Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots provide a more comfortable sleeping experience for backpackers without compromising their backpack space or back muscles.
Our mum tester loved this luxury cot which looks beautiful enough to suit Scandi design nursery designs. It is also super practical with three mattress base sizes that will make it in use until your child reaches 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 seeking an easy way to sleep. It is easy to set up and impressive packing capacity and is comfortable to sleep on. This cot's large, wide base can accommodate people who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 lbs. Our testers reported that it was stable across all kinds of terrain. It also has a convenient side pocket that's great for storing items like water bottles, phone, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, while bulkier than some backpacking cots, is still portable. It can fit into the majority of camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something that's a little more lavish then the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a fantastic option. The cot is designed to sleep two people and has a sleeping area that's incredibly comfortable, even without an air mattress. The cot features a plush quilted, soft surface that's easy to lay on, as well as baffles on the sides to keep the occupants from falling off. This cot is extremely stable due to its sturdy aluminum and steel bars, which are connected to the massive, swiveling feet. It was easy to set up for our test subjects, but the last knob that connects the main bar required extra strength.
Another excellent choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is very similar to our top choice in terms of setup and packing. mini cot beds folds down similar to a folding camping chair and the middle joints snap together easily and quickly. It's slightly larger and heavier than the Osage River model but it packs down into a smaller carrying case that's the same size as the carry bag of the camp chair. It also has a bigger sleeping area and a side pocket for storage, which makes it a great option for those who require a comfortable camping cot that can double as a guest bed at home. This cot is available in a version with a headrest for additional comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are the perfect camping cot for those who require a lightweight, durable cot. This cot is unique in its design that folds and is made of top-quality materials. It's easy to store and transport. It is also extremely comfortable and sturdy and can be used as a lounge chair or bed.
The Onwak Cots are not only great for camping, but also for hiking and backpacking. Its light aluminum or iron construction permits it to easily support heavy loads while remaining portable and affordable. In addition the cot has been thoroughly tested to ensure top quality and performance. Onwak makes use of only the finest materials for its products and provides reliable service even when shipping bulk quantities.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal cot for couples who love camping together. This cot can be assembled in just a few minutes and is ready for sleep. It also comes with a variety of features that are convenient, including a washable denier cot base as well as a head section that is padded and a mesh storage hammock. It can also be used an ottoman or a lounger and comes with multiple reclining positions to customize your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who don't need a cot that is as comfortable as a bed. The cot can be put together in just two minutes. It has a large base on each leg that can be rotated to allow to uneven ground. It's also affordable and can be bought with or without a mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great choice for car campers, it's not the best option for backcountry hikers or backpackers. It's heavy and bulky to carry over long distances, so it's recommended for those driving into their camping spots. In addition legs can be difficult to fold correctly and require some strength to feed them back into the body of the cot in order to store them.
Helinox Lite Cot
The Helinox Cot One Convertible combines the highest quality engineering with non-stretch fabrics to create an ultralight camp bed that is both comfortable and durable. Its patented tensioners remove the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces and provide excellent tension to the bed surface without adding extra weight. The tensioners also stop the cot's surface from becoming flat when it is set up on uneven terrain. The only downside to this model is the price.
There are a variety of budget-friendly options for backpackers with a budget. 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 assembly. It isn't easy for people with small frames to bend five aluminium leg assemblies.
Contrary to OEX model, the Helinox Lite Cot is equipped with an exclusive lever lock tensioning system which allows it to be erected and disassemble. The lever is situated on the left side of each leg and has an arm pivoting that connects with the top frame bar. The other end of the lever is a tab that is compressed and is pressed to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this system provides great tension to the bed without putting extra weight or stress to the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height by using the leg extensions included. This is particularly useful for camping in an alpine area where you might need to be elevated due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be not ideal for people who move a lot in their sleep, or who have to share a space with a partner.
The Lite Cot is the same. It takes some practice to put it together and then take it apart. But after a few uses it's a breeze to pack and use. It's also incredibly lightweight and compact for a cot. It will fit into most cars, SUVs and vans, even when they are jam-packed with equipment. This makes it a great choice for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is an excellent choice for those looking for lightweight, easy to pack and set-up backpacking cot. Its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester make this cot extremely light and durable. It weighs less than 5 pounds, yet has a 300-pound weight capacity. It folds down into the size of a 7x17 inch carry bag, which makes it easy to store in your backpack.
The ALPS ReadyLite Cot is unlike other cots that require you to spread it out from the middle. Instead, its legs extend out at the bottom of each side. This means that all you have to do is spread the cot out and tighten the straps. We found it to be one of the simplest to set up cots and set up, though its size could make it too large to fit in some tents.
Although the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as versatile as other cots listed on this list, it's still the most affordable option for those who require a backpacking bed. Plus, its wide feet at the bottom of each leg swivel in order to adjust to uneven ground and allow you to sleep in the rain.