red kite travel cot dimensions

The Sleeptight Travel Cot is an award-winning sleep solution from Red Kite.

Stored in a carry bag, the Sleeptight Travel Cot is lightweight and compact folding it is the perfect choice for holidays, visiting friends and family or for your own home.

Suitable from birth, the cot is supplied with padded mattress for comfort, has a central locking base for extra safety and as an added benefit; the side panels are see-through mesh, giving you an easy view of the child.

The cot is easy to fold away and store and has padded top rails to ensure your child is protected from any sharp/hard materials. Fully padded with easy clean fabrics.

Available in Black, Grey, Blueberry & Raspberry.

Sleeptight Travel Cot - Black

Key features.

• Suitable from birth to approx. 15kg
• Easy and fast to assemble
• Full padded top rails
• Easy view mesh panels
• Carry bag for easy travel
• Padded mattress for a comfy night's sleep
• Suitable from birth
• Weight: 7.1kg
• Dimensions: 72 x 101 x 71
• Folded Dimensions: 72 x 20 x 21
• Only supplied mattress must be used with this product

What's Included

• Mother & Baby Awards 2009
• Prima Baby 2015 - Gold 
• PPS 2015 - Shortlisted 
• Made For Mums 2017 - Silver 
• Made For Mums 2018 Shortlisted 
• Made For Mums 2019 - Shortlisted
• Mumsnet Best Budget Travel Cot - 2019

Instructions

https://www.redkitebaby.co.uk/_files/ugd/43f02f_e36e92f7cd274384855a861091c86a5c.pdf

Red Kite Travel Cot Review

Read our Red Kite travel cot review to see why it's our best budget buy

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‘A lightweight, easy-to-handle travel cot at a very good price point. I would recommend it for ease of use. In fact, I already have.’

Easy to assemble

On the small side

Why you can trust GoodtoKnow. Our experienced Consumer Editor & parent reviewers spend hours testing products to help you make the best choice. Find out how we test and review products.

Darryl Baker and her 10-month-old daughter Cole tested out the Red Kite Travel Cot to see if it was worth packing up on holiday.

The Red Kite travel cot comes in a classic design and doesn’t have many of the extras you get with some products. That said, Darryl raved about how easy she found it to assemble. She also liked that it folds up really small into a bag, making it simple to handle and travel with. Her daughter had an average night's sleep in the Red Kite Sleep Tight travel cot. 

The Red Kite is very reasonably priced at around £40 and is a good option for anyone on a bit of a budget who is planning a trip away and wants a relatively lightweight travel cot. It's our pick of the best budget buy in our travel cots buying guide.

VIEW AT AMAZON | £37

Weighs: 7.1kg | Age: Birth to 15kg

The Red Kite Sleep Tight has a standard travel cot design with four legs and two central supports. It has mesh sides so babies can look out and has fully padded top rails for comfort and protection. 

‘The colour and look are sleek and stylish,’ said our tester, Darryl. ‘It's a nice compact size, so not the biggest travel cot but with plenty of room to move and also for her [Cole] to grow with it.’ That said if you have an older baby, you might prefer a longer cot. 

In terms of weight, this travel cot is pretty average, coming in at just over 7kg.

Comfort and features 

While it is relatively basic in terms of travel cot design, the Red Kite Sleep Tight scores extremely high when it comes to ease of assembly. ‘Since first becoming a mum, I’ve borrowed and used three travel cots. I'll be honest, I've pretty much had a fight with all three of them,’ admitted Darryl. ‘Because of prior experience, I wasn’t expecting great things from this Red Kite version so to say I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement.’

In fact, Darryl found it so easy to put up and take down, that she sent a video of her doing just that to her mum, whose travel cot she’d previously done battle with. ‘This one went up no problem. It was just as easy to fold back down again and pack away in the handy bag it comes in,’ she added. 

Value for money

At just under £40, the Red Kite Sleep Tight is a very good value product and we've named it our best budget buy in this guide. ‘I think this is easily within a lot of parents' budgets and is a must for anyone who needs an affordable travel cot,’ says Darryl. She thinks it would suit someone who doesn’t ‘want to faff and fight with a product’. Though it doesn’t come with lots of fancy extras, and it could be a little larger, she says the ease of assembly is key – something she hadn’t found with other travel cots that she’s used in the past. ‘When you think about it, [this] is the most important feature of a travel product.’

