No matter the season, camping is a great way to get in touch with nature and also get some “us” time—with friends and family—out in the open. For many of us, it is a break from the stressful routines that are our lives. But that does not mean you need to come back with a strain in your neck or back.
To save you from that catastrophe, we put together a list of camping cots and air mattresses so that you have the comfort of your home. Yes, that’s not an exaggeration.
Our favorite is, of course, right on top. The Coleman camping cot with air mattress and pump combo is the perfect choice for many reasons. For one, you don’t have to research the three items individually. The cot and mattress pair very well and it is easy to inflate the airbed. This combo comes from one manufacturer and hence, almost everything is taken care of. And did we mention it is good for two people? That’s right.
We start with our top pick of them all and proceed to look at three cot and air mattress combos. Take a look.
Table of Contents
Camp Cots With Air Mattress We Recommend
Our Pick: Coleman Camping Cot with Air Mattress and Pump Combo
Weight: 13.88 pounds
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Folded Dimensions: 5 x 11.5 x 11 inches
Unfolded Dimensions: 74 x 40 x 23.5 inches
This is a portable twin air mattress and cot from Coleman which is really useful when you’re camping in a tent and don’t know the terrain of a place. It has a strong coil system that supports and comforts the back.
You will really appreciate it if you have back issues and cannot sleep on the floor. The mattress has an airtight system with a double lock which makes sure that you are completely protected from leakage.
The combo comes with a twin cot, an air mattress, and a battery-operated pump. It’s hard to look for camping cots and not find Coleman products. They are popular because of their range of cots and the comfort they provide.
Now, there are lighter cots than this one but here’s the thing. If there are another cot and mattress combo that can compete with this model and win, it’s the same Coleman product that comes in queen size.
This cot is meant for two people of average weight who are out camping and don’t want to carry separate mattresses. Both men and women can use it without any trouble. It is also for those who don’t want to settle for sleeping bags on the floor. So, if you just want to pack a sleeping bag and a tarp into a sack and head out, this is not for you.
What We Like:
- The airtight system keeps the mattress leak-free
- Foldable and compact for a cot-cum-mattress model
- Can take up to 300 pounds which accommodates more than one person
- A battery-operated pump means you don’t have to struggle manually
- Good for indoor and outdoor usage
- Comes with a cup holder
Not So Much:
- Corners can be a bit tight which means the thread can be ripped up on rough use
- Heavier than the other models from the same company
- Takes up space in a small tent
- Cheap materials have been used to make the cup holder
Features
- Material and Construction: The cot is made of a folding steel frame and the mattress has a strong coil system.
- Weight: The cot can support up to 300 pounds of weight which means campers who are about 6 feet tall will find it rather comfortable.
- Locking: It has an airtight double lock valve to keep the mattress leak-free.
- Pump: It comes with a 4D battery-operated pump that is also sold separately if you want a spare.
- Mattress Cover: It is sewn into the airbed to make sure the mattress does not slip off the bed.
KingCamp Oversized Camping Cot + Light Outdoor Camping Air Mattress
Weight: 15 pounds (cot); 3.74 pounds (mattress)
Weight Capacity: 440 pounds
Folded Dimensions: 45 x 9 x 7 inches (cot); 76 x 27.6 inches (mattress)
Unfolded Dimensions: 82 x 29.5 x 15 inches (cot); 11.4 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches (mattress)
What We Like:
- Cot length and width are great
- Cot frame is sturdy and the fabric does not stretch
Not So Much:
- The chemical odor from the cot
- End poles on the cot have no finish making it prone to rusting
- The mattress fabric is not breathable
- An instruction manual is not very helpful
This is an oversized but foldable military-style camping cot. This was made for outdoor spaces like campsites, parks, beaches, and even backyards. While it is oversized, it folds into the size of a small luggage bag. Since it is lightweight, this cot is easy to travel with. When it is unfolded, it is pretty big for a large-sized person.
This is a heavy-duty cot for those of you who don’t like to be crouched just because you are in a tent setup. There is also a side storage bag where you can keep personal items like keys and a smartphone.
Now about the mattress. This is a lovely sleeping air pad that is designed with a wave system so that you feel like you’re sleeping at home. It is as light and portable as it should be for an outdoor camping trip. It is also waterproof, puncture-proof, and scratch-resistant.
Those of you who are environmentally responsible will like this eco-friendly product. It has a built-in foot pump that can inflate the mattress in a couple of minutes. And you don’t need any extra air pumping mechanism after you’re done with the foot pump. The mattress can be compressed into a little sack so that you can conveniently carry it along.
When compared to the Coleman mattress the big difference is the air pump. Battery-operated inflation is definitely a lot easier and reliable. This mattress also doesn’t come with the dual-lock system that our top pick does.
