11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Affordable Cots
Affordable Cots For Backpackers
For backpackers who wish to improve their sleeping without sacrificing pack space or back muscles, these cushier cots are a great choice.
Our mum tester loved this deluxe cot that is gorgeous enough to be a perfect fit for Scandi design nurseries but it is also very practical with three mattress base sizes that will make it usable until your child reaches four years old.
Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot
The Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is our top budget pick and an ideal option for campers seeking a basic sleeping solution. It's easy to set up and pack and is comfortable to sleep on. The cot has a and wide base that can support someone up to 6 feet tall and 300 pounds. Our test subjects found it to be stable on most terrain. It also has a side pocket to hold items such as sleeping pads, water bottles and phones. While it's more bulky than some backpacking cots however, the Mountain Summit Gear Horizon Cot is still very portable and fits well into most camping tents for cars.
If you're looking for something that's a little more luxurious, we recommend the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3. The cot can accommodate two people and is extremely comfortable even without an inflatable mattress. The cot features a quilted surface which is a comfortable surface to lie on. It also has baffles along the sides to prevent you from falling. The cot is also sturdy, with thick steel and aluminum bars that connect to large swinging legs, which makes it stable on most terrain. Our test subjects found it easy to set up, though the last knob connecting to the main bar requires extra strength from another person.
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 slightly larger and heavier than the Osage River model however, it folds down into a smaller carry case that's about the same size as the bag that comes with a camp chair. It offers a more spacious sleeping area and an additional storage compartment on the side which makes it a great option for anyone who is looking for a comfortable camping bed that can also be used as a guest bed at home. The cot is available in a model that has a headrest to provide added comfort.
Onwak Cots
Onwak Cots are the perfect camping cot if you need an affordable, lightweight cot. This cot is made of top-quality materials, and features a unique foldable design that makes it easy to store and transport. It is also extremely comfortable and durable, and can be used either as a lounger chair or bed.
In addition to being a fantastic cot for camping and camping, the Onwak Cots is also great for backpacking and hiking. Its light aluminum or iron construction allows it to easily support heavy loads while remaining portable and affordable. The Cot has also been rigorously tested for superior quality and performance. Onwak makes use of only the highest quality materials to create its products, and provides reliable service even when shipping in bulk.
The Kamp-rite Double Kwik Cot is the ideal bed for couples who enjoy camping together. It is easy to set up and can be ready for sleeping within minutes. It is equipped with many useful features, including a washable denier base with a padded section, as well as a mesh storage hammock. Additionally, it can be utilized as a lounger and offers a variety of recline positions to provide a customized experience.
The Coleman ComfortSmart is a great alternative for those who don't require a cot as comfy as a bed. The cot is simple to set up and will be ready for you to lie down in under two minutes. It also has a wide foot at the base of each leg, which can swivel to adapt to uneven ground. It's also reasonably priced and comes with or without a bed mattress.
While the Coleman ComfortSmart is a great choice for car campers, it's not the ideal choice for backpackers or backcountry hikers. It's too heavy to transport long distances. This is why it's better for those who drive into their camping sites. Additionally the legs can be a little difficult to fold correctly and require a bit of strength to bring them back into the body of the cot to store them.
Helinox Light Cot

The Helinox Cot One Convertible combines precision engineering with non-stretch fabric to create an ultralight camp bed that is comfortable and durable. The patented tensioners eliminate the necessity for bulky cross bars and braces, and provide great tension to the bed's surface without adding weight. They also stop the cot from becoming flat when it's placed on uneven ground. The only downside to this model is its high price.
If you're a backpacker on a tight budget, there are other affordable cot options to choose from. 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 people with smaller frames to bend five aluminium leg assemblies.
Contrary to OEX and the OEX, the Helinox Lite Cot comes with an exclusive lever locking tensioning system that makes it easier to erect and disassemble. The lever is situated on the left side of each leg and has a pivoting arm that engages with the top frame bar. The other end of the lever is a compressed tab that you depress to let it go. The mechanical leverage of this system gives great tension to the bed surface without adding bulk or strain on the legs.
The Lite Cot can also be adjusted to a different height using the leg extensions that come with it. This is especially useful for camping in an alpine area in which you'll require a higher level due to snow or uneven terrain. The low profile of the cot can be an issue for those who are active in their sleep or have to share a sleeping space with a person else.
As with Cots For Tots , the Lite Cot requires a bit of practice to set up and take down. After a few times it's a breeze to use and pack up. It's also extremely light and compact for a cot. It will fit easily into the majority of cars, SUVs and vans, even if they're packed with equipment. This makes it an excellent option for bike and car camping.
ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot
If you're seeking a cot for backpacking that's easy to pack and set up, the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot is a great option. Its 7000 series aluminum design frame and 420D honeycomb ripstop polyester make this cot very lightweight and sturdy. 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 carry.
The ALPS ReadyLite Cot is unlike other cots, which require you to spread it out from the middle. Instead its 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 easy to install. However, its larger size may not fit in certain tents.
Although the ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite isn't as versatile as other cots on this list, it's still the most affordable option for backpackers who need a cot. Plus, its large feet at the base of each leg can swivel to adjust to uneven ground and allow you to sleep in the rain.