Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots provide the most comfortable sleep for backpackers without sacrificing their space in their packs or back muscles.
Our mom tester loved this deluxe cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi style nurseries, but it is also very practical with three mattress base heights that will keep 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 is an excellent choice for campers who are seeking a basic sleeping solution. It's easy to set up and take down and is comfortable to sleep on. This cot features a broad base that can support people up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our testers found it to be solid on any terrain. It also has a handy side pocket, which is great for holding gear like phones, water bottles, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot, while bulkier than some back-packing cots, is surprisingly transportable. It can fit into the majority of camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something a more luxurious, the REI Cooperative Kingdom Cot 3 is a great choice. This cot is built for two people and features an area for sleeping that is incredibly comfortable even without an air mattress. The cot comes with a soft, quilted surface that's comfortable to lay on, and baffles on the sides that stop the occupants from falling off. This cot is also extremely robust, with a thick steel and aluminum bars that connect to large swinging legs, which makes it stable on all terrains. It was simple to set up for our testers, however the last knob that connected the main bar needed additional strength.
Another option that is a great choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is similar to our top choice in terms of setup and packing. It folds similarly similar to a folding camping chair. The middle joints snap together easily. It's a little heavier and bigger than the Osage River model however, it folds down into a smaller carrying case that's roughly the same size as the carry bag of a camp chair. It offers a more spacious sleeping area as well as a side storage pocket, making it a great option for anyone who is seeking an easy camping bed that can also be used as a guest bed at home. You can also find an alternative version of this cot with an attached headrest to provide additional comfort.
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If you're looking for a sturdy lightweight camping cot to meet your outdoor requirements then look no further than Onwak Cots. The cot features a unique folding design and is made of top quality materials. It's easy to store and transport. It is also very 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 lightweight aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to support heavy loads, yet still being portable. The cot has also been rigorously tested for its superior quality and performance. The Onwak team utilizes the best materials to make its products, and also provides an efficient service, even if it's shipping in large quantities.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal bed for couples who enjoy camping together. This cot is easy to put together and ready to sleep in just a few minutes. It also has a number of features that are convenient, including a washable denier base for the cot, padded head section, and mesh storage hammock. It can also be used as a lounge chair and has different recline positions to provide a customized experience.
For those who aren't looking for a cot that's as comfortable as a mattress The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option. This cot can be put together in less than two minutes. It has a wide base on each leg that can be rotated to make it more suitable to uneven ground. Additionally, it's 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 ideal choice for hikers who backpack or backcountry trek. It's too heavy and hefty to transport over long distances, which is why it's best for those who are traveling to their campsites. The legs are difficult to unfold and feed back into the cot body for storage.
Helinox Lite Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines high-end engineered fabric with non-stretch technology to create a light-weight camping bed that is comfortable and durable. The patented tensioners remove the need for bulky crossbars and braces and provide excellent tension to the bed's surface without adding weight. They also prevent the cot from getting flat if it's set up on uneven ground. The only drawback to this model is its higher price point.
If you're a backpacker on a tight budget there are some other low-cost cot options to choose from. For example, the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half as much as the Helinox Lite Cot but is significantly heavier. The major drawback of the OEX is that it's not as straightforward to assemble and can be difficult for smaller-framed people to bend its five aluminium leg assemblies into position.
Helinox Lite Cots have unique tensioning systems that include an adjustable lever lock that makes them simpler to assemble and disassemble. The lever is on the left side of each leg and has an arm pivoting that connects with the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an uncompressed tab at the other end that you press to release it. This mechanism uses mechanical leverage to create great tension on the bed surface without adding bulk or strain to the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height using the leg extensions that come with it. This is especially beneficial when camping in an alpine area in which you'll require an elevated position due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be not ideal for people who move around a lot during their sleep, or who have to share a sleeping space with a partner.
Like other cots the Lite Cot requires some time to set up and disassemble. After a few times, it becomes a breeze to use and pack. It's also incredibly compact and lightweight for a cot and will fit in the majority of SUVs, cars and vans even when they're packed with equipment. This makes it a great option for car or bike camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite cot is a great option if you are looking for lightweight, easy to pack and set-up backpacking cot. Its aluminum 7000 series frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester make this cot very lightweight and durable. In actuality, it weighs less than 5 pounds yet has a 300-pound capacity for weight. It folds into an a7x17 inch carry bag that makes it easy to carry.
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. We found it to be one of the simplest to set up cots, although its bulkier dimensions could cause it to be too big to fit into some tents.

While the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as portable as some of the other cots listed on this list, it's still the most affordable option for backpackers who need a bed. The large feet at the bottom of each leg can be adjusted to accommodate uneven terrain and you can sleep in the rain.