Tent cots are great for going camping in the outdoors, especially the more modern versions. Tent cots are super easy to put up, are very comfortable, and are excellent for people with flexibility issues. Are you put off by camping in normal tents? A tent cot is the solution to your problem.
Tent cots are great when the ground is uneven, rocky, or even wet because the bed is elevated. And tent cots don’t get ground-dwelling critters trying to get in at night either!
Check out our list of tent cots and see which ones would suit your camping needs and style, and then try this practical, versatile sleeping solution!
If you’re in a rush, the best tent cot is the Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL. It’s roomy, waterproof, easy to set up, and great value at this price point.
The Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Double will work best if you want to have room for both you and your partner.
The best tent cots are:
- Kamp-Rite Compact Extra-Large Tent Cot (CTC XL) – Best Overall Cot Tent
- Kamp-Rite Compact Double Tent Cot (CTC Double) – Best Double Cot Tent
- Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot – Lightest, Most Portable
- Kamp-Rite Compact Collapsible Tent Cot (CTC Standard)
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
- Yescom Folding Oversized Single Tent Cot
- Yescom Single Tent Cot
- Tangkula 1 Person Tent Cot With Air Mattress
- Tangkula 2 Person Tent Cot With Air Mattress
- GYMAX 1/2 Person Tent Cot With Air Mattress & Sleeping Bag
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🏆 Best Overall Cot Tent  | 🏆 Best Double Cot Tent  | 🏆 Lightest, Most Portable  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Ranking | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th |
| Rating /5 | ||||||||||
| Capacity | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4.4/5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 or 2 |
| Comfort | 5.0/5 | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 1 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Durability | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 3.5/5 | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Weather proofing | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 2.0/5 | 3.0/5 | 2.0/5 | 2.0/5 |
| Ease of setup | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Value for money | 5.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 3/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Review | Perfect for solo sleeping travelers who want a fast, simple setup each night with a sturdy cot and maximum room and comfort inside. | This is the most versatile cot tent on this list, just right for two people, performing well as a cot, a tent, and a tent cot. | This cot tent can convert into a sun lounger and chair for maximum utility with its fast, intuitive, unfolding setup. | A solid, basic cot tent perfect for a single smaller person needing a decent quality sleeping solution when outdoors. | Perfect for people camping with a dog or who want extra gear inside the tent. Works well for motorcycle campers too. | This tent has plenty of internal room, especially when the dome is up, and works well for larger people. Better quality cot tents at this price range, however. | Suitable for the kids off to scout or summer camp but has quality problems that other comparable priced cot tents don't. | It is a very unusual-looking tent for much smaller people with more bedding accessories than other brands, making it a good value summer tent cot. | Can be challenging to set up. It has a bar between the two sleepers and is smaller than expected, and isn't as good value as the Tangkula 1 person. | Not many good reviews on this tent, and this is another one warning you about the low-quality build of this tent cot. |
Our Tent Cot Reviews
Kamp-Rite Compact Extra-Large Tent Cot (CTC XL)
Pros
- Comes with a rainfly.
- Robust and sturdy.
- Able to sit up inside.
- Mesh storage hammock.
- Great for long or large people.
Cons
- Bulky when packed up.
- Instructions are not easy to follow.
The new, improved, wider, and longer Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL has a domed roof that adds to the spacious feel of this very sturdy cot.
The cot and the tent are separate so that you can put up the tent without the cot and vice versa. It will also fold easily into its zippered bag with wheels for easy transportation.
This cot tent is about 20 inches off the ground and about 7 feet long and has a 350lbs carrying capacity, perfect for people who want more room.
There are meshed zippered windows at each end, and the rainfly also has ventilation ports to help manage any condensation.
It takes under ten minutes to set up and slightly longer to get back into its bag. It performs well in light showers and has a storage hammock underneath the sleeping area to keep gear protected and off the ground.
It weighs 24lbs/10.8 kgs but is bulky when packed, making it comfortable for car camping.
Overall, this tent will perform well in most situations, is spacious, well ventilated, and is our pick for a decent cot tent.
Kamp-Rite Compact Double Tent Cot (CTC Double)
Pros
- Freestanding – can move from spot to spot.
- Door for each sleeper to enter and exit.
Cons
- Center bar keeps each occupant to their side.
- Bulky and heavy
- Can be cold on the base of the cot
The Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Double is strong and sturdy and can take a combined weight of 550lbs or 227kgs.
The cot and tent will separate and apart if a spare bed is needed or the kids want to camp in the backyard.
This tent has fantastic ventilation due to the two doors on each side but has condensation issues with the rainfly attached.
The rain fly isn’t the same quality as the cots and causes concern with stitching and zips coming adrift.
These tents go up quickly and easily, but once you are inside, your weight seems to pull doors and sides out of whack, making them harder to close.
