The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking sleeping well is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, they are heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital to enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep on. When selecting a cot ensure that it is light and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are designed to withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years to come, look for specifics like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning, to protect you against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to support your body, especially in the case of traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options and can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The portability of the cot is crucial when you think about how long it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
It may only take a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, dependent on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible they can be adjusted to suit different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or turbulent weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a bigger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot for your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you've got. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets as well as the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and has a strap attached for simple haulage. recommended cribs doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a solid choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even space, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head which you don't want to touch while sleeping.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, and others feature simple foldout designs and just a few clicks to get them into place. Traditional cots are often a different story as they require you to assemble the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself and it could take a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, which means it can be used for camping in a car or tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the typical cot, but it can be folded to a size that's the same size as the carry case for the folding camping chair. It's also incredibly durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars that run across your feet and head, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size similar to the storage bag of your favorite backpack. It's heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it's very robust and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It takes just a few moments to unfold, snap into place, and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs are locked using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are made with durable materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not break when an individual sleeping. A good quality cot will use high-end 600D polyester that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping as they will keep you warm and free of bugs and other creatures that could be lurking around at night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. But, not all cots are made to be the same and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a big hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep and don't have to bring a sleeping pad along with you. However, this cot is quite big and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hikes than an air or foam cushion.
Cots are ideal for camping but they can also be used in other situations like when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition 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 inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to worry whether they explode or shift in the middle night.