cots offers For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is crucial. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However, they are heavy and difficult to pack on the road.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is vital for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a sleeping cot. When selecting a cot, look for one that is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all made to feel as similar to a traditional bed as possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to carry and put up on the trail.
It is important to consider the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. Look for features like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot must also offer enough cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot must also be long and wide enough to fit your height. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it's able to help your body, especially when traveling with a spouse or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up little space in your backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options which can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
It could take only a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features to help cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some come with a tether to help keep them in place during storms or turbulent weather. They are particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be weakened by uneven or unstable ground.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot at home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you have. This typically includes sheets that are flat and fitted and a pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for most types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap for simple haulage. It doesn't come with 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 a must for camping however they are more difficult to set-up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is because they require you to set them up on a level surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars over their foot and head areas that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots that we tested are easy to set up. Some of them are self-standing which is a major relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them and others feature simple foldout designs and a few clicks to set them in the proper position. Traditional cots are different. You have to assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes lots of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the most simple to install and can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be packed down to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely robust, made of a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any plastic parts that are flimsy.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars across your head and feet which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot can also be folded down to a size, which is about the same as the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's heavier than some of the other cots we've tested, but it's very solid and suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap into place and only requires a few tugs to break down to make it easier to store. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it will not tear under the weight and tension of a person sleeping. A good quality cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfy and secure from bugs and other creatures that might be roaming in your campsite at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. But, not all cots are created to be the same and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a big problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's rest without bringing a sleeping mat. 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 is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are great for camping but they can be used in other scenarios, such as when you have guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They are also ideal for a RV or camper since they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Additionally, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.