The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We test 10 of the top cots and rated them on comfort, portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is crucial for a successful camping excursion. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a sleeping cot. Look for a cot that is lightweight but also offers a solid level of support. This will ensure a good night's sleep. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are mostly backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine a mix of backpacking and car camping, then 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 possible to the traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Find cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years to come, look for specifics like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have a good amount of cushioning to guard against the hard rough surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Find a cot that is able to support your weight to ensure it can support your body, particularly in the case of traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up little space inside a backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up the bed. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that can help you reduce the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
The most versatile cots come with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that helps keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful for backpacking, when the stability of your shelter could be weakened due to uneven or unstable ground.
When you're choosing a cot think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to stay. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping area work better for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds into a case similar in size to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for simple haulage. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top selections. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a great option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even area, which is difficult to find when camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head which you don't want to touch when sleeping.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots, however, are usually a different story as they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric yourself and it could take a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used for camping in a car or tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It has a unibody design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a size that's about the same size as the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, but it's very robust and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set-up. It takes only a few moments to unfold, snap into place, and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs are locked by a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to stand up to lots of abuse and use. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it will not fall apart under the weight of a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to stand up to wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. Not all cots provide the same level of comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without having to bring the mattress. However best crib newborn is heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are ideal for camping, but they can be used in other circumstances, such as when you have guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to an RV or camper because they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.