Best Camp Bed – Top Rated Portable Cots for Camping
Camping should definitely not mean putting up with poor sleep on unforgiving ground. By selecting a suitable camp bed (or cot as they are sometimes referred to in America), you can get very close to the same luxurious sleep you have at home. This is because the best camp beds are designed to provide the same comfort level as a regular bed, especially when used in conjunction with a self-inflating mattress.
On top of the comfort aspect, camping beds are typically portable and compact. This allows you to travel and carry them with ease. To make your next camping trip more manageable, we’ve shared a roundup of our favourite camping beds on the UK market at the moment to help you best identify the perfect companion for those nights of slumber.
Decathlon Inflatable Camp Bed Base
The Decathlon inflatable bed base is often recommended on camping forums, and after finally getting to try some out for ourselves, we can understand why.
The bases come with a fantastic 5 year warranty against any mishaps, and we have had great experience with Decathlon in the past when products fail or we just simply want to return a bad purchase.
If you’ve ever used an inflatable stand up paddle board or inflatable tent, you’ll immediately understand how to get the Decathlon bed base pumped up. You literally unroll it from its carry bag, connect a compatible pump and start doing your business! It’s recommended to use the official Quechua double action pump to get this up to 6psi, but most other pumps should suffice.
As you start to pump, you need to slot in eight rigid cross-members (ooh err!) which then act as slats for you to put on a separate self inflating mattress or similar. The pumped up base then has a forgiving external rectangular structure which offers decent suspension if you have to move in the night.
One great feature of the Decathlon camp bed is that you can very simply connect two of the bases together to make a double bed which is one of the comfiest around. Yes you still need the mattresses on top but we think it’s a great solution.
The packed size of a single Decathlon bed base is only 70 x 14 x 14 cm and the weight is 3.9kg – this is nothing for a car to carry, and can easily fit in a trailer or roof box if required. Perfect for family tent camping! Bear in mind that the maximum weight is only 110kg, so if you’re over ~17 stone then it may not be the best option for you.
Pros
- Small packed size makes transport easy
- Very comfortable bed base with ‘suspension’ and give
- 5 year ‘no quibble’ warranty from Decathlon is class-leading
- Possibly the best night’s sleep we’ve had while camping
Cons
- Requires a separate pump to inflate
- Max weight limit of 17 stone is a little limiting
- Quechua is still a silly name
Coleman Airbed Cot - Best Double Camp Bed
Coleman are one of our favourite outdoor gear manufacturers and the Coleman Airbed Cot is a great example of exemplary design. It’s a double camp bed using what we would call a hybrid folding/inflatable design – basically the base can fold away small and the mattress is fully inflatable. In our minds this gives the best combination of portability and comfort if there are two of you to cater for and you don’t mind snuggling up together! Coleman also offer a single bed option at about half the price using a similar layout.
Let’s talk about size and weight. The Queen size double bed measures 198cm (L) x 150cm (W) x 56cm (H) when set up and weighs about 10kg in total. However it packs down to a compact 28 x 26 x 102cm which is easy to transport in a car boot. The single is obviously half the width when set up but doesn’t pack down much smaller at 29 x 20 x 96.5cm. It weighs less too at only 6kg.
Setting Up
Putting these beds up is easy. First you simply stretch out the base so that the leg system extends and locks in position. Then comes the fun part – the mattress is fully inflatable and comes with its own electric pump – nice! This requires four D-type batteries to operate and works very well and quickly, reaching maximum inflation in a minute or so. It’s slightly disappointing not to have an AC power option though, but you can’t have everything. The batteries are pretty easy to come by, even in a remote countryside campsite shop.
In Use
The mattress has a dedicated cover which it comes shipped in, and this is fully detachable allowing it to be washed when you feel the need. It’s extremely comfortable and really feels like a quality product. The cover also keeps the mattress in place and means you don’t slide around when in a sleeping bag. There are no bars or straps across your back either, giving a very comfortable and restful sleeping position.
