Affordable Cots For Backpackers

For backpackers looking to enhance their sleeping experience without sacrificing space in their pack or back muscles, these softer cots are a great option.

Our mum tester loved this deluxe cot that is beautiful enough to fit Scandi style nurseries, but is also super practical with three mattress heights that will make it functional until your child is around four years old.

Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot

The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget pick and is an excellent choice for campers who are seeking a simple sleeping solution. It's easy to set up and transport and is comfortable to sleep on. The cot's wide, large base can support those who are up to 6 feet tall, and 300 pounds. Our testers found that it was sturdy across all types of terrain. 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, while bulkier than some back-packing cots, is surprisingly portable. 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 is designed to sleep two and has a sleeping area that's incredibly comfortable, even without an air mattress. The cot features a quilted surface that is comfortable to lay on. It also has baffles on the sides, which prevent you from falling. This cot is extremely stable due to its sturdy steel and aluminum bars which are connected to the massive swinging feet. It was easy to set up for our test subjects, 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 pick in terms of setup and packability. It folds down similar to a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together quickly and easily. It's heavier and more spacious than the Osage river model, but it folds down into a smaller carry case that's roughly the same size as a chair's carry bag. It also has a bigger sleeping area as well as a side pocket for storage making it a great choice for anyone who needs a comfortable camping cot that doubles as a guest bed at home. The cot is available in a version that has a headrest to provide added comfort.

Onwak Cots

If you're looking for a sturdy lightweight camping cot that is light to meet your outdoor requirements look no further than Onwak Cots. The cot is constructed of top-quality materials, and features 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 great cot for camping and camping, the Onwak Cots is also great for hiking and backpacking. Its light iron and aluminum construction allows it to carry heavy loads while remaining lightweight. In addition, the cot has been rigorously tested to ensure top quality and performance. Onwak uses only the best materials to create its products and provides reliable service even when shipping bulk quantities.

The Kamprite Double Kwik Cot makes the perfect cot for couples that enjoy camping together. It is easy to set up and can be ready to sleep in just a few minutes. It also has a number of useful features, such as the ability to wash the base of the cot as well as a head section that is padded and a mesh storage hammock. In addition, it can be used as a lounger and has different reclining positions for a customizable experience.

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

The Coleman ComfortSmart is an excellent option for car campers. However, it's probably not the ideal choice for hikers who backpack or backcountry trek. It's too heavy to transport long distances. This is why it's best for those who drive into their campsites. Additionally, the legs can be difficult to unfold correctly and require a bit of strength to feed them back into the body of the cot to store them.

Helinox Light 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. The patented tensioners provide great tension on the bed's surface without adding additional weight. The tensioners also keep the cot's surface from becoming flat when it is set up on uneven terrain. The only drawback to this model is the cost.

If you're a backpacker with an extremely tight budget there are some other low-cost Cot options available. For instance the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half as the Helinox Lite Cot but is substantially heavier. The main disadvantage of the OEX is its difficulty in assembly. It can be difficult for those with smaller frames to bend five aluminum leg assemblies.

Unlike the OEX and the OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot has a unique lever lock tensioning system that makes it easier to erect and disassemble. The lever is located on the side of each leg. It has a pivoting arm which is able to engage the top frame bar. The lever has a compressed tab on the other end that you press to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this system provides great tension to the bed surface without adding extra bulk or stress to the legs.

Another advantage of the Lite Cot is that it can be adjusted to various heights with the included leg extensions. This is extremely useful if you're camping in an alpine environment where you may need to be off the ground due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the low profile of this cot may be a disadvantage if you're an active person in your sleep, or when sharing your tent with another.

As with other cots, the Lite Cot requires some practice to set up and take down. After a few uses it becomes easy to use and take it with you when packing. It's also incredibly compact and lightweight for a cot, and can fit easily into the majority of cars, SUVs and vans even when they are jam-packed with gear. This makes it an excellent option for car and bike camping.

ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot


The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite cot is an excellent option if you are looking for lightweight, easy to pack and set-up backpacking cot. The cot is light and durable due to its 7000 series aluminum frame and 420D honeycomb polyester rip-stop fabric. It weighs less than 5 pounds, yet it has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It folds into the size of a carry bag 7x17 inches that makes it simple to transport.

Contrary to other cots which require you to expand it from its middle it is the ALPS ReadyLite Cot has legs that extend at the base of each side. This means all you have to do is spread out the cot, then tighten its straps. It was easy to install. However, mini cotbed may not be suitable for some tents.

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