Is This Style Of Tent Worth It For Campers Who Want To Avoid Sleeping On The Ground?

Tent-cots (or cot tents) combine a cot (think: that folding temporary bed they use in the military and hospital) with a tent shell, letting you sleep off the ground. There can be some perks to this: better airflow, fewer rocks underneath, and generally more comfort. They also come in a variety of styles to fit your camping rhythm. Some simply fold out enveloped by a tent for one; others are XL versions on double-wide frames for campers who need a bit more space.

Campers who prefer walk-in and walk-up campsites or overlanding tend to be the ones most attracted to cot tents because they can afford the extra weight and bulk. Their easy, elevated setup can also make tent camping a lot less intimidating. On the other hand, tent cots are less handy for backpackers who need ultralight gear. But a big draw to using them is not having to sleep directly on wet or rocky ground or simply wanting to avoid bugs and uneven terrain.

Tent cot reviewers are mixed on the pros and cons of tent cots. On Reddit, u/juttep1 said: "Heavy. Can't stand up. No indoor storage. Needs ground to be very level." On the other hand, u/Traumahandshake shared: "I had the original Tent Cot for years. I loved it. I would use it camping at this fishing spot I went to. I would pull in late Sat night and be able to set it up in minutes, and pass out so I could wake up early Sun. For me it was the ease of use, reliability, and comfort. ... It being off the ground really saved me getting flooded during a few serious storms."

So why would someone prefer a tent cot? For one, you're raised above wet, rocky, or uneven ground. That helps protect your back and gear from pointy rocks (the last thing you want is to fix a hole in your tent). They can also be easier and faster to set up than traditional tents. Just fold out the cot, fasten the legs, and open up the shell. Some even fold into lounge chairs — a handy perk whether you're at the beach or sitting around the campfire. For folks with bad knees or backs, it can be a relief not having to get on the hard ground at bedtime. There's also less chance you'll come into contact with creepy crawlies while elevated.

However, tent cots aren't ideal for everyone. Their bulk and weight make them a no-go for backpackers, and that extra weight also isn't great if you're moving often or needing to carry your gear for a long trek. Additionally, they're typically small — unlike larger traditional tent setups, you may not be able to sit up in the tent cot, and storage will be limited as well. Even if you get an XL size, you'll find it's best for sleeping and not so much for hanging out after the campfire has petered out. Tent cots also tend to cost more because of the frame, so you may be spending more money for less room and portability. 

Ultimately, if you're a car camper staying in one site for several nights, with a vehicle to haul gear, then a tent-cot may well be worth it for the comfort. But if you're backpacking or prioritizing light-weight and minimal packing, you might be better off with a ground tent.