The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort mobility, portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is essential to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. When choosing a cot, look for one that is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are often designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other forms of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. Consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you are doing a combination of backpacking and car camping you should consider a heavier option such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option The cots that made this list are designed to feel as close as possible to a traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to transport and put up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, so look for a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for features like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot should also provide a good amount of cushioning to shield 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, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to fit 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 pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up very little space in a pack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. Considering how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear, the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in its overall score.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and put up the cot. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible they can be adjusted to suit different 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 can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to use your cot at home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you have. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets as well as the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for a variety of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair, and has an easy-to-transport strap. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top selections. However, its strong materials and durable frames make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up than other sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to set them up on a level surface which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their head and foot areas that you may need to be careful not to hit while you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple 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. Others have an easy folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to build and can be used for car or tent camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the size of your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than other cots that we've tested, however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It only takes a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place by a lever lock system that is very secure and provides the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it will not break when strained by the weight of a person sleeping. A cot that is of good quality is made of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping as they keep you comfortable and away from bugs and other creatures that could be lurking in the night. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. But, not all cots are made in the same way and some require you to use an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a major problem, especially for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get a good night's sleep and don't need to carry a sleeping pad along with you. nursery cots is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during hikes in the mountains say they were more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping however they can be used in other circumstances, such as when you've got guests staying over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them shifting or blowing up during the night.