This gets our vote as the best budget cot of all those we tested but you might also like to read our Joie Kubbie Sleep Travel Cot  review – it’s the best travel cot overall, according to our parent reviews. And don’t forget to check out the rest of our  baby product reviews .

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Red Kite Black Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Fully safety tested
• Easy to Assemble
• Fully padded top rails, Includes carry bag.Assembled dimensions: Hx76 Wx103cm Dx73cm,Folded dimensions: Hx76 Wx20cm Dx20cm. Intended for use by children under 3 years of age. Do not use for a child that is able to climb out, reaches 86 cm in height or weighs more than 15kgs
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
• The mattress is wrapped around the actual cot. The mattress is firm on one side, in five sections, and has warnings and instructions printed on it

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Review of Award Winning Red Kite Travel Cot

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Product description.

The award winning Sleeptight Travel Cot from Red Kite. Practical travel item useful for holidays or just visiting friends and relatives. Note: Once removed from the outer carton and poly bag, the cot is inside a black travel bag. Once the bag has been removed the mattress is wrapped around the actual cot. The mattress is firm on one side, in five sections, and has warnings and instructions printed on it. Once removed from the cot, this then reveals the padded side of the mattress.

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Red Kite Sleeptight travel cot review: 'Still going strong 10 years later!'

Red Kite's low-cost travel cot is probably one of the best kept secrets in travel cot terms. Simple in design, it gives its more expensive counterparts a run for their money. We put it through its paces with two parent-testers.

By Jenny Wonnacott | Last updated Apr 22, 2024

Price on writing: £37 | Buy now from Amazon

Can be bought in black which means that dirt won't show up easily

Lightweight and folds down into a compact carry bag

Big enough for use as a playpen as well as a travel cot

Sleek and simple design

Mattress is very thin - we needed to purchase a new one

Cot fabric isn’t removable so has to be cleaned with a sponge

No wheels to make transportation easier

Can be a bit fiddly to put up and down

Price on writing: £37 | Suitable from : Birth to 15kg (or until able to climb out) | Dimensions : W 71 x L 101 x H 74 cm | Folded dimensions: W 21 x L 20 x H 75 cm | Weight : 8.5 kg | Includes : Mattress and carry bag

Read next: Discover the best cribs for newborns and the top-rated baby monitors for added peace-of-mind

How we tested the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

I first purchased the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot over ten years ago when my first child was a newborn. Since then it has been used by two further babies/toddlers over several family holidays during a period of around seven years (until our youngest outgrew it). We primarily used it as a cot, but it would certainly be big enough to use as a playpen as well.

The Red Kite Sleeptight was also tested by parent-tester Ruth, who tried it out with her 18-month-old over a period of several months. During this time the travel cot was thoroughly put through its paces, withstanding rigorous rolling around, pushing against the sides and bouncing.

Read next: Discover the best mattress protectors and our top-ranking cot beds for more bedtime essentials

How safe is the Red Kite Sleeptight?

While this travel cot is one of the cheapest on the market, it certainly doesn’t scrimp on quality.

The Red Kite Sleeptight’s simple design and thoughtful features, including padded rails and mesh side panels, ensures baby is safe at all times.

It is both durable and child-proof with the frame and corners covered well by fabric. There are also no zips or choking hazards, and no gaps where a child’s fingers could become trapped.

The Sleeptight is also fire retardant and there is a locking system on each side of the frame which means that the travel cot is sturdy when upright. The frame cannot be released until the buttons are pressed, which requires a good amount of pressure – more than any small child could manage.

The cot is a bit wider than other travel cots on the market such as the Joie Kubbie Sleep, so there is plenty of room inside for a child up until they are three years old – or until they can climb out.

How easy is the Red Kite Sleeptight to assemble?

While the Sleeptight uses a standard cot mechanism for assembly, I always found there was a bit of a knack to it. You have to remember to pull up and lock each side of the frame before pushing down the centre of the cot to lock it in. Then you can lay and strap the mattress into place with the velcro straps.

The cot comes in two parts, with the mattress wrapping around the cot to keep it a compact, rectangular shape which fits easily in the carry case.

The same level of assembly is needed every time and it is just as quick and easy to fold down as it is to get up. The frame is released by pushing the buttons, and then you pull it up from the centre.

