The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is essential when hiking or hunting and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and comfy. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We compared and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most desirable. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is essential regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. Consider lightweight options such as 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 are doing a combination of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option All of the cots that made this list are designed to be as similar as they can to the traditional mattress. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It is important to consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Choose cots that are constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. Look for Best cot for newborn as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long and wide enough to accommodate your height. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to support your body, especially in the case of traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up a small amount of space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than many other camp bedding options, which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and set up a coffin. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features to help you reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them stable in stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you will use the cot and where you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you own. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets as well as the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds into a case similar to an outdoor chair and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. The cot doesn't offer the largest sleeping space of our top selections. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a great option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also tend to be more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, which is difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also have bars on the head and foot area which you don't want to strike while sleeping.
Thankfully, the best cots we tried are easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to put them in place. Some have an easy folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots are often a different story because they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric yourself, which can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the most simple to build, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the typical cot, but it can be folded to a size about similar to the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with a sturdy aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes just a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few tugs to break it down. The legs lock in place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it doesn't tear in the rigors and strain of a person sleeping. A cot that is of good quality will use the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots are made with 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 might be lurking around at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable which means you can enjoy an excellent night's sleep and don't have to bring a sleeping pad with you. However, this cot is quite heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are great for camping however they can also be used in other circumstances, such as when you've got guests staying 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 has an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Additionally, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.