Last Updated on 27/08/2023
The double camping cot is often considered to be the best sleeping system for couples. Camping cots are supportive and comfortable, lifting you off the ground so that you can get a good night’s sleep wherever you are. They are heavy, though, and offer little in the way of insulation, making them unsuitable for long treks or cold nights.
Is there anything quite as romantic as cuddling up to your partner under the stars? Camping trips for couples are an excellent getaway, and these can be made even better with a double camping cot. Double camping cot sleep systems allow you to sleep close to one another in comfort and are an excellent alternative to air beds, even though they can be used together.
Camping cots get you off the ground, which is comfy and familiar, but this does open you up to cool breezes coming from below and a lack of cushioning. This is why you should consider coupling your camping double cot with a thin sleeping pad or inflatable mattress. If you are sleeping as a couple or with a partner, then you should also consider getting a double sleeping bag or at least zipping two single sleeping bags together to make a double.
The best two-person camping cot for you will depend on your camping requirements. In this article, we’re going to look at what makes for a quality double camping cot and how to decide what to buy.
5 Best Double Camping Cots
Coleman Camping Cot Queen Size
- DIMENSIONS: (L x W x H): 78 x 59 x 22 inches
- CAPACITY: 600 lbs
- WEIGHT: 22.5 lbs
The Coleman Camping Cot Queen Size is the best double camp cot for two people because it has everything you need to feel as comfy as you do in your bed at home. The frame is one of the most durable and can hold up to 600 lbs which is pretty amazing for a fold-up camping cot. The air mattress features a soft cotton cover that zips all the way around, which means you never have to wake up stuck to the plastic of an air bed.
One incredibly useful little feature is the small side table with a cup holder on either side of the double cot which is great for a cup of water that is always going to fall over if put on the floor of a tent. The frame is super easy to set up and basically just opens up and spreads out. You then lay the mattress over the top, and you have yourself a comfortable double camping cot ready to go. The air mattress works optimally if deflated slightly so that it isn’t too firm and is genuinely one of the best double beds for camping.
VERDICT: If you want a comfy double camping cot for you and your partner to make the most of your time outdoors, then this is the one to get.
Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot
- DIMENSIONS: (L x W x H): 85 x 55 x 19 inches
- CAPACITY: 500 lbs
- WEIGHT: 33 lbs
The Kamp-Rite Double Kwik-Cot is a great value-for-money double camping cot that has a strong reputation and is used by thousands of couples to sleep together while camping. The two-person cot has a central ridge that is great for dividing the space equally but can get in the way if you like to snuggle up. You can, of course, add your own double air mattress on top, but the Kwik-Cot is comfortable enough on its own.
It comes in a handy carry case that measures 42″ x 11″ x 11″ and sets up in about 45 seconds which is far better than getting lightheaded from blowing up an air mattress. The cot legs are in rows of three with nine feet in total which helps to spread out a maximum weight of up to 500 lbs. You need a pretty large tent to fit this in, or you can just use it under a walled gazebo as we do.
VERDICT: For a basic camping cot for two people, this is a solid structure that you can put other bedding on top of if you want extra softness.
Disc-O-Bed Large Cam-O-Bunk
- DIMENSIONS: (L x W x H): 79 X 28 x 21 inches
- CAPACITY: 500 lbs per bed
- WEIGHT: 70 lbs
The Disc-O-Bed Large Cam-O-Bunk is easily one of the best double camping cots but does it count as double if you aren’t sleeping next to each other? We’re not sure. What we do know is that this is a super heavy-duty camping cot that sleeps two people and takes up half the space of the Coleman double cot, ranked in the first place. It is the heaviest double camp cot in this guide, but it does have some amazing features.
This incredibly versatile design not only works as a bunk cot but it can be split into two singles as well as converted into a camping bench. Not only that, but it includes two multi-pocket organizers to hang on the side of each cot, which is ideal for keeping your belongings and a drink for the night. The feet are incredibly stable, and the bed slot together using a solid frame and circular wheels that slot into the U-shaped slots.
VERDICT: If you aren’t bothered falling asleep in each other’s arms or holding hands, then this two-person cot is perfect for camping in smaller tents.
Tangkula 2-Person Outdoor Camping Tent Cot
- DIMENSIONS: (L x W x H): 76 x 54 x 17 inches
- CAPACITY: 405 lbs
- WEIGHT: 50.5 lbs
The Tangkula 2-Person Outdoor Camping Tent Cot is our only sleeping platform that incorporated a shelter in the design. There are other camping cot tents like this, but most are for just one person, so we had to include it. The idea is simple, an all-in-one sleeping system that just needs a sleeping pad and a pillow for an entire portable bedroom. Even though there is an entire extra component, this is still a very reasonable weight and not beyond carrying on a short hike.
