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The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 may be a beast to pack and lug around, but that’s a price we’re willing to pay for a comfortable camping trip. Here is the full review.
Check REI PriceAbout The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
Take a gander at the Kingdom Cot 3 and you’ll quickly see we’re not talking about a bare-bones cot. This plush, oversized backcountry bed is built for campers who prioritize comfort over weight and portability — and boy does it deliver.
The quilted cot delivers a generous amount of cushioning that’s simply unrivaled in the cot market. The sides are slightly raised with a little extra padding to create a hammock-like cocoon, and you can easily raise the head supports for an inclined sleeping position.
Three sets of legs and a sturdy frame deliver optimal support, while the oversized feet are designed to accommodate uneven ground.
When you’re ready to hit the road, the Kingdom Cot 3 folds up into a 33″ x 32″ x 8.5″ package that weighs about 20 pounds. That shouldn’t be an issue when you’re able to park next to your campsite, but the size and weight are definitely challenging with hike-in campgrounds.
Materials
The Kingdom Cot 3 features a rugged powder-coated frame that’s built to withstand years of use. The combination of aluminum and steel is designed to hit the sweet spot between strength and weight, though it admittedly packs on some extra weight in favor of added durability.
Up top, the fabric is a water resistant, quick-drying polyester.
Capacity
The Kingdom Cot 3 can support up to 300 pounds, which is more than enough to handle the average camper. Boasting a wingspan of 6’10”, it’s one of the few camping cots that can easily handle the height-advantaged crowd.
Our review after testing the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
What We Dig
Luxurious padding and insulation
Ample space to stretch out
Multi-position back with an easily adjustable knob
Water resistant, quick-drying polyester fabric
What We Don’t
Bulky dimensions take up a lot of trunk space
Calling it heavy is an understatement
The Specs
Cot material: Polyester
Frame construction: Aluminum/steel
Unfolded dimensions: 82 x 31.5 x 14 inches
Folded dimensions: 33 x 32 x 8.5 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Capacity: 300 pounds
The Verdict
The Kingdom Cot 3 is fit for the king (or queen) of the campground. I wouldn’t call it a Tempur-Pedic mattress, but it’s arguably the most comfortable camping cot on the market. The plush, quilted top is mighty comfortable, customers rave about the hammock-like fit, there’s ample space to stretch out in all directions.
Other Reviews Of The Kingdom Cot 3
The Kingdom Cot 3 is wildly popular, so there are more than enough reviews to get a reliable feel for how it performs in the field. The cot boasts a 4.3-star rating with well over 160 reviews, and more than 100 customers awarding the coveted five-star prize.
Don’t have time to peruse all of the reviews? Here’s a sampling of the positive and critical comments you’ll find on REI’s website.
Positive Reviews
“Wow!” Exclaims user Ole Papa. “Normally a left-right rotating sleeper, I awoke as I fell asleep: ON MY BACK! Amazing! It is a sad day when this cot…is more comfortable than my bed at home. Five stars plus!”
“I have been using this cot instead of my bed for the past month and absolutely love the cocoon-like feeling [of] being wrapped up in it,” says user gus333. “Even though it has great padding, I have a backpacking Therm-a-Rest pad that fits perfectly between the sides for an extra inch of padding that makes my sleep so comfortable.”
“I bought this for a camping trip at a state park,” reports user RubysAdventures. “It was 90-100 degrees with high humidity. The cot was so comfortable and I wasn’t overheating. Is it bulky? Sure. But as long as you’re not backpacking, this cot would be a perfect addition for anyone. I will disclaim that it is long. So make sure your tent has the room for it.”
“I love this cot,” says user AACook. My husband and I each have one. I have a really bad back and an air mattress just doesn’t cut it. I love being able to get in and out, up and down with little effort. Everyone should get one. They also make great guest beds for last minute company.”
“Bought two for our new tiny 10×16’ cabin,” says user Lake Superior Girl. “Slept like a cushion-cradled baby! For extra cushion I put a Therm-a-Rest pad underneath, but it’s not super necessary. The side cushions keep you from bumping on the frame which is quite sturdy.”
“When not sleeping, we keep one unfolded to use as a couch and the other folds up in a corner or outside on the deck,” continues Lake Superior Girl. “Awesome how it becomes a chaise lounge with adjustable back rest. Great quality for the price and REI stands by their product. Other brands were way too expensive and didn’t look as comfy.”
Critical Reviews
“I don’t love the built-in cushion pillow, because I slid down when using my actual pillow, but I was still very comfortable,” reports user HappyCamper. “I guess my issue is lugging it around and storage. It’s heavy and take ups a lot of space.”
“[I] would suggest another set of legs or locking legs as they can collapse when setting up, [and] add a pouch or similar on the side,” says user WoundedWhale. “Otherwise, the sleep comfort is quite nice and I am not the smallest person. Would highly suggest.”
“The original cots we purchased are amazing but this new one isn’t,” reports user Camp2go. “All of the legs could be adjusted for uneven terrain and the slope that seems to be on every camping site. Sadly the new rei kingdom cot lacks that capability, making it useless unless it’s on a floor or a perfectly flat site.”
“I got the older model of this and loved it, despite its bulk and heaviness,” says user SeeStars. “Got this one which is similar but not as cushy or as easy to adjust. Also, only the head legs on this version are height adjustable unlike all six legs on [the] first cot I owned.”
“It’s comfortable, but ridiculously cumbersome,” says Tanya. “[Too] heavy for camping, but great for a guest bed.”
Our Recommendation: Buy It
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a camping cot that’s as large and comfortable as the Kingdom Cot 3 — especially at its attractive price point. The same price might get you a nice lightweight cot, but those competitors can’t hold a candle to the Kingdom Cot’s luxurious padding.
Check REI PriceWho’s It For?
The Kingdom Cot 3 will make you a happy camper as long as you’re able to park close to your campsite. Expect to play a bit of Tetris fitting this in the car, but as long as it’s a short walk from your car to the tent, you’re golden.
The Kingdom Cot 3 is a particularly good choice for folks who struggle to get a good night’s sleep when camping. Feedback from the camping community even shows that many side-sleepers are comfortable sleeping on their backs with the Kingdom Cot 3 thanks to its hammock-like embrace.
Keep in mind that the Kingdom Cot 3 also functions as a great impromptu guest bed, so you may find yourself using this cozy cot for more than the occasional camping trip.
Who’s It Not For?
The Kingdom Cot 3 isn’t a great choice for hike-in campgrounds, and it certainly isn’t recommended for backpacking. Side-sleepers may prefer a thick air mattress, but that preference applies to all cots — not just the Kingdom Cot 3. For a delicious camping combo, definitely consider pairing the Kingdom Cot 3 with a sleeping pad.
If you’re on the fence about buying the Kingdom Cot 3, keep in mind that it’s backed by REI’s legendary one-year guarantee. Campers who aren’t completely satisfied or comfortable can return the cot for a full refund within 365 days, so you really have nothing to lose.
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