The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots on comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is crucial for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a bed. Choose a cot that is light but also offers an adequate amount of support. This will ensure a good night's sleep. Cots that feature mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is important for car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking, then consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for an even more comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all made to be as like a traditional mattress as is possible. 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 cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Find cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for features such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning, to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it's able to support your body, particularly if you're traveling with a spouse or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up little space inside a backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear, the portability of a cot is a significant factor in its overall rating.
cribs beds may only take several minutes to fold and assemble a cot, dependent 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 that can help you reduce the time to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them steady in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you will use the cot and the location you plan to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and with a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding specifically designed for the cot you own. This typically includes flat and fitted sheets and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice when you're seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all types of camping. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap for easy transport. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a solid option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to put them up on an even surface which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area which you don't want to strike when sleeping.
The cots we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some of them are self-standing which is a major relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others have a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to put them in place. Traditional cots, however, are usually a different story since they require you to put together the frame and then tie the fabric yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the most simple to build that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, however it can be packed down to the same size as a foldable campchair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, being made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates any bars across your head and feet which makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a small size that's roughly similar to the size of the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than other cots that we tested, however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap into place and just a few twirls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs are secured with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can withstand a lot of abuse. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not tear under the weight of an individual sleeping. 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 great for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfy, and safe from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't offer the same comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to be used together. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without having to bring a sleeping mat. The cot is huge and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hikes than a foam or air cushion.
They're also great for guests staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Additionally, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.