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Any camping cot users? Thinking about a Helinox Lite Cot.

Original Post
Noel Z · · UK · Joined Oct 2020 · Points: 15

My old bones ache just about all the time now. A sleeping pad is no longer enough. Weigth wise the only cot I'd consider carrying is the Helinox Lite Cot. At 2.8 pounds it's not light, but maybe worth a spin if it delivered on comfort. Does anyone have any experience with that cot?

amarius · · Nowhere, OK · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 20
Noel Z wrote:

My old bones ache just about all the time now. A sleeping pad is no longer enough. Weigth wise the only cot I'd consider carrying is the Helinox Lite Cot. At 2.8 pounds it's not light, but maybe worth a spin if it delivered on comfort. Does anyone have any experience with that cot?

Not with this particular cot, but my kayaking friends loved the original that all of these variants are based on. Way better comfort than sleeping on inflatable pads.
This is what the original almost looked like - https://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/camping-and-hiking/camping-cot/therm-a-rest-luxurylite-mesh   IIRC the original cot was designed by NASA (maybe?) engineer, then thermarest purchased the design. 

I transitioned away from inflatable pads when car camping - I find a cot way more comfortable. Keep in mind, on colder days you will need something similar to underquilt. On somewhat related tangent - my friend introduced me to hammocks a few years back, they are awesome!

Edit - mine is "Alps Mountaineering" looks like this - https://www.amazon.com/ALPS-Mountaineering-Lightweight-Cot-Deep/dp/B09JDVJGL4 Been using in since late 2000s. Would not recommend where carrying or packing is concerned - it is bulky and heavy, but I use it for car camping only. We also used for guests staying in a cabin with limited sleeping arrangements

Evan Gerry · · Estes Park, CO · Joined Nov 2016 · Points: 15

i have an alps mountaineering knock off and its the shit. unbelievably comfortable. i use it for car camping/work camping but it blows sleeping on the ground out of the water.

Dan Gozdz · · Louisville, CO · Joined Jun 2015 · Points: 1

I bought an REI one at an REI garage sale and have loved using it for car camping. It's heavy and bulky so I wouldn't use it for backpacking but it's great for in a big (tall) tent or just setting up under the stars. I put a foam pad or two under me when it's cold out.

Bb Cc · · California · Joined May 2020 · Points: 20

I have a thermorest port-a-cot that is as hard to ship as it is to set-up. Willing to give it away... can't ship easily. Used it once, would have taken less time for a COPD sufferer to blow up a neo-air.

Sam Cook · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2021 · Points: 0

I have the helinox light cot, it's super comfortable if a little annoying to set up. I don't usually backpack with it, but it's really nice for car camping.


If it's cool outside you will want some kind of pad/insulation because you get a breeze underneath that can feel quite cold.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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