Best Bed Tents

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
DATONG
Test Winner: DATONG
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If you don’t see the need for a full-on tent and the only thing you are looking for is a place to lay your head without being exposed to the elements and critters that crawl around in the night, you might be better off investing in a bed tent. While these tents have fewer features, they are portable and typically less expensive than regular camping tents. However, bed tents aren’t just made solely for outdoor use. These products affix to most standard sizes camping cots, and they are typically made from weatherproof materials that will keep you both high and dry as well as warm come bedtime.

Standout Picks

Privacy Pop
The Privacy Pop design provides users with all the things that they would want out of these products. It has zippered sides that will allow you to fully close up the unit to create darkness, which is perfect when you are hitting the hay before the sun goes down for some early morning fishing. It is not only great about keeping light out, but it will also keep the bugs and weather out as well. If you just want something that will offer you a cover, you can always opt to unzip the sides to allow for maximum airflow.
Amazon Link
DDASUMI
If you are looking for luxury- this is the ticket. The DDASUMI design is made for indoor use, but it can transform a drafty and cold cabin into a 5-star resort with its simple set up. This design is incredibly tall so that you will be able to fully sit up inside of it, and it zips up to keep the warm air inside to provide a comfortable and warm night sleep no matter how cold the room may be.
Amazon Link
BESTEN
This is another option that can be used indoor and add a little luxury and warmth to your rickey fishing cabin in the woods. It has a really high top that makes sitting down inside to read a book incredibly easy, and all four sides are able to be zipped up to provide excellent privacy when your fishing buddies are making you crazy.
Amazon Link
DATONG
Perhaps you are just looking for something that will keep the bugs at bay on those hot summer nights? Then there is no need to spend a lot of money on something that is designed to hold up to rainy weather and keep users warm- all you need is some netting. This design is made to be breathable so that you can stay cool, but it will keep the bugs away all night. Plus, it comes in at a really affordable price point.
Amazon Link
$42.19
Winterial
This is a great option for those that sleep on air mattresses, and for those that like absolute privacy. This design is made to take on the road- it comes with its own carrying case and is designed to withstand most weather conditions. If you are a camper that isn’t held back by weather, this is going to be a great addition to your gear. It does come in at a higher price tag than most, but many users find it well worth the price tag.
Amazon Link
Outsunny
Don’t have a cot to affix one of these products to? The Outsunny design actually includes not only a cot frame, but it also comes with an air mattress that is used with its durable tent design. Plus, the cost of this entire unit is only just slightly more expensive than the designs that don’t include the cot or mattress.
Amazon Link
Kamp Rite
If you are an avid camper, you probably already know that Kamp Rite makes great quality gear that will last as long as your legs can still carry you up the mountain to your campsite. What makes this unit great is that it also comes with the cot that is a cinch to set up and will keep you high and dry all night.
Amazon Link
Tangkula
The style of this unit is just a little bit different than some of the others that we have seen. It has more of a rectangle shape to promote easier air flow and more comfortable sleeping conditions. It offers great waterproof protection and it will keep the bugs off of you. This bed hoists you up 12" off of the ground, and the material along the bottom will keep the morning dew from getting you wet.
Amazon Link
Dimples Excel
This unit is made to be taken with you on the go. It comes with a simple round carrying case that is lightweight and easy to pack (however it is too big to fit into most standard suitcases), and it is a cinch to set up. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to keep the bugs at bay while camping this summer, the Dimples Excel is going to be your best bet.
Amazon Link
Cribtastic Privacy
The Cribtastic Privacy design is perfect for campers that want something that is going to keep them warm while they sleep, but also can be transformed to be used in the warmer months as well. Plus, it comes in at a really affordable price point that is worth a look.
Amazon Link

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Comfort

That’s the end goal here, is it not? There are so many things that can affect getting a full night of restful Z’s, such as being too cold, being terrorized by bugs that want to suck your blood, or from being distracted by the things going on at the campsite. We wanted to find products that would help solve all of those problems so that you could fall asleep fast. One of the things that we were really drawn to were designs that had four corners that zipped all the way up. This feature not only allows the user to maintain warmth on cooler nights, but it also helps to maintain a little bit of privacy.

