Backpacking Cot vs Sleeping Pad

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Backpacking Cot vs Sleeping Pad - The Great Debate

Regardless of how many times you’ve been backpacking, could be once, could be 100 times, you already know how important it is to decide where you’re going to be sleeping and how you’re getting there. If you are new to the outdoor life, do not take this decision lightly. So before you head out into the bushes, let’s dive into which is the better option. Let’s end the debate once and for all – backpacking cot vs sleeping pad.

What is better for sleeping while backpacking, a cot or a pad? The answer is whichever is better suited to your trip. There are pros and cons for both cots and pads. For some backpacking trips it may be more beneficial to have a cot where on other tips a pad might meet your needs better. While it largely depends on the weight you want to carry, there are some other factors that may affect your decision.

What Should You Take Into Consideration?

Unless you’re Forrest Gump and are just setting out without a necessary destination or route of travel, you should have a little bit of an idea what conditions are going to be like on your trip. We’re not talking about the weather; we’re talking about where your camp is going to be set up and how you’re getting there. Are you setting up at a site where you will be for multiple days and nights? Or are you going to be sleeping at a new place every night, needing to haul and set up your gear more often? You want to set yourself up for success out there and use as much foresight as possible to keep you comfortable.

So, What's So Great About Cots?

If you’ve ever been around other campers that use cots, naturally, they will tell you they’re the best thing since sliced bread. Backpackers that sleep on cots love to talk about how great their sleeping situation is and how comfortable they are. While some are just gloating about their new swag, they are on to something. Cots do take the cake when talking about comfort alone. There isn’t anything closer to your bed than a cot when you’re out there roughing it. This is largely due to being suspended in the air instead of laying ground level.

Get Off The Ground

Cot’s get you off the ground which is beneficial for a few reasons. First and foremost, it makes it a little tougher for living things like spiders and snakes to get to you. Those few inches off of the ground could make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a rude awakening from an unwanted visitor. This is something that can be disregarded if you are sleeping inside of a sealed tent, providing wildlife doesn’t sneak in with you.

Temperature control and airflow is easier to manage with a cot. Due to being off of the ground, you aren’t going to feel the temperature of the Earth beneath you while sleeping on a cot. Furthermore, the space underneath the cot allows for airflow around your body. More airflow will provide you with a better night’s sleep.

The More Sturdy, Higher Quality Option

One thing that you can count on with a cot is that it isn’t as prone to damage as other sleeping options. Since it’s built to keep you suspended in the air, it won’t be laying directly on the ground. That means you don’t need to worry about damage to the bottom of it from the ground underneath it. Another excellent benefit to backpacking with a cot is that you won’t need to clean it nearly as much. Only the legs will be touching the ground which only requires a quick brush off in most cases.

When Would A Pad Be A Good Option For Camping?

You’ve probably noticed by now that sleeping gear for camping isn’t one size fits all. There are times when a pad is a better fit for your adventures. For example, if you’re on a smaller budget. Pads used for backpacking are much more affordable that cots, specifically about three to four times cheaper. If you’re looking to save a few bucks on sleeping gear, a cot is probably where you’ll find something a little more friendly to your wallet.

Backpacking Pads are Lightweight

If you’re carrying your own gear and not loading it onto an RV or throwing it into a truck, you’ll find that pads are much lighter than cots. When you’re backpacking and your gear is going everywhere with you, the lighter the better. Most pads are inflatable and therefore filled with air. When it’s time to break down camp and pack up, pads are simply deflated and rolled up in most cases. This is probably the biggest difference when compared to cots which have legs and are made of a more solid material.

And Of Course There's Cons to Backpacking Pads

Due to the low weight of pads and the surfaces they are placed on, they are much more prone to damage. There will be times that you are setting up camp after sundown, which means less visibility. It’s extremely important to make sure the area where you will be laying the pad is clear of rocks, sticks, and other debris. The pad will damage fairly easily when placed on something sharp that can pierce the surface. Most pads come with patching kids that are fairly simple to use if it does become damaged.

Cleaning pads used for camping can be a little more difficult and time consuming than cots. Since the pad will be directly on the ground, it will need to be cleaned when it’s time to pack it back up. If you’re careful and ensure the area your pad is placed is nice and clean, a light brushing will suffice until your trip is over and you can more thoroughly clean it.

Are Pads As Comfortable As Cots?

The short answer is no. Even though there are some very high quality cots out there, you are still at the mercy of the Earth’s temperature coming from the bottom of your sleeping pad. If you’ve never experienced the feeling, it takes some getting used to and adapting to. If comfort is your focus, then a cot is going to meet your expectations.

In A Nutshell...

You need to determine what’s best for your specific backpacking adventure. There are benefits and downsides when comparing cot vs sleeping pad, you just need to weigh them out and make the a decision on what you think will best fit your needs. Keep in mind when deciding which one you’re going to buy, that this is gear you will use every single day and night while backpacking. Quality of gear goes a long way in this lifestyle – it’s not always wise to buy the cheapest option and hope for the best.

Hopefully by now you have an idea of the direction you’re leaning toward. We’ve found some of the best options for both cots and sleeping pads that have been tried and tested in the field by our fellow nomads.

As far as cots go, the TETON Sports Outfitter XXL is among the most popular at campsites. Campers love the amount of comfort it provides. This cot is large, a little bigger than a twin mattress. No fear of rolling off the side of this one. Though it’s large, it’s lightweight for its size. It folds up into a travel pack weighing 26 pounds.

A more affordable option is the KingCamp Strong Stable Folding Camping Bed Cot. This is a quality cot for a very reasonable price. KingCamp is known for their products lasting for years. This particular cot comes with a carrying bag so you can fold it up for travel or storage.

If A Sleeping Pad Is The Right Fit

This Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol Ultralight Foam Backpacking Mattress is as simple and convenient as they come. It’s made of foam and requires no pumping or any setup. Just unroll the mattress and you’re all set. It’s easy to pack and carrying this pad is a breeze as it’s ultralight!

If you’re more interested in an air mattress, the Sleepingo Camping Sleeping Pad is worth a look. It too is lightweight and compact. The pump for the mattress comes with it and it’s extremely small. In fact, the mattress and air pump can be packed down to the size of a water bottle! The material is durable and will stand up to a fair amount of abuse. This sleeping pad is tear resistant and it should be noted that Sleepingo has an excellent customer service department.