REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 Review: Is This the Best Camping Cot for You?
If you’re an avid camper, you know that a good night’s sleep is crucial for enjoying your outdoor adventures. One of the most important pieces of gear in your sleep setup is your cot. Today, we’re taking a close look at the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, a popular option for car camping, to see if it lives up to the hype.
In this in-depth review, we’ll cover the features, pros, and cons of the Kingdom Cot, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your camping needs.
We Tried It: REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3
We put the plush cot to the ultimate camping test
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What is the REI Kingdom Cot?
The REI Kingdom Cot is a camping cot designed for comfort and ease of use, particularly for car campers. Its standout features include a plush mattress, a durable frame, and adjustable legs for stability on uneven ground. This cot aims to provide a luxurious sleeping experience, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize comfort at the campsite.
The cot’s design focuses on providing ample space and a comfortable sleeping surface. Its size allows for plenty of room to move around, even accommodating a pet. The combination of a foam mattress and durable, water-resistant fabric contributes to its appeal among car campers.
However, due to its size and weight, the Kingdom Cot is primarily suited for car camping and may not be ideal for backpacking or solo tent camping. Let’s dive into its features to see if it’s a good fit for you.
REI Kingdom Cot Features
Here’s a detailed look at the key features of the REI Kingdom Cot.
Adjustable Legs and Swiveling Feet
One of the best features of the Kingdom Cot is its ability to adapt to uneven terrain. It features three sets of legs, each independently adjustable. This allows you to set up a stable sleeping platform even on rocky or sloped ground. The swiveling feet further enhance stability, accommodating various surface irregularities.
Despite these advantages, the legs lack a locking mechanism, which can make setup tricky. The legs can collapse when you’re trying to unfold other sections, especially on uneven ground. While this is a minor inconvenience, it can be frustrating during the setup process. We hope REI addresses this design flaw in future iterations of the cot.
Foldable Metal Frame
The REI Kingdom Cot boasts a sturdy frame made from aluminum and steel tubing. The cot’s dimensions, measuring 82 inches long, 31.5 inches wide, and 14 inches high, necessitate a foldable design for storage and transport. When folded, the cot is still substantial, measuring 33 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 8.5 inches high.
The robust metal frame ensures the cot’s durability and longevity. However, it also adds to the product’s weight. Weighing in at 20 pounds, the Kingdom Cot is heavier than some other camping cots, which is an important consideration, particularly for those concerned with portability.
Plush Padding and Spacious Sleeping Platform
The comfort level of the Kingdom Cot is one of its most appealing features. The cot provides a plush sleeping surface, thanks to its thick foam pad, and a generously sized platform. This combination delivers an exceptionally comfortable camping experience. The ample sleeping area allows for comfortable movement, even for larger individuals. It easily accommodates individuals up to 6’4″ according to customer reviews.
The Kingdom Cot is designed to support up to 300 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of users. While some might like to see a higher weight capacity for a cot of this size, 300 pounds is adequate. This is important considering that cots, in general, are not known for their exceptional weight capacity.
Durable Fabric
The REI Kingdom Cot’s upholstery is another notable feature. It’s made from a tough, water-resistant polyester material that is easy to clean. The fabric’s durability is tested even against the wear and tear from dogs. This material is what gives the cot its ability to withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
While the fabric’s durability is essential for camping, it isn’t particularly soft. We recommend using a sheet, quilt, or sleeping bag to enhance comfort and provide a more pleasant sleeping experience.
How We Tested the REI Kingdom Cot
The REI Kingdom Cot arrived pre-assembled, making the initial setup simple. Testing involved setting up the cot in a backyard. It became clear that transporting the cot in its assembled state was impractical. The size and weight (20 pounds) made it awkward for a single person to carry. It was manageable for short distances, though.
The cot’s dimensions became apparent when trying to fit it in a two-person tent, which it would not fit in. Then, we tried it in a six-person tent, and it comfortably fits with room to spare. This experiment highlighted the importance of matching the cot’s size to the tent’s capacity.
The review included a day of lounging on the cot, testing its comfort and adjustability. The reviewer then spent a night sleeping on the cot to gauge its long-term comfort fully.
Pros of the REI Kingdom Cot 3
- Large sleeping platform
- Comfortable without a sleeping pad
- Headrest padding for added comfort
- Adjustable for lounging
- Aluminum and steel tubing frame
- Curved design for maximum comfort
- Easy-to-clean fabric
- Water-resistant material
- Durable fabric
- Swiveling feet and adjustable legs
- 300-pound weight capacity
Cons of the REI Kingdom Cot 3
- Legs don’t lock
- Doesn’t fit in smaller tents
- Heavy and bulky
- Some plastic components
- Pricey
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
Customer feedback is mixed, but recent reviews are largely positive. For instance, one reviewer states, “It’s big and it’s a bear to pack, but it’s the comfiest cot I’ve slept on. The adjusting headrest is great for lounging and the whole cot is easy to set up/adjust.”
Another reviewer shared, “This is the most comfortable and stable cot I’ve used. This cot feels more like glamping. It is made with a heavy-duty, insulated fabric that seems to work well in a variety of climates. I especially like the option of elevating the head and torso portion. The head of the cot contains additional padding that acts like a pillow. I love everything about this cot!”
Negative comments often mention the cot’s weight, size, and leg design flaws. The consensus suggests that REI has addressed many earlier issues.
Product Comparison
Let’s compare the REI Kingdom Cot to another popular option: the Coleman ComfortSmart Cot. The ComfortSmart supports up to 300 pounds and users up to 6’6″. It features a steel frame with spring-loaded legs. Like the Kingdom Cot, it’s bulky even when folded. It is substantially cheaper than the REI cot, making it a smart option for value shoppers. The REI Kingdom cot is on the expensive side, but I believe the price is right for individuals who prioritize comfort over space and weight.
Final Verdict: Is the REI Kingdom Cot 3 Worth It?
The REI Kingdom Cot is an excellent choice for those who enjoy car camping and prioritize comfort. It’s a luxurious sleep system that delivers a great experience for campers who value convenience and comfort.
You’ll need at least a three-person tent to fit this cot. If you’re backpacking, or concerned about space and weight, you should look for a different cot. However, if you have the room and don’t mind the weight, the REI Kingdom Cot 3 is a worthwhile investment for a comfortable camping experience.
Where to Buy the REI Kingdom Cot 3
The REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3 is available for $199 on the brand’s website and in its stores. While it may not have been the right fit for me personally, that’s the cool thing about products—there’s something for everyone, and this cot just might be meant for you.
FAQ
Are camping cots comfortable to sleep on?
Generally, camping cots offer more comfort than sleeping pads or sleeping bags alone, as they elevate you off the ground.
How do you open the REI Kingdom Cot 3?
The REI Kingdom Cot 3 features a tri-fold design. You unfold the flaps and extend the legs for setup.
Are cots good for side sleepers?
Cots are a great option for side sleepers, as they prevent hips and shoulders from digging into the ground.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team consists of experienced writers and shopping experts. The author is a full-time vanlifer and tent camping veteran, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable review. We actually test the products we recommend, and if we don’t like it, we say that.