Style

Of course, this was one of the more important aspects that we looked at. When researching various styles, there were often a few hiccups when it came to their level of effectiveness. For instance, the lighter models that are used primarily to keep out the spider and mosquitos often ran across the same problem- the mesh wasn’t tight enough to keep out a lot of the smaller bugs. That’s why we made sure to select models that have a mesh that would keep all the bugs off of you so that you could rest easy at night. Another thing that we considered was how well certain models were at keeping users warm. Some options out there on the market had user reviews that claimed that even when the unit was zipped up, it wasn’t great at maintaining heat and often was a little drafty. We made sure to kick those products to the curb and replace it with something that worked better at maintaining heat all throughout the night.

Features

In addition to color options, we also looked into the portability of each tent. While there are some options out there on the market designed for indoor use, that isn’t to say that they aren’t meant to travel well. Many of these products actually come with their own carrying case to allow for easy storage when not in use, or to be able to pack it up into a suitcase or the trunk of your car when heading to the cabin in the woods or the campground. One thing that we checked out when researching bed tents was the weight. The end game here is to limit the amount of weight that you are carrying around with you because some users prefer to camp with as little gear as possible. We tried to keep the weight as low as we could so you can still be able to sleep soundly without being burdened with a lot of heavy gear.

Value

The value was an important aspect that we considered because it would be a little impractical to spend more money on one of these bed tents than an actual full-size camping tent. We tried to keep the costs a little low because, in addition to purchasing one of these tents, you might have to also purchase a cot to sleep on as well- which can get a little pricey. There were some companies that included all of the things that you would need included with purchase- including the bed, mattress and sleeping bag. We tried to select products that had a price point that users found to be reasonable, but that didn’t skimp on the quality of materials used.

Top 10 Picks for Bed Tents

1. Privacy Pop

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Privacy Pop
Amazon Link

The Privacy Pop design provides users with all the things that they would want out of these products. It has zippered sides that will allow you to fully close up the unit to create darkness, which is perfect when you are hitting the hay before the sun goes down for some early morning fishing. It is not only great about keeping light out, but it will also keep the bugs and weather out as well. If you just want something that will offer you a cover, you can always opt to unzip the sides to allow for maximum airflow.

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Comfort
This unit will be great for both indoor and outdoor use. It fits on most twin sizes beds as well as camping cots, and can also be used on frames that are bigger such as a queen or full size. If you are sleeping in a room that is cold and drafty, this unit will help keep you nice and warm throughout the night, and the zip up light blocking sides will help you fall asleep in total darkness. It’s great for camping because the zip up sizes not only keep bugs and critters away while you sleep, but it also will keep the rain off of you if you encounter a summer rain.

Style
Users can select between a wide variety of different colors such as blue, pink, black, tan, purple, and green camouflage. It has a basic rectangle shape that is tall enough that it might allow some users to sit upright while still inside of the unit, but it might be a tight fit. The zippers run all the way around the side to allow users to completely open up both sides when they are ready to socialize in the morning.

Features
The entire unit weighs about 8 pounds, which is a little bit heavier than some that you might find out there, but considering the features this unit has, the weight is unsurprising. When fully set up, it is 78 inches long, 47 inches high, and 39 inches wide- making it the perfect space to curl up for some restful Z’s.

Value
The cost of this unit is just a little bit more expensive than many of the competing designs, but we feel that the added cost is worth it. Users love how easy to use and versatile this product is, and are willing to pay the slightly padded price tag for superior performance.

Summary
If you are in the market for something that is perfect to use for both indoor and outdoor use and is also made to be used in cooler and warmer climates, this is going to be your best bet to get a great night sleep for all of your adventures.

Amazon Link

2. DDASUMI

Where to buy
Amazon Link
DDASUMI
Amazon Link

If you are looking for luxury- this is the ticket. The DDASUMI design is made for indoor use, but it can transform a drafty and cold cabin into a 5-star resort with its simple set up. This design is incredibly tall so that you will be able to fully sit up inside of it, and it zips up to keep the warm air inside to provide a comfortable and warm night sleep no matter how cold the room may be.

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Comfort
Due to the fact that the product details claim that it is an inside model, it is best to be used indoor. However, the materials that are used- polyester frame with fiberglass poles- we find no reason why it couldn’t be used for sleeping outside on an existing cot. However, because it is used mainly for indoor use, set up a little more time consuming than the outdoor designs.

Style
Users can select from three different light earth tones that include pink, tan, and mint. These colors are very light and won’t block out the sun they way some of the other designs can create total darkness that is optimal for sleeping. It has a high domed ceiling that makes sitting up to read a book or relax after a long day easy, and it has a zippered opening on three sides to make it easy to gain a little privacy at the end of a long day.

