Pitch & PackQuick answer
The TANGKULA 10152tent is our top pick for most campers, offering a spacious 31.2 sq_ft floor and a sturdy 62.4 in peak height, making it a comfortable off-the-ground shelter for two. For backpackers, the lightweight iClimb IC122 is a better fit.
Our top picks
Best overall
TANGKULA 10152tent
Car camping and basecamp comfort
Top capacity
Outsunny 2-Person Tent Cot with Mattress
Tall campers needing maximum headroom
Best for weather resistance
GYMAX 2-Person Camping Cot Tent
Rainy and windy camping trips
#4 pick
Kakadu BlockOut Cot Tent 2P
Campers who want a dark, cool sleep
#5 pick
Tangkula AM11832HM
Fair-weather camping with quick setup
#6 pick
HI SUYI LDZP-G-2w5
All-season use in moderate weather
#7 pick
GYMAX GM2284
Quick setup in wet conditions
Best for backpacking
iClimb IC122
Solo backpacking and bikepacking
#9 pick
LDAILY Tent Cot
Fair-weather car camping with all gear included
#10 pick
GFHSUIEUUUUBF i7a/A6214
Tall solo campers needing legroom
#11 pick
Night Cat Cot Tent Combo
Solo campers wanting extra gear storage
#12 pick
Tangkula 10151tent
Solo car camping with comfort
#13 pick
Night Cat Camping Cot Tent ZP-13-AGN-US
Solo backpacking and motorcycle camping
On this page
If you want to sleep above damp ground and away from crawling insects, an off-the-ground tent is the answer. We compared the latest models based on their specifications, focusing on capacity, weather protection, and ease of setup. Whether you need a roomy two-person shelter for car camping or a lightweight solo option for backpacking, our picks are chosen to match real-world use cases. For more on weather-ready designs, see our guide to double-wall tents.
Comparison at a glance
Key specs ยท full specs in each pick| Model | L x W x H | Color | Material | capacity | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
10152tent
|
6.5 ft x 4.8 ft x 5.2 ft | Green | PVC, Iron, PE, Oxford Fabric, Fiberglass Rod | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
2-Person Tent Cot with Mattress
|
76"L x 57"W x 70.75"H | Dark Green | Polyester Taffeta, Oxford Fabric, Fiberglass | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
GM2285/6
|
77"L x 59"W x 59"H | Gray | Metal | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
BlockOut Cot Tent 2P
|
79"L x 57"W x 59"H | Grey | Polyester, Stainless Steel | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
AM11832HM
|
80" x 51" x 64" | Green | Oxford Cloth, Metal | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
LDZP-G-2w5
|
83"L x 47"W x 47"H | Army Green | Nylon | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
GM2284
|
80" x 51" x 64" | Green | Oxford Cloth, Metal | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
IC122
|
80"L x 28"W x 43"H | Green | 210T polyester taffeta | 1 persons | View on Amazon |
|
Tent Cot
|
77"L x 57"W x 74"H | Green | 190T PU-Coated Polyester, Metal, Polyethylene | 2 persons | View on Amazon |
|
i7a/A6214
|
82.68"L x 31.5"W x 47.24"H | Green | Aluminum, Fiberglass, fabric | - | View on Amazon |
|
B0FW4W8DSS
|
87"L x 28"W x 40"H | Green | Polyester | 1 persons | View on Amazon |
|
10151tent
|
- | Green | Oxford Fabric, Iron, FRP, PVC, PE | 1 persons | View on Amazon |
|
ZP-13-AGN-US
|
87"L x 28"W x 51"H | Green | - | 1 persons | View on Amazon |
Best for: Car camping and basecamp comfort
The TANGKULA 10152tent is an all-in-one cot tent with a spacious 31.2 sq_ft floor and 62.4 in peak height, letting two campers sit up comfortably. It includes a self-inflating mattress and waterproof rainfly. The sturdy frame has a high weight capacity. At 44 lb, it's heavy, but for car camping, the extra space is worth it.
Pros
- Spacious interior for two
- High weight capacity
- Includes self-inflating mattress
- Waterproof rainfly
Cons
- Heavy at 44 lb
- Bulkier to transport
- Fiberglass poles less durable than aluminum
Full specifications (12)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 6.5 ft x 4.8 ft x 5.2 ft
- Material
- PVC, Iron, PE, Oxford Fabric, Fiberglass Rod
- capacity
- 2 persons
- floor_area
- 31.2 sq_ft
- max_height
- 62.4 in
- weight
- 44 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- fiberglass
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Tall campers needing maximum headroom
The Outsunny 2-Person Tent Cot with Mattress offers the tallest peak height at 70.75 in, ideal for tall campers. This all-in-one combo includes an air mattress and bed cover. The aluminum frame is durable, and it's waterproof with UV protection. At 45.1 lb, it's the heaviest, so it's best for car camping.
