The present work presents both numerically and experimentally the quasi-static lateral compression of nested systems with vertical and inclined side constraints. The force-deflection response of mild steel short tubes compressed using two types of indenter’s is examined. The variation in response due to these indenters and external constraints are illustrated and how these can contribute to an increase the energy absorbing capacity of such systems. The implicit version of the Finite Element code via ANSYS is used to simulate these nested systems and comparison of results is made with those obtained in experiments and were found to be in good agreement.