Although the Sleeptight is wider than some of the other travel cots in our guide and has no wheels for transportation around the house, its 8.5 kg weight still makes it easy to carry around - though I probably wouldn't want to do so for any length of time!

Related : Find the best white noise machines and night lights for peaceful nights

How does it look?

The fabric is made mostly of cotton and is black in colour with white, breathable mesh that makes it easy for parent and baby to see in and out. The material also comes in Blueberry, Raspberry and Grey if you’d prefer a lighter colour.

While it does sit at the lower end of the price range, its sleek design and well-finished detailing still gives the likes of the BabyBjorn Easy Go and Joie Kubbie Sleep a run for their money.

It's wide frame may make placing it in a smaller room a bit tricky (and we certainly found it a bit of a challenge when we took it camping!) but the up side of this is that is there is more space for your child to grow.

Read next: Find the best swaddles , cot mattresses and moses baskets for the littlest sleepers

What is the Red Kite travel cot mattress like?

The only downside of the Red Kit Sleeptight travel cot is the mattress' thinness. Having said that, my eldest daughter slept perfectly well in it for several years and we only bought an extra mattress - this one from Mother Nurture - several years later when my second-born used the Red Kite.

Parent-tester Jenny

Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

Ruth, too, said that she invested in an extra mattress.

We bought an extra foldable mattress, which makes it comfier, as we do a fair few weekends away. DS is too big for the cot now, but we still use the mattress with the base from the travel cot when we go away.

-parent-tester Ruth

What's it like to use day-to-day?

This is definitely a cot that can be used as a place to nap if you are away on a family holiday or at a grandparent’s house.

Ruth's son slept in the Sleeptight when she went away with her family for the weekend and, although it was difficult finding a spot in the small hotel room, she managed to put it at the foot of the bed.

It is a bit bulky to move around when set up so would need to be collapsed to fit through most doorways. But it would take less than a minute to set it up again elsewhere.

When it’s folded down, it’s compact and goes into a black carry case which makes it easy to transport and to store. It would slot nicely into a cupboard or in the boot of the car, although it may be too large to take onto a plane as hand luggage.

It’s also spacious enough when assembled to be used as a playpen for a younger child as they would have room to play with toys and move around.

Related : Don't miss our guides to the best bunk beds , mattresses and baby sleeping bags

How easy is it to clean?

Unfortunately the covers aren’t removable and the mattress doesn’t come with a sheet so everything needs to be spot cleaned with mild detergent and warm water before left to air dry.

Ruth placed her son in the cot with peanut butter on his finger which he smeared all over the top of the frame. She found it much easier to clean if she got to the muck quickly with a damp cloth (rather than leaving it to stain), and the fact that the cot is predominately black meant that any dirt didn't show up much, even if cleaning didn't remove it entirely. The metal legs can also be cleaned with damp cloth.

However, she found cleaning the white mesh a lot trickier as dirt did become ingrained into the fabric. As such, the mesh could start to look fairly mucky over time, especially if the travel cot is used as a playpen as well as somewhere for baby to sleep.

Does the Red Kite Sleeptight represent good value for money?

It may be our budget choice, but the Red Kite Sleeptight works just as well as the more expensive travel cots we tested.

While it is fairly no frills in terms of overall aesthetic and the covers aren't machine-washable, it offers good longevity and, in our opinion, great value for money.

Red Kite Sleeptight: final verdict

There aren't many baby items we purchased for our first child which have stood the test of time and are still good to use more than 10 years later - the Red Kite Sleeptight travel cot is one of few. It's not the fanciest travel cot you can buy - there's no bassinet attachment for very young babies, there aren't any wheels on the legs and it is quite wide, but if you need a travel cot which costs less than £40 and can be used as and when you need it, the Red Kite Sleeptight is still a great option. It's robust, affordable, easy to assemble and provides a comfortable and safe environment for both sleep and play - really, what more can you ask for?

About the author

Jenny Wonnacott is a Content Editor for Mumsnet, specialising in writing, editing and optimising pregnancy, baby care and general parenting-related content. As a parent of three primary school-aged children, Jenny is passionate about making Mumsetters' lives easier through rigorous research of all items recommended in reviews, features buyers' guides.

