The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is vital when you're hiking or hunting and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is crucial to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. Choose a cot that is light and also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like surface are particularly desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily transported in your bag. If you plan to combine a mix of backpacking and car camping and camping, you might want to consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all made to look as close to a traditional bed as is possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to carry and put up on the trail.
It is important to consider the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Look for cots made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years to come, look for specifics such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer enough cushioning to shield you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. Find a cot that is able to support your weight to ensure it can support your body, especially if you're traveling with a spouse or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and require less space in your backpack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. When you consider how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in the overall rating.
Based on Suggested Browsing choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and put up the cot. More complex models require more assembly, and some come with parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that can help to reduce the amount of time spent making your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some cots have a tether to keep them in place during windy or stormy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter can be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the cot you have. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets as well as the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice if you are seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all camping types. It folds down into a case similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap for simple haulage. This cot does not have the biggest sleeping area of our top choices. However, its strong frame and durable materials make it an excellent option for camping trips of all kinds.
Installation is simple
Cots can be a necessity for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to put them up on a level surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars over their head and foot areas which you might need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively easy to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a huge relief since you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Others feature a simple folding design and only require the click of a button. Traditional cots, however, are not always the best choice as they require you to assemble the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest 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 a bit heavier than the standard cot but it packs 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 with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It's a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot is foldable down to a size comparable to the size of your preferred backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tried, but it feels very solid and suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to install. It only takes some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls to break it down. The legs are locked using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not tear when a sleeping individual. A cot that is of good quality will use heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
They're great for camping as they are comfortable and keep you away from bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around in the dark. They also offer an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. But not all cots are made in the same way and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get a great night's rest and don't have to bring a sleeping pad along with you. The cot is huge and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into a tent even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hikes than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can be used in other scenarios like when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to worry whether they explode or shift during the middle of the night.