ATEPA Heavy Duty Lightweight Folding Camping Cot - Adjustable Height Portable Bed for Adults - Supports 330lbs - Perfect for Camping, Hiking, Beach, Travel, Office Nap & Outdoor Relaxation

For some time I’ve been eyeballing the Helinox cot that bears striking resemblance to this one. I want it, but the near $400 price tag for cot and accessory legs is a real nonstarter. Then I saw the ATEPA. I read the other reviews which sound pretty confident in the quality they’ve experienced. When I saw its price drop during a Black Friday sale below $100, I figured it was worth a try. It’s much easier to set up than a similar cot from Alps Mountaineering because of the locking lever handles. I’m not as slim as I once was, so I carefully lowered my 220 lb self onto it. There were creaks and pops, but once it settled, things were fine. I camped with my son’s scout unit using this for the first time and find myself satisfied. In a backpacking tent this fit well without the leg extensions. I’m worried that constant use might damage the tent floor so I’ll work on a way to pad the feet. It’s very comfortable. No concerns there. The aluminum structure feels adequate and well made. The fabric seems well made and well sewed. The levers look like they might be the source of anguish if improper use causes a bend or damage, so I’m cautious when engaging and disengaging them. The weight of the main structure and fabric is light enough to justify backpacking short distances with it, leaving the legs home, but I’m not sure I’d do any real mileage with it without sacrificing something else. For the usage I envision with scouts and walk in sites, this will be perfect. The sleeping bag and pad I use are stored and carried in a duffel big enough to include the cot. If you want a Helinox and can spend that, go for it. But if spending a quarter of that for a knockoff sounds better for you, try it. This cot costs less than most hotel rooms for a night, and this should indeed last longer than one night. So far so good. I’ll update this review if it fails or I see trouble.Six month update: funny story. I’ve used this multiple times now and slept exceptionally well. One night, however, I had a little incident. I somehow slid a little too far toward the head end with the leg extensions installed. I awoke teetering in midair, half slid off the end, but rather than sliding all the way off, I was lodged against the tent wall. I was in a precarious, rather unstable situation and struggled to get out. Eventually, the cot collapsed under me and I thought that was the end for my cot: bent legs, broken connectors, distorted rails. After freeing myself from the wreckage, I found that the head-end support had simply popped off under the full force of my weight. I released the lever, repositioned the support and clamped it right back on. There was absolutely no damage and I went right back to sleep. To me, that’s a testament to the durability and quality of workmanship of this cot. Still comfy after all these months.