Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots provide a more comfortable sleeping experience for backpackers, without compromising their backpack space or back muscles.
Our mom tester loved this deluxe cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi design nursery designs. It is also extremely 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 is our top budget choice, is a great option for campers looking for an easy way to sleep. It's easy to set up and impressive packing capacity and is comfortable to sleep on. The cot's huge, wide base can accommodate individuals who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our test subjects found that it was sturdy on all terrains. It also has a convenient side pocket, which is great for holding gear like water bottles, phone, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is heavier than other backpacking cots, is still portable. It fits into most car camping tents.
If you're looking to buy something a more luxurious, the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a fantastic option. The cot can accommodate two people and is incredibly comfortable even without an inflatable mattress. The cot has a soft, quilted surface that's comfortable to lie on, as well as baffles on the sides that keep you from falling off. This cot is extremely stable due to its sturdy aluminum and steel bars, which connect to the oversized swinging feet. cribs was simple to set up for our test subjects, but the last knob connecting to the main bar required additional strength.
The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is another great option. It is very similar to the top pick when it comes to packing and setting up. It folds in a similar fashion as a folding camping chair. The middle joints snap together quickly. It's slightly larger and heavier than the Osage River model however, it folds down into a smaller carrying case that's the same size as the bag that comes with the camp chair. It also comes with a larger sleeping area as well as an additional storage compartment on the side that makes it a great option for anyone in need of a comfortable camping cot that doubles as a spare guest bed at home. There is even the cot with an attached headrest for added comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are a great camping cot if you need a lightweight, durable cot. This cot has a unique design that folds and is made of high-quality materials. It's easy to store and transport. It is also extremely comfortable and sturdy and can be used either as a lounger or bed.
In addition to being a great cot for camping In addition, the Onwak Cots is also perfect for hiking and backpacking. Its lightweight iron and aluminum construction makes it easy to support heavy loads, yet still being portable. Additionally the cot has been rigorously tested to ensure top quality and performance. The Onwak team makes use of the finest materials for its products, and also provides reliable service, even when it's shipping in bulk.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the ideal cot for couples who love camping together. It is easy to install and is ready for sleeping within minutes. It comes with a variety of 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 multiple reclining positions to customize your experience.
If you're not seeking a cot that is as comfortable as mattress and isn't too expensive, the Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option. The cot is simple to set up and can be ready for you to lay down in less than two minutes. It has a broad base at each leg which can be rotated to allow to uneven ground. It's also affordable and comes with or without a mattress.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent choice for car campers. However, it's not the best choice for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's too heavy and hefty to carry over long distances, which is why it's recommended for those traveling to their campsites. In addition legs can be a little tricky to unfold properly and require some strength to bring them back into the body of the cot for storage.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines precision engineered fabric with non-stretch technologies to create an ultra-lightweight camp bed that is durable and comfortable. Its patent-pending tensioners remove the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces and provide excellent tension to the bed's surface without adding additional weight. The tensioners also prevent the surface of the cot from flattening when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only drawback to this model is its high price point.
If you're a backpacker with a tight budget, there are other affordable cot options available. The OEX Ultralite Folding Cot, for instance, is less than half the cost of the Helinox Lite Cot while being considerably heavier. The main drawback to the OEX is that it's not as simple to assemble and can be difficult for small framed people to bend its five aluminium leg assemblies into position.
In contrast 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 left side of each leg and has a pivoting arm that engages with the top frame bar. The other side of the lever is an uncompressed tab that is pressed to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this system gives immense tension to the bed without adding extra bulk or stress on the legs.
Another advantage of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to different heights by using the included leg extensions. This is especially beneficial when 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 around a lot during 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 hours, it becomes easy to use and pack. It is also incredibly lightweight and compact for a cot, and will fit into the majority of vans and cars with their gear packed. This makes it an excellent choice for bike or car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite cot is an excellent option if you are looking for an easy-to-pack, lightweight and easy to set-up backpacking cot. Its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop fabric made of polyester make this cot very lightweight and robust. It weighs less than 5 pounds, yet it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It folds into an 7 x 17 inch bag that makes it easy to store in your backpack.
Unlike many other cots that require you to expand it from the middle, the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend out at the base of each side. This means all you have to do is spread the cot, then tighten its straps. We found that it was one of the simplest cotes to set up however its larger dimensions could make it difficult to fit in some tents.
Although the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as versatile as other cots on this list, it's the most affordable choice for backpackers who need a bed. Its wide feet at the bottom of each leg swivel in order to adapt to uneven terrain and even allow you to sleep in the rain.