The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is essential. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots on comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a sleeping cot. When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that is light and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are often designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other forms of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be transported in your bag. For those who combine car camping and backpacking, consider something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option All of the cots featured on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to a traditional mattress. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to transport and put up on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. Choose cots that are made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years to come, look for specifics like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot must also be long and wide enough to be able to accommodate your height. You should choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a friend or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your backpack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall score.
It can take just several minutes to fold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. More complicated models require more assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that help you minimize the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
The most flexible cots come with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some also include an anchor to keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They are particularly useful for backpacking, when the stability of your shelter could be weakened by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping area are better suited for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to keep your cot at your home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you have. This includes flat and fitted sheets and the pillowcase that matches.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's ideal for all camping types. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top picks. However, its sturdy materials and durable frames make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often required when camping but they also tend to be more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even surface which is difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head that you might not want to touch when sleeping.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some of them are self-standing which is a major relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them and others feature a simple foldout design and a couple of clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are often a different story as they require you to assemble the frame and then tie the fabric yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the easiest to set up, which means it can be used for car or tent camping as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be tucked away to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, being made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we've tested, however it's extremely robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes just two seconds to unfold and snap into place and only requires a few tugs to take it apart for storage. The legs lock into place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear when strained by the weight of a sleeping person. A good quality cot will use heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping because they keep you comfortable and free of bugs or other creatures that may be lurking around at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags for hiking or backpacking. However, not all cots are created equal and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a major problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without bringing the mattress. The cot is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping but they can be used in other scenarios for instance, when you have guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. best cot newborn than the tent or air mattress and you don't have to worry when they explode or shift during the middle of the night.