However, this kit comes with a carrying bag and two repair kits in case you run into trouble. You might have to use a cover on the mattress to keep it from slipping from the cot.
So, it is safe to say that this mattress is for campers with some experience with DIY repairs. It is also made in such a way that hikers can carry it on their back without the cot.
Features (KingCamp Camping Cot)
- Frame and Construction: It is made with high-strength steel tubes which keeps it firm and the structure is triangular which keeps it stable, no matter the terrain.
- Oversized but Portable: It is of extra large size which is wider than most cots but can be folded for transportation and storage.
- Material: Made of tough 600D polyester canvas to increase the bearing capacity, this cot can handle up to 300 pounds of weight.
- Assembly: You won’t need any tools to put it together. So, all you need to do is unfold and use.
- Accessories: It comes with a storage bag on the side for when you want to empty your pockets.
- Other Uses: Can be used outdoors on patios, pools, parks, and gardens and indoors in beauty salons and reflexology offices.
Features (KingCamp Air Mattress)
- Design: It’s an inflatable sleeping air pad with increased thickness from the previous model for extra comfort.
- Material: Made of 100 percent polyester and is resistant to water, punctures, and stretching.
- Inflation: There is a built-in foot pump that does the job within minutes. No need to finish it off with air from the mouth of an air pump.
- Included in the Shipment: One sleeping pad, one carrying bag, two repair kits, compression straps.
Teton Sports Adventurer Camp Cot + Teton Sports Altos Inflatable Pad
Weight: 20 pounds (cot);
Weight Capacity: 400 pounds (cot);
Folded Dimensions: 75.25 x 28 x 17 inches (cot); 8 x 5 x 5 inches (mattress)
Unfolded Dimensions: 38 x 8 x 4 inches (cot); 72 x 20 x 3 inches (mattress)
What We Like:
- The cot is long enough for over 6 feet tall campers
- The mattress has two oversized air chambers on the edges to keep you from rolling off
- The cot and mattress are both easy to clean
- The cot is sturdy and made with good sleeping quality in mind
- The mattress is comfortable and lightweight
Not So Much:
- The customer service isn’t great
- You might have to pay for shipping if you want to return the product
If you want the comfort of your bed out in the wild when you are camping, this Teton sports cot is the one to pick. With a good night’s sleep, you will be more than ready for the following day’s adventure. This cot has a built-in pivot arm which makes setting it up rather easy. It is a quality cot that can handle a twin mattress on it. It is made with a tough canvas and it has strong steel legs.
This cot holds its own when compared to the market leader which is our top pick. Setting it up couldn’t get simpler but it doesn’t have the advantage of a sewn-in airbed. The Adventurer also has a carry bag and connecting pins which work in its favor.
This bed is for those who don’t compromise on comfort but also don’t want to spend too much time setting up their campsite. This is also for campers who are 6 feet and above and find it difficult to find a cot that doesn’t force them to dangle their feet off.
And now the mattress to go with it. When you have the Adventurer cot, you want to get the Altos sleeping pad because it is a perfect fit. It is a lightweight pad that is firm and easy to inflate. This one is a non-insulated pad which in comparison sometimes gets beaten by its own counterpart, the insulated green sleeping air pad.
The best thing about this pad is perhaps that it can be used as a standalone on the ground even without the insulation. There are two oversized air chambers on the edges which keep the pad centered on the cot. You can inflate the vertical beams up to three inches of thickness which will keep you comfortable.
The fact that it can be disconnected from the cot is one of its best selling points. That’s what makes it appealing to bikers and hikers who carry their luggage on their backs. There are two pads in this kit and a storage bag to pack them in.
Features (Teton Adventurer Camp Cot)
- Frame and Construction: Made of reinforced steel frame with X-shaped legs to keep it strong and stable.
- Portability: It is foldable and at 20 pounds it is quite light which makes it easy to travel with. You can use it on any terrain and get a good night’s sleep
- Size and Capacity: It can support up to 400 pounds of weight which means a large person can comfortably take a nap on it.
Features (Teton Insulated Inflatable Pad)
- Design: It is made to facilitate ultralight backpacking and thanks to the side air chambers you don’t have to worry about rolling off the mattress.
- Material: It is made of a woven 75D diamond shell which is meant to withstand tough weather conditions.
- Inflation: It can be inflated up to three inches which makes it thick and warm even on the ground.
- Special Features: It is non-insulated but still good for usage on the ground. The mattress also has a mesh sack to keep loose items and can be folded into a compact piece. It can also be used as an extra bed for guests at home.
