Best Camping Cots for Side Sleepers – Most Comfortable Padded Options [2020]

| Last Updated: January 13, 2022

If you want to actually sleep when you bed down for the night on those long camping trips, you're out of luck most of the time if you're a side sleeper. Not anymore though!

Let's go over some aspects of the greatest considerations when picking out a cot that will allow you to pack some Zs in while on your adventure. When camping, you should always be on the lookout for ways to make your trip easier and more comfortable. 

Things like weight distribution, cot lining, and material quality play some huge roles in sleep quality for the side sleeping folks. Let's get into it!

Comparison of the Best Camping Cots for Side Sleepers

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • It is perfect for individuals that are six to twelve inches tall
  • This is the best overall that is made from premium quality material.
  • The strong base of this cot not only makes it durable but also rust-resistant
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  • Its durability makes this cot long-lasting and ideal to invest in
  • Runner-up cot that is an incredibly comfortable piece best suited for camping
  • The comfort-enhancing spring coils present inside the mattress create a bed-like feel
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  • Foldable outdoor cot that can pack neatly and has a great capacity
  • Good length that can provide tall people with sufficient sleeping space
  • It also comes with a packing bag that makes it suitable to travel with, making it the best for the money
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  • It ensures people of all ages and sizes can enjoy all night long.
  • It comes with some inclination and has a collapsible steel pipe frame
  • Unlike other annoying mattresses that require inflation, this deluxe bed is designed for camping use
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  • It is easy to transport, lightweight, and very comfortable to use
  • It comes with a carrying bag that allows you to take it from place to another with ease
  • The folding bed of this unit is very wide, which allows users to toss and turn easily all through the night
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How to Choose a Camping Cots for Side Sleepers

Below are the key aspects to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a cot for those who sleep on their side. 

Support/Distribution of Weight

If you're sleeping on your side in a regular cot with no padding...that's a tall order!

The name of the game for side sleepers when it comes to sleeping on a cot is to get sufficient padding for your shoulder and hips. There are hundreds of other pressure points between your feet and shoulders, but in our experience, the shoulder and hip pressure points are most important. Side sleeping may be great when you are camping as a couple in a big cot, but on your own, things get rough.

Padding that allows you to distribute your weight and not just slam your shoulder and hip into a concave surface. Also, the wider your sleeping surface, as long as it's taut, makes for an easier time when you sleep.

Materials

We just went over the importance of padding on your camping cot, so when looking at materials, you need to focus on something that will be breathable and not trap heat and moisture under you. The last thing you want is to sweat on a rough surface when your shoulder and hip are grinding into a surface all night.

TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot

The time of year you go camping determines a lot of this choice in material as well. If you're going in the summer and your cot's materials are heavily insulated with minimal breathability, you need to get something else. You can assume that the inverse is true as well. If it's winter, you don't want fishnet material to sleep on.

Do I Need Padding?

This should be a resounding yes if you actually want to sleep when you go camping, even if you're just truck camping.

Let's not beat a dead horse just to fill space here. Like we discussed earlier, comfort when sleeping on your side comes from decreasing pressure on connection points to the surface you are sleeping on. Padding disperses the pressure over a wider space, so you have less pinpointed pressure on your joints. 

Padding is good, so use padding. 

And if you want to go to the next level of fancy for side sleepers, the Kamp-Rite Cot is a great option that will keep you dry and comfortable.

Review of the Best Camping Cots for Side Sleepers

In order to help you find the best camping cot for side sleepers, we have compiled the top cots with their pros and cons. Read on to find out which camping cot is perfect for you.

Perfect -now that you know how to choose one of these and the qualities that make a great cot, let's move to the review. Below are our favorite models of the year. 

Best Overall:
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Cot

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Pros

  • It Has Good Withstanding Weight Ability
  • The Two-Fold Design of This Product Makes it Easy for Traveling
  • Its Length is Ideal for People Who Need a Large Sleeping Area
  • The Storage Bag it Comes With Makes it Easy to Carry Around
  • Its Frame Provides Optimum Support up to 600 Lbs and Ensures You Remain Stable Through the Night

Cons

  • It is Heavy
  • The Carrying Bag is of Low Quality

What Recent Buyers Report 

For many buyers, this camping cot is an exceptional piece due to the many advantages it comes with. It is easy to travel with, has a large size that can accommodate your entire body, and the strong frame makes it long-lasting. However, assembling this unit takes time, and the carrying bag this cot comes with is of low quality.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

What stands out to us in this cot is the durable polyester top that can support around 600 lbs. The plastic coverings on the legs also ensure that the flooring remains intact.