She regularly reviews a wide range of parenting and lifestyle products for Mumsnet, from breast pumps to kettles , board games and cribs .

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing – this includes recommendations from the Mumsnet Talk boards . We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

All prices correct at time of publication

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Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot

Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot - Blueberry is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

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Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot: Your Portable Sleep Solution

Introducing the award-winning Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot – the perfect sleep solution for your little one, whether you're on holiday, visiting friends and family, or at home. This travel cot combines convenience, comfort, and safety to provide your baby with a cozy space to rest and play.

Key Features

Easy assembly and portability.

The Sleeptight Travel Cot is designed to be super simple to assemble and take down. Stored in a carry bag, it is lightweight and compact, making it the ideal choice for families on the go. The carry handles ensure easy travel, and the included protector case allows for convenient storage.

Suitable from Birth to 15kg

This travel cot is suitable from birth, providing a comfortable and secure space for your baby to nap and play. The cot is fully safety tested to ensure your peace of mind.

Padded Mattress for Comfort

The Sleeptight Travel Cot comes with a padded mattress to ensure your little one enjoys a comfy night's sleep, whether you're at home or away. The mattress is firm on one side, offering the right support for your baby.

See-Through Mesh Panels

The side panels of the cot are see-through mesh, allowing you to have an easy view of your child. This feature not only provides visibility but also ensures proper ventilation for your baby.

Full Padded Top Rails

The travel cot features full padded top rails, adding an extra layer of protection. This is especially useful when young toddlers are starting to stand up, ensuring their safety during playtime.

Compact and Lightweight

When not in use, the Sleeptight Travel Cot easily folds down into a compact size. The folded dimensions are 72 x 20 x 21 cm, making it convenient to store and carry. With a weight of 7.1kg, it's easy to handle.

Dimensions and Specifications

Suitable from birth to approx. 15kg.

Additionally, it is easy and fast to assemble.

Moreover, it features full padded top rails for safety.

Furthermore, it includes easy view mesh panels for visibility.

Plus, it comes with a carry bag for convenient travel.

Also, it has a padded mattress for a comfy night's sleep.

• Assembled dimensions: H70 x W99 x D70cm
• Folded dimensions: H70 x W20 x D20cm
• Weight: 7.1kg

Why Choose the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot?

The Sleeptight Travel Cot is not just an award-winning product; it's a parent's best friend. With its easy assembly, portability, and safety features, this travel cot ensures that your baby has a secure and comfortable space, no matter where life takes you. Invest in quality sleep for your little one with the Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot – the ultimate sleep solution for families on the move.

#RedKite #TravelCot #Sleep Tight Travel Cot

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Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot

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The award winning Sleeptight Travel Cot from Red Kite has been designed to be super simple to both assemble and to fold down, making it the perfect choice to use on holidays, whilst visiting friends and family or for your own home.

The cot is easy to fold away and store compactly in the handy protector cover provided. It has padded top rails to ensure your child is protected from any sharp or hard materials if they stand up and has easy view mesh sides giving you a simple way to check on your child. The Sleeptight can also be used as a playpen for your young baby and to give you peace of mind knowing where they are!

SIZE & FIT

• Suitable from birth to approx. 15kg
• Assembled dimensions H70 x W99 x D70cm
• Folded dimensions H70 x W20 x D20cm
• Boxed dimensions H70 x W20 x D20cm

PRODUCT FEATURES

• Simple and fast to assemble
• Full padded top rails
• Easy view mesh panels
• Carry handles for easy travel
• Protector case for storage and travel use
• Padded mattress for a comfy night’s sleep

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Red Kite Baby Sleeptight Travel Cot - Blueberry. Lightweight padded travel cot suitable from birth, (STBLUE)

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Suitable from birth
• Includes slotted mattress
• Fully padded top rails
• Easy and fast to assemble
• Carry bag for out and about trips
• Assembled dimensions: 76 x 103 x 73

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Warning:To be used under the direct supervision of an adult

Product information

Technical details, additional information, warranty & support, product guides and documents, what's in the box.

• 1 x Mattress; 1 x Carry bag

From the manufacturer

Making faces smile, small and Tall

Here at Red Kite, we aspire to provide your child with a friendly, comfy and practical way to grow. We set out in the beginning to offer parents great value whilst also offering exciting and engaging products. As the years have passed by, faces may come and go and our babies will grow and grow, but our ethos always remains the same; to make faces smile, small and TALL.

