Do you have second thoughts every time your friends plan a camping trip because you’re afraid of missing your cozy bed and not getting a good night’s sleep? What if you can enjoy the same comfort as your bed at the camps?
Use our guide to find the best camping cot for side sleepers and get quality sleep along with a homely feeling to have a good rest before you take off for your outdoor adventures in the morning!
In a Hurry? Here are Our Top Choices
The 5 Best Camping Cots for Side Sleepers
Sleeping cots work as an alternative to large beds and come with much-needed features such as portability, support and superior comfort. Here is a mini-guide to help you select the best camping cot for side sleepers on the market:
1. TETON Sports Camping Cot
The TETON Sports Camping Cot is extremely easy to setup. It comes with reinforced steel S-leg assembly that makes the cot sturdy and provides maximum stability. The cot is foldable, which adds to its portability. It allows you to enjoy and take the comfort of a bed to the wild outdoors. While the cot is a little heavy to carry, it does support up to 600 lbs. Enjoy a good night’s sleep – free from the discomfort of uneven surfaces and hard ground!
Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Reinforced steel S-leg assembly
- Provides stability
- Foldable
- Portable
- Comfortable
- Large size
- Support up to 600 lbs
- Ideal for side sleepers
Cons
- Heavy
2. KingCamp Folding Camping Cot
The KingCamp Folding Camping Cot comes with two elastic straps that allow you to keep your mattress from slipping. The cot is manufactured using polyester fabric, and the rods are made up of durable aerial aluminum. It is extremely easy to assemble as well as disassemble. This cot also comes with a multipurpose storage bag. You can stuff the pillow bag with the storage bag to form a pillow. One small downside to this product is that you’ll need to buy a mattress separately.
Pros
- Supports up to 265 lbs
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Compact size
- Carrying bag included
- Comes with elastic straps
- Aerial aluminum alloy rods
- Polyester fabric
- Easy to setup and disassemble
- Comfortable
Cons
- Mattress not included
3. Coleman ComfortSmart Cot
The Coleman ComfortSmart Cot features a sleeping pad that is built with thick foam, and offers superior support. While the bed isn’t entirely foldable, it does fit into most car trunks. The durable steel frame makes this product long lasting. It comes with a 1-year limited warranty and supports up to 300 lbs. If you’re looking for a quality product that will last more than a handful of nights, this camping cot might be just what you need.
Pros
- Thick foam for superior support
- Long lasting
- Supports up to 300 lbs
- Portable
- Ideal for side sleepers
- 1-year limited warranty
- Durable steel frame
Cons
- Not entirely foldable
4. Earth Products Store Military Style Camping Cot
The Earth Products Store Military Style Camping Cot comes with a 600 denier polyester cover that is not only easily washable but is also water and mildew resistant. It effectively wicks away moisture and eliminates unpleasant odors. The Velcro straps located underneath the cot allow you to adjust fabric tension according to your personal preferences. Lastly, this camping cot easily folds up into a compact storage bag allowing you to carry it with ease. One thing to remember before you purchase this product is that it needs to be assembled at your campsite for use.
Pros
- Washable and water/mildew resistant polyester cover
- Velcro straps to adjust fabric tension
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Super strong steel tubing
- Supports up to 450 lbs
- Foldable
- Comfortable
Cons
- Requires assembling
5. Alpcour Folding Camping Cot
The Alpcour Folding Camping Cot allows you to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars. It provides amazing support and comfort. You don’t need to purchase any mattress pads, pillows or even sheets to use this product. However, if you are finicky about your pillow-needs, it might be best to carry one with you. The cot is lightweight, portable and you can fold it for easy storage. The side pocket allows you to store your water bottle, cell phone, etc. for urgent usage.
Pros
- Unparalleled support and comfort
- Lightweight
- Nylon carry bag included
- Portable
- Supports up to 300 lbs
- Robust steel tube frame and joints
- Foldable
- Side pocket
- Ideal for side sleepers
- Padded pillow
Cons
- Pillow isn’t very comfortable
What to Consider When Buying a Camping Cot for a Side Sleeper
Shopping for a camping cot for side sleepers isn’t easy. It is essential to consider some important factors before you invest in one. Use the following buying guide to find the cot most suitable for your personal needs:
Material
Camping cots are available in various different fabrics and materials. One of the best choices is a cot manufactured with nylon or polyester. They are the most common selection among campers as they help you stay warm during cold nights. Additionally, nylon and polyester are quite easy to maintain and clean.
Other than that, canvas material is also a preferred option as it provides you with a high-quality product that you desire. However, canvas camping cots are quite heavy in weight. Therefore, if you think that you’ll be doing a lot of walking during your trip or moving from one place to another then its best to avoid canvas.
Frame
Along with the fabric, you also need to consider the frame of the camping cot you’re about to buy. It needs to be lightweight, rust-resistant and most importantly, sturdy and durable. When it comes to the frame, campers usually opt for steel rather than aluminum as it can easily support the load of your body.
Before you select a frame, remember that the camping cot should take up as little space as possible and should be extremely easy to fold and store. Lastly, check the joints of your camping cot to avoid experiencing any poking while you are trying to rest peacefully on your bed.
U-Shaped Legs
The camping cots that come with u-shaped legs can be folded around 2-3 times with ease. These cots also come with underneath folding that distributes the weight evenly and allows you to easily carry it. If you’re a newbie camper, it’s best to go for a camping cot with u-shaped legs.
X-Shaped Legs
Majority of army men use camping cots with x-shaped legs. They are available in a wide range of sizes which makes them very suitable for camping. They provide the same comfort as king size beds and due to their shape and size, they are sturdy enough to carry heavy loads. Make sure that you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer before you leave for your trip as assembling cots with x-shaped legs can be a little tricky.
Accessories
A camping cot that comes with a carrying case makes the carrying process quite convenient and easy, especially if the cot has to be assembled and disassembled every time. A case that comes with shoulder straps is a bonus as it allows you to easily transport your bedding from one location to another.
Many fancy and expensive cots are accessorized with a built-in side table. They come in handy especially if you constantly need access to your phone, spectacles, water bottle and other supplies in the middle of the night.
Our Final Thoughts
While the 5 aforementioned options are our top picks for the best camping cot for side sleepers, we believe that none can beat the TETON Sports Camping Cot when it comes to providing ultra-comfort and support. Moreover, if you still haven’t been able to make up your mind about which product to buy, use our buying guide above to make a final, informed decision!
