The best camp beds in the UK 2023

Camping is very popular with the French! Indeed, in addition to its tourist appeal, it is perceived as particularly reassuring from a health point of view by nearly 75% of holidaymakers. If you are in for an adventure, make sure you are well equipped! No question of sleeping on a ground mattress... a camp bed will help you spend much more comfortable nights.

KingCamp Luxe XXL
9/10

Best value for money

KingCamp Luxury XXL

The best cot in 2021

This camp bed, capable of supporting a maximum load of 250 kg, is surprisingly practical, remarkably sturdy and offers a high level of comfort.

136 £ on Amazon

The KingCamp Luxe XXL is assembled differently depending on whether you want a high or low cot. Indeed, the height of the bed is adjustable according to the size of your tent. It is made of a 7075 aluminum alloy frame which makes it light. Weighing just over 3 kg, this folding cot is extremely sturdy. In fact, it supports a maximum static load of 250 kg.

The KingCamp Luxe XXL remains stable thanks to its thick structure. Its cover made of 300D ripstop Oxford fabric gives it an incredible resistance against possible wear and tear. Folding, unfolding, storage and transportation are very easy, especially since it comes with a zipped bag with handle. And for the final touch, this model has a side pocket with 2 compartments.

Tresko FB-001
6/10

Best value for money

Tresko FB-001

The best entry-level cot

Cheap, the Tresko FB-001 is equivalent to the price of 3 burgers in the UK, without compromising the strength of its structure and the resistance of its canvas.

29,99 £ on Amazon

The Tresko FB-001 cot is very practical with its included carrying case. You can use it on your adventures in the wilderness or as an extra bed. When unfolded, it measures 190 x 64 x 44 cm and can accommodate an adult weighing up to 150 kg. However, you have the possibility to sleep 2 people in it since there is a 2 places version.

The system of folding and unfolding the bed frame is not so complicated. Thus, you can put it away in a few seconds. Its surface is made of high quality Oxford fabric, which is as soft as it is easy to maintain. Note that this cot makes little noise. So you can be sure of a good night's sleep without having to worry about the squeaking metal frame.

Helinox Lite Cot
8/10

Best value for money

Helinox Lite Cot

The best high-end cot

The Helinox Lite Cot is a long-term investment. Be careful, however, as the maximum weight supported is 120 kg.

193 £ on Amazon
Songmics GCB25
7/10

A great choice

Songmics GCB25

The most rugged cot

The trouble with sleeping under the stars is often the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. The Songmics GCB25 camp bed will make you forget about these inconveniences.

45,59 £ on Amazon

The Songmics GCB25 is one of the highest load bearing cots available. In fact, this model can support up to 260 kg, a feat made possible by the combination of a solid frame and reinforced iron legs . It's hard to get more robust than that for a cot! In addition, the fixing accessories and the 6 anti-slip feet form an effective anti-tilt device.

The sleeping surface measures 206 x 75 cm. Its fabric is insensitive to moisture, a must if you plan to sleep under the stars. It is made of 600D Oxford fabric with a thin PVC coating. Versatile, the Songmics GCB25 can be used in many situations: at home, camping, hiking, fishing...

Buying guide • November 2023

Best camp bed

Any specific needs?

The best cot in 2021

The best entry-level cot

The best high-end cot

The most rugged cot

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best camp beds

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
KingCamp Luxe XXL
9/10
Tresko FB-001
6/10
Helinox Lite Cot
8/10
Songmics GCB25
7/10
OUR SELECTION
KingCamp Luxury XXL
Tresko FB-001
Helinox Lite Cot
Songmics GCB25
This camp bed, capable of supporting a maximum load of 250 kg, is surprisingly practical, remarkably sturdy and offers a high level of comfort.
Cheap, the Tresko FB-001 is equivalent to the price of 3 burgers in the UK, without compromising the strength of its structure and the resistance of its canvas.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a long-term investment. Be careful, however, as the maximum weight supported is 120 kg.
The trouble with sleeping under the stars is often the uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. The Songmics GCB25 camp bed will make you forget about these inconveniences.
Material

