Affordable Cots For Backpackers

These cots provide the most comfortable sleep for backpackers without compromising their pack space or back muscles.

This luxurious crib is a fantastic option for nurseries that are Scandi-style. It's also practical with three mattress heights to keep your child at ease until they reach four years old.

Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot

The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our best budget pick and an ideal option for campers seeking a simple sleeping solution. It's easy to set up and pack and is comfortable to sleep on. This cot's large, wide base can accommodate individuals with a height of up to 6 feet, and 300 pounds. Our testers found that it was stable on all kinds of terrain. cribs has a convenient side pocket that's great for storing items like phones, water bottles, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot although heavier than many backpacking cots, is still portable. It fits into most car camping tents.

If you're looking for something that's more luxurious, we recommend the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot is built for two and has an area for sleeping that is incredibly comfortable, even without an air mattress. The cot has a soft, quilted surface that's comfortable to lie on, and baffles on the sides that keep the occupants from falling off. This cot is also extremely sturdy, with heavy aluminum and steel bars that join to huge swinging legs, which makes it stable on all terrains. It was easy to set up for our testers, but the last knob that connects to the main bar required additional strength.

Another great option is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is very similar to our top choice in terms of setup and packing. It folds in a similar fashion to a folding camping chair. The middle joints snap together easily. It's heavier and more spacious than the Osage river model, however, it folds down into a smaller carry case that's about the same size as a camping chair's carry bag. It also comes with a larger sleeping area as well as a storage pocket on the side, which makes it an excellent option for those who require a comfortable camping cot that doubles as a bed for guests at home. There is even the cot that has a headrest attached to provide additional comfort.

Onwak Cots

If you're looking for a sturdy lightweight camping cot that is light for your outdoor needs then take a look at the Onwak Cots. The cot features a unique folding design and is made of top-quality materials. It's easy to store and move. It is also extremely comfortable and durable and can be used either as a lounger or bed.

The Onwak Cots are not only great for camping but also for hiking and backpacking. Its light aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to support large loads yet still being portable. The cot has also been rigorously tested for its superior quality and performance. The Onwak team uses the highest-quality materials to craft its products and provides reliable service, even when it's shipping in huge quantities.

The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal cot for couples who love camping together. This cot is simple to put together and ready for sleeping within minutes. It also comes with a range of features that are convenient, including a washable denier base for the cot, padded head section, and a hammock for storage. Additionally, it can be used as a lounge chair and has different recline positions for a custom experience.

The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for those who do not require a cot as comfy as a bed. The cot can be set up in less than two minutes. It also has a broad foot at the base of each leg that swivels to adjust to uneven ground. It's also affordable and includes or without a mattress.

The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent choice for car campers. However, it's not the best option for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's heavy and bulky to carry over long distances, which is why it's best for those who are driving to their camping spots. In addition, the legs can be difficult to unfold correctly and require some strength to return them to the body of the cot in order to store them.

Helinox Lite Cot

The Helinox Cot One Convertible combines the highest quality engineering with non-stretch fabrics to produce 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 weight. The tensioners also prevent the surface of the cot from flattening when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only downside to this model is its price.

If you're a backpacker on a tight budget 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 substantially heavier. The biggest drawback of OEX is its difficulty assembly. It can be difficult for people with small frames to bend five leg assemblies.

Helinox Lite Cots have unique tensioning systems that include an adjustable lever lock that makes them much easier to put together and disassemble. The lever is on the side of each leg and has an arm that pivots and connects with the top frame bar. The lever is equipped with an open tab at the other end which you can press to let it go. This system makes use of mechanical leverage to give you great tension on the bed surface, without adding bulk or stress to the legs.

The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height by using the leg extensions provided. This is especially beneficial for camping in an alpine area where you may require an elevated position 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 a partner.

As with other cots, the Lite Cot requires a bit of practice to put it together and take it down. After a few hours, it's easy to set up and then pack. It is also extremely light and compact for a cot, and fits in the majority of vans and cars with their gear packed. This makes it an excellent choice for bike or car camping.


ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot

The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is an excellent choice if you want lightweight, easy to pack and set-up backpacking cot. Its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D polyester honeycomb rip stop fabric makes this cot extremely lightweight and robust. It weighs less than five pounds, yet it can hold 300 pounds of weight. It can be folded into an a7x17 inch carry bag which makes it easy to transport.

Contrary to other cots which require you to expand it from the middle, the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend to the bottom of each side, which means all you have to do is spread out the cot and tighten its straps. It was easy to install. However its bigger size might not fit in certain tents.

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