Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots provide a more comfortable sleeping experience for backpackers, without compromising their pack space or back muscles.
This deluxe cot is a great choice for Scandi-style nurseries. It's also practical, with three mattress sizes to ensure your child is snug until they reach four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget pick and is an excellent option for campers seeking a basic sleeping solution. It's simple to set up and transport, and is comfortable to sleep on. This cot features a and wide base that can accommodate people up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds, and our testers found it to be stable on most terrain. It also has a convenient side pocket, which is great for holding gear like phones, water bottles, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is heavier than other back-packing cots, is surprisingly transportable. It can fit into the majority of camping tents for cars.
If you're looking to buy something a more luxurious then the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a great choice. The cot is able to sleep two people and is incredibly comfortable even without an inflatable mattress. The cot has a quilted surface that is comfortable to lay on. It also has baffles on the sides to prevent the user from falling. The cot is also sturdy, with heavy aluminum and steel bars that connect to large swinging legs, which makes it stable on most terrain. Our test subjects found it simple to set up, however the last knob that connects the main bar requires extra strength from a third party.
The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is another excellent choice. It's very similar to the top selection when it comes to packing and setting up. It folds down similarly to 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, however, it folds down into a smaller carrying case that's about the same size as the carry bag of the camp chair. It also comes with a larger sleeping area and a side pocket for storage that makes it a great option for those who require a comfortable camping cot that can double as a guest bed at home. You can even find a version of this cot with an attached headrest to provide additional comfort.
Onwak Cots
If you're looking for a sturdy lightweight camping cot that is light for your outdoor needs then look no further than Onwak Cots. This cot is made with top-quality materials and features an innovative foldable design that makes it easy to move and store. It's also extremely comfortable and sturdy and can be used as a bed or lounge chair.
In addition to being a fantastic cot for camping, the Onwak Cots is also ideal for hiking and backpacking. Its lightweight aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to support large loads yet still being portable. In addition, the cot has been thoroughly tested to ensure the highest quality and performance. Onwak makes use of only the highest quality materials for its products and provides reliable service even when shipping in bulk.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal cot for couples who love camping together. The cot can be assembled in just a few minutes and is ready for sleep. It is equipped with many useful features, including a washable denier base with a cushioned section as well as a mesh storage hammock. It can also serve as a chair or lounger and has multiple reclining positions to customize your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who don't want a cot as comfortable as a bed. It's easy to set up and can be ready to lie down in under two minutes. It also has a large foot at the bottom of each leg that swivels to adjust to uneven ground. It's also affordable and is available with or without a mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for car campers, it's not the best choice for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's heavy and bulky to carry for long distances, making it ideal for those driving to their camping spots. Additionally, Baby beds can be a little tricky to unfold properly and require a bit of strength to return them to the body of the cot in order to store them.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineered fabric with non-stretch technology to create a light-weight camping bed that is comfortable and durable. The tensioners are patented and provide excellent tension on the bed's surface without adding weight. The tensioners also keep the bed's surface from flattening out when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only drawback to this model is its cost.
If you're a backpacker on a tight budget there are other budget Cot options available. For instance, the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half as much than the Helinox Lite Cot but is substantially heavier. The main drawback to the OEX is that it's not as simple to put together and it can be difficult for small framed people to bend its five aluminum leg assemblies to fit.
Contrary to OEX model, the Helinox Lite Cot comes with an exclusive lever lock tensioning system that allows it to be erected and disassemble. The lever is on the side of each leg. It has a pivoting arm that engages with the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an open tab on the other end which you can press to let it go. This system makes use of mechanical leverage to provide immense tension on the bed surface without adding bulk or strain to the legs.
Another benefit of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to various heights with the included leg extensions. This is especially beneficial for camping in an alpine area where you may require an elevated position due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be a disadvantage for those who move a lot in their sleep, or who have to share a bed with a person else.
Like other cots the Lite Cot requires some practice to set up and disassemble. After a few times it's easy to pack and use. It's also extremely light and compact for a cot. It will fit easily into the majority of cars, SUVs and vans, even if they're stuffed with equipment. This makes it an excellent choice for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite cot is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, easy-to-pack and set-up backpacking cot. Its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop fabric made of polyester make this cot extremely light and robust. It weighs less than five pounds, but can support 300 pounds of weight. It can be folded into the size of a carry bag 7x17 inches that makes it simple to carry.
Unlike many other cots that require you to extend it from its middle, the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend at the base of each side. This means that all you have to do is spread out the cot and then tighten its straps. It was easy to install. However its size could not fit in some tents.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite, while not as lightweight as other cots listed here, is still the best choice for backpacking cots. Plus, its wide feet at the base of each leg swivel to adapt to uneven terrain and even let you sleep in the rain.