MacGyver from United States, MD Public Profile

Unless you're sharing the load with others, I wouldn't recommend this for backpacking. I don't backpack anymore, but I do try to reduce the bulk in my truck when I go camping. This definitely helps a lot in that respect. Along with it's baby brother, the Table One hardtop, I no longer carry a four foot folding table AND they both fit in the Pelican Storm cases I use for camping. Like all Helinox products, it's pricey, but very well made. Quality costs.

I can't say I would have carried this much weight when I was backpacking, but as a camper who likes to keep the bulk in the truck down to a minimum, this cot is a perfect fit for me - especially when I wanted a cot for two person tents. There are ultra light cots that break down somewhat smaller than this one, but the Ready Lite feels a lot sturdier. Topped with a Therm-a-Rest Luxury Map pad I'm as comfortable as I've ever been on a camping trip.

No doubt people researching cots like this will read reviews saying they're hard to assemble. Yes, it takes a bit of effort to pull the legs into place, but that's just the nature of the beast with these types of cots. It's the tension that keeps you off the ground. But if I can do it without breaking a sweat, just about anyone should be able to. 60 years old, 170 haven't-worked-out-since-high-school pounds, back problems... and, from the moment I unzip the carrier, it takes me less than 10 minutes to set it up.

Bottom line: A well constructed piece of gear that's comfortable and readily portable. Highly recommended