For the final icing on the cake, we loved the two side tables which the Coleman ships with. These attach on each side of the bed and act as night-time tables to put a lamp, a drink or your book on. There’s even integrated cup holders – nice touch Coleman!
Downsides? Well the air mattress valve is not the best design meaning that you can get a bit of leakage as you remove the pump before you bung up the hole – not the end of the world, but it’s not as well designed as some of the dedicated air mattresses you can buy. Also the price – it’s not the cheapest camping bed in the world, but bear in mind that you won’t also need to buy an additional self inflating mattress.
In summary, we were impressed with the Coleman Inflatable Cot. It will easily carry two people with a combined weight of up to about 270kg (42 stones!) – pretty impressive. It looks great, and feels great. What more can you ask for?
Pros
- Great design and material choice
- Folds up small for the size of bed
- Loved the side tables (only one on the single)
- Can’t beat an inflatable mattress with pump included!
Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Valve system is not as good as it could be
Outwell Posadas XL Signature SLG Bed
The Outwell Posadas Camping Bed is a great option for sleeping in a campsite tent, or even as a temporary bed in your house if someone is kipping over. The bed offers comfort in abundance but also has elastic straps at each corner to secure a sleeping mat and/or padded cushions if you want even more luxury.
Rather unusually it uses a steel frame (we’re used to aluminium), but this offers great strength and rigidity – this bed would survive a nuclear explosion! The steel does add to the packed weight though which is up at a rather hefty 9.6kg.
The Posados does not require any assembly at the campsite at all which is a real selling point in our view – it folds up in a similar manner to most camping chairs and simply stretches out, legs and all.
We recommend the XL version of the bed purely because of the unfolded size. The XL measures 212cm long which is almost 7ft! The width is 77cm and the height off the ground is 48cm. We really like the height of the Outwell Posadas because it keeps you a decent distance off the ground – this means that the cold isn’t going to seep into your bones as happens with some camping beds. It is also extremely packable, measuring only 106 x 15 x 16cm when folded up inside its carry sack.
Pros
- Comfy
- Folds and unfolds in a matter of seconds
- Great quality materials
- The XL is great for tall people like me
Cons
- A bit heavy at 9.6kg but fine if you’re travelling by car
Helinox Lite Cot Camping Bed
Featuring an ultra-lightweight design, the Helinox Lite Cot Camping Bed is a backpacker’s haven. It only weighs about 1.2 kg and yet it can support individuals that measure over 6ft tall and weighing up to 120kg (i.e. 10x as much as its own weight!). It’s a great bit of gear for bike touring or just overnight hikes if you have enough room in your backpack for such luxury..
The camping cot is built with a custom aluminium frame which keeps the weight down. Assembly is quick using press-fit legs and you can have the bed up in minutes. However we found that it took a bit of strength to lock the legs in place – definitely requires a bit of practice before your trip to loosen the material.
The cot can also be used with just three of the four legs to cut down its weight, making it perfect for those long backpacking expeditions.
In use we found the Helinox Lite extremely comfortable. People have often recommended them to me, and I just thought they were overpriced items offering little comfort. How wrong I was – I had the best night’s sleep in a long time with our test cot. Recommended if you can afford one.
Pros
- Can support up to 120 kg (about 19 stone)
- Ultra-lightweight – weighing only 1.2 kgs
- Packs down to 53 x 13 x 13 xm
- Durable and lightweight aluminium frame
- It can operate with only three leg frames for lightweight performance
- Fits tall people measuring up to 6 feet 5 inches tall
Cons
- Assembly requires some strength the first few times
- The bag is a bit tight when packing away
Zempire Speedy Camp Bed
A tall profile and simple frame design of the Zempire Speedy Camp Bed offers plenty of under-bed space for extra storage room. This design helps avoid wasting space in your tent as some camping beds do.
The Zempire folds down to a packable size of 99 x 15 x 16 cm and comes with a carry case for easy storage and transport. Furthermore, thanks to the bed’s simple design, assembly is convenient and quick. All you have to do is unfold the stretcher bed and stabilise the angled legs.
