The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is crucial. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're on the move.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is essential to enjoy your camping trip. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable place to rest in. Choose a cot that is light but also offers an adequate amount of support. This will ensure you a restful night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is crucial, whether you're car camping or backpacking. 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 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, all of the cots featured on this list are designed to feel as close as they can to a traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to transport 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 made of high-quality materials that are designed to stand up to regular use. You should look for specifics such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning, to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough to comfortably lay down in. It is recommended to choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are small and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is an advantage when you are taking long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in the overall rating.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take minutes to unfold and set up the bed. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or turbulent weather. top rated cots are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot for your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you have. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice when you're looking for an easy and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all camping types. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Installation is simple
Cots are often required when camping, but they tend to be more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to set them up on a level surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their feet and head which you might need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
The cots we tested were relatively simple to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't have to think about how to secure them. Some have an easy folding design and only require the click of a button. Traditional cots are not always the best choice because they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric yourself and it will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the easiest to build, which means it can be used for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can be folded down to a size comparable to the size of your favorite backpack. It's heavier than other cots that we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that is extremely simple to install. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to break down to store it. The legs lock in place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will stand up to a lot of abuse. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it does not fall apart when a sleeping individual. A good quality cot will use heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping, as they are comfortable and keep you away from any bugs or other creatures that could be lurking in the night. They are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are created in the same way and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and not need to carry a mattress along with you. The cot is big and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent even if it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. best crib for newborn was more comfortable for our testers to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
Cots are great for camping, but they can be used in other situations, such as when you have guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also a great addition for a camper, RV or any other vehicle with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Plus, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.