The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is crucial. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and hard to transport for travel.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is crucial for a successful camping excursion. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. When selecting a cot look for one that is lightweight and provides a sturdy level of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are desirable and are often designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is crucial for car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping, consider something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to feel as similar to a traditional bed as possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. Look for features like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to keep you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. You should choose a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity, especially if traveling with a friend or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up little space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is important when you consider the amount of time it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and set up the cot. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that can help you reduce the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some cots have a tether to keep them in place during stormy or windy weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to camp. Cots with a light design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to use your cot for your home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice to consider if you're looking for an easy and comfortable cot. cribs 's also suitable for all camping types. It folds down into a case resembling a camping chair and is equipped with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they tend to be more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to set them up on a level surface which can be difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars over their head and foot areas that you could want to avoid hitting while you sleep.
The cots we tested were fairly easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and only require a few clicks. Traditional cots are not always the best choice as they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric by yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, meaning it can be used for car camping and tent camping. It is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's a little heavier than the typical cot, but it can be folded to a size that's about the same as the carry case of a folding camp chair. It's also extremely durable, being made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also features a unibody design that eliminates bars that run across your head and feet which makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot also packs down to a small size that's about the same size as the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 lbs.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is very easy to install. It takes only some time to unfold, snap into place, and then a few tugs to break it down. The legs lock in place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to stand up to a lot of abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not break when a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is heavy duty and can withstand wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They're great for camping because they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs and other creatures that could be lurking in the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made equal and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad to provide maximum comfort. This can be a major problem, particularly for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get a great night's rest and don't need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers great support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
Cots are great for camping however they can also be used in other circumstances for instance, when you have guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also a great addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to be concerned if they blow up or shift in the middle night.