We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance,
functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you
are agreeing to our privacy policy
10 Best Backpacking Cot 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Helinox Cot One Insulated Lightweight, Compact, Collapsible, Portable Four Season Camping Cot (2022)
The Helinox Cot One Insulated camping cot is designed for backpackers seeking a lightweight, compact, and portable sleeping solution. Weighing 6.6 pounds, it strikes a good balance between portability and sturdiness, but it might feel a bit heavy for some ultralight backpackers. When packed, it measures 7.5 x 25 inches, making it relatively compact and easy to carry in most backpacks.
#2
Coleman Trailhead II Large Folding Cot with Easy Setup & Takedown, Supports Adults up to 6ft 2in or 300lbs, Great for Camping, Lounging, Elevated Sleeping, Guests, & More
The Coleman Trailhead II Camping Cot is designed for those who enjoy camping or require elevated sleeping solutions. One of its standout features is the strong cross-bar steel frame, which provides a sturdy base and supports individuals weighing up to 300 pounds. It accommodates users up to 6 feet 2 inches tall, making it a great option for taller campers. The cot is relatively easy to set up and take down, which is a bonus for those who prefer a hassle-free experience at the campsite.
Rating
9.7
Setup and Takedown
Comfort
Durability
Most important from
24640 reviews
#3
Naturehike Ultralight Camping Cot, Easy to Assemble Folding Tent Cot, Compact & Protable Camping Bed for Camping, Mountaineering, & Hiking, Supports 330lbs with Carry Bag, Kahki
The Naturehike Ultralight Camping Cot is a solid choice for backpackers and campers looking for a lightweight and compact sleeping solution. Weighing just under 5 pounds and folding down to a manageable 18" x 6.3", it's easy to carry either in its bag or strapped to a backpack. Setup is straightforward and fast, taking about a minute with its simple shock cord design, which means less hassle after a long day outdoors. Comfort-wise, the cot sits about 6 inches off the ground, helping you stay dry and warm by keeping you away from cold or damp surfaces. The breathable 300D Oxford fabric is durable and reduces dust sticking, which is practical for outdoor use.
Rating
9.4
Comfort
Setup and Takedown
Weight
Most important from
1427 reviews
Top 10 Best Backpacking Cot 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Helinox Cot One Insulated Lightweight, Compact, Collapsible, Portable Four Season Camping Cot (2022)
Helinox Cot One Insulated Lightweight, Compact, Collapsible, Portable Four Season Camping Cot (2022)
Weight: 6.6 pounds
Packed Size: 7.5 x 25 inches
Setup and Takedown: Single internal bungee cord
Comfort: 2.5-inch thick insulated sleeping pad
Durability: Aluminum alloy frame, 600-weave polyester
Weight Capacity: 320 pounds
Chosen by 1151 this week
Coleman Trailhead II Large Folding Cot with Easy Setup & Takedown, Supports Adults up to 6ft 2in or 300lbs, Great for Camping, Lounging, Elevated Sleeping, Guests, & More
Coleman Trailhead II Large Folding Cot with Easy Setup & Takedown, Supports Adults up to 6ft 2in or 300lbs, Great for Camping, Lounging, Elevated Sleeping, Guests, & More
Weight: 20 pounds
Packed Size: compact, fits in most car trunks
Setup and Takedown: easy to set up and take down
Comfort: decent sleeping surface
Durability: robust for regular camping use
Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Naturehike Ultralight Camping Cot, Easy to Assemble Folding Tent Cot, Compact & Protable Camping Bed for Camping, Mountaineering, & Hiking, Supports 330lbs with Carry Bag, Kahki
Naturehike Ultralight Camping Cot, Easy to Assemble Folding Tent Cot, Compact & Protable Camping Bed for Camping, Mountaineering, & Hiking, Supports 330lbs with Carry Bag, Kahki
Weight: 4.85 pounds
Packed Size: 18" x 6.3"
Setup and Takedown: about a minute, simple shock cord
Comfort: sits about 6 inches off ground
Durability: 300D Oxford fabric; aluminum frame; stable legs
Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
Naturehike GreenWild Camping Cot, Ultralight Folding Backpacking Cot, 60-Second Easy Set-Up, Supports 330lbs, Portable Camping Bed for Adults for Camping Hiking Travel Home
Naturehike GreenWild Camping Cot, Ultralight Folding Backpacking Cot, 60-Second Easy Set-Up, Supports 330lbs, Portable Camping Bed for Adults for Camping Hiking Travel Home
Weight: 4.8 pounds
Packed Size: 18 by 6.3 inches
Setup and Takedown: Insert poles, lock legs to set up
Durability: 7075 aluminum frame, tear-resistant fabric
Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
Naturehike GreenWild Camping Cot, Ultralight Folding Backpacking Cot, Supports 330lbs, Portable Camping Bed for Adults for Camping Hiking Travel Home, Black
Naturehike GreenWild Camping Cot, Ultralight Folding Backpacking Cot, Supports 330lbs, Portable Camping Bed for Adults for Camping Hiking Travel Home, Black
Weight: 4.85 Pounds
Setup and Takedown: about a minute
Comfort: 300D Oxford fabric, breathable, moisture-proof
Durability: 300D Oxford fabric, aircraft-grade aluminum
Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
Related Products
Helinox Cot One High, 15-Inch High Compact, Collapsible Camping Cot, Regular
Helinox Cot One High, 15-Inch High Compact, Collapsible Camping Cot, Regular
Weight: 6.1 pounds
Setup and Takedown: Quick setup with bungee cord system
Comfort: 15 inches high, 27 inches wide
Durability: DAC aluminum legs, 300D polyester cover
Weight Capacity: 320 pounds
Helinox Lite Cot Ultra-Light, Portable Camping Cot, Compact, Collapsible, Backpacking, Foldable Camping Bed
