Updated on July 5th, 2023 at 04:10 pm
Camping as a big guy can get really uncomfortable, especially when sleeping. As if the screws and bars digging into my body aren’t bad enough, there’s the constant fear of the cot collapsing under me.
Finding the best camping cots for heavy people would be the ideal solution. Unfortunately, getting a camping cot that’s strong and wide enough to accommodate the weight and big frame is easier said than done. Fortunately for you, I’ve taken the liberty to prepare a list of the best camping cots for heavy people.
Of the many I tested and reviewed, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot stood out best.
Best camping cots for heavy people
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Cot
Several camping beds have a 600 lbs weight capacity, but this camping cot rises above them all as an impressive oversize camping cot.
Its heavy-duty rating comes from the reinforced steel S-leg assembly and rubber bushings which provide ample support and absorb shock. As a big camper, I appreciated its ‘larger-than-a-twin-bed’ design. It left me with more room to spread out and relax.
Moreover, this TETON cot features a 1200D Jacquard Oxford fabric stretched tightly within the aluminum frame. This fabric is soft and feels more like a bed.
Unfortunately, because of its weight (26 lbs), this TETON cot isn’t one of those you go backpacking with. But on the bright side, TETON added a proprietary pivot arm which makes the setup simple even for a child.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- The taut canvas is comfortable
- It has a lot of space
- Supports 600 lbs
Cons
- Since it’s wide, moving it around can be awkward
- Too heavy to carry when hiking
ARAER Camping Cot 450LBS Portable Outdoor Bed with Carry Bag for Adults Kids
This cot has a cool foldable design that enhances its portability. It’s made from high-strength steel tubes with a triangle structure to support the weight. As a result, the cost supports up to 450lbs and weighs 15.8 lbs.
The bed is a 600D double-layer oxford fabric that’s strong, breathable, and comfortable. I especially loved that the top flanges are angled. This way, my head was comfortably supported without a pillow.
Courtesy of its foldable design, this cot fits in most car trunks. When folded, it measures 38.6″ x 7.9″. It also comes with a strong nylon bag that makes carrying even easier.
Pros
- Accommodates tall people
- It can be folded and unfolded in under 30 seconds
- Comfortable to sleep on
- The storage pocket is useful
Cons
- The headrest isn’t adjustable
- Even when folded, it’s still bulky for backpacking
Eltow cozy folding camping cot
The ELTOW Cozy Folding Camping Cot made it to this list for its strength and comfort. It has come with a steel pipe frame and a strong 1680D oxford fabric that together support 400 lbs. For extra comfort, ELTOW provides a separate pillow and mattress along with the cot.
This, too, is a folding cot like the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot and the Camping Cot 450 LBS. It measures 41″ x 12″ x 6″ when folded and 74″ x 26″ x 14.5″ when unfolded.
At 14 lbs, it’s within the weight range of heavy-duty cots, but it also means it’s not ideal for backpacking. But on the flip side, the setup is quick – remove it from its bag, open both ends outwards and press down to flatten it.
For added convenience, ELTOW added a hanging pouch for your valuables like phones and tablets.
Pros
- Has zero sag in the middle
- Superior comfort
- Sturdy
- It comes with a storage bag
Cons
- No separate carrying case for the mattress
- The mattress isn’t very thick
Coleman Airbed Cot
If you are an avid camper or are looking for a temporary sleep arrangement, you should consider this camping cot. It comes with an air mattress which makes it better for comfort than most. Coleman presents this setup as a cot and a mattress for elevated support and to keep sticks and rocks from puncturing the air mattress.
The cot and mattress support 600 lbs and weighs 43 lbs courtesy of the steel frame (definitely one of the heaviest cots on the list). At first glance, the setup looks complicated, but it’s simple. Just open up the cot, pump air into the mattress, and lay it on the cot once it’s firm enough. All this takes less than twenty minutes.
The mattress does a great job of retaining air courtesy of the Airtight system. However, I noticed a loss of firmness on cold nights, but this was due to air inside the mattress condensing.
Lastly, the possibility of doubling capacity by using the cot and mattress separately is great. However, I wouldn’t recommend it unless absolutely necessary because the cot isn’t as comfortable.
Pros
- Microfiber material is comfortable
- Optional storage space and side tables under the bed
- Can adjust firmness
- Heavy duty but soft mattress sleeve
- It comes with the pump
Cons
- 4 D pump batteries can be expensive
- With the sleeve, the mattress is noisy
- You can’t wash the sleeve since it’s sewn onto the cot
- Heavy
Alpha Camp Oversized Camping Cot Supports 600 lbs Sleeping Bed Folding Steel Frame Portable with Carry Bag
This ALPHA CAMP is yet another folding cot that remains tall in one dimension when packed. It comes in a single piece meaning everything is interconnected, and no assembly is required. The foldable aluminum shock-cord pole makes this process a breeze. There are also straps included in the design to tie it right after folding.
