Trying to find a cot that won’t drag you down? Learn about the average weight of cots and find lightweight options here!
The average weight of a standard camp cot is 14.7lbs. Meanwhile, the average weight of an XL or “oversized” cot is 27lbs. Camping cots in both of these categories can weigh as little as 2.8lbs or as much as 46.4lbs.
There are a number of different factors that can go into how much a camp cot weighs. Additionally, understanding the comfort level cots can offer will help you in finding the perfect camping bed. Read on and you’ll learn all about how much camping cots weigh, how comfortable they are and what alternatives you can try out.
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Average Weight Of A Camp Cot
I took a look at 30 different “regularly-sized” cots. What I mean by that, is that the cots I compared were intended for a single person. These cots weren’t labeled as XL, XXL or “Oversized”. Those larger choices will be covered in the next section because some of us like a bit more space!
The average weight of 30 different camping cots was 14.7lbs. Many standard choices range from 13lbs to 20lbs. However, you can also find cots at both ends of the spectrum. Some lightweight models, such as the DesertWalker (Amazon) cot and HitorHike (Amazon) cot can weigh between 2.8 and 5lbs.
When you’re looking at the camping cot options available, it’s worth considering a few factors. These include the height of the cot, the width and length and the style of the cot.
To begin with, many of the extremely lightweight cots tend to be very low to the ground. Because they require less metal to hold them up, they are able to be much lighter.
Second, height and width can also play a role in the weight of the cot. As you might expect, larger cots are often going to weigh a little more.
Finally, cots can also offer a tent-style as well as the standard cot that you would place in a tent. What that means is the cot and tent are connected. You can think of this as similar to a covered hammock, but in a cot style instead of a hammock style.
Most campers select the kind of cot that they can put into a larger tent. If you’re planning to do this, you’ll need to be careful! The feet on cots can damage the floor of your tent. Check out our article on using a cot in your tent to learn how to avoid ruining your brand new tent.
Average Weight Of An XL Camp Cot
As you might expect, cots that provide extra space are going to come with more weight than the standard fare. Whereas standard-sized cots average at just under 15lbs, XL camp cots average out at about 27lbs.
One of the lightest of these options is the Oasis Grizzly (Amazon), which weighs in at just 12lbs. Meanwhile, the Coleman Oversized (Amazon) cot weighs a hefty 46.4lbs. With this kind of a weight difference, you’ll really want to make sure you get something you can set up without too much trouble.
How Much Weight Does A Camp Cot Hold?
The average regular-sized camp cot is able to hold about 341lbs. That said, make sure that you check any cot you’re interested in for the specifics. After all, each brand and model can vary quite a bit.
Generally speaking, many standard cots tend to offer weight limits between 250-350lbs. However, some can handle as little as 195lbs while others are able to hold over 500lbs.
How Much Weight Does An XL Camp Cot Hold?
XL cots are typically made to hold quite a bit more weight than standard choices. Whether you prefer more space to stretch out or plan to sleep alongside someone else, turning to an oversized, XL or XXL cot is an ideal choice to give everyone enough room.
These larger cots, on average, can hold about 446lbs. Many of the choices available come with limits of either 350lbs or 600lbs. As a result, they are often more than capable of handling most campers and pairs.
Are Camping Cots Comfortable?
The comfort level offered by a camping cot is ultimately subjective. However, there are a few factors that can give you an idea about whether or not a camping cot is the right choice for you.
For those with the right sleeping position and a preference for firmness, a camping cot may work perfectly well. However, others may want to make some adjustments to the cot or try a different option altogether.
What Factors Into Camping Cot Comfort?
Firmness
Camping cots have a tendency to be very firm. This makes sense, considering they are typically made up of a series of bars and a sturdy material stretched out over them. Consequently, it’s not going to be the ideal choice for those who prefer a softer surface.
One way that some people resolve this includes adding sleeping mats or other forms of cushioning to avoid feeling the metal bars. If you’re willing to get creative in order to find the most comfort, then the firmness of a camping cot isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker.
Size
Naturally, you’re going to want a camping cot that can hold your entire body. The most obvious sizing aspect that people look at is the length. After all, it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep with your legs hanging off the end. Keep in mind that many cots are measured in inches, so knowing your own height in inches can be a great help.
While you’re measuring, make sure to measure yourself with regard to the width you’re going to need. Cot widths can range quite a bit, so it’s worth your time to make sure you end up with a cot that will give you enough space to sleep comfortably.
Temperature
Camping cots can be an ideal choice for warmer temperatures. This is largely due to the design of most cots keeping them off the ground. That said, some cots will hold you closer to the ground than others. In both cases, there is a space that allows campers to get some airflow underneath them.
This aspect can help to keep you cooler. In addition, most of us are aware that heat rises. Because of that, those who are going to be camping in hotter spaces may want a cot that is lower to the ground. It may take a little experimentation to know exactly what height level will keep you the coolest.
Really, the most important factor in controlling the temperature of a cot is what you put under yourself. A sleeping pad will provide insulation and keep you warm, but it also can keep you too warm if you’re sleeping in a hot location. In that case, a couple sheets might be a better option.
Sleeping Positions
Due to the firmness, you can typically expect from a camping cot, it’s worth thinking about how you normally sleep. If you tend to sleep on your back normally, then a cot may be a perfectly fine way to go. Sleeping on your back allows for your weight to be a bit more spread out.
On the other hand, those who sleep on their sides may find camping cots to be uncomfortable. Because they are so firm, they can place excess pressure on your hips and shoulders. It is possible that a good amount of padding may help this, but you’ll need to try it to find out for sure.
If you’re concerned about pressure points, check out our article about cots vs. hammocks.
How Wide Is A Camping Cot?
Unlike beds, which tend to come in standard sizing options, cots can vary quite a bit. Some tend to be longer and thinner while others try to provide the best of both worlds.
Consequently, camping cot widths can come with quite a spectrum. Some begin at around 23 inches while those at the other end of the spectrum can make it up to 31 inches. Many hover right around 24-28 inches in width.
Camping Cot Alternatives
If you’re still unsure whether or not a camping cot is right for you, it may help to take a look at some of your other options.
Sleeping Pads
Sleeping pads are a perfect solution for those who want something lightweight, quick to set up, and highly compact. This is an option that is typically used on the ground. As a result, they work well in hot weather. You can also find options that you can inflate as needed or that use padding.
Hammocks
If you’re unwilling to sleep close to the ground or deal with the firmness of a camping cot, a hammock can be a suitable alternative. As long as you have access to a pair of sturdy trees, a hammock can be placed at a distance from the ground that makes you comfortable. They also avoid pressure points and can be covered to keep you out of the rain.
If you’d like a more intense look into how cots and hammocks differ, we’ve got the perfect article for you right here.
Air Mattress
It could be argued that most campers likely use air mattresses. They’re easy and comfortable, if not always the most reliable. Air mattresses can have problems with leaks and holes. On the other hand, they are the closest to a real bed if you pack along blankets and sheets, and can pack down into a pretty small package.
To learn more about how well air mattresses work for camping, take a look at our article on the subject here.