The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is essential when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and comfy. However, they are heavy and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital to enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is lightweight and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is key. Consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine a mix of car camping and backpacking, then consider something heavier such as 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 more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for sale cot as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot should also provide an adequate amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. Also, a cot must be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly when traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up little space inside a backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other options for camp bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. The flexibility of the cot's design is crucial when you think about how long it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
Based on the model you select, it may take a few minutes to unroll and put up a coffin. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter can be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and a larger sleeping space are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you're using. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice when you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It folds into a case that resembles an outdoor chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on a level surface which can be 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.
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. Others have simple folding designs and only require the click of a button. Traditional cots are a different story. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes lots of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used on trips to backpack. It's heavier than the typical cot, but it folds down to a size that's the same as the carry case for a fold-down camping chair. It's also extremely durable, made from an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can also be folded down to a size, which is about similar to the size of the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tested, but it's very robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is simple to set up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart for storage. The legs lock in place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not break when an individual sleeping. A cot that is of good quality will make use of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of 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 bugs and other animals that may be roaming around your campsite during the night. They also provide a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. But, not all cots are made equal, and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a big issue, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without having to bring a sleeping mat. However the cot is large and bulky, so it isn't easy to fit it into a tent, even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an additional sleeping pad. The lightweight aluminum frame offers great support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they were more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are great for camping, but they can also be used in other situations, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to an RV or camper because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.