The no-see-um mesh is excellent at keeping the bugs out while letting light in so you can see during the day. At night, you can use a hook to hang a fan and light.
The cot base is relatively thin, so you need a mattress or barrier to keep the cold from seeping in underneath.
Overall, this is a decent double-sized tent cot with a price tag reflecting quality.
Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot
Pros
- Light and easy to carry.
- Converts to a lounger and a chair.
Cons
- Rainfly decreases airflow dramatically.
- Bulky to store.
The Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot creates a private sleeping space for you in only a few minutes. You will be impressed at the speed this tent goes up and down.
This cot tent also converts into a sun lounger AND a chair making it a versatile three-in-one camping item.
All four sides of this tent have big mesh panels that easily zip open to take advantage of breeze or sunshine and closed at night to exclude bugs,
There are zippered privacy flaps for the big windows on each side.
The rain fly seals to the base with velcro. The fly creates condensation issues as there are only two flaps in the fly for ventilation.
Also, with the rainfly on, you will have to get through three layers of zips to get out of the tent.
Overall – this is an excellent tent for warmer weather where you don’t need the rainfly, but it has some condensation and leakage issues that you should consider.
Kamp-Rite Compact Collapsible Tent Cot (CTC Standard)
Pros
- Really fast collapsible setup.
- Can sit up inside
- Tent and cot can be used separately.
Cons
- Moisture build-up overnight when rainfly used
- Tent bag isn’t waterproof and rips easily
A fast, intuitive setup makes the Kamp-Rite Compact tent Cot (CTC) Standard a speedy way to set up a bed for the night. The tent and the cot fold up and set up as one unit, not two, after taking out the tent poles.
You can separate this cot tent into a tent and a cot if you need one and not the other occasionally. Tent cots are great where the ground is gravel or muddy as the whole tent raises off the ground.
Like other cot tents in the Kamp-Rite family, this one also suffers from condensation issues when the rainfly is attached.
Use a sleeping bag to keep you warm, and open a window or two to dry up the water your body creates at night. Hanging a rechargeable fan from the center of the ceiling will help reduce the water in the tent at night.
This tent is very compact, and people mention that if you are larger or taller, the larger cot tents will be roomier and more comfortable than this one is.
This tent has a bulky storage size compared to others, and the storage bag is not waterproof, which is good to know if you are using this cot tent on a motorbike trip.
Overall, this is a good quality tent cot for smaller people or where a more compact size is needed.
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
Pros
- Extra legs for extra stability.
- Converts to a sun lounger chair.
Cons
- Condensation build-up with the rainfly on tightly.
- Large packed footprint for storage.
The Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot is perfect for those who want extra room for themselves or their gear.
This tent cot is very steady and stable with extra legs, making it a good option for campers on the large or heavy side.
This multi-purpose cot tent also converts into a sun lounger to spend time relaxing in the great outdoors.
The solid top of the tent is ok for short rain showers if you don’t want to put up the rain fly.
Condensation is an issue, so you will need to ensure that fresh air is getting in, especially on colder nights.
All four walls have mesh panels making it easier to ventilate. Leave the privacy panels off when you put on the rainfly.
If you lack flexibility, you might want a cot higher off the ground than this one.
Overall, this cot tent is acceptable for its price point, but it is bulky to carry and store.
Yescom Folding Oversized Single Tent Cot
Pros
- Easy fold-out set up.
- Full fly to ground level
- Mesh windows and doors
- 84 inch (214cm) bed length
- Built-in mattress
Cons
- Low-quality construction
- Hard to get in and out with the awning up.
Also available in green.
The Yescom Folding Oversized Single Cot tent is quick to set up. Unfold it, make an adjustment or two, and that’s it set up!
However, it’s a pretty big and bulky item to store and pack.
With the built-in padded mattress included, you get extra protection from the cold air underneath.
A lighter cot tent with camouflage colors is well suited to base camps and field trips where you have to walk further to set up.
Of concern is the number of reports that mention the substandard build quality. Frequent campers might be better off with a Kamp-Rite version of the same thing that will last longer, although a bit more expensive.
Like all camp cots, this one has condensation problems with the rainfly attached. Create airflow with a hanging fan.
When you put the awning up, you have to squat very low to get under it to get into the tent, making it hard to get in and out for people with less flexibility.
Overall, you could do better with your hard-earned cash with a similarly priced Kamp-Rite.
Yescom Single Tent Cot
Pros
- Rods to hold up awning
- Great waterproof rating 2000 HH
- Two zippered doors
Cons
- Needs extra padding on cot
- Tension points prone to ripping
Also available in green.
A smaller version of the tent above, the Yescom Single tent cot is ok for smaller people or if storage space is at a premium. It weighs significantly less than its bigger sibling, so it will be easier to walk short distances with it.