7075 aluminum alloy frame
100% polyester 300D Ripstop

Oxford clothStructure
with metal tubes

DAC aluminum frame, DACToile
polyster
poles

600 D oxford fabric with fine PVCStructure coating
and iron legs with anti-rust coating
Unfolded dimensions
190 x 65 x 17/41 cm
190 x 64 x 44 cm
185
x 60 x 13 cm
206 x 45 x 75 cm
Maximum load
250 kg
150 kg
120 kg
260 kg
Weight
3.1 kg
About 13 kg
1.25 kg
8.9 kg
Folded dimensions
55 x 19 x 19 cm
93 x 14 x 11 cm
53 x 13 x 13 cm
102.5 x 15 x 15 cm

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Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - camp bed

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How to choose your camp bed

You always thought that sleeping bags were the traditional, light, practical and ideal equipment for a camping vacation? Well, you weren't wrong, however, cots are far more comfortable! It goes without saying that the quality of sleeping will not be the same as the one you have in your bedroom. But if you start with well-defined and relevant selection criteria, you'll have a good chance of finding a cot that really meets your needs. Find our advice to help you !

#1 - the format

Before buying a camp bed, it is important to know the different formats so that you can take advantage of them and make good use of them. There are two types of cots, namely :

  • Foldable cot: traditional model that you simply fold and unfold before and after each use
  • The camp bed in kit: format composed of different parts (steel tubes that form the base once assembled, and a canvas that serves as a sleeping surface)

Make your choice according to your needs, that is, according to the circumstances in which you intend to use your camp bed as well as the frequencies in which you will use it and finally, the assembly and storage conditions that seem most appropriate to you.

#2 - the size

Choosing a camp bed also means choosing the right size! This criterion includes both the dimensions and the height of the bed; specifics without which you may lack comfort. To do this, take into account your morphology so that you don't run out of room when you lie down. In addition, you should know that there are standard models for adults that measure 60 x 180 cm (the equivalent of a single bed), as well as models for children.

As far as height is concerned, opt for those that are between 40 and 70 cm from the ground in order to protect you from humidity as well as from crawling insects. That's the advantage of cots, as they save you the trouble of sleeping on the ground during your wilderness escapades.

#3 - the weight

In terms of weight, you'll need to determine two technical details: the first is the weight of the cot itself, and the second is the maximum weight it can support. This camping equipment is specially designed to be ultra light and easy to carry.

Most of them weigh between 7 and 10 kg, however, this is mainly based on the manufacturing material but also on the number of inserts for the camp beds in kit. As for the maximum weight supported, they are usually capable of accommodating between 120 to 250 kg, which is on average the weight of two people combined.

#4 - the material

The choice of the manufacturing material of a camp bed is a capital element to define its robustness as well as its durability. This includes the material of the structure, and that of the sleeping area. Nowadays, cots designers mainly turn to metal and steel, materials whose resistance is not to be proved anymore.

Of course, there are also wooden and plastic models, but they are not as recommended as the first two, because despite their lightness and aesthetics, they are not necessarily strong. The support fabric that serves as a bed is often made of polyester. In addition to its ease of maintenance, this type of textile is comfortable and resistant without question.

#5 - the comfort

The question of comfort is determined through many criteria such as firmness and stability. You'll probably have a hard time getting to sleep on a cot whose fabric is too taut or with a base that moves and creaks at the slightest movement. All the more reason to choose quality materials that are both stable and flexible.

The good news is that many brands have increased the comfort of their cots by incorporating a mattress of about 3 mm thick. But the innovations for optimal comfort don't stop there! There are also cots on the market that have been pre-treated to be hypoallergenic, anti-dust mite, anti-humidity or even equipped with an anti-mosquito system.

Camp bed : for which uses ?

To be used as a sleeping bag when camping

As its name indicates, the real purpose of a camp bed is to serve as a sleeping place while you sleep in the middle of nature. It is well known that in this kind of place, the ground is particularly humid during the whole year. Also, it is an environment conducive to insects and pests. Of course, sleeping bags were designed to keep warm and to sleep comfortably. However, traditional techniques have been revisited to make camping an even more enjoyable experience than it already is. What better way to do this than with a bed appropriate to the circumstances?