While the cot is great for heavy people (supports up to 600 lbs), the length is for average height persons. If you are very tall, you’ll need a different cot. ALPHA used steel tube brackets and a 600D x 300D Oxford fabric for the bed to support such weight.
You can use the cot in a tent as it’s 13.8 inches from the ground. At this height, it’s ideal even for the elderly, and you can store some items under it.
Pros
- 3-in-1 pocket
- Easy to clean top fabric
- Usable with a camping tent
- Integrated headrest
Cons
- Not wide enough
Slumberjack Tough Cot
The wordplay on the name is an indication of how great the cot is outside. Also, according to the name, the cot is larger than standard cots. Slumberjack mixes stainless steel and aluminum in its construction to make it strong and durable.
Because of the material combination, it cannot hold 600lbs, but at 500 lbs, it’s still better than most. Moreover, you can use the cot in warm weather because of the 600 x 300 denier polyester bed. The easy tension grip end bar simplifies cot folding.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Easy to carry
- It carries a 500 lbs
Cons
- It doesn’t come with ripstop material
And the best camping cot for heavy people is…
Teton Sports Outfitter XXL Cot
As a heavy camper, you don’t have to live in fear of breaking your camping cot or sleeping in discomfort when you go camping.
From my research, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camp Cot takes the crown as it supports 600 lbs, has a strong s-leg construction, larger than a twin bed, and features a patented pivot arm that makes unfolding a breeze.
And while it’s light enough to carry around, it’s not great for hiking. Finally, it’s comfortable and durable.
Things to consider when choosing a camping cot
If you are looking for the best camping cots for heavy people, it is important to know what specifications and features you should be looking for. The best camping cots for heavy people will be the ones that are made from more durable materials that can provide the support these people need.
It is essential to look at the design of the cot to ensure that the legs have extra support in either an X-shaped design or an S-shaped design.
How much weight can a cot hold?
This is a fundamental question when you are trying to find the perfect cot for you. Average camping cots usually are rated for up to 275 pounds. While this is comfortable for some campers, those who are heavier need one that can support a little more weight. In our research, we found that camping cots for heavy people can generally support between 300 and 450 pounds, which gives you an extra 100 pounds over the average camping cot.
If you need a cot that is capable of supporting more weight, choosing a 2-person one like KingCamp Camping Cot Double 2 Person is the best option. The cots are made of more durable materials like steel bars, and the thicker fabric will provide you will more support than those that are constructed from less durable materials.
Full-size cot for camping
Full-size cots for camping are those that are extra wide. We have included some of these on our list, including the KingCamp Camping Cot Double 2 Person cot, TETON Sports Outfitter XXL Camping Cot, ALPHA CAMP Oversized Camping Cot, and the Slumberjack Big Cot. A full-size cot for camping gives you the benefit of either sharing it with your significant other or giving yourself a little extra room to sleep comfortably at night. For more information eb sure to check out Extra Large Living.
Some people complained about not being able to roll over in the middle of the night on a regular-sized cot without rolling onto the painful bars, which was solved by upgrading to a full-size cot that gave them some added room. This is an important consideration when trying to find the best camping cot for heavier people because you may want the extra room to be able to move comfortably in the middle of the night.
How wide is a camping cot?
Standard camping cots are anywhere from 26 inches wide to 30 inches. This may not be suitable for people with wider frames, which is why the best camping cots for heavier people range between 32 and 43 inches.
These larger cots are classified as large, wide, extra-large, extra-wide, oversized, or jumbo. They are perfect for those who want a little extra room. The only thing you have to consider when purchasing a larger cot is how much room is in your tent if you are using a tent for camping.
How heavy is a cot?
When planning for a camping trip, it is essential to know how much your gear weighs. The cots that we reviewed were anywhere between 14 to 26 pounds. Naturally, the potable beds that weigh a little bit more are rated for a heavier user.
Some cots like the KingCamp Camping Cot Double 2 Person cot, specifically rated for heavy users, comes with wheels to make transporting this one much more manageable. The steel construction allows them to be lighter while also providing excellent support and stability for the users.
What are some other important features in a cot?
When you are looking for the best camping cot for heavy people, there are other features that you might want to consider. For example, some of these cots come with a hanging pocket to store your personal items.
This is a useful feature if you want a place to put your glasses, phone, or medications. Another characteristic is the carrying bag with a strap. This is a great feature because it allows you to carry your oversized cot easier from the car to the camping site or wherever you are planning to take this portable bed.