Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers looking to elevate their sleeping experience without sacrificing space in their pack or back muscles, these cots with a more cushy design are a great option.
Our mom tester loved this deluxe cot that looks beautiful enough to suit Scandi design nurseries but is also extremely practical, with three mattress base heights that will make it functional until your child is around four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget pick and is a great choice for campers who are looking for a simple sleeping solution. It's easy to set up and transport, and is comfortable to sleep on. The cot's huge, wide base can hold those who are who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our testers reported that it was stable on all types of terrain. It also has a side pocket to store items such as sleeping pads, water bottles, and phones. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is heavier than other back-packing cots, is surprisingly portable. It can fit into the majority of camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something that's a little more luxurious, we suggest the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot is designed for two and has an extremely comfortable sleeping area that's comfortable, even without an air mattress. The cot has a soft, quilted surface that's comfortable to lie on, and baffles on the sides that prevent the occupants from falling off. This cot is also extremely robust, with a thick steel and aluminum bars that join to huge swinging legs, which makes it stable on most terrain. Our test subjects found it to be easy to set up, but the last knob connecting to the main bar requires additional strength from a third party.
Another excellent choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is very similar to our top choice in terms of setup and packing. It folds down in a similar way as a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together quickly and easily. It's heavier and more spacious than the Osage river model but it folds into a smaller carrying case which is about the same size as a camping chair's carry bag. It also comes with a larger sleeping area and an additional storage compartment on the side making it a great option for anyone in need of a comfortable camping cot that can double as a spare guest bed at home. This cot is available in a version with a headrest for extra comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are a great camping cot for those who require a lightweight, durable cot. The cot features a unique design that folds and is made of top-quality materials. It's easy to store and move. It's also extremely comfortable and durable, and can be used as a bed or a lounge chair.
The Onwak Cots are not just ideal for camping, but also great for hiking and backpacking. This Internet page and iron construction makes it easy to carry heavy loads yet still being portable. In addition the cot has been rigorously tested to ensure top quality and performance. The Onwak team utilizes the best materials to craft its products and offers an efficient service, even if it's shipping in large quantities.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the ideal cot for couples who enjoy camping together. This cot can be set up in minutes and is ready to sleep. It is equipped with many useful features like a washable base with a cushioned section as well as a mesh storage hammock. It can also serve as an ottoman or a lounger and comes with several reclining positions to tailor your experience.
If you're not looking for a cot that's as comfortable as mattress and isn't too expensive, the Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option. This cot is easy to set up and can be set up to lay down in less than two minutes. It also has a broad foot at the base of each leg that can be swiveled to adjust to uneven ground. In addition, it's very affordable and is available with or without a mattress.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option for car campers. However, it's probably not the best choice for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's heavy and bulky to transport over long distances, making it best for those who are driving to their campsites. In addition the legs can be a little difficult to unfold correctly and require some strength to feed them back into the body of the cot for storage.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines the highest quality fabric engineered by a specialist with non-stretch technology to create a lightweight camp bed that is comfortable and durable. The patented tensioners eliminate the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces and provide excellent tension to the bed's surface without adding weight. They also keep the cot from becoming flat if it's set up on uneven ground. The only drawback to this model is its higher price point.
If you're a backpacker on limited funds there are some other low-cost cot options to choose from. For example the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half than the Helinox Lite Cot but is substantially heavier. The biggest drawback with the OEX is that it's not as straightforward to put together and it can be difficult for small-framed people to bend its five aluminium leg assemblies into place.
In contrast to OEX model, the Helinox Lite Cot comes with a unique lever locking tensioning system that allows it to be erected and disassemble. This lever is located at the side of each leg. It has a pivoting arm which connects to the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an open tab on the other side that you press to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this system gives great tension to the bed without adding bulk or stress to the legs.
Another advantage of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to various heights with the included leg extensions. This is especially beneficial when camping in an alpine region in which you'll require a higher level due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the slim profile of this cot may be a disadvantage if you're an active person in your sleep or when you share a tent with someone.
The Lite Cot is no different. It requires some practice to install it and then remove it from its place. But after a few uses, it becomes a breeze to pack and use. It's also extremely light and compact for a cot. It will fit in the majority of SUVs, cars and vans, even if they're stuffed with gear. This makes it an excellent choice for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is a great choice if you want lightweight, easy to pack and set-up backpacking cot. It is light and durable thanks to its aluminum frame 7000 series and 420D honeycomb polyester rip-stop fabric. It weighs less than 5 pounds, but it can carry 300 pounds of weight. It also folds down into a 7 x 17 inch carry bag, which makes it easy to transport in your backpack.
In contrast to other cots that require you to extend it from its middle it is the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend out at the base of each side, which means all you have to do is spread the cot and then tighten the straps. It was easy to set up. However, its larger size may not be suitable for some tents.
While the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as portable as some of the other cots listed on this list, it's the most affordable choice for those who require a backpacking coffin. Additionally, its wide feet at the bottom of each leg can swivel to adapt to uneven terrain and even let you sleep in the rain.