To serve as a coffee table at the campsite

Any camper worth his salt certainly knows that it's important to adapt to the sedentary life. However, what's wrong with seeking a modicum of comfort when you're camping in a remote location? Of course, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to take the furniture you use daily with you... But if you don't have a table, the camp bed can be quickly transformed into a coffee table. Clever and practical idea!

To be used as an extra bed at home

Not a big fan of camping? No worries, the cot can still be used until you decide to go on an adventure in the middle of the woods. For now, it will be of another use to you! Rather than investing in a new bed and mattress to use as a sleeping pad at home, why not kill two birds with one stone with a cot? The truth is, this is a more practical and less expensive solution when you're having family and friends over and you're short on bed space. Your children will be able to invite friends over for the weekend more often, without having to worry about sleeping arrangements. And it's the same for you!

To be used as outdoor furniture

The camp bed has been transformed into a functional piece of furniture! For a modern and original decoration in your garden, use a cot as a garden sofa or as a lounge chair by the pool. Another tip: it is also aesthetic and decorative indoors, once you have accessorized it with cushions and installed it in your living room.

The different types of camp beds

Given the number of advantages as well as some disadvantages that each type of cot offers, it would be best to prepare yourself for what lies ahead. Check out the two alternatives that are available on the market!

The folding camp bed

A classic and traditional model, the folding cot is the most common on the market. The way it works is as simple as its name suggests. To use it, you just have to unfold it and fold it again after use. Practical to be used anywhere, it is usually made of steel or wood.

The structure is usually associated with a polyester canvas to which the manufacturer integrates or not a thin and cozy mattress. You can easily transport it in the trunk of your car or store it in a closet in your house if you use it for domestic purposes.

Advantages:

  • Foldable
  • Lightweight and easy to transport in a car
  • Quick and easy installation
  • Durable equipment

Disadvantages:

  • Cannot be disassembled
  • Larger than the kit cot when folded

Who is it for?

This type of cot is suitable for use in the wilderness, but it also has the advantage of being used at home. You don't need to go sleep under the stars to use it, it will make a perfect extra bed when you have friends or family over for a short stay. Since it is bulky, you will necessarily need a car to take it with you on a camping trip.

The camp bed in kit

The kit cot is the opposite of a folding cot. Indeed, this version is composed of several steel tubes that you will have to fit together following an instruction manual. Also, the canvas that serves as a support for the body must be inserted at the time of assembly.

This model implies an assembly and a disassembly which will take more time than with the folding cot. Its real advantage is in its ease of transport. Since the parts are separate, the whole unit will be less bulky. Some campers even hang the loaded storage cover from their backpack for easy transport.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight
  • Compact and space saving
  • Can be transported anywhere

Disadvantages:

  • Longer and sometimes complicated to assemble for novices
  • Some parts can get lost when being carried around

Who is it for?

If you're mostly looking to go light and camp very often, this is the most appropriate model. As a seasoned camper, you'll have no trouble setting it up and taking it down as you use it.

Tips

Sturdiness above all else!

An undeniable truth that is perfectly valid when using a cot: accidents never happen by chance! Make sure you avoid them by focusing first on sturdiness and stability before you buy: no more materials that bend easily and give way under the weight of the user. No more cots that lift up and risk falling on you if you accidentally press one of the corners. Without a precise and strict control of these two criteria, you may regret your purchase after only a few uses.

Prepare the location of the cot before unfolding it

Before

setting up your cot, first check that the available space is able to accommodate it. Remember to leave room to move around easily and that there is nothing fragile around for fear of breaking or dropping everything when handling your cot.

Store the parts of a kit cot in a single cover

If

you're buying a kit cot, it's crucial to keep each piece in a single cover. Needless to say, all the pieces, large and small, are essential for the cot to ensure proper stability and maximum comfort during use. So there's no way you'll lose one or forget one at home when you've already arrived at your destination.

