot also comes with no see um mesh doors and windows with a lightweight aluminum frame.
Customers who purchased this shelter said that it's very durable and perfect for two people. People said that they liked how easy it was to set up. Customers also said that it the height was comfortable to lounge in and watch a movie.
Many people who used this cot said that there's a metal support bar that goes across the middle. Some customers also said that it was quite heavy to lift when folded. Other customers commented that the included carrying case is garbage.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
Tangkula
Camping Tent Cot
Quality
Price
Our rating
This Tangkula camping tent cot is available in one size and color. The cot features strong waterproof material for wet weather conditions. It also comes with a sturdy aluminum frame that folds up in a travel bag.
People who purchased this shelter said that it was well thought out and worked great. Some customers said that there was plenty of overhead storage and hanging space inside. Other people said that it was comfortable without an additional sleeping pad.
Some customers who used this cot said that it had one spot that would squeak loud when putting weight on it. A few customers said there should have been Velcro to roll up the windows. Other people also said that the storage bag was of low quality.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each tent cot we've reviewed works for those looking to go camping in the outdoors. All the cots featured decent materials, a folding design, and extra room for storing bags or gear.
After comparing all the products the best tent cot is the Kamp-Rite oversize tent cot.
This cot works well for both solo campers, and those with a dog or additional gear. It can hold up to 300 pounds, and it's sturdy for heavy weather. We also like the fact that the rain fly comes included and attaches right on.