This is a no-nonsense camp bed for a reasonable price. If they’re in stock then we recommend taking a look at the Zempire.
Pros
- Made from durable 600D Poly Oxford Fabric for a heavy-duty surface
- Equipped with a padded pillow for extra comfort
- Table opposing leg angles for increased stability
- It easily folds up and fits into the included carrying case
- Increased lower/under bed storage to make use of the limited tent space
Cons
- A little narrow
HI-GEAR Slumber Camp Bed
Built from a stainless steel frame and legs, the Hi-Gear Slumber camp bed offers long-lasting durability and weatherproofing. In addition, the legs and frame feature a foldable design to allow the bed to be packed away with ease. This is a great value camping cot, and you can purchase five of them for only £100!
The Hi-Gear is constructed from polyester fabric which is ultra-durable, hard-wearing, and easy to clean. In fact, because of the durability of the construction, you can use the bed as a spare for visitors to your home.
Pros
- The maximum load that can be supported is 110kg
- Foldable frame and legs for convenient storage and transport
- Steel frame and legs for added durability
- Hard-wearing polyester fabric
- It has a stable design for more comfortable sleep
Cons
- Not many at this price!
Eurohike Utah 4 Leg Camp Bed
If you are on an ultra-strict budget, the Eurohike Utah 4 Leg Camp Bed is an excellent investment. Whilst the camp bed is surprisingly affordable, it still maintains superior quality. In fact, the camp bed is ideal even for nights in frigid weather.
The raised bed features a high-quality weather-resistant powder-coated steel frame with a gently raised top for superior comfort. Its fabric features a water repellent and durable finish. Thanks to the heavy-duty build, the camp bed can be used for both large and small sleepers.
Pros
- Cheap as chips!
- It’s simple to assemble and store in the included carry case
- It is relatively light in weight, making it easy to handle
- The collar and elastic built for both small and large sleepers prevent draughts and heat loss
- It is made of a water-repellent fabric
Cons
- It may be uncomfortable for the back if used for long periods
- The legs are a bit wobbly
Vango Hush Camp Bed
The Vango Hush Camp Bed features a rugged yet soft fabric for long-lasting comfort. Measuring about 182 cm long, the camp bed is designed for both short and tall people. It also has a weight capacity of around 100 kg.
Yet, the camp bed still easily packs down to fit in the small supplied carry bag. Its steel frame offers a supportive and high-tensile build, although it still maintains an overall lightweight profile.
Pros
- Collapsible design for easy assembly and packing
- It easily fits into the provided bag
- The extended design allows it to fit both tall and short people
- High tensile and supportive steel frame
- Designed with a soft and durable fabric for comfort
- Durable water repellent finish
Cons
- When it’s brand new, it’s challenging to put together
- It may be too long for smaller tents
West Lake Galician 4 Leg Flat Bed
If comfort is a higher priority for you then packed size then the West Lake Galician Camp Bed is a perfect choice and a great value option. It’s made from hard-wearing 600D fabric and has decent padding along its full 195cm (6ft3) length. It weighs 6kg.
Originally designed for overnight fishing at a lakeside, the flat profile of the Galician allows for a good night’s sleep with decent lumbar support. We found it very comfortable. The two pairs of legs simply rotate out from underneath – each leg has “mud feet” on the end which means you can put the bed directly on the ground without fear of sinking. Normally in a tent with a ground sheet this isn’t an issue of course.
The Galician is partially foldable but the packed size is not great compared to some of the other beds we’ve reviewed. Folded dimensions are 40 x 52 x 60cm. However it does have the advantage of being able to raise up the back, turning it into a chair or camping lounger. Nice for sunbathing!
Overall, we think the West Lake Galician is a great bed for camping if you’ve got a large car or trailer to transport your camping gear. If you’ve got a smaller vehicle then we would go for one of the more portable options.
