Best Cabelas Camping Cots Guide

Today we’re going to be diving into the world of camping cots. A favorite topic of mine while out camping is “where are we going to be sleeping?” For years I slept on the ground, even while out car camping. I’d lay in a sleeping bag on a yoga mat, pad, or sometimes nothing at all (ouch!) Then I discovered the sweet world of camping cots.

Growing up I’d always heard rumors that they were just as uncomfortable as the ground, but technology has come a long way since then. There are cots out there that will blow your mind in terms of comfiness, you just have to find the right one. Fortunately for you, this article is going to reveal just that. 

Today specifically we’re going to be examining Cabela’s line of cots. By the end of this article, you’ll learn a little about the company itself, see what I look for in a solid camping cot, get my top recommendations, and see some potential add-ons that can maximize your cot experience. Let’s begin!

Bottom Line Up Front

Curious about my top recommendation already, eh? Well, I give you a little spoiler here. My favorite cot on the list is the Cabela’s Lounge Cot. Although this is the most expensive cot on the list, I truly believe in investing in your sleep- especially when you’re spending your weekend hiking, fishing, or hunting. 

The Cabela’s Lounge Cot is the only padded cot on the list, and it can fold up into a lounge chair during the day. This is perfect for those nights out by the campfire where you’re curled up in your sleeping bag… When you’re tired you can just drop the lever and now you’re in bed.

But don’t get too excited yet. There are tons of other neat camping cots for your every budget that we’re going to check out!

Cabela’s Background

Cabela’s is an outdoor retailer that started way back in 1961 when its founder, Richard Cabela, started selling some fishing lures in a local newspaper. Since then the company has expanded to over 100 countries around the world and does over $3 billion in sales each year. Its dominance in the outdoor hunting, fishing, and camping industry are profound.

Many of its locations are a wonder in themselves, almost presenting themselves as a museum of sorts. Inside you’ll find stuffed animals, aquariums, and sometimes even restaurants in the massive stores. Of course, you’ll also find all the outdoor gear you could ever want, plus more. Cabela’s is known for its quality and friendly employees, so I often pop through one when I’m on the lookout for new gear.

Things to Look for in a Camping Cot

First, let’s break down what my selection criteria will be for these Cabela’s camping cots. These are all the features I look for when shopping for a new cot.

Size

The first thing I always look at is the size of the cot. I’m a tosser and turner when sleeping, so if the cots are too skinny I’ll probably fall off at some point. I also like to ensure my feet are on the cot, so they’re not hanging off the edge and getting cold.

Therefore, I always lean on the larger size of cots, so I have room to maneuver around. The good thing about cots is that you’re probably not going to be hiking in with them, so having a larger cot isn’t an issue when you’re simply car camping.

Comfort

The next thing I look for in a cot is the level of comfort. Obviously, I’d rather have a cot that’s big enough rather than comfy enough, but comfort is always my next priority.

Generally, I like to lean towards cots that are sturdy, but have a little bit of giving when you lay down. Padding is also a plus, but not a gamechanger. I can always lay a pad or blanket on top of the cot and sleep in a bigger sleeping bag.

Added Features

Any additional features that the cots have can also be a game-changer for me. For example, if the cot can fold into a lounge chair for the daytime, or if the cot has storage pockets on the side, it can be helpful. Even a better ground support system can be helpful, to keep the cot more balanced when tossing and turning. 

Storage

Storage isn’t nearly as important to me, but if you have a smaller vehicle or storage space at home, it could be ideal to look for a cot that can fold up small. For me, the cot’s the most important part of the camping experience because it’s part of the bed (which fuels your energy) so size is more of a bonus for me.

Best Cabela’s Camping Cots

Now’s the time you’ve been waiting for. Let’s take a look at my top choices for Cabela’s camping cots. I’ll be ranking these in order of budget, where higher ticket items will be listed last.

Bass Pro Shops Eclipse All Season Cot

The first camping cot I’d like to highlight is the Bass Pro Shops Eclipse All Season Cot. It’s a little-known fact that Bass Pro Shops is actually a parent company for Cabela’s, so their cot manufacturing process is fairly similar. This cot is your most basic cot and the most budget-friendly option on the list.

It’s built with a solid steel frame that’s ridiculously easy to assemble- you simply unfold it. Its material is also made with water-resistant polyester, which is great for all-weather conditions. Unfolded, it’s size is 83″L x 30″W x 20″H.

