The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable place to sleep in. Choose an cot that is not heavy and also offers a solid level of support. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. Look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine a mix of car camping and backpacking and camping, you might want to consider something heavier, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to feel as close to a traditional bed as is possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about the materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose a cot with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for details such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer enough cushioning to keep you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop you from sinking in. A cot must also be wide and long enough to fit your height. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up little space in your backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The portability of the cot is important when you consider the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, dependent on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help you reduce the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them stable in windy or stormy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with a larger sleeping area are better suited for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding specifically designed for the cot you're using. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for most types of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and has a strap attached to make it easy to transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often required when camping but they also tend to be more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even space, that can be difficult to locate when camping. Some have bars on the foot and head which you don't want to strike when sleeping.
Fortunately, the top cots we tried are easy to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Others have a simple folding design and only require an easy few clicks. Traditional cots aren't the same. You have to assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used both for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used on trips to backpack. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be tucked away to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot also packs down to a size that's roughly the same as the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. Continuing 's a bit heavier than the other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that's extremely easy to install. It takes only the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap into place and then a few pulls to break it down. The legs are locked with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear when the sleeping person. A high-quality cot is constructed of 600D polyester, which is extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping as they keep you comfortable and free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. However there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made to be the same and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a huge problem, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable, so you can get a great night's rest and not need to bring a sleeping pad along with you. However this cot is large and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can be used in other scenarios like when you have guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an air mattress or tent and you don't have to worry whether they explode or shift in the middle night.