Let's start with the most basic option first, the Teton XXL Camping Cot. Everything we've talked about in this section explains why this cot is ideal for a side sleeper.

A wider surface means less concentrated direct pressure on your joints. The only troubling thing about this option is that you'll have to discover if you're someone who prefers to sleep in the middle or on the edge of the bed.

Personally I've been accustomed to sleeping on the edge of the bed on my side, so that is one issue I have as a side sleeper with the Teton XXL model. 

Who Will Use This Most 

The Outfitter XXL is designed for people who want a camping cot for long-term usage. With this camping cot, you do not have to worry about it breaking down after a couple of months. Moreover, it is perfect for people on a budget and those who need a large sleeping area.

Bottom Line

Teton Sports Outfitters provides users with a lifetime warranty. This is a strong cot that is able to support anyone and allows you to move when you sleep. This cot has plenty of room and is an affordable model, considering its size. 

Runner-up:
Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot

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Pros

  • Incredibly Spacious
  • It Can Support Up to 300 Pounds
  • It is Very Comfortable for Tall People
  • Made From Sturdy Materials that Allow it to Last Long
  • The Extra Thickness Helps in Shielding Sleepers From the Cool Air From the Ground Below

Cons

  • This Unit is Slightly Expensive
  • It is Also Difficult to Carry Around Since it is Not Foldable

What Recent Buyers Report 

This camping cot is exceptionally good and efficient in its performance. It can, without a problem, accommodate people as tall as 6'6" and as heavy as 300 lbs. Its width allows people to move around while they sleep, no matter how much tossing and turning they do. However, since it does not have a low weight, moving this cot around is difficult.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This unit stands out since it comes with a one-year warranty. It comes with sturdy construction and can accommodate tall and heavy people easily. It is exceptionally comfortable and its sturdy construction allows it to last for a long period of time. 

If you're wanting to go camping with a minimal budget, but still want to get some restful sleep, the Coleman Comfort Soft Cot is your ticket to dream land! This will be the most cumbersome option as far as packing in to a camping location, but you'll get the most support for side sleeping, without a doubt.

The springs that go underneath the mini bed on top of the cot allow you to sink in and not have your joints compressed like they would be if sleeping on a solid material. As long as you don't mind carrying a little extra weight, this is the best option for your camper. 

Who Will Use This Most 

This unit is perfect for people who do not need to hike. Since it is difficult to move around, setting this cot in a single place in order to spend time with your partner under the stars will be the perfect use of this cot. Also, using this in a camper or RV, where it won't need to be moved often is another great use. 

Bottom Line

Coleman Comfort Cot has many key points that make it worth your money. This cot is comfortable as well as durable. This allows it to last for a long period of time. Moreover, it is very spacious and can accommodate heavy and tall people with ease. 

3. Alpcour Folding Camping Cot

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Pros

  • It is a Very Durable Design 
  • Very Versatile
  • Comes With a Breathable and Strong Fabric
  • The Side Bag it Comes With Allows You to Store Smaller Items
  • It Has Great Insulation and Helps Keep You Warm in Cold Conditions

Cons

What Recent Buyers Report 

According to users, this unit is an exceptional cot and helps in providing users with striking a balance between simplicity and features. The built-in pillow keeps comfort in mind and makes it stand out. Apart from its heavy construction, users found this to be a complete package. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This unit has a good design and helps provide you with a good night sleep. Its sufficient width and height allow you to sleep without your legs hanging at the edge. It also allows you to twist and turn.

Since this unit is breathable, you do not have to worry about stifling hot air while camping. Moreover, with this cot, you do not need any bulky mattress pad, sheets, or cushions. With it, you can say goodbye to turning and tossing all night long, which is what we loved the most about it. 

Who Will Use This Most 

This unit is ideal for sensitive people. This cot allows users to move around during their sleep. It can even be shared by your loved ones due to its width. This unit has a strong, yet soft, fabric that wicks the moisture away. This makes sure that you do not sweat overnight. Additionally, it is perfect for adult users and even teenagers. It can double as an outdoor lounger and you can use it as a chair at the lake or even the beach.

Bottom Line

With this sleeping cot, you can enjoy a night under the sky. Its universal design allows heavy people to sleep peacefully. This is a smart choice for small children, teens, adults, and even toddlers. Its portable design makes it easy to set up and can be folded easily, too.