Sleeptight Blueberry

The Sleeptight Travel Cot is an award-winning sleep solution from Red Kite. Stored in a carry bag, the Sleeptight Travel Cot is lightweight and compact folding it is the perfect choice for holidays, visiting friends and family or for your own home. Suitable from birth, the cot is supplied with padded mattress for comfort, has a central locking base for extra safety and as an added benefit; the side panels are see-through mesh, giving you an easy view of the child.

Looking for the right sleep product for your baby or toddler can be a minefield with so many options. The Red Kite Sleeptight Travel Cot is an award winning amazing value travel cot that ticks all the boxes and does exactly what is supposed to do! Ideal for short overnight stays and nap times when on holiday or visits away from home, you can be reassured that your baby will be safe and sound.

Easy to assemble and with large mesh panels on all four sides means you can check on baby at all times for peace of mind. The Sleeptight has padded top rails for when young toddlers are starting to stand up which gives an extra safety feature. Includes a mattress which is easily fitted into the base of the travel cot and can be secured with the added straps underneath. When not in use or when travelling, the Sleeptight easily folds down into a compact size and includes a handy carry strap so that you can carry the travel cot with ease.

There is a reason why this travel cot has won many awards and has such amazing reviews!

Available in a range of colour options to suit all tastes: Black which is a strong every day staple and practical colour. Grey which provides a neutral colour and coordinates with modern homes. Raspberry is a deep dark pink hue for anyone wanting a different choice. Navy is a dark shade of blue with grey plastic trims for a classy look!

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings, help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyses reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the ease of assembly, build quality, and value for money of the product. They mention it's very easy to put up and pack away, and will last long. Some are also happy with the size, design, and travel cot. However, some customers have different opinions on the weight.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the kite easy to assemble. They mention it's sturdy, easy to put up and pack away. Some also say it's value for money.

"... Delivery fast ....Recommended product." Read more

"... Very easy to erect . Lightweight but sturdy...." Read more

"easy storage and quick to set up ideal for taking away,great value" Read more

"A really good travel cot. Easy to erect and collapse back down...." Read more

Customers like the build quality of the product. They mention it's sturdy, portable, and easy to clean. Some say it will last long and is easily dismantled.

"...Versatile, good value and easy to fold makes this a perfect travel cot ( or a semi permanent one), comfort levels good too...." Read more

"...intend on using as a cot rather than a playpen or 'snooze pen' Easily dismantled and neat for storage and come with a cover for travelling." Read more

"...Easy to erect and collapse back down. Nice and stable and a good size, I was really pleased with the price but the bottom ‘mattress’ is far too hard..." Read more

"...It’s steady and will last long .Easy to clean and easy to assemble.The best part is the price which is really cheap for the quality." Read more

Customers appreciate the value for money of the kite. They mention it's a great buy, not a massive travel cost, and an excellent bit of kit.

"...The included bag makes it easy to transport.Versatile, good value and easy to fold makes this a perfect travel cot ( or a semi permanent one),..." Read more

"easy storage and quick to set up ideal for taking away, great value " Read more

"...Nice and stable and a good size, I was really pleased with the price but the bottom ‘mattress’ is far too hard and thin so have had to purchase a..." Read more

" Not a massive travel cost but ideal size for the spare room for the grandbabies that my kids can’t seem to stop having." Read more

Customers like the size of the kite. They mention it's a reasonable size, compact, and comfortable for their little ones. Some say it fits well under their buggy and is great for weekend trips.

"...cot rather than a playpen or 'snooze pen' Easily dismantled and neat for storage and come with a cover for travelling." Read more

" easy storage and quick to set up ideal for taking away,great value" Read more

"...Easy to erect and collapse back down. Nice and stable and a good size , I was really pleased with the price but the bottom ‘mattress’ is far too hard..." Read more

"...It's a reasonable size - not that big, but okay and is easy to put up and fold away...." Read more

Customers like the functionality of the product. They mention it's handy for home or travel, serves its purpose well, and is stable.

