Helinox Elevated Dog Cot Review: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Looking for the perfect portable dog bed for your camping adventures?
We’ve tried a bunch and, honestly, most of them were a letdown.
Recently, we decided to splurge on the Helinox Elevated Dog Cot. Our dogs LOVE it, and now it’s a staple in our camping gear.
We take our dogs everywhere. This lightweight cot has totally changed the game for outdoor trips.
We bought the large size, which weighs just under 3 pounds. I was genuinely surprised at how quick it is to set up, break down, and carry.
I worried about stability at first since other cots have tipped, but both of my energetic 70-pound German Shepherds tested it out and it never budged. The wide base and lever-lock system are clever—it’s rock solid.
The mesh sleeping surface is designed to keep dogs cool on hot days. That’s going to be a big win this summer.
It’s held up well to normal scratching and pawing. I wouldn’t call it indestructible, though, if your dog’s a hardcore chewer.
The surface is a bit slick, kind of like hardwood floors. For us, it wasn’t a problem, but if your dog launches off the cot, it might slide a little.
The first assembly took me a few minutes to figure out. Now, it only takes a minute to put together or take apart, and it fits back in its bag without a fight.
The cot sits 8.5 inches off the ground. That’s perfect for keeping dogs away from cold, wet, or bumpy terrain.
Bottom Line
I bring this bed everywhere—camping, hiking, training classes, road trips, the park. It’s so light and quick to assemble.
It’s perfect for camping trips, backyard lounging, or just giving your pet a comfy spot off the ground.
Ready to give your dog some real comfort on your next adventure?
Portable Dog Bed for Travel or Camping, Large (39 x 27.5)
More details about the Helinox Elevated Dog Cot
We’ve camped with our dogs for years and gone through way too many beds. Finally, we found one that works.
The Helinox Dog Cot is thoughtfully designed. When set up, it creates a sturdy platform 8.5 inches off the ground.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, the ground is usually cold and damp. This cot keeps our dogs comfy and dry.
The monofilament mesh surface is tough against claws and offers great ventilation in hot weather.
Even though the large cot weighs under 3 pounds, it supports over 100 pounds and stays stable thanks to its wide base.
The lever-lock system is clever and makes setup quick.
The cot packs down smaller than I expected—about 26.5 x 6.5 inches. It takes up barely any room in the car.
The price is higher than some other options. We bought one to test, and now we need a second because our dogs keep fighting over it. After seeing how much they love it, I think the durability is worth it.
Collapsible Design for On-the-Go Pups
I was surprised at how easily this cot packs down.
It folds up into a compact bundle (26.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches for the large size) and fits right in our camper or car trunk.
I hate fumbling with gear at camp. This cot is super easy and fast to set up. First time took me a few minutes, but after that, under two minutes, no sweat.
Breaking it down is just as quick. The carry case is roomy, so you don’t have to wrestle it back in.
At just under 3 pounds, it barely adds any weight to our gear.
The lightweight design doesn’t mean it’s flimsy. Our dogs jump on and off with no issues.
I want my dogs to be comfortable, so I love being able to bring a proper bed for them wherever we go.
It’s become a must-have for all of our trips.
Stable and Secure Comfort
The cot is super stable with its wide base.
The lever-lock system makes the sleeping surface taut and supportive.
The mesh surface has held up well against against scratching and clawing.
It supports over 100 pounds without wobbling. Both our 70-pound dogs use it comfortably.
At 8.5 inches off the ground, the mesh ventilation keeps them cool and comfy
It can slide a bit on slick floors like hardwood or concrete. Outdoors in dirt or grass, it stays put.
Durable Mesh for Ventilation and Strength
The mesh surface really impressed me.
It balances comfort and durability nicely.
Our dogs love lounging on it. The mesh lets air flow underneath, which is great for hot days—especially for Piper, our fluffball who’s always overheating.
The mesh has held up to regular use.
I worried about claw marks, but so far, no damage.