Features
The entire unit weighs under 4 pounds, making it one of the lighter options to make our list. When it is fully set up, it measures to be 83 inches long, 53 inches, high, and 47 inches wide. When it is time to pack it up, it will fit inside a carrying case that measures to be only 26 inches long.

Value
This model is slightly more affordable than the Privacy Pop option, but it is still one of the more expensive designs that don’t come with an included cot. However, if you were looking for something that offered a little bit more luxury- this is going to be well worth the added cost.

Summary
For those that are looking for something that will add a little bit of warmth either at home or when you are out traveling, the DDASUMI will keep you warm and comfortable without weighing you down with a lot of extra weight and bulk.

Amazon Link

3. BESTEN

Where to buy
Amazon Link
BESTEN
Amazon Link

This is another option that can be used indoor and add a little luxury and warmth to your rickey fishing cabin in the woods. It has a really high top that makes sitting down inside to read a book incredibly easy, and all four sides are able to be zipped up to provide excellent privacy when your fishing buddies are making you crazy.

Read more

Comfort
The product details state that it is made for indoor use, but the use of polyester for the frame as well as the ease to wash it makes us feel that you could use it outdoors as well on an existing cot. The best use for this product is to keep you warm during the cooler months in spaces that are a little drafty and cold.

Style
Users can select from a variety of different color options that include pink, grey, mint, or light grey. All of the color options are very light, which doesn’t make it ideal for keeping the sun out if you happen to be going to be before the sun goes down.

Features
This unit weighs in at just under 4 pounds, which makes it one of the more lighter options to pack up and take with you on the go without weighing you down. When it is fully extended, it measures to be 51 inches tall, 41 inches wide, and 77 inches long- perfect for taller travelers.

Value
The cost of this unit is about exactly the same as the DDASUMI design. It might seem a little expensive, but if you are looking for something to place over a cot to keep you warm all throughout the night, and it lightweight enough to take almost anywhere, this is well worth the slightly padded price tag.

Summary
For those that want to take a little bit of luxury with them wherever they travel, this design will give you the added warmth and comfort that you will need to get a good night's rest no matter how cold it gets.

Amazon Link

4. DATONG

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$42.19
DATONG
Amazon Link

Perhaps you are just looking for something that will keep the bugs at bay on those hot summer nights? Then there is no need to spend a lot of money on something that is designed to hold up to rainy weather and keep users warm- all you need is some netting. This design is made to be breathable so that you can stay cool, but it will keep the bugs away all night. Plus, it comes in at a really affordable price point.

Read more

Comfort
This isn’t something that is going to keep you warm in the cooler months due to its design. It has a net-like exterior that is lightweight and breathable, and it made to simply keep the bugs off of you while you sleep so that you don’t have to worry about mosquitos or spider bites.

Style
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to the DATONG design. It has a white mesh that is held in place with a bright blue frame. Users won’t have to deal with a frustrating installation process, because its unit simply unfolds to go from flat to set up in a matter of moments. Plus, it has zippered sides to make getting in and out simple.

Features
You aren’t going to be weighed down traveling with this design because it only weighs in at just over 2 pounds. It measures to be 59 inches tall, 79 inches wide, and 71 inches long.

Value
The cost of this unit is one of the more affordable options to make our list. It will likely set you back about the same price that you would spend on two take up pizzas.

Summary
Campers that worry about spider bites and mosquitoes don’t have to worry anymore with the implementation of this product. Plus, it comes in at an affordable price point and is lightweight and easy to carry- it comes with its own carrying case.

Amazon Link
$42.19

5. Winterial

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Winterial
Amazon Link

This is a great option for those that sleep on air mattresses, and for those that like absolute privacy. This design is made to take on the road- it comes with its own carrying case and is designed to withstand most weather conditions. If you are a camper that isn’t held back by weather, this is going to be a great addition to your gear. It does come in at a higher price tag than most, but many users find it well worth the price tag.

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Comfort
The Winterial isn’t held back by any limitations. It can be used indoors to help keep users warm and isolated in drafty rooms, but it can also be placed in a carrying case and used for outdoor use as well. It is made up of dark materials to give you ultimate privacy even when you are camped out in the middle of the woods.

Style
Users can select from one color option- black. The black material is designed to keep the sun out if you intend on going to bed before the sun goes down. The darker material also helps promote more privacy from the other campers. It has a zippered size the runs along the side, and the ends have windows that allow for airflow or can be zippered shut on those cooler nights.

