The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking sleeping well is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and challenging to pack when you're on the go.
best cots test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital to enjoy your camping trip. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. When selecting a cot ensure that it is lightweight and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other forms of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are primarily backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your pack. If you plan to combine car camping and backpacking, consider something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all made to look as close to a traditional bed as is possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot should also provide enough cushioning to keep you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly in the case of traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up little space inside a backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options which can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the portability of a cot is a major factor in its overall rating.
It may only take some time to fold and assemble a cot, depending on the model. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features to help reduce the time it takes to put together your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping area are better suited for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot for the home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you have. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top selections. However, its sturdy frame and durable materials make it an excellent choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required for camping, but they also tend to be more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even area, which is difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area that you might not want to touch while sleeping.
The cots we tested were relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a great relief because you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Others have an easy folding design and require just an easy few clicks. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story since they require you to put together the frame and tension the fabric yourself and it could take a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, which means it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It is also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars that run across your head and feet which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the bag that you carry in your preferred backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place and just a few twirls to take it apart to make it easier to store. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to withstand a lot of use and abuse. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it doesn't break under the weight of an individual sleeping. A good cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. They also offer an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. But, not all cots are created in the same way and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to have a restful night's sleep without bringing a sleeping mat. This cot is large and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. The lightweight aluminum frame offers 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 great for camping, but they can also be used in other circumstances, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent and you don't have to be concerned whether they explode or shift in the middle night.