Conversely, if you’re winter camping — or even in the desert on a chilly summer night — sleeping above ground helps keep you significantly warmer. Since you’re not making contact with the cold ground, you retain body heat much better and, as a bonus, the best camping cots even offer extra storage in your camping tent as gear can be stored beneath them.

When shopping for a sleeping cot, there are several things to keep in mind. First is weight: Do you plan on carrying your sleeping gear long distances? If so, you’ll want a lightweight option that’s not only easy to pack but compact enough that it doesn’t take up valuable space in your car. Additionally, purchasing a cot that’s easy to assemble and take down is important and improves anyone’s overall camping experience.

The next is comfort — even with a sleeping pad below you, stiff padding or rough fabric doesn’t always equal quality sleep. The more comfortable your sleep system, the better your night’s rest. Plain and simple. Finally, don’t forget to factor in how small or big you are. You want to make sure the cot fits your body type properly and that your legs aren’t hanging off the end. To help, we’ve gathered a list of the best camping cots designed to make roughing it a little less rough.

Whether you’re needing an extra cot for the night or sleeping under the stars, the REDCAMP Folding Camping Bed has got your back. The cot’s legs are designed with updated and thicker elliptical shape tubes to ensure its capacity to carry your full weight. You also wouldn’t have to pull your hair out when it comes to setting up since it can be effortlessly done in just 10-seconds. All you really have to do is to get it in and out of the included storage bag. What’s more is that you can keep valuables within reach in the side pocket.

Why we love it:

— Supports up to 500-pounds — Easy to assemble — Convenient storage

Comfort does not always have to cost you the big bucks, and such can be said about the Sportneer Camping Cot. Besides being suitable for the great outdoors, it might as well be an option for all-nighters at the office or when you have guests staying over. And since its foldable, neither installation nor transport will be any cause of trouble. The double-sided pocket design gives you easy access to your valuables and some room for organization.

Why we love it:

— Slim design — Water and dirt resistant — 450-pound bearing capacity