Some would say camping is an art, and over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the value of well-designed gear that makes outdoor adventures more enjoyable. After testing hundreds of camping items, I can confidently say that the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot stands out as one of the best pieces of gear I’ve had the pleasure of using. I’ve taken it on countless trips across Southern California, from the rocky terrain of Joshua Tree to the cool coastal air of Malibu, and it has exceeded my expectations in nearly every environment.
In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experiences with the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, offering insights into its design, comfort, durability, and more. If you’re considering adding this to your camping setup, let me walk you through everything you need to know. Now, buckle up, and let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Design and Build Quality
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Comfort and Space
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Weather Resistance and Ventilation
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Versatility and Practicality<
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Pros and Cons
- Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: A Cot Well Worth Its Price
Introduction to the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot
After more than 10 months of using the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot, I’ve come to rely on it for those ‘lean and mean’ trips where I want something compact and simple that I can toss in the back of my Tesla (as opposed to taking my Jeep). If you live in Southern California, you know this area offers a diverse range of climates and terrain, and this tent cot has handled all of them with ease, regardless of which of my vehicles gets me and my gear to where I’m going.
One of the reasons I was drawn to the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot is the promise of convenience. Let’s call this for what it is… a cot with a tent strapped to it! As an experienced overlander, I’ve tested everything from basic ground tents to high-end rooftop setups and a wide variety of inflatable tents. Many basic tents are easy to set up, but inflatable tents take some muscle (they’re very heavy) and rooftop tents require a lot of initial setup.
What I wanted was something easy to set up, durable enough to withstand various conditions, and, of course, comfortable enough to ensure a good night’s sleep. The Kamp-Rite Tent Cot ticked all those boxes and then some! While on that topic, wait to hear what can be done to this to level up that experience. I have what I’m going to call the Kamp-Rite cheat code to max comfort, but more on that later.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of why this tent cot has earned a permanent spot in my gear rotation.
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Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Design and Build Quality
The first thing that struck me about the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot was how solid and well-made it is. This isn’t a typical flimsy, thin-fabric camping tent. The frame is constructed from powder-coated steel and fiberglass, which means it’s sturdy enough to hold up to 350 pounds without any wobbling or sagging.
One of the standout design elements is the 11-inch elevated cot base. For anyone who has ever camped in less-than-ideal conditions—whether it’s wet grass, cold ground, or critter-infested areas—being off the ground is a major plus. On one trip to Point Mugu, where the ground was damp after a misty coastal evening, being 11 inches off the ground kept me dry and comfortable.
And let’s be honest, as I get older, having a sleeping platform that’s higher off the ground makes it much easier to get in and out of bed!
Easy Setup and Portability
The quick setup is another nice feature of the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot…
The first time I set it up, it took me under five minutes, and now I can have it ready in less than three minutes. This means less time until I have a tasty adult beverage in my hand! For someone who values time spent exploring over time spent fumbling with tent poles, this is a huge bonus.
Plus, it comes with a heavy-duty carry bag, making transport a breeze. Actually, I would like to give Kamp-Rite some kudos for their carrying bag. Some tents I have tested over the years that scored well still fell very short with their carrying bags. Not this one. It’s a home run all around. At around 34 pounds, it’s not exactly ultralight, but for car camping or overlanding, it’s perfectly manageable with the included bag.
Speaking of setup, I know people who will set this up in the bed of their pickup trucks, which is a pretty smart idea if you want to get further off the ground and away from critters. I have a topper on the back of my truck and have never tried this for obvious reasons. However, I like the idea, so I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that little setup fun fact on these cot tents.
Durability That Lasts
The materials used in the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot are built to last, which is incredible considering its affordable price point. The 190T nylon fabric is durable enough to withstand abrasions from sticks, rocks, and many other natural hazards you may stumble into (I’ve had my share of these). The corrosion-resistant zippers and sturdy clips and buckles also contribute to the overall toughness of this gear. After 10 months of near-constant use, it still looks and functions like it did the day I got it!
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Comfort and Space
Camping comfort is no joke, and this tent cot takes it seriously. Measuring 32 inches by 90 inches, the sleeping area is spacious enough for one adult or an adult and a child. I’m 6 feet tall and can stretch out comfortably without feeling cramped.
Even when I’ve tossed in my gear at the foot of the cot or had my son join me for the night, there’s still plenty of room. Full disclosure: my son is 9 years old at the time of this writing, and even still, it’s a tight fit. If you plan to head out with someone often, I recommend Kamp-Rite’s double tent.