"A really good travel cot. Easy to erect and collapse back down. Nice and stable and a good size, I was really pleased with the price but the bottom ‘..." Read more

" a good , well made item, easily erected and sturdy. An added mattress is needed though, and it's quite heavy and cumbersome to carry when folded...." Read more

"Bought this travel cot for a 2 weeks trip to the UK and it served its purpose well ...." Read more

" Amazing product and can travel with it love love love this for my baby girl x" Read more

Customers are satisfied with the design of the kite. They mention it looks good, is well-designed, and is easy to put up and put away. Some say the cot is really nice and has a great color and size.

"The cot is really nice and I also liked the colour.It’s steady and will last long.Easy to clean and easy to assemble...." Read more

" Vibrant colours . Using it also as a cot in the house. Bought an extra mattress because the one that it comes with is very thin...." Read more

"...this for our young grandson and found it to be very well made and colourfull ...." Read more

"...had to pad it out with a duvet,, that said it is a good cot , great colour and size and was delivered very quickly" Read more

Customers like the travel cot. They say it's compact and transportable, with a well-padded rim. It's great for weekend trips on the train and comes with a cover for traveling.

"...'snooze pen' Easily dismantled and neat for storage and come with a cover for travelling ." Read more

"easy storage and quick to set up ideal for taking away ,great value" Read more

"A really good travel cot . Easy to erect and collapse back down...." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the weight of the product. Some mention it's really light, while others say the mattress is very thin and it's heavier than they thought.

"...The included bag makes it easy to transport ...." Read more

"...pleased with the price but the bottom ‘mattress’ is far too hard and thin so have had to purchase a separate new one adding to the cost," Read more

"...Very easy to erect. Lightweight but sturdy...." Read more

"...If you want to use it as a bed, the mattress is a bit thin , but it's fine for use as a play pen." Read more

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Red Kite Dreamer bedside travel crib review

• Danny Morgan

In a nutshell

A great value bedside travel crib, perfect for parents who want to keep their baby close at night, although the less-than-premium feel may make this more suitable as an occasional travel cot rather than for regular use

What we tested

• Great price, good value for the money, folds easily, easy to store, lightweight, suitable for newborns, drop-down side
• Mattress very firm, materials feel basic

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Red Kite is a UK company renowned for its practical baby products at an affordable price point. The brand’s “old favourite”, the Dreamer bedside crib, has been given a refresh to include a drop side for safer and convenient bedside sleeping. Taking it beyond a simple crib or travel cot, this feature adds a new dimension to this budget offering, while still keeping the original easy assembly and fold features, that make it ideal for travel.

Costing just £59.99, the Dreamer bedside crib is certainly targeting those on a budget or those looking for a convenient travel cot at a low price. It’s not designed as an everyday bedside crib, however offers a budget option for travel, compared to other popular (and pricier) travel cots like the Bugaboo Stardust, £199, or the Micralite Sleep & Go , £175.

Danny, dad of 9-month-old Olivia, tested out the Dreamer bedside crib while on holiday in the Peak District to check its travel credentials, as well as occasional use at home.

What are your first impressions of the Dreamer bedside travel crib?

The packaging and box opening process was standard fare which is expected at this price and, ultimately, it is what inside that we’re really interested in.

I was initially impressed at how compact it was considering this is quite a large crib when assembled. But this was quickly overcome by a powerful chemical smell coming from the crib and box. This was quite off-putting, but I assume it will go away after airing.

How easy is the Dreamer bedside travel crib to build?

Very easy. I was able to assemble the crib in under 10 minutes without needing to refer to the manual – surely, the ultimate achievement for any dad!

How easy is it to fit and remove the newborn bassinet?

We didn’t need to use this as Olivia was 9 months old when we tested the product, but I managed to fit the bassinet without any trouble so this should be fine for parents of newborns.

Fellow tester Bridget, who tested the cot with their 5 month old, says: "The bassinet element of the cot feels slightly wobbly and with a 5 month old who likes to kick their legs in their sleep I did worry it wouldn’t hold him, but he was absolutely fine."

How does the Dreamer bedside travel crib compare to other travel cots?

We have previously tested the Silver Cross Voyager , £199, which acts as a very decent bedside crib first, but has exceptional travel cot qualities. The Silver Cross is far better in terms of materials, build quality and comfort, but then again it is around double the price.

The Dreamer is just as easy to collapse and, because it folds in on itself to allow you to carry it, I actually preferred this element to the Silver Cross Voyager which was a bit of a faff to get into its travel bag. Also, weight-wise, the Dreamer comes in at a lightweight 7.4kg, compared to the Silver Cross’ 11kg.

