Choosing a camping cot is a significant upgrade from sleeping on the ground, offering better comfort, insulation, and peace of mind away from critters. However, with options ranging from minimalist singles to sprawling doubles, selecting the right size is crucial for your sleep quality and overall camping experience. This comprehensive guide will dissect the three primary camping cot sizes—Single, XL, and Double—helping you match the perfect dimensions to your body, your tent, and your adventure style.

Understanding the Core Sizes: A Quick Overview

Before diving into the details, here’s a high-level comparison of what each size category typically offers. This table provides a snapshot of the key differences to guide your initial decision.

The Single Cot: The Solo Adventurer's Standard

The single cot is the most common and versatile size, designed for one person.

Dimensions and Specifications:
A standard single camping cot typically measures about 73 to 75 inches in length and 28 to 35 inches in width. For example, the popular Coleman Trailhead II cot is built to support campers up to 6 feet 2 inches tall and measures 73 inches long by 35 inches wide. This size is designed to fit comfortably inside most 2-to-4-person tents without dominating the entire floor space.

Design and Comfort Features:
Single cots prioritize a balance between comfort and practicality. They often feature a taut, durable fabric—usually polyester, nylon, or canvas—stretched over a simple, foldable frame made of steel or aluminum alloy. The frame design is crucial for both portability and weight capacity, which for quality single cots often ranges from 250 to 300 pounds.

The comfort level varies. Basic models provide a firm, suspended surface, which is a vast improvement over the ground but may require a separate sleeping pad for cushioning. As noted in gear reviews, "cots provide a little more stability and are less lumpy than sleeping pads".

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Lightweight and relatively compact when folded (some as small as 15 x 6.2 inches); easy to store and transport; most affordable option; fits in nearly any tent.

• Cons: Width can feel restrictive for broader individuals; basic models may lack plush comfort; not suitable for couples or co-sleeping with pets or children.

Who Should Buy a Single Cot?
This is the ideal choice for:

• Solo backpackers (opting for ultralight aluminum models like the Helinox Lite Cot).

• Car campers who need a reliable, space-efficient bed.

• Anyone using a smaller tent where interior space is at a premium.

The XL Cot: Extra Room for Extra Comfort

XL cots bridge the gap between standard singles and full doubles, offering more generous proportions for enhanced comfort.

Dimensions and Specifications:
An XL cot typically adds length, width, or both. Common dimensions range from 78 to 80 inches in length and 30 to 35 inches in width. This extra 5-7 inches of length is a game-changer for anyone over 6'2", eliminating the dilemma of hanging feet over the edge. The added width also accommodates side sleepers who move around more.

Enhanced Comfort and Support:
The design philosophy of an XL cot is "comfort-first." They often incorporate features beyond the basics, such as:

• Padded Top Layers: Some models include a thin, sewn-in foam layer or a softer fabric to reduce the "hammock" feel.

• Reinforced Frames: To handle the larger surface area and potential for more dynamic movement, frames are often made with high-tensile steel for maximum stability.

• Leg Design: Many feature puck-style feet or wider legs to prevent sinking into soft ground and to better distribute weight.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Eliminates cramped sleeping for taller and larger individuals; provides a more bed-like feel; still manageable for one person to carry and set up.

• Cons: Heavier and has a larger folded size than a standard single; may not fit in compact tents or tents already filled with gear.

Who Should Buy an XL Cot?
This size is perfect for:

• Campers over 6'2" tall.

• Solo sleepers who value spaciousness and tend to toss and turn.

• Car campers with a tent that has a bit of extra floor space to spare.

The Double Cot: The Luxury of Spacious Sleep

A double cot transforms your tent into a true bedroom, offering enough space for two adults or a sprawling sleep surface for one.

Dimensions and Specifications:
Double cots are substantial, with widths starting around 40 inches and going up to 59 inches or more, mimicking a twin or full-size bed at home. Lengths remain similar to XL cots, around 74 to 78 inches. The Coleman Twin Airbed Folding Cot, for instance, combines a 74-inch long by 40-inch wide cot with a built-in air mattress.

Design for Two and Added Features:
These cots are engineered for shared use and maximum comfort. Key design elements include:

• Heavy-Duty Construction: Frames are almost universally made of strong steel to safely support combined weights of 450-600 pounds.

• Integrated Comfort: It's common to find double cots with built-in air mattresses or thick, padded tops. As one reviewer notes, models like the Coleman Airbed Twin Cot "have a literal air mattress that makes it one of the most comfortable camping cots around".

• Bonus Features: Many include convenient add-ons like side tables with cup holders, battery-operated pumps for air mattresses, and storage pockets.

Pros and Cons:

• Pros: Enables comfortable co-sleeping; offers the most "at-home" sleeping experience; often includes premium comfort features.

• Cons: Very heavy (can be 30-40+ pounds) and bulky when folded; requires a very large tent; most expensive option; assembly can be more complex.

Who Should Buy a Double Cot?
Invest in a double cot if you are:

• A couple camping together regularly.

• A car camper or "glamper" who prioritizes bed-like comfort above all else.

• A parent camping with a young child who sleeps in the same bed.

Key Factors in Your Decision: Beyond Just Size

Choosing the right size is the first step. These additional factors are critical to ensuring your cot works for your specific situation.

Tent Floor Space and Layout:
Always measure your tent's interior floor dimensions. A good rule of thumb is to ensure the cot's footprint leaves at least 12-18 inches of walking space on one side and at the foot. Remember that almost all tents have sloped walls, so effective space is smaller than the maximum dimensions. For double cots, a 6-person or larger tent is almost always necessary.

Portability and Weight:
Consider your trip style. For backpacking, lightweight aluminum cots under 5 pounds are essential. For car camping, weight is less critical than durability and comfort. The folded dimensions are vital for storage in your vehicle; a bulky double cot can consume a major portion of your trunk space.

Comfort Level and Accessories:
Your preferred sleeping style dictates the needed surface. Stomach sleepers may prefer a firmer, taut single cot, while side sleepers will crave the extra width of an XL or double. Most cots benefit from adding a self-inflating sleeping pad or a foam mattress topper for insulation and cushioning, turning even a basic cot into a plush bed.

Final Recommendations and Verdict

• For the Ultralight Backpacker: A lightweight, narrow single cot (like the OEX Ultralite or Helinox Lite Cot) is the only viable choice, prioritizing grams over inches.

• For the Solo Car Camper: A standard single cot offers the best value and practicality. If you are tall or desire more comfort, step up to an XL model.

• For the Couple or Comfort-First Camper: A double cot with a built-in air mattress or padding is a worthwhile investment for transforming your campsite into a comfortable retreat.

Ultimately, the "best" camping cot size is the one that aligns with your body, your shelter, and your style of adventure. By carefully weighing the dimensions, portability, and intended use outlined in this guide, you can move beyond the hard ground and secure a restful night's sleep under the stars. Measure your space, be honest about your comfort needs, and choose the cot that promises you'll wake up refreshed and ready to explore.