Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers who wish to improve their sleeping without sacrificing space for their pack or back muscles, these cots with a more cushy design are a great choice.
Our mum test-taker loved this deluxe cot that is beautiful enough to fit Scandi style nurseries, but it is also very practical with three mattress sizes that will make it usable 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 option for campers seeking an easy way to sleep. It's easy to set up and transport, and is comfortable to sleep on. This cot's large, wide base can hold those who are with a height of up to 6 feet and 300 lbs. Our testers reported that it was stable on most terrains. It also has a handy side pocket that's great for storing items like water bottles, phone, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is heavier than other back-packing cots is still easily portable. It can fit into the majority of car camping tents.
If you're looking to buy something a bit more luxurious, the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a great choice. look these up is designed to sleep two people and features an extremely comfortable sleeping area that's comfortable even without an air mattress. The cot comes with a soft quilted, soft surface that's easy to lay on, and baffles on the sides that stop you from falling off. This cot is also extremely robust, with a thick steel and aluminum bars that connect to large and swiveling legs, making it stable on most terrain. Our test participants found it easy to set up, but the last knob connecting to the main bar requires extra strength from a third party.
Another excellent choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is similar to our top pick in terms of setup and packing. It folds in a similar way similar to the folding camping chair. The middle joints snap together quickly. It's a bit larger and heavier than the Osage River model but it packs down into a smaller case that's the same size as the carry bag of the camp chair. It also has a bigger sleeping area as well as a side pocket for storage making it an excellent choice for anyone who needs a comfortable camping cot that doubles as a bed for guests at home. The cot is available in a model that has a headrest to provide extra comfort.
Onwak Cots
If you're looking to purchase a durable lightweight camping cot to meet your outdoor requirements, look no further than Onwak Cots. The cot features a unique folding design and is constructed of top-quality materials. It's easy to store and transport. It is also extremely comfortable and durable, 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 iron and aluminum construction allows it to carry heavy loads yet still being portable. In addition, the cot has been thoroughly tested to ensure top quality and performance. The Onwak team utilizes the best materials for its products, and also provides the best service, even when it's shipping in bulk.
The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the ideal cot for couples who enjoy camping together. This cot is easy to install and is ready to sleep in a matter of minutes. It comes with a variety of useful features, including a washable denier base with a cushioned section as well as a mesh hammocks for storage. It can also serve as lounger or chair and has multiple reclining positions to customize your experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great alternative for those who don't want a cot as comfortable as a bed. The cot can be set up in just two minutes. It has a wide base at each leg that can be rotated to make it more suitable for uneven ground. It's also affordable and can be purchased with or without a mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for car campers it's not the best choice for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's too heavy and hefty to carry over long distances, making it recommended for those driving into their camping spots. Additionally legs can be a little difficult to unfold correctly and require some strength to bring them back into the body of the cot to store them.
Helinox Light Cot
The Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineering and non-stretch fabric to create a light camp bed that is both comfortable and durable. Its patented tensioners remove the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces and deliver great tension to the bed's surface without adding additional weight. They also stop the cot from getting flat if it's set up on uneven ground. The only drawback to this model is the price.
There are numerous inexpensive options for backpackers on a tight budget. The OEX Ultralite Folding Cot, for example, costs less than half the cost of the Helinox Lite Cot while being significantly heavier. The primary drawback of the OEX is its difficulty assembly. It isn't easy for people with smaller frames to bend five leg assemblies.
Contrary to OEX model, the Helinox Lite Cot has a unique lever lock tensioning system that allows it to be erected and disassemble. This lever is located on the side of each leg and features a pivoting arm that engages with the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an uncompressed tab at the other end that you press to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this mechanism provides immense tension to the bed without adding bulk or stress on the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height by using the leg extensions that come with it. This is extremely useful for camping in an alpine setting where you'll need to stand off the ground because of snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be a disadvantage for those who move a lot in their sleep or share a space with someone else.
As with other cots, the Lite Cot requires some practice to set up and take down. After a few times it's a breeze to set up and take down. It's also extremely lightweight and compact for a cot and will fit in most cars, SUVs and vans, even if they are jam-packed with equipment. 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, the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is an excellent choice. Its 7000 series aluminum design frame and 420D polyester honeycomb rip stop fabric make this cot very lightweight and robust. It weighs less than 5 pounds, yet has a 300-pound capacity for weight. It folds down into a 7 x 17 inch bag that 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 the legs extend at the bottom of each side. This means that all you need to do is spread the cot out and then tighten the straps. It was simple to set up. However its bigger size might not fit in certain tents.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite, while not as portable as other cots on this list, is still the best option for backpacking cots. The large feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to uneven terrain and you can even sleep in the rain.