4. PORTAL Folding Portable Camping Cot

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Pros

  • Quick to Set Up
  • Storing This Compact Cot is Also Very Simple
  • Easy to Transport Due to its Foldable Abilities
  • The Robust Steel Frame Used Makes it Durable and Long-Lasting
  • This Unit Remains a Safe Distance From the Ground and Protects You From Insects and Hard Rocks

Cons

  • The Fabric on the Surface of This Cot Does Not Provide Proper Back Support

What Recent Buyers Report 

Recent buyers state that this unit is exceptionally good in performance. It is robust and has a good height and width. It provides campers with a long-lasting sleep, all night long. However, carrying or transporting this unit without a car can become slightly difficult due to its weight. Regardless, they also commented on how much they loved that assembling it was not a hassle at all. 

Why it Stands Out to Us 

This unit stands out due to its easy assembling feature. You simply have to unfold it and this cot will be ready to use. It does not require time, energy, or even any tools. This feature also makes it easy to take it apart when it's time to leave. 

Who Will Use This Most 

This cot is ideal for campers who tend to be late and do not want to waste any time assembling. This is also a good camping cot for heavy and tall people. Its good height and width allow people to sleep easily and even provide enough space if they toss and turn all night long.

Bottom Line

The PORTAL Folding Camping Cot is made from high-quality materials and this makes it robust and long-lasting. It has a good width and height that elevates your body above the ground and makes sure that you are safe from insects. This is an overall good camping cot with excellent features.

5. EARTH Ultimate "Extra-Strong" Military Style Camping Cot

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Pros

  • Great Sleeping Capacity
  • Construction is Very Sturdy and Stable 
  • Since This Cot Can Be Packed, it is Easy to Store 
  • Velcro Tabs Present Under the Bed Allow You to Tighten the Fabric as it Loosens 
  • Doesn't Take Too Much Space in the Closet, and Since it Remains Packed, it Does Not Gather Dust 

Cons

  • Not Very Wide
  • Requires Assembling 
  • Heavy Weight Makes it Slightly Difficult to Transport 
What Recent Buyers Report 

According to users, this cot is exceptional and has good, sturdy construction. It is comfortable and can last for a long period of time. However, the width is not very good. Assembling it is incredibly easy and requires no tools at all.

Why it Stands Out to Us 

For us, the best part about it is that it can be used for household use as well. Since it has a small packing size, traveling with it is also easy to do. This product does not take too much space in your closet. It is comfortable and long-lasting, as well.

Who Will Use This Most 

This side sleeping cot is good for people who are tall and even heavy but is not suited for people who like to toss and turn. This cot has a narrow width and so, for frequent travelers, this is not ideal.

Bottom Line

To conclude, this Earth Ultimate Military Style Camping Cot has many different advantages. This is an easy to assemble cot and is comfortable and durable. Except for its width, there is nothing to object to. 

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Cot

 A camping cot has many benefits. These include:

  • It allows air to circulate. 
  • These are easy to get into and get out of. 
  • They help in avoiding dirt and insects, unlike air mattresses.
  • These are very durable and long-lasting. 

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Some aspects to consider before buying the best camping cot for side sleepers include:

Carrying Case

A carrying case is essential when choosing a cot. This case comes in very handy if your cot has to be disassembled into multiple pieces. Make sure the carrying case also has shoulder straps and carry handles that allow it to transport the cot easily from one place to another. 

Side Table

Many fancy camping cots come with a side table already built-in. These side tables are very handy, especially if you need access to water or other things in the middle of the night or need to put your glasses or phone near you.

Padding

Extra padding never hurt anyone. Padding provides maximum comfort and ensures you have a good and peaceful sleep all night long.

Conclusion

The best cot for side sleepers is not always the heaviest or the most expensive unit present in the market. It is the one with all the necessary features, a reasonable price, and long-lasting durability. We hope our in-depth analysis of each unit helps you in finding the best camping cot for your outdoor adventures.

If you decide to use a camping cot mattress to ease this struggle, it is an option. You'll just need to keep in mind that it will be another piece of equipment you're packing in with. However, if it keeps your back happy, it's worth its weight in gold!

Needless to say, an ultralight cot would not be the best cot for the money in this situation. If you like this content, make sure to check out our Desert Walker Cot review, and find the best cot for winter camping.

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