Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers who want to enhance their sleeping experience without sacrificing pack space or back muscles, these softer cots are a good option.
Our mum tester loved this deluxe cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi style nurseries, but is also extremely practical, with three mattress base heights that will keep it functional until your child reaches four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget pick and is a great option for campers seeking a basic sleeping solution. It is easy to set up and impressive packability and is comfortable to sleep on. The cot's huge, wide base can support those who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our testers reported that it was stable across all kinds of terrain. It has a pocket on the side to hold items such as sleeping pads, water bottles and phones. Although it's heavier than other backpacking cots, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still a great option for portable storage and fits nicely into most car camping tents.
If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious then the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a excellent choice. The cot is able to sleep two people and is extremely comfortable, even without an inflatable mattress. The cot features a plush quilted, soft surface that's easy to lie on, and baffles on the sides to stop you from falling off. The cot is extremely sturdy thanks to its heavy steel and aluminum bars that connect to the large and swiveling feet. It was simple to set up for our testers, but the last knob connecting the main bar required extra strength.
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 packability. It folds down similarly to a folding camping chair and the middle joints snap together easily and quickly. It's heavier and larger than the Osage river model however, it folds down into a smaller carrying case that's roughly the same size as a chair's carry bag. It has a larger sleeping area and an extra storage pocket on the side, making it a great choice for anyone seeking an easy camping bed that can be used as a spare bed at home. The cot comes in a model with a headrest attached for extra comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are a great camping cot if you require a sturdy, lightweight cot. This cot is made with high-quality materials and has a unique foldable design that makes it easy to store and transport. It's also incredibly comfortable and durable and can be used as a bed or lounge chair.
The Onwak Cots are not only great for camping, but also 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 superior quality and performance. Onwak uses only the best materials to create its products, and offers the best service, even when shipping in bulk.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal bed for couples who enjoy camping together. It can be set up in a matter of minutes and is ready to go to sleep. It is equipped with many useful features like a washable base with a padded section, as well as a mesh hammocks for storage. cots4totsuk can also serve as a chair or lounger, and it has multiple reclining positions to customize your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who do not require a cot as comfy as a bed. It can be set up in less than two minutes. It has a wide base on each leg that can be swiveled to adjust to uneven ground. It's also affordable and can be bought 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 hikers in the backcountry. It's heavy and bulky to carry for long distances, making it recommended for those traveling to their campsites. Additionally the legs can be difficult to unfold correctly and require a bit of strength to return them to the body of the cot in order to store them.
Helinox Lite Cot
The Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineering and non-stretch fabric to produce an ultralight camp bed that is both comfortable and durable. Its patented tensioners deliver great tension on the bed surface without adding extra weight. They also prevent the cot from flattening when it's positioned on uneven ground. The only drawback to this model is its higher price.
There are many inexpensive options for backpackers on a tight budget. The OEX Ultralite Folding Cot, for example, costs less than half the price of the Helinox Lite Cot while being considerably heavier. The primary drawback of the OEX is its difficulty in assembly. It isn't easy for those with smaller frames to bend five leg assemblies.
In contrast to OEX and the OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot has a unique lever lock tensioning system which allows it to be erected and disassemble. This lever is located at the end of each leg. It is a pivoting arm that engages the top frame bar. The other side of the lever is a compressed tab that you press to release it. The mechanical leverage of this mechanism provides an excellent tension to the bed surface without adding extra bulk or strain on the legs.
Another benefit of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to various heights by using the included leg extensions. This is especially beneficial if you are camping in an alpine region where you may require an elevated position due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the slim profile of this cot may be a disadvantage if you're an active person during the night or when you share the tent with a person.
The Lite Cot is no different. It requires some practice to put it together and then remove it from its place. However, after a few hours, it becomes a breeze to pack and use. 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 car and bike camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is a great choice for those looking for a lightweight, easy-to-pack and set-up backpacking cot. This cot is lightweight and durable due to its aluminum frame 7000 series and 420D honeycomb polyester rip-stop fabric. In actuality, it weighs less than 5 pounds and has a 300-pound weight capacity. It folds down into a 7 x 17 inch bag that makes it easy to store in your backpack.
In contrast to other cots that require you to extend it from its middle and then spread it out, the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend out at the base of each side. This means all you need to do is spread the cot and tighten its straps. It was simple to install. However, its larger size may not fit in certain tents.
While the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as versatile as other cots on this list, it's still the most affordable choice for those who require a backpacking bed. Plus, its wide feet at the base of each leg swivel in order to adapt to uneven terrain and even allow you to sleep in the rain.