The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is crucial. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, they are heavy and difficult to pack for travel.
We test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is crucial for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a cot. Find a cot that is lightweight but also offers a solid level of support. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about 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 pack. If you are doing a combination of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option All of the cots on this list are designed to feel as close as possible to a traditional mattress. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for details such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have enough cushioning to keep you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot must also be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Choose a cot which has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly if you're traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and require less space in your backpack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a major factor in the overall rating.
It can take just some time to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets, or other features that help to reduce the amount of time you spend making your bed.
The most versatile cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and turbulent weather. They're especially ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be compromised due to uneven or unstable ground.
When choosing a cot, consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are more suitable for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This includes flat and fitted sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for all types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are often more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on a level surface which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their feet and head which you might prefer not to hit during your sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are easy to install. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to think about how to secure them. Others feature an easy folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are different. You must assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the easiest to build that's why it 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 foldable camping chair's carry case. It's extremely durable, constructed of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can also be folded down to a small size that's roughly the same as the storage bag for 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 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart to store it. best cot beds are locked with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it doesn't break under the weight of a sleeping individual. A good quality cot is made of high-end 600D polyester that will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress areas like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping because they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking in the night. They also offer an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However, not all cots are made in the same way, and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's sleep without the need to bring the mattress. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit in a tent, even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
They're ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that has mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to worry if they blow up or shift in the middle night.