Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers looking to improve their sleeping without sacrificing space for their pack or back muscles, these cots with a more cushy design are a good option.
Our mom tester loved this deluxe cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi design nurseries but is also super practical with three mattress heights that will make it usable until your child reaches four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, our top budget pick is a great option for campers who want an easy way to sleep. It's simple to set up and transport and is comfortable to sleep on. This cot's large, wide base can accommodate people up to 6 feet tall, and 300 pounds. Our testers found that it was sturdy on all types of terrain. It also has a side pocket for holding items like sleeping pads, water bottles, and phones. While it's bulkier than some backpacking cots, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still easily portable and fits well into the majority of camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something more luxurious, we recommend the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot is built for two people and has an extremely comfortable sleeping area that's comfortable even without an air mattress. The cot is quilted with a surface which is a comfortable surface to lie on. It also has baffles along the sides to prevent the user from falling. This cot is extremely stable due to its sturdy aluminum and steel bars, which are connected to the massive and swiveling feet. Our test participants found it easy to set up, though the last knob that connects the main bar requires more strength from another person.
Another great option is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is similar to our top pick in terms of setup and packing. It folds in a similar fashion similar to the folding camping chair. The middle joints snap together easily. It's heavier and more spacious than the Osage river model, but it folds down into a smaller carrying case that's roughly the same size as a camp chair's carry bag. It also comes with a larger sleeping area as well as a side pocket for storage making it an ideal option for those who require a comfortable camping cot that can double as a spare guest bed at home. You can even find the cot that has a headrest attached to provide additional comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are the ideal camping cot for those who require a sturdy, lightweight cot. The cot is constructed of top-quality materials, and features an innovative foldable design that makes it easy to carry and store. It's also extremely comfortable and durable and can be used as a bed or a lounge chair.
The Onwak Cots are not only great for camping, but also great for backpacking and hiking. Its lightweight aluminum and iron construction allows it to support large loads yet still being portable. The product has also been thoroughly tested for its 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 Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal cot for couples who enjoy camping together. It is easy to install and is ready to sleep in a matter of minutes. It has many convenient features like a washable base with a padded section, as well as a mesh storage hammock. In addition, it can be used as a lounge chair and offers a variety of recline positions for a custom experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who don't need a cot that is as comfortable as a bed. The cot is simple to set up and will be ready to lie down in under two minutes. It has a large base on each leg that can be rotated to make it more suitable for 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 not the best option for hikers who backpack or backcountry trek. It's heavy and bulky to transport over long distances, making it ideal for those driving to their camping spots. The legs can be difficult to unfold and feed back into the body of the cot to store.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines precision engineered fabric with non-stretch technologies to create a lightweight camp bed that is comfortable and durable. The tensioners are patented and provide excellent tension on the bed's surface without adding additional weight. The tensioners also keep the surface of the cot from flattening out when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only drawback to this model is its high cost.
There are numerous inexpensive options for backpackers with a budget. For instance, the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half the price as the Helinox Lite Cot but is substantially heavier. The main disadvantage of the OEX is its difficulty in assembly. It isn't easy for those with smaller frames to bend five leg assemblies.
Helinox Lite Cots feature an exclusive tensioning system that includes an adjustable lever lock that makes them easier to assemble and disassemble. The lever is situated on the side of each leg. It has a pivoting arm that is able to engage the top frame bar. The other end of the lever has a tab that is compressed and is pressed to release it. This mechanism uses mechanical leverage to provide an excellent tension on the bed surface, without adding bulk or strain to the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height using the leg extensions provided. This is especially beneficial for camping in an alpine region where you might require an elevated position due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be an issue for those who are active in their sleep or have to share a space with a partner.
Like other cots, the Lite Cot requires a bit of practice to set up and disassemble. However, after a few hours, it becomes a breeze to set up and take down. It's also extremely compact and lightweight for a cot, and can fit in most cars, SUVs and vans even when they're packed with equipment. This makes it a great option for car or bike camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot makes the perfect choice if you want an easy-to-pack, lightweight and easy to set-up backpacking cot. Its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D polyester honeycomb rip stop fabric make this cot very lightweight and durable. It weighs less than five pounds, but it can carry 300 pounds of weight. It can be folded into a 7x17 inch carry bag that makes it simple to transport.
In contrast to other cots that require you to extend it from the middle it is the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend to the base of each side. This means that all you have to do is spread out the cot, then tighten the straps. It was simple to set up. However its size could not fit in certain tents.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite, while not as lightweight as other cots on this list, is still the best choice for backpacking cots. The wide feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to uneven terrain, and you can sleep in the rain.