Coleman Trailhead II review: cheap, sturdy, difficult

The Coleman Trailhead II delivers the basic cot proposition for about $55: a 73 x 35-inch fabric deck, 17-inch sitting height, and 300 lb capacity. Its compromises are visible before anyone lies down. It weighs 21.5 lb, and the final end bar can require substantial leverage.

Who it is for

Trailhead II makes sense when price is the first filter and the car is close. The 35-inch width is generous for the money, and 17 inches of height gives older knees a more manageable sit-to-stand movement than a 6-inch low cot.

It is not a lightweight product despite the compact-looking roll bag. It is also only 73 inches long, with Coleman listing a maximum sleeper height of 6 ft 2 in.

Verified specifications

Spec	Detail
Kit Score	7.4 / 10 (researched, not personally tested)
Open size	73 x 35 x 17 in
Packed exterior	About 38.1 x 8.5 x 4.7 in
Weight	21.5 lb
Capacity	300 lb
Frame	Steel cross-bar
Deck	Polyester
Warranty	1 year

The current active Amazon listing is ASIN B003696236. We replaced a newer listing that returned no current price or availability, preventing a high-intent click from landing on an empty destination.

Setup is the deciding friction

The cross-bar design must place the fabric under tension. On a new cot, the final end connection can feel shorter than the frame. Coleman owners commonly describe standing the cot on end and using body weight for leverage.

That stiffness can ease as the fabric settles, but it is still a reason to assemble the cot once before camp. A buyer with limited grip or upper-body strength should consider a pivot-arm model or an instant-folding cot instead.

Durability at the price

Coleman's own page currently shows a 3.8 out of 5 owner rating across more than 270 submissions. Positive reports emphasize value and basic comfort. Negative reports repeatedly mention difficult setup, fabric wear, and plastic end components.

That is the correct context for a 7.4 score. This is not the cot to buy once for decades. It is the lowest-cost recognizable route into a category, with a real chance that frequent users eventually upgrade.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Coleman Trailhead II hard to set up?

The frame is simple, but the final end bar is tightly tensioned and is the most common owner complaint. Practice at home and use the frame position shown in Coleman's setup guidance rather than trying to pull the bar into place only with your hands.

How much does the Coleman Trailhead II weigh?

Coleman lists 21.5 lb. It is suitable for moving from a trunk to a campsite, not for carrying a meaningful distance.

Is the Trailhead II wide enough for a side sleeper?

At 35 inches wide, it is broader than many budget cots. The fabric tension and cross-bar feel still differ from a mattress, so a thin pad improves both cushion and cold-weather insulation.

Compare it against the 600 lb option in Teton vs Coleman, or use how to choose a camping cot before buying.