Why We Why We Affordable Cots (And You Should Also!)
Affordable Cots For Backpackers
These cots provide the most comfortable sleep for backpackers, without compromising their space in their packs or back muscles.
Our mum tester loved this luxury cot which looks beautiful enough to suit Scandi design nurseries but it is also very practical with three mattress base heights that will keep it usable until your child reaches four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget choice is a great choice for campers looking for an easy way to sleep. It's easy to set up and impressive packing capacity, and it's also comfortable to sleep on. This cot has a large and wide base that can accommodate people up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds, and our testers found it to be stable on most terrain. It also has a convenient side pocket that is ideal for storing items like water bottles, phone, and sleeping pads. The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot although heavier than many back-packing cots, is surprisingly transportable. It fits into most camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something that's more luxurious, we suggest the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. This cot can sleep two people and is extremely comfortable, even without an inflatable mattress. The cot features a quilted surface which is comfortable to lay on. It also has baffles along the sides to prevent the user from falling. The cot is extremely sturdy, thanks to its thick aluminum and steel bars, that connect to the large and swiveling 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 excellent choice is the Byer of Maine Easy Cot, which is very similar to our top choice in terms of setup and packing. It folds down similarly to a folding camp chair and the middle joints snap together quickly and easily. It's a little larger and heavier than the Osage River model, however, it folds down into a smaller case that's roughly the same size as the bag that comes with a camp chair. It has a larger sleeping area as well as an additional storage compartment on the side making it a good option for those seeking an easy camping bed that can also be used as a spare bed at home. You can also find a version of this cot with an attached headrest for added comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are the ideal camping cot if you require a lightweight, durable cot. The cot is constructed of high-quality materials and has an innovative foldable design that makes it easy to store and transport. It's also incredibly comfortable and sturdy and can be used as a bed or lounge chair.
In addition to being a fantastic cot for camping In addition, the Onwak Cots is also great for backpacking and hiking. Its lightweight aluminum and iron construction makes it easy to support large loads while still remaining portable. The cot has also been rigorously tested for its superior quality and performance. The Onwak team makes use of the finest materials to craft its products and offers an efficient service, even if it's shipping in large quantities.
infant cot bed makes the ideal cot for couples who like camping together. The cot can be set up in a matter of minutes and is ready to sleep. It has many convenient features like a washable base, padded section and mesh storage hammock. It can also be used as lounger or chair, and it has several reclining positions to tailor your experience.
via is a great alternative for those who don't want a cot as comfortable as a bed. The cot is simple to set up and will be ready to lie down in under two minutes. It also has a wide foot at the bottom of each leg, which can swivel to adapt to uneven ground. In addition, it's very affordable and can be bought with or without a mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great option for car campers, it's not the ideal choice for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's too heavy and hefty to transport over long distances, which is why it's recommended for those driving to their camping spots. In addition the legs can be a little tricky to unfold properly and require some strength to feed them back into the body of the cot for storage.
Helinox Light Cot
Helinox Cot One Convertible combines the highest quality fabric engineered by a specialist with non-stretch technologies to create an ultra-lightweight camp bed that is durable and comfortable. Its patent-pending tensioners eliminate the need for bulky crossbars and braces and deliver great tension to the bed's surface without adding weight. The tensioners also keep the surface of the cot from becoming flat when it is placed on uneven terrain. The only downside to this model is its higher price.
If you're a backpacker with limited funds there are other budget cot options to choose from. For instance the OEX Ultralite Folding Cot costs less than half as much than the Helinox Lite Cot but is substantially heavier. The biggest drawback of OEX is its difficulty in assembly. It isn't easy for people with small frames to bend five aluminium leg assemblies.
In contrast to OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot has an exclusive lever lock tensioning system which makes it easier to erect and disassemble. This lever is located on the left side of each leg and has an arm that pivots and connects with the top frame bar. The lever has an open tab on the other end which you can press to release it. This mechanism uses mechanical leverage to provide immense tension to the bed, 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 extremely useful if you're camping in an alpine area where you may need to get away from the ground due to snow or uneven terrain. However, the low-profile of this cot can be a problem if an active person during the night or when sharing the tent with a person.
The Lite Cot is the same. It takes a bit of practice to put it together and then disassemble it. However, after a few hours it's a breeze to use and pack up. It is also incredibly lightweight and compact for a cot, and can be tucked away in most cars and vans with their gear packed. This makes it an excellent option for car and bike camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
The ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is the perfect choice if you want a lightweight, easy-to-pack and set-up backpacking cot. The cot is light and durable thanks to its aluminum frame 7000 series and 420D honeycomb polyester rip-stop material. It weighs less than 5 pounds yet has a 300-pound weight capacity. It also folds down into the size of a 7x17 inch bag that makes it easy to carry in your backpack.
The ALPS ReadyLite Cot is unlike other cots, which 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 and tighten the straps. It was simple to install. However, its larger size may not fit in some tents.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite, while not as lightweight as other cots listed here, is still the best option for backpacking cots. Plus, its wide feet at the base of each leg swivel in order to adjust to uneven ground and even allow you to sleep in the rain.