A camp bed, or cot in North America, is a small portable, lightweight bed used in situations where larger permanent beds cannot be used. The main advantage of this bed is its portability and compactness. Camp beds are generally used by armies or organizations, in tourism, and in emergency situations when there is a need to quickly provide accommodation for victims.
Camp beds generally consist of a foldable lightweight wood or metal frame, covered with canvas, linen or nylon.
The first camp beds were probably used by the Roman army. During the Soviet period, the lack of housing caused a massive use of camp beds that made them irreplaceable, iconic elements of the Soviet life.
American Army Folding Bed, used in World War II
Collapsed camp bed
French portable field bed with mosquito net
Cots for potential evacuees from the 2007 California wildfires
German soldier on a collapsible camp bed, 1941