Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots offer a more comfortable sleeping experience for backpackers, without compromising their space in their packs or back muscles.
Our mom tester loved this deluxe cot that looks beautiful enough to suit Scandi design nursery designs. It is also extremely practical, with three mattress heights that will keep it functional until your child is four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot which is our top budget pick is a great choice for campers who want an easy solution to sleep. It is easy to set up and a great packability, and it's also comfortable to sleep on. This cot's large, wide base can accommodate those who are with a height of up to 6 feet, and 300 pounds. Our test subjects found that it was stable on all types of terrain. It has a side pocket for holding items like sleeping pads, water bottles and phones. While it's bulkier than some backpacking cots however, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still a great option for portable storage and fits well into the majority of car camping tents.
If you're looking for something that's a little more luxurious, we suggest 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 comes with a soft quilted surface that's comfy to lie on, and baffles on the sides to stop you from falling off. The cot is also sturdy, with thick aluminum and steel bars that join to huge, swiveling legs, which makes it stable on all terrains. Our test subjects found it easy to set up, however the last knob connecting to the main bar requires extra strength from a third party.
Another option that is a great choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is similar to our top pick in terms of set-up and packing. It folds down similar as a folding camp chair, and the middle joints snap together quickly and easily. It's a bit larger and heavier than the Osage River model however, it folds down into a smaller carry case that's the same size as the bag that comes with a camp chair. It also has a larger sleeping area, as well as a storage pocket on the side making it a great option for those who require a comfortable camping cot that doubles as a guest bed at home. You can even find an alternative version of this cot with a headrest that is attached for additional comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are a great camping cot for those who require a sturdy, lightweight cot. The cot is constructed of high-quality materials and has an unique foldable design that makes it easy to store and transport. It is also very comfortable and durable and can be used as a lounger or bed.
The Onwak Cots are not only great for camping, but also for hiking and backpacking. Its light aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to support heavy loads, while still remaining portable. Additionally, the cot has been rigorously tested to ensure top quality and performance. The Onwak team makes use of the finest materials to make its products and offers the best service, even when it's shipping in large quantities.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal cot for couples who enjoy camping together. This cot can be assembled in just a few minutes and is ready to go to sleep. It also comes with a range of useful features, such as the ability to wash the base of the cot as well as a head section that is padded and a hammock for storage. Additionally, it can be used as a lounge chair and offers a variety of reclining positions for a customizable experience.
For those who aren't looking for a cot as comfortable as a mattress The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option. It can be set up in just two minutes. It also has a broad foot at the base of each leg that can be swiveled to adapt to uneven ground. It is also very affordable and comes with or without a bed mattress.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option for car campers. However, it's probably not the best option for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's too heavy to transport long distances. This is the reason it's best suited for those who drive to their camping sites. The legs are a bit difficult to unfold and feed back into the body of the cot to store.
Helinox Light Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineered fabric with non-stretch technology to make a lightweight camp bed that is durable and comfortable. The patented tensioners remove the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces and provide excellent tension to the bed's surface without adding weight. They also stop the cot from flattening when it's positioned on uneven ground. mini cotbed 's only downside is the cost.
There are numerous inexpensive options for backpackers with a budget. For example the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half the price than the Helinox Lite Cot but is significantly heavier. The main drawback to the OEX is that it's not as easy to assemble and can be difficult for small framed people to bend its five aluminium leg assemblies to fit.
Helinox Lite Cots feature an exclusive tensioning system that includes a lever lock, which makes them much easier to put together and disassemble. The lever is on the side of each leg and features an arm pivoting that connects with the top frame bar. The other end of the lever has a compressed tab that is pressed to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this system provides immense tension to the bed without adding bulk or strain on the legs.
Another benefit of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to different heights using the leg extensions. This is particularly useful if you are camping in an alpine area in which you'll need to be elevated due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the slim profile of this cot can be a problem if an active person in your sleep or when sharing the tent with a person.
Like other cots, the Lite Cot requires a bit of practice to set up and take down. After a few times, it becomes easy to set up and then pack. It's also incredibly light and compact for a cot, and can fit in most cars, SUVs and vans, even when they are jam-packed with gear. This makes it an excellent option 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. Its aluminum 7000 series frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester makes this cot extremely lightweight and durable. In actuality, it weighs less than 5 pounds yet has a 300-pound weight capacity. It folds down into a 7 x 17 inch carry bag, which makes it easy to transport in your backpack.
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 need to do is spread the cot out and then tighten the straps. We found it to be one of the simplest cots to set up, although its bulkier size could cause it to be too big to fit into some tents.
While the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as portable as some of the other cots on this list, it's still the most affordable option if you need a backpacking coffin. Additionally, its large feet at the base of each leg can swivel to adjust to uneven ground and even let you sleep in the rain.