Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers looking to enhance their sleeping experience without sacrificing space for their pack or back muscles, these softer cots are a great option.
Our mum tester loved this luxurious cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi design nursery designs. It it is also very practical with three mattress heights that will keep it usable until your child is 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 looking for a simple sleeping solution. It's easy to set up and transport and comfortable to sleep on. This cot has a large and wide base that can hold people who is 6 feet tall and 300 pounds, and our test subjects found it to be solid on any terrain. It also comes with a handy side pocket, which is great for storing items like phones, water bottles, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot although heavier than many back-packing cots, is surprisingly transportable. It fits into most camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something a little more lavish and luxurious, the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a excellent choice. The cot is able to sleep two people and is incredibly comfortable, even without an inflatable mattress. The cot is quilted with a surface that is comfortable to lay on. It also has baffles on the sides, which prevent you from falling. This cot is also extremely sturdy, with heavy aluminum and steel bars that connect to oversized, swiveling legs, which make it able to stand on any terrain. Our test subjects found it simple to set up, though the last knob that connects the main bar requires additional strength from another person.
The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is an excellent option. It is very similar to the top choice when it comes to 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 larger 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 comes with a bigger sleeping area as well as an extra storage pocket on the side making it a good option for anyone who is looking for an easy camping bed that can be used as a guest bed at home. You can also find a version of this cot with a headrest that is attached for added comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are a great camping cot for those who require a lightweight, durable cot. mini cotbed is made of high-quality materials and has a unique foldable design that makes it easy to move and store. It is also very comfortable and sturdy and can be used as a lounger or bed.
In addition to being a fantastic cot for camping, the Onwak Cots is also perfect for hiking and backpacking. Its light aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to support large loads while still remaining portable. Additionally, the cot has been thoroughly tested to ensure the highest quality and performance. Onwak uses only the best materials to make its products and provides the best service, even when shipping bulk quantities.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the ideal cot for couples who love camping together. This cot can be set up in a matter of minutes and is ready to sleep. It is equipped with many useful features like a washable base, padded section and mesh hammocks for storage. Additionally, it can be utilized as a lounger and has different reclining positions for a customizable experience.
For those who aren't seeking a cot that is as comfortable as mattress, the Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent choice. It can be set up in less than two minutes. It has a wide base on each leg that can be swiveled to adjust for uneven ground. It's also reasonably priced and comes with or without a bed mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for car campers it's not the best choice for backpackers or hikers in the backcountry. It's too heavy and hefty to transport over long distances, so it's ideal for those traveling to their campsites. The legs can be difficult to fold and feed back into the body of the cot to store.
Helinox Lite Cot
The Helinox Cot One Convertible combines precision engineering with non-stretch fabric to create an ultralight 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 stop the cot's surface from flattening out when it is set up on uneven terrain. The only drawback to this model is its cost.
If you're a backpacker with limited funds there are some other low-cost cot options available. The OEX Ultralite Folding Cot, for instance, is less than half the price of the Helinox Lite Cot while being considerably heavier. The biggest drawback of OEX is its difficulty in assembly. It can be a challenge for people with small frames to bend five leg assemblies.
Helinox Lite Cots come with unique tensioning systems that include the lever lock that makes them easier to assemble and disassemble. This lever is located at the side of each leg. It has a pivoting arm which is able to engage the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an uncompressed tab on the other side that you press to release it. This mechanism uses mechanical leverage to give you great tension to the bed, without adding bulk or stress to the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height by using the leg extensions that come with it. This is especially beneficial for camping in an alpine location where you may require a higher level due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be an issue for those who move a lot in their sleep or have to share a sleeping space with a person else.
The Lite Cot is no different. It takes some practice to put it together and then disassemble it. After a few hours, it becomes a breeze to set up and then pack. It is also extremely light and compact for a cot and fits in the majority of vans and cars with their gear. This makes it a great option for bike or car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot makes the perfect choice if you want a lightweight, easy-to-pack and set-up backpacking cot. Its aluminum 7000 series frame and 420D polyester honeycomb rip stop fabric make this cot very lightweight and sturdy. In fact, it weighs less than 5 pounds, yet has a 300-pound weight capacity. It folds down into an 7 x 17 inch bag that makes it easy to transport in your backpack.
Contrary to other cots which require you to extend it from the middle, the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend to the bottom of each side. This means all you need to do is spread the cot, then tighten the straps. It was easy to set up. However its size could not fit in some tents.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite, while not as portable as other cots in this list is still the best option for backpacking cots. Its large feet at the base of each leg can swivel to adapt to uneven terrain and allow you to sleep in the rain.