We really like this concept, and when the door is propped open like a canopy, you can sit on the cot like a bench even when it rains, and it is a great place to brew morning coffee and cook food. The weight capacity is not as high as others, so you have to be careful not to overload it if you are on the heavier side or have lots of gear. The setup isn’t the easiest, with some tricky maneuvers, and some of the tent poles feel a little flimsy, but if you use your common sense, this isn’t a problem.
VERDICT: A really cool idea and one that we support, but there is lots of room for improvement and limited use cases. Still, as far as tent cots go, this is probably one of the better ones.
Outsunny 2-Person Folding Camping Cot
- DIMENSIONS: (L x W x H): 75 x 54 x 25 inches
- CAPACITY: 352 lbs
- WEIGHT: 40 lbs
The Outsunny 2-Person Folding Camping Cot includes everything you need to set up a bed in the woods. The kit includes the fold-up double cot for camping, an air mattress to go on top, two pillows, and even throw in a sleeping bag. Side note, the sleeping bag isn’t very warm, so you should probably buy your own separately.
The weight capacity is the lowest of all the double cots for adults at just 352 lbs which is actually quite an important factor. The size for two adults is fine, and the pack weight is good, but this does feel slightly flimsier than the other cots, which is a little worrying. Still, Outsunny is a reputable brand with a good return policy, so get one and see what you think. They’re pretty good.
VERDICT: If you don’t want to have to buy a sleeping bag and air mattress separately, and you and your partner are in pretty good shape, then this might be the one for you.
What to Look for in a Double Camping Cot
If you are wondering whether camping cots are really worth it, let’s look at some of the features so that we can weigh up the options.
Size
Size should be your starting point. There are two main elements to size when it comes to buying a camping cot. Does the cot fit in your tent and does the cot fit you and your partner?
Fitting a double camping cot in your tent requires a tent that is not only wide enough but also has enough height that you can fit comfortably. If your camping cot is tight in your tent, it can push the inner walls into the outer and let moisture through. You should have a space around the cot as well as space to get in and out of the tent.
You should check that your two-person camping cot will comfortably fit you and your partner. Unlike air beds or foam mattresses, there is no room for being over the edge of a camping cot.
Weight Capacity
As well as checking that the cot is large enough to fit you physically, you should make sure that your chosen camping cot is rated high enough to support you. Different cots have different weight ratings, and you should weigh yourself and your partner to make sure you will have a comfortable night’s sleep. If you are close to the top end of the weight rating, you should find a double camping cot with a higher capacity.
Portability
How easy is it to transport your double camping cot? It’s important to look at the size of your cot when it is folded up, as well as when it is deployed.
Camping cots are among the heaviest sleep systems for camping, but they still come in various weights. If you are planning to carry your cot any distance, consider its weight of it. Some cots come with handles, carrying straps, or even wheels, which can all make it easier to transport.
Materials
There are pros and cons to all different types of materials. Camping cots are designed from two main parts, the frame and the fabric.
The frames of double camping cots are usually either steel or aluminum. Steel frames are the strongest option but are heavier and harder to transport. Aluminum frames are lightweight by comparison but often come with a lower weight rating.
The fabric that stretches between the frames needs to be strong enough to support two people but have a little breathability, too. Most of these are made from canvas, in varying deniers. A higher denier will be more durable and will usually have a higher weight rating, though this depends on the frame too.
Feet
Depending on where you camp and the ground under your tent, you might benefit from a camping cot with more or fewer legs. Once you’ve bought your cot, you are committed to however many legs it has, so this is important to think about.
On flat ground, more legs help to spread the load over a wider area, so you are less likely to sink. More legs can also make your camping cot more stable. Having a design with fewer legs can make it easier to find a space on rocky ground, where flat spots are few and far between.
The feet of your camping cot can come in different styles, too. It is important that the feet are covered to reduce the likelihood that they will tear through the floor of your tent. Broad feet put less pressure on the ground than narrow feet.
Design
Double camping cots are usually either flat or slightly concave. Most people find a concave sleeping area more comfortable than a flat one. However, concave sleeping areas can make it harder to reach your partner, and you may miss out on snuggling up to them.
Most two-person camping cots have central lateral support that runs down the middle. This means that, even if you sleep in the cot alone, you can’t sleep in the middle of it. You can negate this with the addition of an airbed or similar, and some cots come with these.
Some air beds have padded areas at the top end to give your head some support. These add weight to the cot but can make it more comfortable. If weight is a key concern, then it’s unlikely you’re using a camping cot.
