REVIEW: Therm-a-Rest UltraLite camp bed

By Will Hawkins

Keeping warm and comfortable in bed when camping is essential, as is reducing condensation beneath you in your sleeping compartment. A camp bed is a good solution.

The Thermarest Ultralite camp bed (or 'cot' as the Americans call them) is quick to set up (less than 5 minutes), very light (just over 1kg) and it packs down into its own bag too, making it convenient to store. You have to set up the Ultralite standing up to insert the feet and poles. And, be careful not to sit on the camp bed. We broke one of the plastic feet after setting it up. 

For extra comfort, it's best to add a mattress because the Ultralite camp bed is quite firm on its own. That adds to the cost, and at around £180 RRP it's pricey. But, then again, if you want a comfortable night's sleep and you camp regularly the Therma-a-rest Ultralite might be worth the investment.