Backpacking Camping Cots

There really is nothing like backpacking. From the freedom to the the excitement of just being out there in the back country with nobody around you. When you're out there on your own, lugging your own gear, how much things weight begins to take on a lot of importance. After a long day of hiking around with a heavy pack, it feels pretty nice to lay down on a cot. So in the case of finding a camping cot that you won't mind hauling around on your back, you generally want to stick with those cots that are on the lighter side (duh) and I usually tell people to go with one that is less than 10 pounds. I personally have a military background so I don't mind a 110 pound pack, opinions and body sizes certainly vary and there are quite a few on the market that are under 5 pounds if cost is not a factor.

Included in the matrix are 7 columns:
  • Camping cot picture
  • Cot brand and name/model - Click to view more details or to purchase
  • Dimensions - Upacked, Length x Width x Height, in inches
  • Materials - What the frame and cover are made of
  • Weight - How much the cot weighs, in pounds
  • Weight Limit - How much weight the cot can hold, in pounds
  • Price - These are approximate prices on Amazon.com and can change frequently based on factors such as availability. We try to stay on top of pricing changes. Generally speaking: $ = under $50, $$ = $50 to $100, $$$ = $100 to $200, $$$$ = $200+
  • Rating - The average user rating on Amazon.com. Very useful to gauge how consumers feel about their purchase.

Camping Cots
Dimensions
(L x W x H)
Materials
Weight (lbs)
Weight Limit (lbs)
Price
Rating
Therm-A-rest LuxuryLite UltraLite Cot
72" x 24" x 4.5" Anodized aluminum frame and nylon 3 350 $$$$ 4.5
Byer of Maine Tri Lite Folding Cot
74" x 25" x 8" Trifold aluminum frame with 450 ripstop polyester fabric 8 250 $$ 4.5
Therm-A-Rest LuxuryLite Mesh Cot
72" x 26" x 4.5" Anodized aluminum frame with breathable mesh fabric 4 325 $$$$ 4.2
Byer of Maine Allagash AL Cot
76" x 30" x 8" Steel frame with 600 D polyester fabric 8 250 $$ 4.1
Big Bear "SPACE SAVER" Compact Roll Up Cot
74" x 25" x 6" Aluminum frame with steel rails and 600 D polyester 8 250 $ 3.8