The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, they are heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We tested 10 of the best Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is crucial for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a sleeping cot. When choosing a cot, make sure you choose one that is lightweight and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most popular. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. For those who do a mix of car camping and backpacking think about something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, all of the cots on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to carry and put up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about its materials and construction. Find cots made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for features such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have a good amount of cushioning to guard from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it's able to help your body, especially when traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up a small amount of space in your backpack, allowing 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 trips. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in its overall rating.
It may only take a few minutes to unfold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage or other features to help reduce the time to put together your bed.
The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots have a tether to keep them in place during conditions of stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can affect the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the cot you have. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for all types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached for simple haulage. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top picks. However, its strong frame and durable materials make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. small cot beds is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even space, which can be 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 top cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a relief as you don't need to worry about how to secure them. Others feature simple folding designs and require only the click of a button. Traditional cots aren't the same. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set-up, so it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's heavier than your 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 strong aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unibody design that eliminates bars across your head and feet, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the bag that you carry in your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than the other cots we've tested, however, it's very sturdy 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 back into place. It only requires a few tugs to disassemble for storage. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are built to withstand a lot of abuse and use. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't tear in the rigors and strain of a sleeper. A cot that is of good quality will use heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping because they keep you away from the ground, comfortable and protected from bugs and other animals who might be swarming in your campsite at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when 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 problem, particularly 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 more comfortable which means you can enjoy a great night's rest and don't need to bring a sleeping pad with you. The cot is big and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are a great option for camping but they can also be used in other circumstances like when you have guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a RV or camper since they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to be concerned when they explode or shift during the middle of night.