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.
BEST BUDGET
Coleman Trailhead II Folding Cot
Best for: First-time cot buyers, family car campers, and anyone who needs a functional elevated sleep platform at the lowest reasonable price.
- One of the lowest entry prices for a 300 lb capacity steel-frame cot from a recognized brand
- Assembly requires securing tight end struts that many reviewers find awkward on the first several uses
Kit Score 7.4/10 · $54.99 Price checked Oct 29, 7:13 AM CDT · how we score gear
Buy on AmazonProduct details
The Trailhead II gets campers off the ground with a steel cross-bar frame and 300 lb capacity. Its standard 17-inch height makes getting in and out easier than a low cot. The trade-offs are its 21.5 lb frame and tight end bars.
- Overall size
- 73" x 35" x 17"
- Packed size
- 38.1" x 8.5" x 4.7"
- Weight
- 21.5 lbs
- Weight capacity
- 300 lbs
- Height
- 17"
- Frame
- Steel cross-bar with polyester fabric
More strengths
- 17" height is easy to sit on and stand from, especially useful for older campers or those with limited mobility
- 35" wide sleeping surface is wider than many budget competitors at this price point
Other tradeoffs
- At 21.5 lbs, it is heavier than aluminum competitors; strictly a drive-in camping option
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.
Keep going
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Complete camp loadoutCamp sleep systemBuild the complete kitResearched, not hands-on tested
Updated Jul 29, 2026Our recommendations draw on manufacturer documentation, retailer listings, owner feedback, and comparisons with alternatives.
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