Helinox Lite Cot Ultra-Light, Portable Camping Cot, Compact, Collapsible, Backpacking, Foldable Camping Bed
Weight: 2.8 pounds
Packed Size: 5 x 5 x 21 inches
Setup and Takedown: Single bungee cord for quick assembly
Comfort: Suspends sleepers 5 inches above ground
Durability: Aluminum frame, 600-weave polyester cover
Weight Capacity: 265 pounds
Helinox Cot One High, 15-Inch High Compact, Collapsible Camping Cot, Long
Helinox Cot One High, 15-Inch High Compact, Collapsible Camping Cot, Long
Weight: just over 7 pounds
Packed Size: impressively small
Setup and Takedown: internal bungee and lever locks
Comfort: 15 inches off ground
Durability: DAC aluminum frame, 300D polyester
Weight Capacity: 320 pounds
Naturehike ArmyWild Folding Camping Cot, Height Adjustable Ultralight Backpacking Cot, Portable Camping Bed for Camping Hiking Travel Home
Naturehike ArmyWild Folding Camping Cot, Height Adjustable Ultralight Backpacking Cot, Portable Camping Bed for Camping Hiking Travel Home
Weight: 2.99 Kilograms
Packed Size: 22.7 x 7.7 x 3.5 inches
Setup and Takedown: quick, smart locking, shock-corded poles
Comfort: breathable 300D Oxford fabric, dual height
Durability: 7075 Aluminum Alloy frame, tear resistant
Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
#10
MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Tent Camping Cot Bed, Portable Compact for Outdoor Travel, Base Camp, Hiking, Mountaineering, Lightweight Backpacking (Black)
MARCHWAY Ultralight Folding Tent Camping Cot Bed, Portable Compact for Outdoor Travel, Base Camp, Hiking, Mountaineering, Lightweight Backpacking (Black)
Weight: 4.8 pounds
Packed Size: 17 by 6 inches
Setup and Takedown: Easy setup and fold, clear instructions
Durability: Aluminum frame, ripstop nylon fabric
Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
How do we rank products for you?
Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.
Buying Guide for the Best Backpacking Cot
Choosing the right backpacking cot can significantly enhance your outdoor experience by providing a comfortable and supportive place to sleep. When selecting a backpacking cot, it's important to consider various factors that will affect your comfort, convenience, and overall satisfaction. Here are some key specifications to consider and how to navigate them to find the best fit for your needs.WeightWeight is a crucial factor when selecting a backpacking cot because you'll be carrying it along with your other gear. The weight of the cot can range from very light (around 2-3 pounds) to heavier options (up to 10 pounds or more). If you plan on hiking long distances, a lighter cot will be more manageable and less tiring to carry. However, if you're not traveling far from your car or campsite, a slightly heavier cot might offer more comfort and durability. Consider your typical backpacking trips and choose a weight that balances portability and comfort for you.
Packed SizePacked size refers to how compact the cot becomes when it's folded up and stored in its carrying case. This is important because space in your backpack is limited, and a smaller packed size will leave more room for other essentials. Packed sizes can vary significantly, with some cots folding down to the size of a water bottle, while others may take up more space. If you have limited space in your backpack, look for a cot with a smaller packed size. If space is less of a concern, you might prioritize other features over packed size.
Setup and TakedownThe ease of setting up and taking down your cot can greatly impact your overall experience, especially after a long day of hiking. Some cots have simple, quick-setup designs that can be assembled in minutes, while others may require more time and effort. If you value convenience and want to minimize the hassle, look for a cot with a straightforward setup process. Reading user reviews and watching setup videos can give you a good idea of how easy or difficult a cot is to assemble.
ComfortComfort is a key consideration when choosing a backpacking cot, as it directly affects the quality of your sleep. Factors that contribute to comfort include the cot's dimensions (length, width, and height), the type of fabric used, and the overall design. Some cots offer more support and cushioning, while others may be more basic. If you prioritize a good night's sleep, look for a cot with features that enhance comfort, such as a wider sleeping surface or a supportive fabric. Consider your personal preferences and any specific needs, such as back support, when evaluating comfort.
DurabilityDurability is important because you want your cot to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and last for many trips. The materials used in the frame and fabric, as well as the overall construction quality, will determine the cot's durability. Aluminum and steel frames are common and offer good strength, while fabrics like ripstop nylon or polyester are resistant to tears and wear. If you plan on using your cot frequently or in rugged conditions, prioritize durability to ensure it holds up over time. Reading reviews and checking the manufacturer's warranty can also provide insights into the cot's durability.
Weight CapacityWeight capacity refers to the maximum weight the cot can support. This is important to ensure the cot can safely and comfortably hold your weight. Weight capacities can vary, with some cots supporting up to 250 pounds, while others can handle 300 pounds or more. Choose a cot with a weight capacity that exceeds your body weight to ensure stability and longevity. If you plan on sharing the cot with a pet or additional gear, factor that into your decision as well.