If I had to choose, though, comfort for my baby and overall quality will always trump features that I find convenient, so I would opt for the Silver Cross Voyager or similar if budget allowed.

What age range is the Dreamer bedside travel crib suitable for?

Red Kite says it’s suitable from birth up to about 15kg, which should mean it is okay for use with young toddlers. This is pretty standard for most travel cots , that tend to fit up to the 15kg weight range.

How firm is the mattress?

We found the Red Kite Dreamer Bedside Crib mattress incredibly firm. This was a concern of mine after we had set it up, but we had only realised just how uncomfortable it must have been when testing it on our family holiday in the Peaks.

Olivia woke up a number of times during the night, which is unusual for her. It was our first family holiday away for her, plus the weather was warm, so it is hard to say for sure whether Olivia experienced disrupted sleep due to the unfamiliar surroundings or the firm mattress.

The Silver Cross Voyager’s mattress was far softer and I ended up feeling quite guilty for placing Olivia on the hard mattress that came with the Dreamer.

George at Asda parent reviews also mention how hard the mattress is, with many opting to purchase a separate Mamas & Papas mattress to use with the Dreamer. However, on the manufacturers website it does state only the supplied mattress should be used with the cot.

However, fellow tester Bridget felt the mattress compared favourably with other models, saying: "As travel cots go this is one of the comfiest mattresses I’ve seen. It feels nice and padded and had a solid firm base underneath to secure into the cot."

How easy is it to access your baby in the Dreamer bedside travel crib?

When set up for children other than newborns (in the additional basinet), the mattress is quite low to the floor which makes it a little inconvenient to pick up your baby, but not a big deal if you’re using it occasionally for travel.

How easy is it to see your baby?

If you position the crib the right way around, then you’ll be able to see your child through the mesh panel just fine. Likewise, you can still view your baby through the mesh on a baby monitor, if you can’t position it high enough to get a view down into the cot.

How portable is the Dreamer bedside travel crib and how easy is it to store?

It’s very portable. The Dreamer crib is easy to collapse and light enough to move around. We had no issues putting it into our car boot and transporting it into the holiday home we were staying in. This is particularly important when you’re unloading luggage and your baby – the last thing you need is a heavy crib to lug around and for it to be difficult to set up. Luckily the Dreamer performs really well in this regard.

It doesn’t fold flat, as some competitor products do, but the Dreamer is still nice and compact when stored away, measuring L:72cmxW:21cmxH:21cm – similar to the Micralite Sleep & Go at L:88cmxW:34cmxH:17cm and pretty compact compared to the Silver Cross Voyager at L:101cmxW:61cmxH:14cm.

How comfy is this travel cot for your baby?

This was the part of the crib we were most disappointed with. The mattress is very firm and undermines the product overall, which is a shame.

If the mattress was improved, then the Red Kite Dreamer would be a serious consideration for a travel cot or a second crib that family can use when babysitting.

How robust and durable does the Dreamer feel?

While it doesn’t use the most premium of materials, the Dreamer felt well put together and there was not anything that would suggest it wouldn’t stand the test of time.

How easy is it to keep clean?

All of the materials and the frame are easy to wipe down should any accidents occur.

Are there any useful design elements?

In the bassinette mode there was a decent amount of storage underneath for blankets and other essentials, which I can imagine would be very useful on holiday. However, as we were not using the bassinette, we weren’t able to take advantage of any storage as this is not available in ‘full crib’ mode. Still, it’s a nice feature for a budget buy.

Collapsing and folding the Dreamer is made really easy thanks to the central foot which doubles as a handle. Pulling this upwards starts to collapse the crib and is extremely easy to do. This was our favourite feature when it came to transporting the Dreamer.

What’s in the box?

• Crib/bassinet
• Protective cover

What would we have wanted to know about the Dreamer bedside travel crib before purchasing?

Although the crib was mostly as I had expected, the mattress was disappointing. I would definitely have liked to have known quite how firm it was before buying.

Who would this travel cot be most useful for?

The Dreamer is ideal for those looking for a budget travel cot option, which is built to last.

Is the Dreamer bedside travel crib worth the money?

