Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots offer the most comfortable sleep for backpackers without sacrificing their pack space or back muscles.
This deluxe cot is a great option for nurseries that are Scandi-style. It's also practical and has three mattress heights that will keep your child snug until they reach four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our best budget pick and is a great option for campers seeking a simple sleeping solution. It has a straightforward setup and a great packability, and it's also comfortable to sleep on. The cot has a and wide base that can accommodate people who is 6 feet tall and 300 pounds, and our testers found it solid on any terrain. It also has a convenient side pocket that is ideal for holding gear like phones, water bottles and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, while bulkier than some backpacking cots, is still portable. It can be easily incorporated into most car camping tents.
If you're looking for something more luxurious, we suggest the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot can sleep two people and is extremely comfortable even without an inflatable mattress. The cot features a plush quilted surface that's comfy to lay on, as well as baffles on the sides to keep you from falling off. This cot is extremely stable due to its sturdy steel and aluminum bars that connect to the large and swiveling feet. Our testers found it simple to set up, though the last knob connecting to the main bar requires extra strength from a third party.
Another great option is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is similar to our top choice in terms of setup and packing. It folds down similarly as a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together easily and quickly. It's a little larger and heavier than the Osage River model, but it can be folded into a smaller carrying case that's the same size as the carry bag of the camp chair. It offers a more spacious sleeping area as well as a side storage pocket making it a good option for those looking for a comfortable camping bed that can be used as a guest bed at home. The cot comes in a model that has a headrest to provide added comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are the ideal camping cot if you require an affordable, lightweight cot. The cot is constructed of high-quality materials and has an innovative foldable design that makes it easy to move and store. It is also extremely comfortable and durable and can be used as a lounger or bed.
In addition to being a fantastic cot for camping, the Onwak Cots is also ideal for hiking and backpacking. Its light aluminum or iron construction permits it to easily support large loads while remaining compact and affordable. The product has also been thoroughly tested to ensure superior quality and performance. The Onwak team makes use of the finest materials to make its products and provides the best service, even when it's shipping in huge quantities.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the ideal cot for couples who enjoy camping together. It can be set up in a matter of minutes and is ready to go to sleep. It also comes with a variety of useful features, such as the ability to wash the base of the cot, padded head section, and mesh storage hammock. It can also be used an ottoman or a lounger and has several reclining positions to tailor your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great alternative for those who don't require a cot as comfy as a bed. This cot can be put together in just two minutes. It also has a broad foot at the bottom of each leg that can be swiveled to adapt to uneven ground. It's also reasonably priced and includes or without a mattress.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent choice for car campers. However, it's not the best option for hikers who backpack or backcountry trek. It's heavy and bulky to carry over long distances, making it ideal for those driving into their camping spots. Additionally, the legs can be a little difficult to fold correctly and require a bit of strength to feed them back into the body of the cot to store them.
Helinox Light Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineered fabric with non-stretch technologies to create an ultra-lightweight camp bed that is durable and comfortable. The patented tensioners eliminate the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces and deliver great tension to the bed surface without adding extra weight. They also keep the cot from becoming flat when it's placed on uneven ground. This model's only downside is its high cost.
There are numerous budget-friendly options for backpackers with a budget. For instance the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half the price than the Helinox Lite Cot but is substantially heavier. The main disadvantage of the OEX is its difficulty assembly. It isn't easy for people with smaller frames to bend five aluminium leg assemblies.
Unlike the OEX and the OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot comes with a unique lever lock tensioning system which makes it easier to erect and disassemble. The lever is situated on the left side of each leg and features an arm pivoting that connects with the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an uncompressed tab on the other end which you can press to release it. This system makes use of mechanical leverage to give you great tension on the bed surface, without adding bulk or strain to the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height by using the leg extensions included. This is particularly useful for camping in an alpine area where you may require a higher level due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the low-profile of this cot may be a problem if you're a big mover during the night or when you share the tent with a person.
As with other cots, the Lite Cot requires some time to put it together and take it down. After a few times, it becomes a breeze to use and take it with you when packing. It is also extremely light and compact for a cot, and can be tucked away in the majority of vans and cars with their gear. This makes it a great choice for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is the perfect option if you are looking for a lightweight, easy-to-pack and set-up backpacking cot. It is light and durable thanks to its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D honeycomb polyester rip-stop fabric. In fact, it weighs less than 5 pounds, yet has a 300-pound capacity for weight. It folds into a 7x17 inch carry bag that makes it simple to carry.
The ALPS ReadyLite Cot is unlike other cots, which require you to spread it out from the middle. Instead its legs extend at the bottom of each side. This means that all you have to do is spread the cot out and tighten the straps. We found that it was one of the easiest cotes to set up, although its bulkier size may cause it to be too big to fit into some tents.
Although the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as versatile as other cots on this list, it's the most affordable option if you need a backpacking coffin. The wide feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to uneven terrain and you can sleep in the rain.