The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is critical when hiking or hunting and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots can be heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is crucial for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a bed. When choosing a cot, look for one that is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most sought-after. They are often designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is crucial 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. They are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily 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 more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to feel as similar to a traditional bed as is possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Choose cots that are made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for features like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard rough surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. Also, a cot must be long enough to meet your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. You should select the cot that has the right capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up very little space in your backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options, which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the portability of a cot is a significant factor in the overall rating.
It may only take several minutes to fold and put together a cot dependent on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage or other features that can help you reduce the time to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some come with a tether to help keep them stable during storms or windy weather. They're especially suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
Consider how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot for the home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. This usually consists of fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for all types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds down into a case that resembles an outdoor chair, and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on an even surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their foot and head areas which you might want to avoid hitting when you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots we tested are relatively easy to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to fix them. Some have simple folding designs and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots are different. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to build, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
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 back and side sleepers. cots 4 tots folds down to a size similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's heavier than other cots we've tried, however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is very easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap into place and only requires a few tugs to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs lock into place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can withstand a lot of abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure it does not break in the rigors and strain of a sleeping person. A good quality cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they are comfortable and keep you away from bugs or other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made in the same way and some require you to add 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, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a great night's rest and not need to carry a mattress with you. However the cot is large 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 fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They are also great for guests staying with you, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any other vehicle with mattresses. 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 shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.