There was a period there when my favored summer sleeping accommodations were relegated to the realm of camping dark ages by the emergence of ultra-engineered gear. But for those of us who still prefer canvas, the good old cot is back. And it's more stylish (and, yes, a bit more hi-tech) than ever.
Above: Designed by the director of a Danish technical college to be "as comfortable as a real bed," Manufactum's beechwood folding bed is also one of the most stylish cots we've seen. Made from a solid wood frame with linen flax bed and carrier bag; €380.
Above: Reminiscent of vintage cots, but in sophisticated, leather-trimmed, black canvas, Peter Hofer Jagdwaffen's sleek cot is an exact reproduction of British army cots. Made from solid rosewood with brass brackets and hinges; €833.
Above: Made of teak with a Batyline cloth cover, Tectona's Tobago folding bed is at the height of cot luxury; $1,910.
Above: The Small Camp Bed is 44 inches long and costs €190 at Serendipity in Paris. It's also available from Numero 74 for €180.
Above: A more economical yet still stylish take on a classic, Byer's Maine Heritage Cot features a hardwood frame and durable polyester cover; $129.
Above: Reminiscent of vintage steel-framed army beds, the Alps Lightweight cot weighs in at only 11.5 pounds. Available at Sportsman's Warehouse; $49.99.
Above: With a 350-pound capacity, Slumberjack's Tough cot is as durable as it is stylish. On offer at Campmor; $89.99.
And of course there is always vintage. I bought my own wood-frame cot with sun-bleached, white canvas on Etsy.
Want more essentials for life under the stars? Browse all our favorite camping classics.