The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is vital when hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, they are heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is essential to enjoy your camping trip. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a cot. When choosing a cot, look for one that is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots that feature mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. If you are combining car camping and backpacking think about something heavier and bigger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to be as similar to a traditional bed as is possible. homepage than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to rips and tears so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are designed to stand up to regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years to come, look for specifics such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to keep you from the hard rough ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to accommodate 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 you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and require less space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options and can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how long it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Based on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and put up the bed. More complicated models require more assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets or other features that help you reduce the amount of time you spend making your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you're using. This usually consists of fitted and flat sheets and a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice to consider if you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It folds down into a case similar to an outdoor chair, and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Installation is simple
Cots are often required when camping but they also are often more difficult to install than other types of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head that you might not want to touch while sleeping.
The best cots that we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to put them in place. Some have an easy folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are different. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the simplest to build and can be used for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, however it can be packed down to the same size as a foldable campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unique 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 comparable to the size of your preferred backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we tested, however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is very easy to install. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs are locked using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it doesn't break when an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they keep you comfortable and free of bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around in the dark. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses for hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made equal and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad for maximum comfort. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to have a restful night's sleep without bringing the mattress. However the cot is heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
They're also ideal for guests staying with you, 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. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent, so you won't have to be concerned whether they explode or shift in the middle night.