The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and difficult to pack 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
A good night's sleep on the trail is crucial to enjoy your camping experience. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable bed to rest in. Choose a cot that is lightweight, but also provides an adequate amount of support. This will guarantee you a restful night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other insulation.
The right cot for you is essential regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are mostly backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily transported in your bag. 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 want a more luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to feel as close as they can to a traditional mattress. 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 is also important to think about its materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears, so choose a cot made of high-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for details like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to be.
A cot should also provide a good amount of cushioning to guard from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. A cot should also be long and wide enough to be able to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that is able to support your weight to be able to support your body, particularly when traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and can be placed in a smaller space in your backpack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear the portability of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall rating.
It could take only a few minutes to unfold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot take into consideration how often you'll be using it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping area work better for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider purchasing a set of bedding designed specifically for the cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice if you are looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for most camping types. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in size to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity for camping, but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. It is because you have to place them on an even area, which can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head that you may not want to hit when you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to think about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots, however, are not always the best choice since they require you to assemble the frame and then tie the fabric yourself, which will require a significant amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set-up, so it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. It's a bit heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size about similar to the carry case for a folding camp chair. It's also extremely durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also features a unibody construction that eliminates any bars across your head and feet, making it perfect for sleepers who are back or side. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the storage bag of your favorite backpack. small cot beds than other cots that we've tested however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that's extremely easy to install. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to break down for storage. The legs lock in place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not break under the weight of a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to endure wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from bugs and other animals that might be roaming in your campsite at night. They also offer a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are created in the same way, and some require you to use an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep and don't need to carry a sleeping pad to sleep on. However the cot is heavy and bulky, which means it isn't easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
They're ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that comes with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.