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 deluxe cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi design nursery designs. It is also super practical with three mattress sizes that will make it functional until your child is four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget choice and an ideal choice for campers who are seeking a basic sleeping solution. It has a straightforward setup and a great packability and is also comfortable to sleep on. The cot's wide, large base can accommodate those who are up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our testers reported that it was stable on most types 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 however, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still very portable and fits well into the majority of car camping tents.
If you're looking to buy something a more luxurious then the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a fantastic option. The cot is designed to sleep two and has a sleeping area that's incredibly comfortable, even without an air mattress. The cot comes with a soft quilted surface that's comfy to lie on, as well as baffles on the sides that keep you from falling off. This cot is extremely stable thanks to its heavy aluminum and steel bars, that connect to the large, swiveling feet. Our test subjects found it simple to set up, though the last knob connecting to the main bar requires extra strength from another person.
Another great option is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is very similar to our top pick in terms of set-up and packability. It folds down similar to a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together easily and quickly. It's heavier and bigger than the Osage river model, but it folds into a smaller carry bag which is about the same size as a camping chair's carry bag. It comes with a bigger sleeping area as well as a side storage pocket making it a good choice for anyone looking for a comfortable camping bed that can also 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 lightweight, durable cot. This cot is made of high-quality materials and has 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.
In addition to being a fantastic cot for camping, the Onwak Cots is also great for backpacking and hiking. Its lightweight iron or aluminum construction allows it to easily support heavy loads while remaining portable and affordable. The Cot has also been rigorously tested for superior quality and performance. The Onwak team utilizes the best infant cribs materials for its products and offers reliable service, even when it's shipping in large quantities.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the perfect cot for couples that love camping together. This cot can be set up in a matter of minutes and is ready to sleep. It also comes with a variety of features that are convenient, including a washable denier base for the cot as well as a head section that is padded and a mesh storage hammock. Additionally, it can be utilized as a lounger and has different recline positions for a custom experience.
For those who aren't seeking a cot that is as comfortable as a mattress, the Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent choice. It's easy to set up and can be ready for you to lie down in under two minutes. It has a wide base at each leg which can be rotated to make it more suitable for uneven ground. It's also reasonably priced and comes with or without a bed mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for car campers it's not the ideal choice for backpackers or hikers in the backcountry. It's heavy and bulky to carry over long distances, making it ideal for those driving to their camping spots. Additionally legs can be a little difficult to unfold correctly and require a bit of strength to return them to the body of the cot for storage.
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 eliminate the need for bulky crossbars and braces and provide excellent tension to the bed surface without adding additional weight. They also keep the cot from flattening when it's placed on uneven ground. The only downside to this model is its higher price.
If you're a backpacker with limited funds, there are other affordable cot options to choose from. The OEX Ultralite Folding Cot, for example, costs less than half the price of the Helinox Lite Cot while being significantly heavier. The primary drawback of the OEX is its difficulty in assembly. It can be difficult for people with smaller frames to bend five leg assemblies.
Contrary to 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 bottom of each leg. It is a pivoting arm that engages the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with a compressed tab on the other end that you can press to release it. This mechanism uses mechanical leverage to create great tension to the bed without adding bulk or strain to the legs.
Another benefit of the Lite cheap cot bed is that it can be adjusted to various heights by using the included leg extensions. This is a huge benefit if you're camping in an alpine area where you'll have to be away from the ground due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be not ideal for people who are active in their sleep or have to share a space with someone else.
As with other cots to tots, the Lite Cot requires some time to put it together and take it down. After a few times, it's easy to use and take it with you when packing. 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 an excellent option for car and bike camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
If you're looking for a backpacking cot that is easy to pack and set up it's the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is a great choice. Its 7000 series aluminum design frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester make this cot extremely light and durable. In fact, it weighs less than 5 pounds yet has a 300-pound capacity for weight. It folds down into the size of a 7x17 inch bag that 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 need to do is spread the cot out and tighten the straps. It was simple to set up. However its bigger size might not be suitable for some tents.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite, while not as mobile as the other cots listed here, is still the best infant cribs option for backpacking cots. The large feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to accommodate uneven terrain and you can even sleep in the rain.