Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers looking to improve their sleeping without sacrificing space for their pack or back muscles, these cushier cots are a good option.
Our mum tester loved this deluxe cot that is beautiful enough to fit Scandi style nurseries, but is also super practical with three mattress base heights that will keep it usable 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 choice for campers looking for an easy solution to sleep. It's easy to set up and take down and is comfortable to sleep on. The cot's wide, large base can hold those who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our test subjects found that it was sturdy on most types of terrain. It also has a side pocket to store items such as sleeping pads, water bottles, and phones. While it's bulkier than some backpacking cots however, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still a great option for portable storage and fits well into most car camping tents.
If you want something more luxurious, we suggest the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot can sleep two people and is incredibly comfortable, even without an inflatable mattress. The cot comes with a soft quilted surface that's comfy to lay on, as well as baffles on the sides to stop the occupants from falling off. The cot is also sturdy, with heavy steel and aluminum bars that connect to large and swiveling legs, making it stable on most terrain. Our test participants found it to be easy to set up, however the last knob connecting to the main bar requires more strength from another person.
Another excellent choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is very similar to our top pick in terms of set-up and packing. It folds in a similar fashion similar to a folding camping chair. The middle joints snap together easily. It's heavier and bigger than the Osage river model, but it folds into a smaller carry case that's roughly the same size as a camping chair's carry bag. It comes with a bigger sleeping area as well as an additional storage compartment on the side, making it a great option for those seeking an easy camping bed that can also be used as a spare bed at home. There is even the cot that has a headrest attached for additional comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are the perfect camping cot if you require a lightweight, durable cot. The cot is constructed of top-quality materials and features a unique foldable design that makes it easy to move and store. It's also extremely comfortable and sturdy and can be used as a bed or a lounge chair.
The Onwak Cots are not just ideal for camping but also for backpacking and hiking. Its lightweight aluminum and iron construction allows it to carry heavy loads yet still being portable. The cot has also been rigorously tested for superior quality and performance. The Onwak team uses the highest-quality materials for its products and offers reliable service, even when it's shipping in large quantities.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal bed for couples who enjoy camping together. It is easy to install and is ready to sleep in just a few minutes. It also has a number of convenient features, including the ability to wash the base of the cot, padded head section, and a hammock for storage. It can also be used as lounger or chair and has multiple reclining positions to customize your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who do not need a cot that is as comfortable as a bed. It can be put together in just two minutes. It also has a large foot at the base of each leg that can be swiveled to adjust to uneven ground. It's also affordable and can be bought with or without a mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for car campers it's not the best option for backcountry hikers or backpackers. It's too heavy and hefty to carry for long distances, which is why it's recommended for those traveling to their camping spots. The legs are a bit difficult to fold and feed back into the cot body to store.
Helinox Light Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines the highest quality fabric engineered by a specialist with non-stretch technology to create a lightweight camp bed that is durable and comfortable. The tensioners are patented and provide excellent tension on the bed surface without adding extra weight. They also prevent the cot from becoming flat when it's positioned on uneven ground. The only drawback to this model is its higher price point.
If you're a backpacker with limited funds there are some other low-cost cot options available. The OEX Ultralite Folding Cot, for example, costs less than half the cost of the Helinox Lite Cot while being significantly heavier. The main disadvantage of the OEX is its difficulty assembly. It isn't easy for people with smaller frames to bend five aluminium leg assemblies.
Contrary to OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot comes with an exclusive lever locking tensioning system that allows it to be erected and disassemble. most recommended cribs is on the side of each leg and has an arm pivoting that connects with the top frame bar. The other end of the lever has an uncompressed tab that is pressed to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this mechanism provides an excellent tension to the bed without adding extra bulk or stress 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 extremely useful for camping in an alpine environment where you may need to get away from the ground due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot is a disadvantage for those who are active in their sleep or have to share a sleeping space with a person else.
The Lite Cot is no different. It requires some practice to set it up and disassemble it. After a few times it's easy to pack and use. It is also incredibly lightweight and compact for a cot and will fit into the majority of vans and cars, with their gear. This makes it a great choice for bike or 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 a good choice. Its aluminum 7000 series frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop fabric made of polyester makes this cot extremely 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 carry bag, which makes it easy to store in your backpack.
The ALPS ReadyLite Cot is unlike other cots, which require you to spread it out from the middle. Instead its legs extend at the bottom of each side. This means that all you have to do is spread the cot out and tighten the straps. It was simple to set up. However its bigger size might not fit in some tents.
Although the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as mobile as the other cots listed on this list, it's the best affordable option for those who require a backpacking cot. The large feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to uneven terrain and you can even sleep in the rain.