Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers who wish to improve their sleeping without sacrificing pack space or back muscles, these cushier cots are a great choice.
Our mum tester loved this luxury cot which looks beautiful enough to suit Scandi design nurseries but it is also very practical with three mattress sizes that will make it in use until your child is four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot which is our top budget pick is a great option for campers who want an easy way to sleep. It has a straightforward setup and impressive packability and is also comfortable to sleep on. The cot has a and wide base that can accommodate anyone who is 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our testers found it stable on most terrain. It also comes with a handy side pocket, which is great to store items such as water bottles, phone, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, while bulkier than some back-packing cots is still easily transportable. It fits into most camping tents for cars.
If you want something more luxurious, we recommend the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot can accommodate two people and is extremely 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 to keep the occupants from falling off. This cot is extremely stable due to its sturdy aluminum and steel bars, that connect to the large, swiveling feet. It was simple to set up for our testers, however 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 selection when it comes to setup and packing. It folds down similarly to a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together easily and quickly. It's a bit heavier and bigger than the Osage River model however, it folds down into a smaller carry case that's the same size as the bag that comes with the camp chair. It also has a bigger sleeping area, as well as a storage pocket on the side making it a great choice for anyone who needs a comfortable camping cot that can also double as a spare guest bed at home. This cot is available in a model that has a headrest to provide added comfort.
Onwak Cots
If you're looking for a durable lightweight camping cot that is light for your outdoor needs, take a look at the Onwak Cots. This cot is unique in its folding design and is made of top quality materials. It's easy to store and move. It's also incredibly comfortable and sturdy and can be used as a bed or a lounge chair.
The Onwak Cots are not only great for camping, but also great for backpacking and hiking. Its light aluminum and iron construction allows it to support heavy loads, while still remaining portable. Additionally, the cot has been rigorously tested to ensure top quality and performance. Onwak uses only the best rated cribs materials for its products, and provides the best service, even when shipping bulk quantities.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the ideal cot for couples who love camping together. The cot can be assembled in just a few minutes and is ready to go to sleep. It also comes with a variety of useful features, such as the ability to wash the base of the cot as well as a head section that is padded and mesh storage hammock. It can also serve as a chair or lounger, and it has various reclining positions that can be customized to your experience.
For those who aren't looking for a cot as comfortable as a mattress The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option. This cot can be set up in less than two minutes. It has a broad base at each leg that can be rotated to make it more suitable for uneven ground. In addition, it's very affordable and can be bought with or without a mattress.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent choice for car campers. However, it's probably not the best rated cribs option for hikers who backpack or backcountry trek. It's too heavy to carry long distances. This is why it's better for those who drive to their campsites. In addition the legs can be difficult to fold correctly and require some strength to return them to the body of the cot in order to store them.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineered fabric with non-stretch technology to make a lightweight camp bed that is comfortable and durable. The patented tensioners provide great tension on the bed's surface without adding weight. The tensioners also prevent the surface of the cot from flattening out when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only downside to this model is its premium price.
There are a variety of affordable cots options for backpackers on a tight budget. For instance the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half the price as the Helinox Lite Cot but is significantly heavier. The major drawback of the OEX is that it's not as simple to assemble and may be difficult for small framed people to bend its five aluminium leg assemblies into place.
Contrary to OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot has a unique lever lock tensioning system which makes it easier to erect and disassemble. The lever is situated on the end of each leg. It has a pivoting arm that engages the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with a compressed tab on the other side that you press to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this mechanism provides an excellent tension to the bed without adding bulk or strain on the legs.
Another benefit of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to different heights with the included leg extensions. This is particularly useful when camping in an alpine location in which you'll need to be elevated due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the low-profile of this cot may be a disadvantage if you're moving a lot during the night or if you have to share your tent with another.
Like other cots the Lite Cot requires some practice to set up and disassemble. After a few times, it becomes a breeze to use and pack. It is also extremely light and compact for a cot, and can be tucked away in most cars and vans with their gear packed. This makes it an excellent choice for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is an excellent option if you are looking for a lightweight, easy-to-pack and set-up backpacking cot. The cot is light and durable due to its aluminum frame of the 7000 series and the 420D honeycomb rip-stop polyester fabric. In fact, it weighs less than 5 pounds yet has a 300-pound capacity for weight. It folds into the size of a 7x17 inch bag that makes it easy to transport in your backpack.
The ALPS ReadyLite Cot is unlike other cots, which require you to spread it out from the middle. Instead the legs extend at the bottom of each side. This means that all you need to do is spread the cot and tighten the straps. It was simple to install. However its size could not fit in certain tents.
Although the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as mobile as the other cots listed on this list, it's the most affordable choice for those who require a backpacking cot. The wide feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to accommodate uneven terrain and you can sleep in the rain.