Like the other tent cots, this one has condensation issues when the rainfly goes on. It has better placement of the fly awning, so you don’t have problems getting in and out of the tent.
This tent does have a decent waterproof rating of 2000 hydrostatic head and will keep you drier in the rain. But you’ve got to keep the air flowing so that you don’t end up with heavy condensation when it rains.
Overall, this isn’t great value, and there are better quality cot tents at this price point.
Tangkula 1 Person Tent Cot With Air Mattress
Pros
- Very attention-grabbing!
- Comes with many bonus extras included.
Cons
- Foot pump of low quality.
The Tangkula 1 person tent cot is a very funky-looking tent that will have lots of people stopping to talk to you about it!
These tent cots come with a LOT of extras. They include an air mattress, sleeping bag, inflatable pillows, pillowcases, and a foot pump. It’s quite an impressive set up – perfect for your first foray into summer tent cot camping.
This tent cot has another three-in-one design where you can use the tent and the cot separately or in tandem.
The awning is well-placed, comes with poles, and positions itself to make entry and exit nice and easy.
This tent cot does not come with a rainfly but seems to be reasonably waterproof. If you are worried, it’s best to waterproof it before you go away or take a tarp just in case.
It’s a compact tent and is best suited to people under 6 feet tall.
The foot pump is not the best quality and won’t last long. Make sure you replace the pump or take a backup with you.
Overall, this is an inexpensive cot tent for occasional fair-weather use only.
Tangkula 2 Person Tent Cot With Air Mattress
Pros
- Can use cot and tent separately.
- Lots of bonus items come with it.
Cons
- Not as big as you might hope.
- Can be challenging to assemble.
- Some low-quality parts.
The Tangkula, 2 person cot tent, is as attention-grabbing as its smaller cousin is. This unique-looking tent will have people stopping to talk.
This cot tent has a cover giving you extra cover in wet weather. The sleeping bag is lightweight, and you might need a heavier one in colder places.
This Tangkula cot tent isn’t really for bigger people. It is very compact, and people over six feet complain about the lack of room.
Again the foot pump will not last, and the sleeping bags aren’t the highest quality either. The instructions are also hard to figure out, although it’s intuitive if you know what it should look like in the end.
Overall, there are better performing cot tents to spend your money on.
GYMAX 1/2 Person Tent Cot With Air Mattress & Sleeping Bag
Pros
- Good sturdy cot
Cons
- Not waterproof as advertised
- Only suitable for a single smaller person.
- Low quality build.
- Huge condensation problems.
The Gymax 1-2 person tent cot looks REMARKABLY like the Tangkula cot tents in the images, just rebranded.
Many people complain about it not being waterproof, that it’s smaller than expected, and certainly doesn’t fit two people as advertised.
The instructions are unclear, and the zippers don’t seem to want to close because they are under too much pressure from a person inside.
However, the cot appears to be sturdy and well made, and the air mattress seems to stay up all night. The most significant issues are condensation and zip quality.
Overall, this tent is a cheap copy of better tents, and at this price point, there are superior cot tents to choose from.
Our Rating Criteria for Evaluating Tent Cots
Comfortable Night’s Sleep
This section looks for length for taller campers, no-see-um mesh on both doors and windows, lots of storage pockets, a mattress, and ventilation for airflow at night.
Our pick for the most comfortable night’s sleep is the Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL with its extra wide and long interior, whose domed roof adds to the spacious feel. It’s sturdy, takes larger people easily, and doesn’t have bars digging into you all night!
Related: Looking for a comfy summer camping tent? Consider mixing it up – check out our review of the best teepee tent for camping.
Fast and Easy Setup
We love cot tents that are intuitive or have clear instructions. You want one that is quick to assemble with easy-to-attach clips, uses velcro, and you don’t have to wrestle with.
The Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot is the most straightforward setup that involves simply expanding it. With a simple trifold design, it really can be set up in under two minutes.
Durability – how long will the cot tent last?
We value cot tents that have seam seals, use good quality parts, have a fly, and extras, like a good quality carry bag. Excellent reviews are a plus too!
The Kamp-Rite tent cots are durable. We expect these tents to last five years or more and give them our thumbs up for quality.
Value for money for those with tight budgets
The great outdoors shouldn’t only be for those with lots of cash. We want anyone to be able to go camping in a quality tent without breaking the bank.
The Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL isn’t the cheapest but will last more than a few trips! It’s sturdy, roomy, will take a real-sized person, and is the perfect budget tent for beginner campers!
Our favorite tent cot for two
If space is what you are after, the Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Double has the most usable interior space of any teepee on this list. The domed top makes it easy to sit up, and it has a door for each occupant. It has a bar separating sleepers, so snugglers might not like it as much as ground sleeping.
