Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots provide an extra comfortable sleeping experience for backpackers without sacrificing their pack space or back muscles.
Our mum test-taker loved this luxurious cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi style nurseries, but it is also very practical with three mattress sizes that will make it in use until your child is around 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 who want a simple solution to sleeping. It's easy to set up and a great packability and is also comfortable to sleep on. This cot's large, wide base can hold individuals who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our test subjects found that it was sturdy across all kinds of terrain. It also has a convenient side pocket that is ideal for storing items like phones, water bottles and sleeping pads. Although it's heavier than other backpacking cots however, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still very portable and fits well into most camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for 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 soft quilted, soft surface that's easy to lay on, as well as baffles on the sides that keep the occupants from falling off. The cot is extremely sturdy thanks to its heavy steel and aluminum bars that connect to the large and swiveling feet. Our test participants found it to be easy to set up, however the last knob that connects to the main bar requires extra strength from another person.
see more of Maine Easy Cot is an excellent option. It's very similar to the top selection when it comes to setup and packing. It folds down similarly as a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together easily and quickly. It's slightly heavier and bigger than the Osage River model, but it can be folded into a smaller carry case that's roughly the same size as the carry bag of the camp chair. It also has a larger sleeping area as well as a storage pocket on the side, which makes it a great option for anyone in need of a comfortable camping cot that doubles as a spare guest bed at home. This cot is available in a version with a headrest for additional comfort.
Onwak Cots
If you're looking for a sturdy lightweight camping cot that is light for your outdoor requirements, look no further than Onwak Cots. The cot features a unique folding design and is constructed of top-quality materials. It's easy to store and transport. It is also extremely comfortable and durable, and can be used as a lounger chair or bed.
The Onwak Cots are not just great for camping but also for hiking and backpacking. Its light aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to carry heavy loads yet still being portable. The product has also been thoroughly tested for superior quality and performance. The Onwak team utilizes the best materials for its products and offers an efficient service, even if it's shipping in bulk.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the perfect cot for couples that like camping together. The cot can be set up in a matter of minutes and is ready to go to sleep. It also comes with a variety of useful features, such as a washable denier base for the cot as well as a head section that is padded and mesh storage hammock. It can also be used as lounger or chair and has several reclining positions to tailor your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who do not require a cot as comfy as a bed. The cot can be put together in just two minutes. It also has a broad foot at the base of each leg that can be swiveled to adjust to uneven ground. It's also affordable and can be purchased 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 too heavy to transport long distances. This is why it's best for those who drive to their camping sites. The legs are difficult to unfold and feed back into the cot body for storage.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines precision engineered fabric with non-stretch technologies to create a light-weight camping bed that is durable and comfortable. Its patent-pending tensioners remove the need for bulky crossbars and braces, and provide great tension to the bed surface without adding weight. The tensioners also stop the surface of the cot from flattening when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only drawback to this model is its price.
If you're a backpacker with a tight budget there are other budget cot options to choose from. For example the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half as much than the Helinox Lite Cot but is significantly heavier. The major drawback of the OEX is that it's not as easy to put together and it can be difficult for small-framed people to bend its five aluminum leg assemblies into position.
Helinox Lite Cots come with unique tensioning systems that include a lever lock, which makes them simpler to assemble and disassemble. This lever is located at the side of each leg. It has a pivoting arm that connects to the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an uncompressed tab on the other side which you can press to release it. This system makes use of 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 by using the leg extensions that come with it. This is especially beneficial for camping in an alpine area where you may need to be elevated due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot is not ideal for people who are active in their sleep or have to share a sleeping space with a person else.
As with other cots, the Lite Cot requires some time to put it together and take it down. But after a few uses it's easy to pack and use. It's also extremely compact and lightweight for a cot and will fit easily into most cars, SUVs and vans, even if they're packed with equipment. This makes it an excellent option for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
If you're looking for a cot to travel with that is easy to carry and set up it's the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is an excellent choice. It is light and durable due to its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D honeycomb polyester rip-stop fabric. In fact, it weighs less than 5 pounds yet has a 300-pound capacity for weight. It also folds down into the size of a 7x17 inch bag that makes it easy to store in your backpack.
In contrast to other cots that require you to extend it from the middle, the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend out at the bottom of each side. This means all you need to do is spread the cot and tighten its straps. We found that it was one of the most simple cotes to set up, although its bulkier dimensions could make it difficult to fit in some tents.
While the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as versatile as other cots listed on this list, it's the most affordable option for those who require a backpacking cot. Additionally, its large feet at the base of each leg swivel to adapt to uneven terrain and even let you sleep in the rain.