Pros

•  Budget-friendly
• Easy setup
• Water-resistant

Cons

• Fairly small, little comfort

Cabela’s Camp Cot with Organizer

The next cot I’d like to look at is the Cabela’s Camp Cot with Organizer. This cot is essentially an upgraded version of the Eclipse All Season cot, as it is slightly bigger coming in at 74.8″L x 26″W x 15.7″H. The cot also comes with a side storage compartment which is ideal for storing small gear, and even includes a full-length compartment where you can store your rifle, fishing pole, or shotgun.

The cot includes a storage case and comes in brown. 

Pros

• Built-in storage pockets
• Still budget-friendly

Cons

•  Fairly skinny

Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot with Lever Arm

The Cabela’s Big Outdoorsman Cot is the cot for anyone who wants as much room as possible or is simply built bigger. This cot is 85″L x 40″W x 20″H at full setup, providing lots of space to spread out. The cot utilizes a special lever arm as well that makes setup even easier.

I would argue that this cot is reinforced the best on the bottom due to its design, and seems to stand the best. For storage, the cot folds up and is put in a carrying case that it comes with. 

Pros

• Lots of room to spread out
• Easy setup

Cons

• Bulkier
• No side storage

Cabela’s Lounge Cot

The Cabela’s Lounge Cot is easily my favorite cot on the list. It’s a 2-in-1 cot that can fold into a lounge chair during the day, which to me is a game-changer.

After a long day of hiking, fishing, or hunting, there’s nothing better than sitting in a comfortable chair that isn’t a log on the ground. The cot is also very sturdy and has adjustable legs so you can maximize your comfort based on your leg height.

The next best part of this cot is that it comes padded already. This means if you don’t have a pad or even if you have a pad and want more, this cot and provide that.

The cot is 81″L x 32″W x 16.5″H in size, which means it’s bigger than the basic cots but not quite as big as the Outdoorsman Cot above. To me, the luxury of the chair transformation and built-in padding is enough to circumvent this small decrease in size.

Oh, and did I mention the cot also has a side pocket storage compartment? It’s perfect for storing your phone, water bottle, or reading materials at the end of the night.

Pros

• Fold into a chair
• Built-in cushions
• Side storage compartment

Cons

•  Priciest option on the list

Cabela’s 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed by Disc-O-Bed

If you’re trying to maximize space or have kids, the Cabela’s 2XL Outfitter Bunk Bed might be your best bet for maximum room.

It’s a modular system that lets you stack the two beds on top of each other, or lay them next to each other, depending on your specific setup. The best part is that the bed frame is designed with rubber stabilizer bars, which prevent the bed from being squeaky when you turn over. 

Each bed has 85″L x 40″W of room, which is a decent amount and great for situations where adults and kids might be stacked on top of one another. The beds are also fairly easy to set up and come with a singular carrying case to keep the cots as minimal as possible during storage.

Pros

• Can support two people
• Modular, which means one cot can be on top of the other or not
• Lots of space on each cot

Cons

• Heavy

Add-Ons to Consider

In this next section, I’m going to go over a few add-ons you can consider to make your cot set up a little more comfortable.

Cabela’s Cot Tree

The Cabela’s Cot Tree is a simple add-on for your cot that gives you additional storage space. It’s got two bars across, and one with a basic organizer.

The second bar on top is handy for drying wet clothes or simply storing a sweatshirt/coat. It also features several hooks to hang additional items on. The Cot Tree adjusts vertically to help fit in your specific tent.

Pros

•  Adds extra storage to your cot
• Easy to setup
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• A little flimsy

Cabela’s Cot Chair

A cot chair is a good option if you find yourself sitting in your cot uncomfortably without a backrest. The Cabela’s Cot Chair folds up nicely and is easy to store and set up on your cot. My favorite part is that the backrest is fairly comfortable and that the chair is built of steel and rugged.

Pros

• Easy to store
• Lightweight 
• Comfortable

Cons

• Have to take it down each time you sleep

Cabela’s Cot-Side Nightstand

The Cabela’s Cot-Side Nightstand is useful if your cot doesn’t come with external side-pocket storage systems. The system is the full length of the bed, providing more than enough storage space for your phone, reading materials, lights, water bottles, and other gear.

It even has a full-length compartment in the back which is perfect for storing your rifle, shotgun, or fishing pole at night. The “nightstand” is easy to install and looks slick.

Pros

• Provides lots of storage options
• Easy to store with a cot

Cons

•  Not necessary, but helpful

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are all sorts of cots by Cabela’s that can fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that is still packed with features (i.e. the Cabela’s Camp Cot with Organizer,) or a powerhouse cot that provides maximum comfort and usability (i.e. the Cabela’s Lounge Cot,) there’s an option for everybody. 

I hope this guide has been informative in leading your search for the perfect cot. Happy camping!