The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is essential when hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However they can be heavy and difficult to carry when you're traveling.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is crucial for enjoying your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the rough and cold terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is light and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is essential for car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly 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 backpack. If you are doing a combination of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as like a traditional mattress as possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so look for an cot that is made of top-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand regular use. Look for details like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot must also offer a good amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard rough surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. Also, a cot must be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. Find a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to help your body, especially in the case of traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and require less space in your pack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in its overall rating.
It can take just several minutes to fold and assemble a cot, depending on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and windy weather. They are particularly ideal for backpacking, where the security of your shelter may be weakened due to uneven or unstable ground.
When you're choosing a cot take into consideration how often you'll be using it, as well as the place you'd like to stay. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping area work better for car camping or basecamps. 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. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for all types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds down into a case resembling a camping chair and has straps for easy transportation. It doesn't come with the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to place them on a level surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars across their foot and head areas that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to think about how to fix them. cots offers feature a simple folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are not always the best choice because they require you to put together the frame and tension the fabric by yourself, which will require a significant amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, which means it can be used for camping in a car or tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be tucked away to the same size as a foldable campchair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also features a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 lbs.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It only requires a few tugs to break down to make it easier to store. cots and tots in place by a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to withstand a lot of abuse. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear when the sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfy and protected from bugs and other animals who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam mattresses for hiking or backpacking. Not all cots offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to use with them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
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 an excellent night's sleep and don't need to bring a sleeping pad along with you. However the cot is big 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 offers another excellent option that does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hikes than an air or foam cushion.
Cots are ideal for camping however they can be used in other situations like when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.