Features
This unit weighs in at just slightly over 4 pounds, making it a cinch to pack up and take on the go. It comes with its own carrying case so you can pack it up into your backpack or in the trunk of your car. When assembled, it measures to be 50 inches high, 74 inches long, and 53 inches wide.

Value
While this unit isn’t the most expensive design out there on the market, the price tag still packs a little bit of a punch. However, for those that need something that will work all year round, it is well worth the slightly added cost. It will likely set you back around the same price that you spent on your air mattress.

Summary
The Winterial model is perfect for taking on camping trips in the heat of the summer as well as for those cooler nights. It can take an ordinary air mattress and transform it into a place to sleep that might even be more comfortable than your bedroom at home.

Amazon Link

6. Outsunny

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Outsunny
Amazon Link

Don’t have a cot to affix one of these products to? The Outsunny design actually includes not only a cot frame, but it also comes with an air mattress that is used with its durable tent design. Plus, the cost of this entire unit is only just slightly more expensive than the designs that don’t include the cot or mattress.

Read more

Comfort
Not only does this unit comes with the cot and mattress, but it also comes with an additional sleeping bag that is perfect for those cooler nights. While users can use it as an extra place to sleep for guests, it is primarily designed for outdoor use. The material is perfect for being unzipped to breathe on hot days, and can be completely sealed at night to keep heat in and bugs out.

Style
This model only comes in one color: olive green. The cot, the materials, the sleeping bag, and even the carrying case comes in the same color green. What makes this model unique is that the cot is able to be attached from the top, so that if you don’t want to use the cot, or if you don’t want to use the top part, they can be detached and used independently.

Features
Due to the fact that is unit also comes with a cot, the weight is just a little bit more than made of the other designs. It weighs in at 29 pounds, which makes it a little bit difficult to pack into your backpack- but perfect for carrying from the car to the campsite. Once it is all set up it measures to be 64 inches high, 76.5 inches long, and 34 inches wind. It comes with a carrying case that packs up everything that is included in a long duffel bag with a shoulder strap.

Value
This unit comes in at a really incredible deal. While the price tag is a bit steep, if you consider that you not only get the tent, but you also get an air mattress, cot, sleeping bag, and carrying case- this is one of the best deals on the market and certainly worth taking a chance on if you don’t already have a cot.

Summary
The price point for the Outsunny design is one of the most competitive price-points out there on the market. If you don’t already have a cot or an air mattress- this unit is going to be your best bet on all of your future camping trips.

Amazon Link

7. Kamp Rite

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Kamp Rite
Amazon Link

If you are an avid camper, you probably already know that Kamp Rite makes great quality gear that will last as long as your legs can still carry you up the mountain to your campsite. What makes this unit great is that it also comes with the cot that is a cinch to set up and will keep you high and dry all night.

Read more

Comfort
There isn’t anything stopping you from using this unit indoors, and it might make a really great guest bed in a pinch. However, the Kamp Rite was specifically designed to be used outdoors for camping trips. It has a comfortable and sturdy frame, and the materials that make up the top portion are perfect for cooler weather and keeping bugs out.

Style
Kamp Rite only offers this design in a darker olive green shade. The darker materials are perfect for keeping out sunlight if you want to go to bed before the sun, and it is also great at promoting privacy even in the middle of the woods. It utilizes a lightweight aluminum frame that is incredibly sturdy but isn’t as heavy as some of the other models out there on the market.

Features
When fully assembled, this unit measures to be 84 inches long, 56 inches wide, and stands to be 40 inches tall. While it is a little bit longer than many of the other designs, it is just a little bit shorter and might make it difficult to sit up completely. It weighs in at a whopping 51 pounds- which means you might have a bit of a struggle if you need to carry it for long distances to your campsite.

Value
The quality of materials used for this design is reflected in the price- this is one of the most expensive designs out there on the market. However, if you need something that can really stand up to some pretty oppressive weather conditions and will last you for many years of trips, this is well worth the padded price tag.

Summary
If you don’t already have a cot to use one of these products on, the Kamp Rite design has you covered. It might cost a lot more than many of the other designs, but it is made from real solid materials that will likely be the last unit like it that you will ever need to buy.

Amazon Link

8. Tangkula

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Tangkula
Amazon Link

The style of this unit is just a little bit different than some of the others that we have seen. It has more of a rectangle shape to promote easier air flow and more comfortable sleeping conditions. It offers great waterproof protection and it will keep the bugs off of you. This bed hoists you up 12" off of the ground, and the material along the bottom will keep the morning dew from getting you wet.