Sleeping Comfort
The 3/8-inch foam insulating pad that comes with the tent cot provides just enough cushioning to make sleeping on the cot comfortable. While it’s not a luxury mattress, it certainly beats lying on the hard ground! This feature came in handy during a chilly night in Joshua Tree, where the foam added an extra layer of insulation between me and the cold desert floor.
That said, let me share with you an incredible tip: A HEST Foamy wide mattress fits perfectly inside of this tent and I will say creates an INCREDIBLY comfortable sleeping arrangement that I promise will make you want to sleep in the following morning!
What I also love is the domed top, which creates ample headroom. Unlike other tents where sitting up means brushing against the ceiling, the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot’s design allows you to sit comfortably without hitting your head. This makes it easy to change clothes, read, or just relax before turning in for the night.
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Weather Resistance and Ventilation
Southern California weather can be unpredictable in some areas during winter months, and the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot has handled it all. One of the key selling points for me was its weather-resistant design. The tent comes with a taped-seam rainfly that keeps water out, even during heavier downpours. I’ve used it during a surprise rainstorm in the San Bernardino Mountains, and not a drop of water made it inside. This winter I plan to try this out in the snow, and based on its performance so far, my bet is that I’ll be dry, even if the snow really flies!
Excellent Ventilation
The mesh windows and doors are essential for maintaining airflow and keeping things cool inside the tent. During a hot trip to Anza-Borrego, the windows allowed for a nice cross-breeze that prevented the interior from becoming stuffy. For colder nights, the rainfly has additional ventilation ports that help reduce condensation buildup without sacrificing warmth.
Pro Tip for Hot Camping: Some will read this tip and think I have gone mad for recommending it. However, if you do much hot weather camping, look into something like a ZeroBreeze Mark 2 or Mark 3 portable air conditioner. I used it on one of my trips to Anza-Borrego and that small 2100 BTU AC unit kept it actually brisk inside the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot while outside, as you would expect during summer months, was hot!
In my experience, the ventilation system is well thought out, offering the right balance between airflow and insulation. This makes the Kamp-Rite Tent Cot suitable for a variety of weather conditions, from humid coastal trips to dry desert adventures.
Now if you want to level up your hot weather camping experience with this cot tent without investing in a portable air conditioner, get yourself a large 10×10 tarp or a 20×13 tarp. Set up the tarp, then set up your Kamp Rite Cot Tent underneath it with space between the tarp and roof of the tent. You will notice cooler daytime temps in the tent, even without an air conditioner. Nice!
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: Versatility and Practicality
One of the things I love most about the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot is its versatility. This isn’t just a tent; it’s a three-in-one camping solution. You can use it as:
- A standard tent cot for sleeping.
- A lounger for relaxing at the campsite.
- A standalone cot you can use inside larger tents or shelters.
During a 4-day trip up in Big Bear, I used the tent cot as a lounger during the day to relax and read, then easily converted it back into a tent for sleeping at night. This kind of flexibility adds tremendous value, especially for longer trips where you want to change your setup based on the day’s activities.
Portability and Storage
Although it’s a bit bulkier when packed up (36”L x 34”W x 7”H when folded up), the carrying bag is well-designed and made from a thick material, and I’ve had no trouble fitting it into my vehicle alongside the rest of my gear. For those who camp with larger vehicles or trailers, its size is hardly an issue, and the ease of setup more than makes up for its packed dimensions.
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Pros and Cons
So, the question of the hour is this – what does the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot do well and not so well?
Pros
- Easy setup: Under three minutes once you get the hang of it.
- Durable materials: Powder-coated steel frame and heavy-duty nylon fabric.
- Comfortable sleeping space: Plenty of room to stretch out, with added foam cushioning.
- Weather-resistant: Handles rain and moisture well, with solid ventilation.
- Versatile use: Functions as a tent, lounger, or standalone cot.
- Elevated design: Keeps you off the cold, uneven ground.
Cons
- Weight: At 34 pounds, it’s not ideal for backpacking or those seeking ultralight gear.
- Packed size: A bit bulky compared to traditional ground tents, but manageable for car camping.
Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot Review: A Cot Well Worth Its Price
After using the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot for 10 months, it’s become one of my favorite pieces of camping gear. It’s incredibly versatile, durable, and, most importantly, comfortable. Actually, the only thing I would do differently if I were to need to buy another one of these would be to get the green-colored one. I picked up the Tan, which is nice in all; however, in hindsight, I think I would enjoy the green one more.
So whether I’m camping in the high mountains, near the beach, or in the desert, this tent cot has proven itself time and again. For anyone who values quick setup, solid protection from the elements, and a good night’s sleep, I can’t recommend the Kamp-Rite Oversize Tent Cot enough.
If you do get one, seriously try it with the HEST Foamy mattress; it’s the most comfortable night of sleep I have had in a tent!
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