The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is vital when you're hiking or hunting and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However they can be a bit heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the move.
We compared 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 for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable place to sleep in. When choosing a cot, look for one that is light and offers solid support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is important regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are mostly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your pack. If you plan to are combining backpacking and car camping, consider something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, all of the cots that made this list are designed to be as similar as possible to a traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider its materials and construction. Find cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for details like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer an adequate amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot should also be wide and long enough to fit your height. It is recommended to choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about the amount of time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
It can take just some time to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. More complicated models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage, or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. They're especially ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter can be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
When selecting a cot, consider how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping area work better for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to keep your cot at your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice when you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for all camping types. It folds down into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached to make it easy to transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also tend to be more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to set them up on a level surface which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars across their foot and head areas that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
The top cots we tested were relatively simple to set up. cheap cots of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them while others come with an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to set them in place. Traditional cots aren't the same. You must assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the easiest to install that's why it can be used for car or tent camping as in backpacking trips as. It's a bit heavier than the typical cot, but it folds down to a size that's about the same size as the carry case of a fold-down camping chair. It is also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot also packs down to a size that's about similar to the size of the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it feels very solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap into place and just a few twirls to break down to store it. The legs lock in place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeper. A cot that is of good quality will use high-end 600D polyester that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also feature 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 safe from bugs and other animals who might be swarming in your campsite at night. They also offer an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't provide the same comfort and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a major issue, particularly for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's rest without having to bring the mattress. However the cot is heavy and bulky, which means it isn't easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They are ideal for guests who are who are staying in your home and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any other vehicle with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an air mattress or tent which means you don't need to fret when they explode or shift during the middle of night.