Read more

Comfort
If you are at home and in a pinch, this unit can be used indoors for a pretty comfortable bed that is better than sleeping on the couch. However, it is specifically designed to be used outside by campers to help keep the bugs off of them while they sleep. Due to its design, it is not ideal for colder climates because it doesn’t have any additional features to keep you warm at night.

Style
This tent is only available in a dark green color. This unit has small legs that run along the bottom to hoist you up off the ground and serves as a cot. However, you will have to provide your own mattress pad, as one is not included. It also has a mosquito micromesh net that runs along the windows to keep air circulating and bugs from penetrating, and solid fabric along the bottom to keep dew and other moisture out.

Features
The unit weighs 29 pounds- which is pretty heavy considering that the cot is not included. If you plan to use this around the house, the weight shouldn’t be an issue. However, if you plan to go hiking or travel with this tent, you may want to look elsewhere. Once it is set up, it measures to be 84.5 inches long, 12 inches high, and 34.5 inches wide.

Value
The price of this unit is fairly average in comparison to the rest of our list. The only downside that we see here is the fact that the cot is not included. For the most part, customers are happy with this product. There were reports of one squeaky tent and one that a bit of condensation forming on the top, but nothing we found was a deal breaker.

Summary
If you want something that will lift you up off of the ground, is comfortable, and will keep the bugs away- this is a really great choice. Although it is one of the heavier tents on our list, we recommend it more for the house. However, if you do get too tired, you can always just set it up for a quick power nap!

Amazon Link

9. Dimples Excel

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Dimples Excel
Amazon Link

This unit is made to be taken with you on the go. It comes with a simple round carrying case that is lightweight and easy to pack (however it is too big to fit into most standard suitcases), and it is a cinch to set up. If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to keep the bugs at bay while camping this summer, the Dimples Excel is going to be your best bet.

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Comfort
The Dimples Excel is made specifically with campers in mind. Due to its lightweight materials, ease of setup, simple design, it’s perfect for packing up in with your gear so that you can travel light this summer. However, it is also perfect to use indoors on twin size beds for kids or for adults that might have an insect problem in their home.

Style
This unit has mesh around the edges that is small enough to keep bugs at bay but isn’t so small that it will restrict air movement. Due to the open design, it isn’t ideal for keeping heat in, so this might only be beneficial to campers that are setting up their campsite in the warmer parts of the summer.

Features
It only weighs 32.5 ounces- which is one of the lightest items to be found on our list. When it is set up, it measures to be 86.5 inches long, and 31.5 inches tall.

Value
If you are a camper that is trying not only to cut extra bulk but also cut costs- this is the best way to do it. This unit is one of the most affordable options on our list, and will likely cost you the same amount of money that you would spend filling up your gas tank before heading out on the road.

Summary
Campers that are serious about packing as lightly as they can while still having the comfort of a sheltered place to sleep will love the Dimples Excel design. Plus, it comes in at a very reasonable price point.

Amazon Link

10. Cribtastic Privacy

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Cribtastic Privacy
Amazon Link

The Cribtastic Privacy design is perfect for campers that want something that is going to keep them warm while they sleep, but also can be transformed to be used in the warmer months as well. Plus, it comes in at a really affordable price point that is worth a look.

Read more

Comfort
This product was made to be used outdoors because it is great at keeping campers warm and comfortable, while also protecting them from the elements as well as bugs. However, due to it’s easy to set up design it can also be used for indoor use to keep users warm if they are sleeping in drafty rooms.

Style
The Cribtastic Privacy comes in the color blue. It comes with the addition of a mat that is placed at the bottom that is designed to maintain heat to keep you warm throughout the night.

Features
All four sides are easily able to be unzipped if you are looking for just a little bit of cover and still want maximum airflow. When you want some more privacy, simply zip up all four sides.

Value
This is one of the more affordable options for this style. While it isn’t the most affordable option to be found on our list, it is by far the most expensive.

Summary
If you were looking for something that is going to keep you warm while sleeping through those colder nights, and comes in at an affordable price point- the Cribtastic Privacy is going to be one of your better options.

Amazon Link

Sources

  1. Stephen Regenold, Pitch This Tent Indoors To Stay Warm This Winter, Blog
  2. David Matthews, The Best Bed Tent of 2017, Buying Guide