Clean your cot before and after use

For

a better durability certainly, but also and especially for a question of hygiene, do not skip the cleaning and maintenance of your cot. To do this, we essentially take care of the canvas by first unfolding the material. Using a damp cloth or rag, scrub the fabric and then the legs of the bed. No chemicals, only natural products mixed (soda crystals, white vinegar, black soap, etc.). Then let it air dry before storing it in its cover.

Be careful to respect the maximum weight supported

If the

issue of weight has been mentioned before, it was only about the weight of the bed. Here, it is more about yours insofar as this type of bed generally supports between 120 and 250 kg of load. Be sure to respect the maximum weight supported, often indicated on the article's instructions.

FAQ

Which cot to choose?

In our opinion, the best cot for most people is the folding cot. Quick and easy to set up, it is suitable for use in the wilderness. Indeed, camping life requires more ease than convenience. Nevertheless, you'll be pleased to know that the folding cot is both practical and comfortable, so you kill two birds with one stone! If it's covered, even better! To learn more, read our buying guide.

What is the price of a cot?

The

price of a cot depends mainly on its features, however, its build quality also plays a big part in the deal. The higher the quality of the product, the higher the price will be. Nevertheless, this does not mean that an expensive cot is the best for your needs and that mid-range and entry-level models are not to be considered. Regardless of price, cots each have advantages to consider. To buy an entry-level cot, expect to pay €30. Mid-range models will cost between 50 and 75 €. On the other hand, high-end cots can cost over €100.

What precautions to take when setting up a cot?

For fear of ending up with a boo-boo on your finger, you should always take a few precautions before unfolding a cot, although the assembly itself is easily

done.

Among other things, we recommend wearing gloves to keep your fingers out of the folding areas where you might get them stuck. When doing so, simply remember to pull the sides of the sleeping surface to make the legs automatically pop out and land on the floor. Then, simply insert the crossbases into their place to ensure stability.

What precautions to take when folding a cot?

Like

the assembly, unfolding is convenient and easy to do. Always wearing protective gloves, the process consists of reproducing the folding steps but in the opposite direction. First remove the cross bases, then move on to the feet before folding the whole thing by bringing the two ends of the sleeping area together. But before putting everything away, never forget that cleaning is in order to keep the equipment hygienic and long-lasting.

How to replace a cot's canvas?

Tear

, wear and tear, mildew, burns... There are so many reasons why you might need to change your cot cover. To do things the right way, you'll need to completely disassemble the product. Much more than the usual folding after each use, this step involves unscrewing the bolts one by one until the canvas can be removed and replaced. Once this is done, all that is left to do is tighten the seals and it is back in good condition for use.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  2. Camping bed: how to choose?, salon-behappy.fr
  3. How to choose a camping bed?, diffuznews.com
  4. Camping bed for military better than a mattress? - P13's Blog, projet13.com
  5. Best Camping Beds #1 Review In 2020, pretravels.com
  6. How to choose the best camping bed?, anacondastores.com
  7. How To Choose A Camping Bed For The Perfect Night's Sleep, freddys.com.au
  8. Top 6 Most Comfortable Camping Beds [Jun 2020] Reviews & Buying Guide, outdooren.com
  9. Camping Bed - Folding Cots Loungers, campz.fr
  10. Camping Bed For Camping & Expeditions, materiel-aventure.fr
  11. Amazon.en : camp bed, amazon.co.uk
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  17. Camp beds - Materiel-forain.fr, materiel-forain.fr
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  20. The 30 best camp beds - Buying Guide 2021, jeux-camping.fr
  21. The 7 Best Camp Beds in 2021 Comparative ️ ️, montagnesud.com
  22. Camp Bed - Black - BUT Bed, but.fr
  23. Camp Bed | folding camp beds bed frames chairs ..., campz.fr
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  28. Camp beds | Consult camp beds online | CAMPZ.fr, campz.fr
  29. Camp beds - Wikipedia, fr.wikipedia.org
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See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
KingCamp Luxe XXL
KingCamp Luxury XXL
Tresko FB-001
Tresko FB-001
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Lite Cot
Songmics GCB25
Songmics GCB25

Lecteurs

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