I’m not going to lie; I didn’t realize there was a difference between a camping cot and a pad before my wife pointed it out to me.
Once I knew, though, I had to dig into the bigger questions about camping cots vs. pads.
This is where this detailed article with tables and direct comparisons comes into play.
Let’s help you figure out which one you need and why.
Table of Contents
Camping Cots vs. Sleeping Pads Quick Reference Table
| Element | Camping Cot | Sleeping Pad |
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| Comfort |
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| Price |
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| Setup |
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| Durability |
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| Temperature Regulation |
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| Space |
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For reference, one of my favorite camping cots is this one by Coleman. It’s affordable, durable, and pretty comfortable too.
Of the camping sleeping pads out there, one of the few I’ve liked is this foot press inflatable one. I’ve used it on its own, and it’s pretty comfy, but when I combine the two, it’s great.
Camping Cots vs. Pads Breakdown
When you are deciding whether you want a camping cot or a sleeping pad, there are several important considerations.
You need to look at each one to determine which will be best for you.
Comfort
In general, a cot is more comfortable than a sleeping pad.
It is level, and in warm weather, the cool air will circulate and help you regulate your temperature.
You can easily place a pad on top of a cot for added comfort, or you can use blankets or other bedding to make it even more comfortable.
You must use a cot that is the right size for you because it can be uncomfortable if you don’t fit on the cot.
Another benefit is that the cot works well for people who want to sleep on their backs.
It provides firm support.
Price
When it comes to price comparison, both pads and cots come in a wide range of prices.
The price range is similar, so they are fairly evenly matched.
You get higher-quality items for more money, but you can pick up an inexpensive cot for around $40, which is around the same price as an inexpensive sleeping pad.
You can do so with either camping cots or sleeping pads if you want to upgrade, but they will be more expensive.
You should use other factors to decide which is better for you because the price is evenly matched.
Setup
The camping cot is easier to set up as you simply unfold it.
It is ready for you to sleep on it as soon as you do.
The sleeping pad may need to be inflated, and it takes some preparation before you can go to sleep.
That said, the cot will be bulkier and heavier than the sleeping pad, so some people trade ease of setup for the more lightweight item.
However, some premium cots weigh as little as two or three pounds, making them a great choice.
Durability
Cots are generally more durable than sleeping pads.
They are made of metal and stretched canvas, and they are more rugged and more difficult to damage.
They don’t have contact with the ground, so you don’t have to worry about them being harmed by a rock or other materials.
Sleeping pads are made of less durable materials, and if they are damaged, you may not be able to inflate them.
They have direct contact with the ground, which increases the chances of damage.
Temperature Regulation
Sleeping pads do a better job of regulating your body temperature.
Because they are positioned on the ground, they help you stay insulated and hold your body heat when it is cold outside.
Sleeping pads are usually made out of foam with heat-capturing materials.
If you are sleeping on a cot on a cold night, you will be colder because the air moves around under the cot.
If you are sleeping on a sleeping pad, the air stays still.
Some say that the ideal setup on cold nights is a sleeping pad on top of a cot.
Space
A cot takes up more space than a sleeping pad.
It folds up, but it is made of rigid materials.
It also weighs more than a cot, so if you are backpacking and need to carry it over a distance, it can get heavy.
The cot will take up a lot of space.
A sleeping pad deflates and rolls up.
It can be tied to your backpack, and it is easy to travel with.
When looking for something that saves space, the sleeping pad is the winner.
Other Sleeping Options While Camping
You aren’t limited to a sleeping pad or a cot when you go camping.
There are quite a few other options.
It is important to understand your options, and you may want to use a combination of a cot or a sleeping pad with other sleeping options.
Hammocks
Many people prefer to use a hammock when they are camping.
In the summer, they are comfortable and easy to use.
You just hang them between two trees.
You need to know how to tie the right knots, and when it is cooler, you may want to use a sleeping pad in the hammock to prevent the cold air from taking your body heat away.
If it rains or bugs, you can use a bug net or a tarp. It takes extra time to set up, but it works fine.
You won’t need a tent if you sleep in a hammock, and it is a good alternative in moderate temperatures when you have time to set them up.
Sleeping Bags
A sleeping bag will keep you warm and provide a soft surface for you to sleep on.
They come in different temperature ratings, so they work well in all kinds of climates.
However, most people find sleeping bags directly on the ground much less comfortable.
You can use the sleeping bag on a cot or on a pad, which is ideal for insulation and comfort.
Essentially, the pad or the cot is the mattress, and the sleeping bag is your comforter or blanket.
Air Mattress
The best time to use an air mattress is when you plan to sleep in the car or indoors.
You inflate them when you set them up, and they can be comfortable.
However, they are heavier than sleeping pads and can be bulky.
They also tend to lose air during the night as the temperature changes and causes the air inside to contract.
Foam Mattress
Foam mattresses are great for car camping, and they work well as an extra bed indoors.
They are easy to set up, and they are very comfortable.
They are made with a combination of memory foam and comfort foam, so they conform to your body.
People often use them on top of a sleeping cot, as they are easy to fold up and make a perfect bed.
Commonly Asked Questions
Do you need a pad with a camp cot?
While you don’t need a pad with a camp cot, you may find it more comfortable.
Cots are made with a metal frame, and they have the canvas stretched between the frames.
The canvas is stiff, but it provides an elevated flat surface for you to lie on. It can be good for people who want firm support and those suffering from back problems.
What is the best thing to sleep on when camping?
The best thing to sleep on when you are camping is a matter of personal preference.
Some people prefer a cot because it is easy to set up, while others prefer a hammock because it is comfortable, and they don’t need a tent.
A sleeping pad is a great option for people who want insulation and want to sleep on the ground; a sleeping pad is simple.
It works well when backpacking because you can roll it up and tie it to your backpack.
Do camping pads work?
Camping pads do work and do what they are designed to do.
They provide cushioning and insulation when you are camping.
This is important to many people, and it is a simple way to add comfort and warmth when you are camping.
Are cots or sleeping pads better?
In considering camping cot vs. pad, this is also a personal preference.
Each one has pros and cons, so it depends on what you are looking for. A cot is easier to set up, and it is more durable.
It can work better in the summer when it is hot outside.
However, a sleeping pad works well when it is cold because it provides insulation.
It is also easier to carry with you.
Many people want the benefits of both, and they use them together.
Does a camp cot need a mattress?
A camp cot doesn’t need a mattress, but it is more comfortable.
You need to consider whether you are comfortable sleeping on your back without the extra padding or not.
When you use both, you get the best of both worlds.
You have to decide whether you want to carry both along and how important it is.