Product Review: Helinox Lite Cot
Get Off the Ground with the Helinox Lite Cot
Designed with portability in mind, the Helinox Lite Cot weighs in at just under three pounds and measures 20.5x5x5 inches when packed. It is small enough to fit into most full-size panniers, or as in my case, to be strapped on top of one. While only slightly larger than a quality inflatable camping pad, the Lite Cot gets you off the ground and away from the rocks and critters, offering the possibility of a better night’s sleep.
Initially, the assembly and disassembly is a bit time consuming, but as with most things, it becomes quicker and easier after a few trips to the plate. In a nutshell, two collapsible frame poles are threaded through sleeves in the cot and four collapsible legs snap onto the frame. Fully assembled, the cot has eight points of contact with the ground, making it relatively easy to level.
How Was Your Night?
The Helinox Lite Cot provides plenty of support, with the only issue being a slight sag where your head rests. Fortunately, this is easily remedied with a small camp pillow. While measuring 74.5 inches in length, the cot is long enough for someone up to six feet tall, but it is admittedly a bit on the narrow side at only 26.5 inches wide. I tend to sleep on my back, while my wife sleeps on her side. The width wasn’t a problem for either of us, but it might become one for those that are more generously proportioned.
The cots claim to support up to 265 pounds. I tip the scales at 160 pounds when soaking wet, so I cannot attest to that claim. Nonetheless, I can say that the Helinox Lite Cot is holding up well. Pun intended.
When it’s time to tear down, pack up, and head out, disassembly and repacking of the Lite Cot is relatively quick and painless. It does take some patience and diligence to properly repack, but again, experience makes the job easier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me, a night spent laying on the ground is not something you would freely choose to do. For that reason, I’ve tried camping pads of various types, including foam and self-inflating. While they make things a little more tolerable, I am ultimately left longing for a proper bed. After four consecutive nights spent with the Lite Cot, I was no worse for wear than if I had spent those evenings indoors. That is a huge plus when you have miles to put behind you when the sun rises.
If you are of average proportions and willing to make the admittedly big investment, the Helinox Lite Cot is an excellent choice for a portable, comfortable, and lightweight sleeping option for your next trip into the outback.
Helinox Lite Cot
$249.95