Pros
- Tallest peak height at 70.75 in
- Includes air mattress and bed cover
- Aluminum frame for durability
- UV protection
Cons
- Heaviest at 45.1 lb
- Floor area smaller than top pick
- Bulkier to pack
Full specifications (13)
- Color
- Dark Green
- L x W x H
- 76"L x 57"W x 70.75"H
- Material
- Polyester Taffeta, Oxford Fabric, Fiberglass
- capacity
- 2 persons
- floor_area
- 28.35 sq_ft
- max_height
- 70.75 in
- weight
- 45.1 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- uv_protection
- Yes
- pole_material
- aluminum
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Rainy and windy camping trips
The GYMAX 2-Person Camping Cot Tent is built for wet weather with a highly waterproof rainfly and sealed seams. It sleeps two with good ventilation from double-layer doors and a skylight. At 37.5 lb, it's lighter than many 2P cot tents. The fiberglass poles and included stakes add stability.
Pros
- Excellent waterproof rating
- Good ventilation with skylight
- Lighter than many 2P cot tents
- Includes wind ropes and stakes
Cons
- Floor area not specified
- Fiberglass poles
- No mattress included
Full specifications (11)
- Color
- Gray
- L x W x H
- 77"L x 59"W x 59"H
- Material
- Metal
- capacity
- 2 persons
- max_height
- 59 in
- weight
- 37.5 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- fiberglass
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Campers who want a dark, cool sleep
The Kakadu BlockOut Cot Tent 2P features BlockOut technology that reduces heat and light, helping you sleep cooler and darker. It sets up quickly with a folding frame and has an excellent waterproof rating. The peak height is 59 in, so sitting up is possible. At 44 lb, it's similar in weight to the top pick but includes awning poles for extra shade.
Pros
- BlockOut fabric keeps interior dark
- Quick folding setup
- Excellent waterproof rating
- Includes awning poles
Cons
- Lower peak height than some
- Heavy for its size
- Floor area not listed
Full specifications (12)
- Color
- Grey
- L x W x H
- 79"L x 57"W x 59"H
- Material
- Polyester, Stainless Steel
- capacity
- 2 persons
- max_height
- 59 in
- weight
- 44 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- aluminum
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Fair-weather camping with quick setup
The Tangkula AM11832HM is a pop-up cot tent combo that sets up in seconds. It sleeps two with a peak height of 64 in and a high weight capacity. The 600D Oxford fabric is durable, but it's not waterproof, so it's best for dry conditions. At 40.5 lb, it's mid-weight and easy to manage.
Pros
- Pop-up design for fast setup
- High weight capacity
- Can be used as separate cot and tent
- Good ventilation
Cons
- Not waterproof
- No rainfly included
- Floor area not specified
Full specifications (11)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 80" x 51" x 64"
- Material
- Oxford Cloth, Metal
- capacity
- 2 persons
- max_height
- 64 in
- weight
- 40.5 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- No
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- setup_type
- pop-up
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: All-season use in moderate weather
The HI SUYI LDZP-G-2w5 is a folding tent cot with a waterproof construction and included rainfly. It sleeps two with a floor area of 26.39 sq_ft and a peak height of 47 in, so sitting up is tight. The aluminum poles and 4-season rating add durability. At 44.09 lb, it's heavy but sturdy.
Pros
- Waterproof with rainfly
- 4-season rating
- Aluminum poles
- Compact folding design
Cons
- Low peak height at 47 in
- Heavy for its size
- Floor area on the smaller side
Full specifications (12)
- Color
- Army Green
- L x W x H
- 83"L x 47"W x 47"H
- Material
- Nylon
- capacity
- 2 persons
- floor_area
- 26.39 sq_ft
- max_height
- 47 in
- weight
- 44.09 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- aluminum
- shape
- rectangular
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Quick setup in wet conditions
The GYMAX GM2284 is a pop-up cot tent combo with a rainfly that has excellent waterproofing. It sleeps two and has a peak height of 64 in, similar to the top pick. The pop-up design makes setup quick, and the included wind ropes and stakes add stability. At 40.5 lb, it's lighter than many full-featured cot tents.
