Camping is always fun until you can’t figure out where and how you should sleep. However, proper sleeping is extremely important so that you can replenish your energy to continue your activities without being exhausted.
Since sleeping bags are quite uncomfortable and you can’t bring a heavy mattress along, a camping cot seems like the perfect solution, especially if you need to be elevated above the ground to sleep comfortably.
Two of the most popular camping cot brands on the market are Thermarest and Helinox. If you’re choosing between the most popular models of either brand, you’ve come to the right place!
In today’s article, we’ll put Thermarest Cot vs Helinox Cot in a head-to-head comparison, so you can pick the one that suits you the most.
Thermarest Cot vs Helinox Overview
Both Thermarest and Helinox Cots are great choices. However, Thermarest is noticeably lighter and less expensive, while Helinox is fairly more durable, easier to put together, and is ideal for taller campers. If you’re an average-sized person who values portability, the Thermarest should be good enough for you.
| Image | Product | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Therm-a-Rest Ultralite Cot | Superbly Lightweight | Check Price |
 | Helinox Cot One Lightweight | More Durable | Check Price |
The Brief Comparison
In the following section, we’ll compare Thermarest and Helinox cots according to their properties and features, especially their UltraLite and One versions because they are the most successful models in both brands. Here’s what each one of these camping cots has to offer:
Materials and Durability
The sturdiness of the frame and supporting poles is extremely essential because it has a direct impact on the cot’s longevity and ability to survive the harsh conditions while out camping.
The Thermarest Cot’s fabric is made mainly from polyester but also has some laminate nylon, which is one of the most durable synthetic materials out there.
The supporting beams are made of aluminum which gives the cot remarkable durability without affecting its weight or collapsibility.
On the other hand, the Helinox One is made from 600 denier Rip-stop polyester, which is one of the most durable grades of polyester on the market. The same material is used to make the cover and the carrying case for consistency in durability.
The legs and frame are both made from high-grade aluminum, which gives the frame noticeable durability.
While both cots are sturdy enough to support the weight of an adult, the Helinox just feels a little more durable and capable of withstanding heavy use.
The Thermarest cot feels a bit flimsy because of how lightweight it is, but more about its weight in the following sections.
Cot Size
The size of the bed is one of the most essential features that define its functionality. Ideally, the bigger the sleeping area, the more comfortable it would be as a camping cot.
Both Thermarest and Helinox are available in short and long size options. The longest option in Thermarest is 77 inches long and 26 inches wide while the Helinox is 82.5 inches long and 27 inches wide.
As you can see, both of the beds are large and wide enough to keep you comfortable during your sleep. However, for those who are 6 ft 5 or above, the Helinox would be a more suitable cot to go for.
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Cot Weight and Compactness
While camping, you always need to make sure that the cot is light and compact enough to fit your backpack or car without taking up a huge space.
As the name suggests, the Thermarest Ultralite Cot is designed so that it’s incredibly lighter than most options on the market. This cot weighs only 3 lbs, so you won’t have to worry about the cot weighing you down.
The Helinox Cot is also lightweight, but not as light as the Thermarest. It weighs 6.3 lbs, which is more than double the weight of the Thermarest Ultralite.
If you’re a light packer who values items that don’t take a lot of space or keep you light and free as the wind, the Thermarest would be ideal for you.
Ease of Assembly
Despite being lighter in weight, the Thermarest cot takes slightly longer to put together and assemble.
On the other hand, Helinox cot’s sturdier frame and weight make it a lot easier to turn into a suitable bed.
Comfort
Both cots are equally comfortable and feel nice after a long day of camping. But since the level of comfort of camping cots is directly associated with its height and elevation from the ground, the Helinox wins this round by a thin margin.
This is because the Thermarest is only 4 inches high while the Helinox is 6.5 inches high. This makes it a more suitable option for those who favor elevation while sleeping.
Package and Accessories
The package of the camping cot doesn’t have to contain only the cot. In fact, both Thermarest and Helinox provide their cots in a neat little carrying bag that makes them highly portable and easy to pack.
The carrying bags in both bags are made from the same materials as the covers, so they’re durable and reliable enough. Thermarest’s bag is slightly more compact than Helinox, which gives it a tiny advantage.
Price
Lastly, while buying a camping cot, you always need to keep the price and support in mind. When it comes to the price, Thermarest is noticeably less expensive than Helinox. However, Helinox’s cot is a bit larger and more durable, so the extra price is fairly justifiable.
While both cots are made by reputable brands, Thermarest has US-based customer support. This makes their support team more accessible than Helinox.
Final Verdict
There you have it! A complete guide that puts Thermarest Ultralite Cot vs Helinox One. As you can see, both cots are excellent and live up to their reputation.
While both of them are great choices for a camping cot, each one of them can be a better option for different users.
For example, if you like to pack lightly and you don’t want the camping cot to weigh you down, the Thermarest cot should be ideal for you.
However, if you don’t mind spending a little more on a more durable cot that will suit your above-average build, the Helinox cot would be a more suitable pick.