Support
Camping cots are considered to be the most supportive sleeping system available, for camping at least. The tight fabric is supportive and prevents you from contorting into uncomfortable positions overnight. This support differs between makes and models.
If you want extra support, mattress toppers or air mattresses can be added on top of your camping cot. While some people find these add support, others cannot get comfortable on an air bed. Before you add extra height to your setup, check that it will still fit in your tent.
Benefits of Double Camping Cots
Why would you choose a double camping cot over an air mattress or a foam pad?
Sleep Off the Ground
One of the main issues that put some people off camping is the thought of sleeping on the ground. It’s hard, cold, and uncomfortable.
Raising yourself off the ground into a camp cot is one of the most comfortable ways many people find to sleep while camping. When you use a camp cot, you get the same level of comfort every single time you go camping.
Support
Camp cots are widely recognized as the most supportive sleep systems for camping. Even those who are opposed to camping can often find they sleep almost as well as they would at home. The fabric system supports your back and prevents you from being forced into uncomfortable positions by the lumpy ground.
Quick to Set Up
Why waste time setting up camp when you could be enjoying your surroundings? Most double camp beds are foldable, unlike some single camp cots that piece together. This means that when you get into camp, you simply remove your double camping cot from its bag and unfold it, ready to go.
Breathable and Cooling
Camping cots are raised off the ground and allow air to flow underneath them. In the summer, this airflow can help to keep you cool and prevent you from overheating or sweating in your sleep. In the winter, you may choose to add insulation to your camping cot to prevent yourself from cooling down.
Downsides of Double Camping Cots
What are some reasons that you might choose an alternative sleeping system over one of the best double camping cots?
No Insulation
The thin material of a camping cot offers little in the way of insulation. In the summer months, this can give you a comfortable and cool night, but in the winter, it can often lead to a cold back and soreness the following day.
You can always add an insulating layer to your camping cot, but this is extra weight and bulk to carry. If you’re winter camping, you might choose to leave the camping cot at home and use something more insulated instead.
Heavy
Camping cots are heavy and bulky. A two-person camping cot can weigh up to 35 lbs. If you’re going to walk any distance, you are not likely to want to carry the weight of your camping cot.
The size can make things difficult too. Camping cots are hard to fit into a backpack or even a canoe. They are best used for car camping, where you are moving a short distance from your vehicle.
Expensive
Camping cots vary in price, but they are among the more expensive sleep systems. There are air mattresses and even foam pads that can cost more than a double camping cot, but these tend to be the more technical or lightweight models.
In general, camping cots are more costly than other sleep systems. If you camp infrequently or just want to try it out, you might be reluctant to spend the extra money on a camping cot.
What Size are Double Camping Cots
Most two-person camping cots are between 75 inches (190 cm) and 85 inches (216 cm) long. Even those on the shorter end of this range are usually long enough for most people. If you’re particularly tall or want to make sure you are comfortable, then go longer.
Double camping cots range from 50 inches (127 cm) to 60 inches (152 cm) wide. This width will impact how comfortably you can both fit and sleep. These camping cots are usually around 18 inches (45 cm) – 20 inches (50 cm) tall, though this depends on whether it has a mattress topper.
The dimensions of your camp bed are important for two reasons. First, they will impact how comfortably you and your partner can fit on your bed. Secondly, they will affect whether your camp bed fits inside your tent without touching the walls.
Can You Put Two Single Camping Cots Together?
It is possible to put two single camping cots together, but it may not be as comfortable as a double camping cot. Simply placing two camping cots together is not likely to work, and they will usually come apart during the night. Alternatively, you may risk tipping your single camping cots if you try to cuddle up to your partner.
You can attach your single camping cots together with velcro straps, roof rack straps, or rope if you want to create a stronger setup. This makes them less likely to come apart overnight. Two camping cots attached together will not be as comfortable as a two-person camping cot.
Can You Put an Air Mattress on a Double Camping Cot?
You can put an air mattress, a foam pad, or other styles of bedding on your double camping cot. Some models of two-person camping cots come with an air mattress as part of their design.
If you are adding an air mattress, or a foam pad, make sure it is secured in place. If you move around in your sleep, you might find your air mattress separates from your camping cot.
Do They Make Queen Size Camping Cots?
Yes, many of the larger models of camping cots are queen-sized. These can be used for camping but are also effective as a spare bed at home. Many of these have an air mattress or a foam pad fitted to them as standard to make them more comfortable.
This guide for the best double camping cot for couples has been months in the making and has taken over two days to write, so we hope you found it helpful.