The material keeps its tension and doesn’t sag, even after months of use.
Cleanup is a breeze. Sand, dirt, and fur just shake right off.
For us, that’s one of the best features for camping.
Pros and Cons
After several camping trips, we’ve gotten to know the Helinox Elevated Dog Cot pretty well.
Pros
- Packs down small (26.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches for Large), easy to bring anywhere
- Quick assembly with the lever-lock system once you get used to it
- Sturdy—our 70-pound dogs haven’t damaged it
- Mesh surface keeps dogs cool on hot days
- Elevated 8.5-inch design keeps dogs clean and comfy outdoors
Cons
- The mesh can develop holes over time with heavy use; replacements are available
- Slides on slick surfaces like hardwood or concrete
- Larger dogs (80+ pounds) might find it a bit small
- It’s pricey compared to standard dog beds
- First few assemblies can be a little confusing
Customer Reviews
Other dog owners seem to love the Helinox cot too. I did a ton of research before buying, and now I’m one of those happy customers.
Many mention how lightweight and portable it is—great for camping or moving around the house.
The breathable mesh is a big plus for keeping pups cool, especially in summer.
The cot feels durable. One owner with a 60-pound chewer said it’s been “indestructible” during training and naps.
Some people did mention mesh durability issues, with reports of tears after a few months. We haven’t had that problem, but it probably depends on your dog.
Size matters—big dogs (over 80 pounds) might not fit comfortably. A few owners also noted it slides on slick floors.
The price is high, but most say the quality and portability make it worth it.
People also appreciate how easy it is to clean and assemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering the Helinox cot, you probably have questions.
We’ve used this bed for camping and backyard lounging, and here’s what people usually ask:
What’s the weight limit for the Helinox cot? Will it hold my big dog?
The large size supports over 100 pounds, so it works for most medium to large breeds. Our 70-pound German Shepherds fit with room to spare.
The sleeping surface is 39 x 27.5 inches. Most dogs can stretch out, but really big dogs (over 80 pounds) might find it snug.
How easy is it to set up and take down?
Setup is straightforward once you’ve done it a couple of times. The lever-lock system makes a stable, tensioned platform.
First assembly took us about 5 minutes. Now, it’s under 2 minutes, easy.
Taking it down is simple. The large packs to 26.5 x 6.5 x 6.5 inches and weighs just under 3 pounds, so it’s easy to carry.
After a few tries, putting it together feels like second nature.
Can you remove and clean the fabric? How do you keep it fresh?
The mesh sleeping surface is super easy to clean. We wipe it down with a damp cloth for regular messes.
For bigger messes, we use gentle soap and water, then rinse with a hose. The mesh dries quickly, which is awesome after rainy trips.
Dog hair doesn’t stick much. For stubborn dirt, a soft brush works fine. Just let it dry before packing it away.
How durable is it against scratching and chewing?
The frame is really tough. The mesh resists normal scratching and clawing.
Heavy chewers are a wildcard. One reviewer’s 60-pound chewer couldn’t destroy it, but another saw mesh tears after a few months.
For normal use, it’s held up great for us. But I wouldn’t leave it with a puppy in a chewing phase.
Does the Helinox cot come with a warranty or replacement parts?
Helinox has a good reputation for customer service. We haven’t needed the warranty, but others say getting replacement parts is easy.
The company stands behind their products, which helps with the price.
How does it perform outdoors? Is it good for camping?
This is where the Helinox cot shines. We’ve used it on lots of camping trips, and now we don’t leave home without it.
The elevated design keeps dogs off cold, wet, or hot ground. The wide base gives good stability, though it works best on flat surfaces.
The mesh lets air circulate underneath, keeping dogs cool in hot weather.
It can slide on slick surfaces like hardwood, but outdoors on dirt or grass, it stays put.
For camping, beach trips, and backyard lounging, it’s been ideal. Our dogs always recognize it as “their spot,” which helps them settle in new places.