[i2pc][i2pros]Great value and comfortable
Three-way fold for relatively easy storage and transport
Flat profile gives a great night’s sleep
Adjustable legs with rotating mud feet
Can be used as a chair or sunlounger[/i2pros][i2cons]
Relatively heavy and cumbersome[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Dam CamoVision 6-Leg Aluminum Bed Chair
If you aren’t on a restricted budget, the Dam CamoVision Bed Chair is worth the investment. It’s another fishing bed which can also function as a chair or lounger, however we think it’s great for camping if you’ve got the room to transport it. It folds to a transport size of 85 x 80 x 22cm which is pretty big, but still manageable if you have a large estate car or camping trailer. The design of the bed uses three pairs of adjustable legs with large area mud feet designed to prevent sinking into the ground.
The strong round aluminium frame of the CamoVision gives it a lightweight profile, while the microfleece mattress offers a very plush feel. For the sleeping surface, the camp bed features a 100% CamoVision 600D polyester shell for long-lasting durability. There is also a comfortable neoprene pillow integrated into the bed – nice.
In use we found it was very comfortable but we sadly did not have long to do an overnight test – one for the future, but we still recommend the Dam CamoVision if you have the space.
[i2pc][i2pros]Incredibly comfortable
Six adjustable legs to achieve a sturdy fit even on uneven ground
The bed does not sink due to the mud foot design
Built from a high tensile and lightweight aluminium frame
Plush 100% microfleece mattress interior[/i2pros][i2cons]
Possibly a little expensive
Packed size is not small[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Camp Bed
If you’re spending time outdoors camping, a good night’s sleep is essential. It’s a pretty grueling existence when you’re feeling irritable and tired after a bad night and you may have a long walk to complete or activities to participate in.
In our buying guide below, we’ve shared some of the key features to look out for to ensure you find the best camp bed for the best sleeping experience.
Types of Camping Bed
Camping beds come in a variety of different types. In this review, we’ve focused mainly on fold-out beds with integrated legs. A fold-out camping bed is designed to keep you off the ground during sleep, meaning that you’re kept away from cold or damp ground. These beds will also help protect you against those pesky adversaries such as rocks, sticks, and even crawling bugs!
Fold-out beds are ideal for people who struggle to get up and down from a mattress or sleeping pad placed directly on the ground. Furthermore, a fold-out bed can offer a small amount of underside storage space in some cases. However, we think it’s worth sacrificing that space for a bed with criss-crossed legs as these offer increased stability.
Keeping off the floor also helps with regard to heat retention in cold weather – there’s less routes for heat to escape from your body into the ground. Other camp bed options include sleeping mats, air beds, or hammocks. Sleeping mats are lighter and more compact – making them ideal for hiking and backpacking. However, while they are excellent at insulating, they are not the comfiest options in most cases.
Air beds feature an inflated design like a big flat balloon. This means that they can be deflated and packed down for easy transportation. Unfortunately, this means that the setup time can be a little longer, but it can be worth it if you’ve got car space to shift your gear around. We’d definitely recommend having an inflatable mattress supported off the ground on a base, otherwise heat can wick out very quickly in the night. For added warmth, you should bring a sleeping bag or a blanket, but this can mean more weight to carry.
A hammock is ideal for those who want more adventure – it rocks you to sleep and only requires a free-standing frame or tree to support it. In addition, a hammock is ideal for the hot seasons as it promotes airflow.
Size
Size is an essential factor to consider when choosing a camp bed. You should especially consider the height and weight of the base and mattress together. Different individuals have varying heights, so make sure there is enough length in the frame and mattress to take your full expanse.
The best option is to always opt for a bed that offers a little more space. For example, if you measure about 6 feet tall (182cm), opt for a bed that measures at least 185 cm to 190 cm long. The width depends on the type of sleeper you are. Some people don’t mind narrow beds, while others want some room to move around, or to sleep diagonally.
