The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking, a good night's sleep is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to rest in. When selecting a cot, look for one that is light 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 work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is important, whether you're car camping or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be transported in your bag. For those who combine backpacking and car camping look into 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 that made this list are designed to feel as close as possible to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose an cot that is made of top-quality fabrics that are designed to stand up to regular use. Look for features like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot should also provide a good amount of cushioning to guard from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot should be long and wide enough to be able to accommodate your height. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it can help your body, especially when traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold up compactly and take up little space in your backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are less heavy than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a significant factor in its overall rating.
Based on the model you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and put up a coffin. More complicated models require more assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms or turbulent weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, consider how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping area work better for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the cot you own. This includes fitted and flat sheets and a matching pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all types of camping. best infant cribs folds down into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and has an attached strap for simple haulage. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top picks. However, its sturdy materials and durable frames make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up than other sleeping gear. It is because you have to set them up in an even surface that can be difficult to locate while camping. Some come with bars for the head and foot area which you don't want to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots we tested are relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't have to think about how to secure them. Some have a simple folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots, however, are not always the best choice since they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric by yourself and it will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the simplest to build, which means it can be used for tent or car camping, as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It is extremely durable, constructed from a 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's a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the bag that you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it's very robust and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that is very easy to set up. It takes just some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls to break it down. The legs lock in place using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it does not break under the weight of a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping because they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. They are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. Some cots don't provide the same level of comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use with them. This can be a big issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without bringing an extra sleeping mat. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
Cots are great for camping however they can also be used in other situations, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.