Even though it is low budget and quite basic, the Red Kite Dreamer crib did an acceptable job for us. So, for the price I think it is a good travel cot option.

How does it compare to similar travel cots?

Where can i buy the dreamer bedside travel crib.

Available at Red Kite , Argos and Kiddies Kingdom .

MadeForMums verdict:

Combining a travel cot with a drop-down side is a great idea for parents keen to travel with their young baby and keep them close by. With its attractive, low price, the crib functions well overall, but the mattress is disappointingly firm and lets down the product overall. If Red Kite could improve the mattress so it is softer and more padded – or at least offer an option to upgrade the mattress for a small cost – then I think this would be an extremely good product. As it stands, the Dreamer still does the job and is worth considering for occasional use on family holidays.

Product Specifications

Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

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Travel to Nalchik, Kabardino-Balkaria, Elbrus region

Your personal travel guide in nalchik, kabardino-balkaria, elbrus region, mount elbrus.

Mount Elbrus isn’t technically a mountain — it is an inactive volcano located in the western Caucasus mountain range, near the Georgian border in Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay–Cherkessia, Russia.

With an elevation of 18,510 feet (5,642 meters), it is part of the Caucasus Range that straddles Asia and Europe, although most geographers place it in Europe. This makes it the tallest mountain in Europe and one of the Seven Summits, the highest mountains in each of the continents and elite climbers aspire to summit all of them.

Mount Elbrus’ prominence —a measure of how distinct a mountainis from nearby peaks — is 15,554 feet (4,741 m), making it the 10th most prominent mountain in the world. The east summit is slightly lower at 18,442 feet (5,621 m). Meaning of the name «Mingi-Tau» is the name given Elbrus by the Balkars, the Turkic people of the Caucasus region. This translates to «resembling a thousand mountains,» as a homage to the mountain’s size.

Before the Balkars, the mountain was known as Sobilus, which is Latin for «pine cone» This is a variation of strobilos, meaning «a twisted object,» which is an apt description of the mountain’s summit.

The mountain also has a mythological history. In Greek mythology. Zeus chained Prometheus to the mountain as punishment for stealing fire from Zeus and sharing it with mankind. The name also has Persian origins, a derivation of Harā Bərəzaitī, a mountain in Persian mythology.

Elbrus’ climate

The climate is most conducive to climbing in July and August, when the weather is at its most stable.

Even in the summer, nighttime temperatures average 18 F (minus 8 C). Temperatures above the snowline can fall as low as minus 22 F (minus 30 C) during the day during the winter.

Winter is coldest in the western part. It lasts from October to April above 6,562 feet (2,000 m). While the mountain is inland, it is positioned between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea. These two large bodies of water have an impact on wind and precipitation.

Climbing Elbrus

Elbrus has a unique cable car system, which was built on the south side of the mountain from 1959 to 1976. The cable car reaches 12,500 feet (3,658 m). From there, most climbers take the Standard Route up the south side to the summit.

While the lack of crevasses can lull climbers into a false sense of safety, the Standard Route is challenging due to the snow, high winds and a high elevation. About 15 to 30 climbers die each year, which is a fairly high ratio of climbers to climber deaths when compared to other mountains.

Another unique feature of Elbrus is the system of huts for resting, including the Barrel Huts, which are located at 13,600 feet (3,962 m). There is also a snow-cat to take climbers up to 15,750 feet (48,000 m). Mount Elbrus has 22 glaciers that feed three rivers — Baksan, Malka and Kuban. The mountain is covered with snow year-round.

While it can be a dangerous climb, it is considered among the easiest of the Seven Summits. The typical climbing season is May to September. The harsh winter conditions keep all but the most experienced climbers off the mountain.

It takes most climbers less than a week to summit, which is short compared to the other Seven Summits.

Another high point in Europe

Mount Elbrus gets the title of highest in Europe. Another, perhaps better known, peak is Mont Blanc. It is the highest mountain in the Alps and the European Union. Its elevation is 15,781 feet (4,810 m) above sea level.

To get more information about traveling around Nalchik,Elbrus, Kabardino-Balkaria, and taking part in my tours, follow my instagram @guidetonalchik ( https://www.instagram.com/guidetonalchik /) and write an email ⇒ [email protected]

Poor Economic Outlook and Lack of Security Undermine Kabardino-Balkaria’s Governor