Pros
- Pop-up setup
- Highly waterproof rainfly
- Decent peak height
- Includes wind ropes and stakes
Cons
- Floor area not specified
- Pole material unknown
- No mattress included
Full specifications (9)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 80" x 51" x 64"
- Material
- Oxford Cloth, Metal
- capacity
- 2 persons
- max_height
- 64 in
- weight
- 40.5 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
- setup_type
- pop-up
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Solo backpacking and bikepacking
The iClimb IC122 is the only true backpacking option here, weighing just 5 lb. It's a solo 4-season tent with a highly waterproof rainfly and taped seams. The peak height is 43 in, so it's low-profile, and the width is narrow. For solo adventurers who want an off-ground option, it's unmatched in portability.
Pros
- Ultralight at 5 lb
- 4-season waterproof design
- Aluminum poles
- Can be used on ground or cot
Cons
- Only fits one person
- Low peak height at 43 in
- Narrow width
Full specifications (12)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 80"L x 28"W x 43"H
- Material
- 210T polyester taffeta
- capacity
- 1 persons
- max_height
- 43 in
- weight
- 5 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- aluminum
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Fair-weather car camping with all gear included
The LDAILY Tent Cot is an all-in-one combo that includes tent, cot, air mattress, two sleeping bags, and pillows. It sleeps two, but the peak height is only 17 in, so you'll be crawling in. The tent is sun-protective but not waterproof. At 29 lb, it's relatively light for a complete sleep system.
Pros
- Includes sleeping bags and pillows
- Lightweight for a full kit
- Sun-protective tent
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Very low peak height at 17 in
- Not waterproof
- No rainfly
Full specifications (9)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 77"L x 57"W x 74"H
- Material
- 190T PU-Coated Polyester, Metal, Polyethylene
- capacity
- 2 persons
- max_height
- 17 in
- weight
- 29 lb
- waterproof
- No
- pole_material
- fiberglass
- shape
- rectangular
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Tall solo campers needing legroom
The GFHSUIEUUUUBF i7a/A6214 is a free-standing tent with aluminum and fiberglass poles, suitable for 1-2 persons. It has a peak height of 47.24 in and a long length of 82.68"L x 31.5"W x 47.24"H, providing ample legroom. The weight is 33.07 lb, which is heavy for a solo tent but manageable for car camping.
Pros
- Long length for tall sleepers
- Waterproof
- Free-standing
- Aluminum poles
Cons
- Capacity not specified
- Heavy for its size
- Missing many specs
Full specifications (9)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 82.68"L x 31.5"W x 47.24"H
- Material
- Aluminum, Fiberglass, fabric
- max_height
- 47.24 in
- weight
- 33.07 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- pole_material
- aluminum
- free_standing
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Solo campers wanting extra gear storage
The Night Cat Cot Tent Combo is a 1-person off-the-ground tent with a front vestibule that doubles as a gear storage area. It's fully waterproof with a seam-taped rainfly and has a floor area of 16.93 sq_ft. The peak height is 40 in, so it's low but adequate for sleeping. At 18 lb, it's light enough for short backpacking trips.
Pros
- Waterproof with vestibule
- Lightweight at 18 lb
- Good ventilation
- Includes rainfly
Cons
- Only one person
- Low peak height
- Pole material not listed
Full specifications (12)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 87"L x 28"W x 40"H
- Material
- Polyester
- capacity
- 1 persons
- floor_area
- 16.93 sq_ft
- max_height
- 40 in
- weight
- 18 lb
- seasons
- 4-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- Yes
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Solo car camping with comfort
The Tangkula 10151tent is a foldable cot tent for one person, featuring a waterproof external cover and a self-inflating mattress. It has a floor area of 18.2 sq_ft and a peak height of 60 in, offering decent sitting room. The iron frame is sturdy. At 26 lb, it's mid-weight.
Pros
- Includes self-inflating mattress
- Decent peak height for solo
- Waterproof cover
- Sturdy iron frame
Cons
- Only one person
- Missing season rating
- Heavier than some solo tents
Full specifications (8)
- Color
- Green
- Material
- Oxford Fabric, Iron, FRP, PVC, PE
- capacity
- 1 persons
- floor_area
- 18.2 sq_ft
- max_height
- 60 in
- weight
- 26 lb
- waterproof
- Yes
- free_standing
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
Best for: Solo backpacking and motorcycle camping
The Night Cat Camping Cot Tent ZP-13-AGN-US is a lightweight 1-person cot tent combo with two height modes for different terrain. It weighs just 12.5 lb, making it one of the lightest cot tents available. The tent is waterproof with a rainfly, and the cot uses multiple aluminum legs for stability. The peak height is 35.4 in, so it's low, and the floor area is 16.9 sq_ft.
