Best Truck Bed Cots of 2020 – Full, Comfy Cots for a Weekend of Camping

| Last Updated: October 23, 2022

When you're looking for the best cot for truck camping, you're working with a limited amount of options. So what we've done is narrowed down that list even further, until all that's left are the most helpful choices for this unique situation. Let's walk through why we've made these choices, and what makes them the best option for you or your family.

Comparison of the Best Cots for Truck Camping

Product

Rating

Price

Coleman ComfortSmart Camping Cot

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Best Overall

Teton Universal Camping Pad

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Runner-up

What Makes a Great Cot for Truck Camping?

Here are the best qualities that contribute toward a top model:

Keep Your Setup Flexible

We all know that no two camping trips are ever the same when you're taking your truck out. So make sure that you're able to adjust to the environment and duration when necessary. Meaning, if you're planning for a weekend venture, don't build a set up that's going to require a complete rebuild to accommodate a longer trip next time.

If you build a shelf with space underneath it (as seen below) for something like a thin  mattress to go on top of, make sure it can be taken out to make room for a full sized cot like something good enough and soft enough for taller people.

Maximization of Space

Now that the common sense is out of the way, let's talk about why you actually came here. If the maximization of space is important, i.e. if you're going on a longer trip where you'll need more supplies, or if you're winter camping, you're going to want to bring the best ultralight cot you can find. Something like a Desert Walker Cot.

It's small, light, and will leave room for more box storage above or below you.

Or if you're bringing more than one person on the trip, like camping as a couple (God bless you're soul if you found a mate that amazing), you're going to need something bigger. Unless you're both just side sleepers and can sleep in a match box comfortably.

Maximizing for space while truck camping is a delicate balance of functionality and comfort, as you can tell. If it's just you that you're worried about creating space for, then just throw a XXL Cot back there and stretch out. If you have the love of your life with you though, remember "happy wife happy life"...

Maximization of Comfort

Like we talked about before, if you're maximizing your setup for comfort, you get to be a bit selfish. Heck, you could probably throw a Kamp-Rite back there and get the best sleep of your life if comfort is your main objective! Comfort is especially a priority when you're winter camping, because nothing is worse than being uncomfortable AND cold...

Remember that there needs to be some flexibility though. So if you haven't built your setup in the truck bed yet that not every trip is going to be the same, and there will be times when storage is more important than being comfortable.

Quick Take: 
Our Top 2 Choices

In a hurry? Here's a snapshot of what's below:

Review of the Best Cots for Truck Camping

Looking forward to learning more about our top picks? Let's dive into the review and take a look at the best models of the year. 

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If you're wanting to go camping with a minimal budget, but still want to get some relief through 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 you were sleeping on a solid material. As long as you don't mind carrying a little extra weight, this is the best option for you camper Click here for more information.

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Since space is usually the main issue, let's start off with what most people are going to want, a mattress that can just be laid on top of the board so that as much space can be used for storage as possible. The winner here is the Teton Sports Pad.

From pillow pockets to keep your head comfortable, to two inches of padding to add to the comfort of your already amazing Teton cot, this pad goes above and beyond the call of duty. It is however made to specifically fit Teton cots though. That's not really going to be a problem in this situation though, unless you're using a setup where you have the whole cot in the bed.

And since it's a foam mattress, it's able to be packed outside of your pack if you decide to take it with you on a hike. Which is for the best, because the one downside is that is doesn't fold down to be small at all. At some where around 24x11 inches when rolled up, this thing would take up a lot of room in your backpack. However, this product is MADE to be used for this purpose! With a R-Value of close to 7, it's a great insulator as well. Click here for more information.

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