Related: Check out our review of the best double tent cot for two people.
Which of these heavy duty cot tents can handle the most weight?
If you need a sturdy cot tent for larger or longer people or maybe more gear for a field trip, you can’t look past the Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL. It can take a weight of 350lbs, making it great for those who are a bit fluffier or carry more gear than others!
| Tent Model | Weight (lbs) on cot | Weight (kgs)on cot |
| Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot | 350lbs | 158 kgs |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Double | 500lbs | 227 kgs |
| Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot | 300 lbs | 136 kgs |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Standard | 300 lbs | 136 kgs |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL | 350 lbs | 158 kgs |
| Tangkula 1 Person Tent Cot | 300 lbs | 136 kgs |
| Tangkula 2-Person Camping Tent Cot | 405 lbs | 183 kgs |
| Yescom Single Tent Cot | 330 lbs | 150 kgs |
| Yescom Folding Oversized Single Tent Cot | 330 lbs | 150 kgs |
| Gymax Camping 1-2 Person Tent Cot | 265 lbs | 120 kgs |
Top Waterproof Tent Cot for a rainy day
The Yescom Folding Oversized Tent Cot comes with a rainfly and a hydrostatic head rating of 2000 for weatherproofing when it rains.
The Kamp-Rite tent cots all have rainfly with decent (but unpublished) waterproof ratings and are also great for those expecting rain.
| Tent Model | Rainfly | Material |
| Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot | Yes | 190T Nylon |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Double | Yes | 190T Nylon |
| Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot | Yes | 190T Nylon |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Standard | Yes | 190T Nylon |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL | Yes | 190T Nylon |
| Tangkula 1 Person Tent Cot | No | Polyester |
| Tangkula 2-Person Camping Tent Cot | No | Polyester |
| Yescom Single Tent Cot | No | Polyester |
| Yescom Folding Oversized Single Tent Cot | Yes | Polyester |
| Gymax Camping 1/2 Person Tent Cot | Yes/No | Polyester |
Most portable cot tent
The Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot is only 24lbs or 10.8kgs, making it the lightest tent on this list. It is light enough for the kids to carry and is a basic cot tent for those with less room or heading a little further to camp.
Light as it is, NO cot tent is suitable for backpacking or hiking due to the bulk. The easy setup comes at a size and weight disadvantage.
| Tent Model | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) |
| Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot | 32 lbs | 14.5 kg |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Double | 42 lbs | 19 kg |
| Kamp-Rite Original Tent Cot | 24 lbs | 10.8 kg |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) Standard | 25 lbs | 11.3 kg |
| Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL | 28 lbs | 12.7 kg |
| Tangkula 1 Person Tent Cot | 30 lbs | 13.6 kg |
| Tangkula 2-Person Camping Tent Cot | 50.5 lbs | 22.9 kg |
| Yescom Single Tent Cot | 25 lbs | 11.3 kg |
| Yescom Folding Oversized Single Tent Cot | 32 lbs | 14.5 kg |
| Gymax Camping 1/2 Person Tent Cot | 32 lbs | 14.5 kg |
Most Versatile Tent Cot
We love camping items with multiple uses, and the Kamp-Rite CTC tent cots can be both cot tents and able to turn into a chair or sun lounger with their unique trifold design.
It makes sense that if you buy a camping item with the weight and size that these have, if you can get more features that you’ll use, you should grab them.
FAQs
Are tent cots worth it?
Tent cots are great for rocky ground, concrete, or damp earth. Tent cots work well for motorcycle camping, field trips, hunters, and extra beds for teenagers on a family camping trip. But they’re not as versatile or waterproof as many 3 season camping tents.
Are tent cots waterproof?
Some tent cots are waterproof, but not all. Our top-rated tent cots are reasonably waterproof, but you’ll undoubtedly want a sturdier ground tent to retreat to in severe downpours.
Do you need a sleeping pad in a tent cot?
You don’t usually need a sleeping pad in a tent cot. But some campers might seek comfort and place anything from a blanket to a memory foam mattress underneath themselves.
How do you avoid condensation in a tent cot?
You’re more likely to have condensation issues in smaller tents and on cold days as vapor from your breath forms on the cool tent walls. The best way to beat ventilation is through airflow. Open windows, vents, and doors to let cool air through. The top tents on our list come with no-see-um mesh to ensure that the cold air comes in, but the insects stay out.
Summary of our in-tents performance review
The Kamp-Rite Compact Tent Cot (CTC) XL shines for older and larger campers who don’t want to sleep on the ground anymore and people with flexibility issues who wish to get out of a camp bed with a bit of dignity.
And if it makes camping and the outdoors more accessible to more people, we are all for it!
Happy camping 😊