The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is vital. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and scored 10 of the best cots on comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. Look for a cot that is light and also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is key. 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 can be carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking and camping, you might want to consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you want a more luxurious option All of the cots on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to the traditional mattress. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Choose cots that are made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to be.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough to comfortably lay down in. Choose a cot which is able to support your weight to ensure it can support your body, especially when traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and require less space in your backpack. This lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is an advantage during long hikes and longer backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about how much time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up the bed. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time to set up your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different terrain conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be weakened by unstable or uneven ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot and the location you plan to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the cot you're using. This typically includes flat and fitted sheets and a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for all camping types. It folds into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for simple haulage. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a solid choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping but they also are more difficult to install than other types of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on a level surface which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their feet and head that you may want to avoid hitting while you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively easy to set-up. They are also self-standing, which is a relief as you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Some have an easy folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are different. You have to assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, meaning it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates any bars that run across your head and feet which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot is foldable down to a size that is similar to the bag that you carry in your favorite backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It only requires a few tugs to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs are locked using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it does not break when strained by the weight of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to stand up to wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they will keep you warm and away from bugs and other creatures that could be lurking around at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. Baby Cot Bed don't offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without the need to bring the mattress. The cot is huge and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
Cots are a great option for camping, but they can be used in other situations, such as when you have guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also a great addition to an RV or camper because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Additionally, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.