The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
Cot Bed tested 10 of the best Cots and gave them a score based on comfort mobility, the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is crucial to enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable bed to rest in. Find a cot that is light, but also provides an adequate amount of support. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other types of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is crucial. Consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. Baby Cot are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine backpacking and car camping, consider something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to feel as like a traditional mattress as possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about the materials used and the construction. Look for cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for details such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning to guard from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. Also, a cot must be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The flexibility of the cot's design is crucial when you think about the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Based on the model you choose, it could take a few minutes to unroll and set up a cot. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time spent building your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to stay. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with a larger sleeping area are better suited for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider purchasing a set of bedding designed specifically for the cot you're using. It usually includes sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for all types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case similar in size to the standard camping chair, and has an attached strap to make it easy to transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a great choice for any camping trip.
Installation is simple
Cots are often required for camping, but they also are more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. It is because you have to put them up on an even space, which is difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head that you may not want to strike when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are easy to install. 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 an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to put them in the right position. Traditional cots are a different story. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set-up, so it can be used both 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 dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a small size, which is about the same size as the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than the other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes only two seconds to unfold and snap into place and just a few twirls to take it apart to make it easier to store. The legs are secured with a lever-lock system which is extremely secure and offers a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are built to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it will not tear when strained by the weight of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is constructed of 600D polyester, which is heavy duty and can withstand wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. But not all cots are created to be the same, and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad for maximum comfort. This can be a big hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get an excellent night's sleep and not need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. However this cot is large and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
They're also ideal for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also ideal for a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them bouncing around or blowing up during the night.