Before choosing a camp bed, simply look at the dimensions to ensure the width works for you. If terms of supported weight, the easiest way to gauge if the bed is ideal is by looking at the load capacity. Whilst some beds are designed with a small capacity of about 100 kgs, some extend to as high as 180kgs. Generally, the lighter the actual bed, the less human weight it will hold. You’ll need to trade off packed weight against supported weight in your choice.
Portability
Remember, the primary purpose of investing in a camp bed is the portability it offers. The level of portability depends on your needs. For example, driving to a campsite has different requirements for weight compared to cross-country backpacking or multi-day hiking trips.
This is because although you still need portability if you’re driving, you can carry much more than if you are backpacking or hiking. Nonetheless, you want to ensure that your camp bed is portable enough to allow easy and convenient transportation.
When driving, a camp bed that measures up to 10 kgs will not be an issue as long as it easily packs down. However, if you are walking and supporting your load in a backpack, you don’t want a camp bed that weighs more than 3 kgs. Even less than this might be preferable!
Materials
For camp beds, you want to look at the fabric material as well as the frame material. The best camp beds are constructed from materials such as nylon, polyester, or polycotton. Each material has its benefits outdoors.
Nylon is thin and light, but it has superior toughness, making it an excellent outdoor fabric. This material is perfect for activities such as backpacking. Properly seamed polyester is water-resistant, making it ideal for the outdoors. Furthermore, its high-strength seams also make it perfect for most fold-out camp beds and sleeping mats.
Compared to polyester, polycotton is more breathable. It is also stronger and lighter than cotton, which makes it ideal for camp beds. However, this material choice is a little more expensive. On the other hand, the frame comes with two main metal options, i.e., steel and aluminium. Steel is thicker and heavier than aluminium. However, steel is susceptible to rust due to exposure to water.
A powder-coated steel frame is a better and more protective option. Aluminium has high tensile strength and is much lighter. In addition to the material, you also want to focus on the metal profile. Frames with thicker legs are more durable and sturdier. But, this also means that they are heavier. Furthermore, cross-legged frames are much stronger than straight-legged frames.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What Are the Benefits of Using a Camp Bed?
The best camp beds come with numerous benefits. These include:
- Raised sleeping surface for easy entry and exit, which also reduces joint strain when getting out of bed.
- A raised bed helps promotes airflow in warm weather and prevents contact with the cold ground during winter.
- The best camp beds offer better back support.
- Elevated fold-out camp beds provide additional underside storage, which is helpful in a tent with limited space.
- Most are easy to use as all they require you to do is fold them out.
- The best camp beds are just as comfortable as your bed at home to allow you to enjoy the same sleep quality.
2. How to Make My Camp Bed More Comfortable?
To make your camping bed more comfortable, simply add more padding and insulation (if it’s cold). You can invest in materials such as a memory foam mattress topper, padded cushions, or a sleeping mat.
3. Which Is Better – a Foldout Camp Bed or an Airbed?
It depends on your needs. For example, air beds don’t offer the best insulation when compared with dedicated sleeping pads with high R-Factors. Similarly, unlike fold-out camp beds, airbeds don’t encourage airflow during the warm season either. Additionally, due to their inflatable design, air beds may be time-consuming to set up. However, they offer the best comfort as there are no straps or bars underneath your back.
4. How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Camp Bed?
The price of camp beds significantly varies based on the design and quality. In general, you should expect to pay anywhere between as low as £20 to as high as £200 for your camp bed. However, keep in mind that just because a camp bed is inexpensive does not imply that it is of poor quality. You can still find an excellent quality camping bed at a low price.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that investing in the best camp bed allows you to sleep comfortably and healthily while not breaking the bank. Yet, the beds offer portability and compactness, so you don’t have to haul a massive load during your camping and other outdoor trips.
Just bear in mind that these beds come in a vast range of designs and styles, so you should definitely be able to find one which fits your needs and preferences. In fact, our versatile list of recommended options for the best camp beds above is a perfect starting point for choosing what you like. Good luck!