Pros
- Very lightweight at 12.5 lb
- Two height modes
- Waterproof rainfly
- Aluminum cot legs
Cons
- Not free-standing
- Low peak height
- Only one person
Full specifications (11)
- Color
- Green
- L x W x H
- 87"L x 28"W x 51"H
- capacity
- 1 persons
- floor_area
- 16.9 sq_ft
- max_height
- 35.4 in
- weight
- 12.5 lb
- seasons
- 3-season
- waterproof
- Yes
- shape
- rectangular
- free_standing
- No
- rainfly_included
- Yes
Specs: Amazon listing
How to choose
Why choose an off-the-ground tent?
Off-the-ground tents combine a sleeping cot with a tent, lifting you above damp ground, rocks, and insects. They're ideal for car camping, basecamps, and anywhere the ground is uneven or wet. Most models sleep one or two people, and many include a rainfly and mattress. When choosing, focus on capacity, weather protection, weight, and setup speed to match your camping style.
Capacity: solo or duo?
Most off-the-ground tents are built for one or two people. Solo models like the iClimb IC122 and Night Cat Camping Cot Tent ZP-13-AGN-US save weight and pack small, while two-person options like the TANGKULA 10152tent offer more room to stretch out. Check the floor area and peak height, taller campers will want ample headroom to sit up comfortably. If you camp with a partner, a two-person tent is worth the extra weight.
Weather protection: staying dry
A waterproof rainfly and sealed seams are essential for staying dry. Look for a high PU coating rating; the GYMAX 2-Person Camping Cot Tent and Kakadu BlockOut Cot Tent 2P both offer excellent waterproofing. A full-coverage rainfly and a bathtub-style floor keep splashes out. For backpacking-specific rain protection, see our backpacking tents for rain guide.
Weight and portability
Weight matters if you'll carry the tent any distance. The iClimb IC122 weighs just 5 lb, making it the only true backpacking option. Most two-person cot tents are heavy, which is fine for car camping but too heavy for hiking. If you need to move camp often, choose a lighter solo model like the Night Cat Camping Cot Tent ZP-13-AGN-US at 12.5 lb.
Setup and ease of use
If you want to pitch camp in minutes, look for pop-up or quick-fold designs. The Tangkula AM11832HM and GYMAX GM2284 use a pop-up frame that expands quickly. Traditional pole-and-sleeve tents take a bit longer but often feel more secure in wind. For more instant options, check our picks for instant pop up tents.
Frequently asked questions
Are off-the-ground tents worth it?
Yes, especially if you camp in damp or buggy areas. The elevated design keeps you off wet ground and away from crawling insects. Many models include a rainfly for weather protection, and the cot provides a flat, comfortable sleeping surface without needing a level tent pad.
Can you use an off-the-ground tent in winter?
Some off-the-ground tents, like the iClimb IC122 and HI SUYI LDZP-G-2w5, are rated for 4-season use. They have sturdy frames and waterproof fabrics that can handle light snow and wind. However, in deep winter, you may need additional insulation underneath the cot to stay warm.
What's the best off-the-ground tent for families?
Most off-the-ground tents are designed for one or two people. For larger groups, a traditional family tent might be better. See our guide to family camping tents for spacious options.
How do you set up a cot tent?
Setup varies by model. Pop-up designs like the Tangkula AM11832HM and GYMAX GM2284 unfold in seconds. Others use a pole-and-sleeve system that takes a few minutes. Always stake down the tent and use the included guy lines for stability in wind.
Bottom line
For most campers, the TANGKULA 10152tent offers the best balance of space and comfort. Tall campers will appreciate the headroom of the Outsunny 2-Person Tent Cot with Mattress, while the GYMAX 2-Person Camping Cot Tent excels in wet weather. Backpackers should grab the ultralight iClimb IC122. Solo adventurers have great options in the Night Cat Camping Cot Tent ZP-13-AGN-US and Night Cat Cot Tent Combo. No matter your needs, an off-the-ground tent keeps you dry and comfortable.