KingCamp Double Camping Cot + Lightspeed Outdoors Air Bed Mattress
Weight: 35 pounds (cot); 6 pounds (mattress)
Weight Capacity: 550 pounds (cot)
Folded Dimensions: 45.5 x 11.5 x 12 inches (cot); 18.4 x 9.2 inches (mattress)
Unfolded Dimensions: 85 x 55 x 19 inches (cot); 79 x 55 x 7 inches (mattress)
What We Like:
- The cot is bigger and has more capacity than the others in its league
- The mattress is PVC-free and abrasion-resistant
- The cot is made of materials with unmatched durability
- The mattress is lightweight and easy to inflate
Not So Much:
- The cot even when folded is not exactly travel-sized
- You might have to pay for shipping in case you want to return the mattress
Our final pick for a camping cot is also one made for large-sized campers. We say campers but you can use it in a park or beach or garden too. It is foldable and easy to open and set up anywhere.
It is designed for two people and has a crossbar in the middle to support the weight. The cot has a bold steel frame to support the weight capacity that is advertised and there is an elastic band to keep the mattress in place.
When compared to our top pick, it is a sturdy cot. The crossbow might be inconvenient but on the other hand, it has a weight capacity like no other mattress in this space.
It can also keep the mattress intact, something many other cots do not have. And the frame is sturdy too, making sure that two people can securely rest on it. You will be able to find cots that are lighter than this one but not in the same size.
This cot is ideal for those who are traveling in pairs. Setting it up is not difficult but carrying it on the back can be. So, hikers, this one might not be your favorite.
And the mattress to go with this cot is also for two people. It is an Outdoors Deluxe PVC-Free air bed from Lightspeed. It has a patented stabilizing system and independent connectors between the top and bottom so that your weight is evenly distributed.
The connectors also make sure your partner’s movements don’t bother your sound sleep. It is of medium firmness which might just be what you’re looking for. The mattress can be inflated with a battery-operated pump and there is a built-in Boston valve.
The inflation technique is a match with our top pick but it does not have the dual-locking mechanism. Then again, this is for two adults and can be placed on a cot with the same capacity.
This mattress is perfect for sound sleepers who want the comfort of their home at the campsite. It is also great for those traveling in pairs and who don’t want to sleep alone at night in an unknown place. The mattress might not work as a standalone but if you want to give it a shot, it is lightweight.
Features (KingCamp Double Camping Cot)
- Frame and Construction: This is an extra-large cot for two people with a steel frame and a 1200D Jacquard Oxford fabric that is as tough as it gets.
- Portability and Storage: It is not very lightweight but compact for its size when folded. It comes with a storage bag and has wheels which should make traveling easier.
- Design and Flexibility: The feet are plastic but do not sink into or puncture the tent floor. It also has lock joints to keep the camper secure and the triangular structure keeps the frame strong. There are elastic bands on the corner that can hold a queen-size mattress.
- Assembly: You can open and fold it within seconds.
- Other Uses: You can use it indoors and outdoors thanks to its heavy-duty nature.
Features (Mattress)
- Design: It is lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and can stabilize the temperature when required.
- Material: This is a two-person air bed. Its firmness is adjustable with the two-way Boston valve and it is PVC-free. The mattress itself is made of 150D polyester thermoplastic polyurethane that can be packed well.
- Inflation: It can be inflated with a battery-operated pump which makes the process a piece of cake. But you must buy the batteries separately.
- Other Uses: The dimensions make it suitable for all queen-size sheets and have a storage bag.
FAQs
Can I put an air mattress on a cot?
Since many air mattresses are quite thick, they can be placed on a cot. But you must make sure that your tent is big enough to fit the size of your mattress.
It is tempting to get one of these because they are often easy to store in the trunk of your car. Unlike airbeds, camping cots take more space in storage and obviously, even more, when unfolded.
These mattresses are made to give you a comfortable night at an affordable price. And often, they also double up as an extra bed when you’re home.
Are cots more comfortable than air mattresses?
Here’s how it works. You can adjust the firmness of your airbeds while you are pumping them with air. You don’t have that option with cots.
With airbeds, you are also likely to get better sleep because it molds around your hips and neck comfortably. That is another option you don’t have with a cot.
Air mattresses are also a lot cheaper than cots because of the materials that go into making both of them. If you have to buy multiples, get the mattress. Otherwise, maybe a cot would work just fine.
How can I make my air mattress more comfortable?
Just because you’re out camping, doesn’t mean you must live like an animal. When the weather changes, your air bed also experiences a change in temperature.
If you want to stay unaffected, use bed sheets and covers. It is also important to carry some kind of a pillow so that you don’t put stress on your neck. These are just the basics of using an air mattress.
Parting Words
When you get too excited about your trip but neglect the time you are going to spend resting, in between hikes and nature walks, you end up with a bad back or a stiff neck.
That and the lack of a good night’s sleep are possibly the worst things on a camping trip because you will end up being distracted and groggy. And if a single cot and air mattress can make it 10x times better, you should take that shot and run with it.
Last update on 2022-02-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
