The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is vital while hunting or hiking and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and comfy. However they can be a bit heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the go.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is crucial to fully enjoy your camping trip. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a cot. Find an cot that is not heavy but also offers a solid level of support. This will guarantee you a restful night's sleep. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is essential regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your backpack. For those who do a mix of car camping and backpacking look into something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If Best cot for newborn looking for an even more comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all designed to look as close to a traditional bed as possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for details like 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 include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. You should select a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a friend or pets.
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 also weigh less than many other camp bedding options, which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and put up a coffin. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features that can help you reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping area are better suited for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to keep your cot at the home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're looking for an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all camping types. It folds into a case similar to the camping chair and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top choices. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent option for camping trips of all kinds.
Ease of 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 place them on an even surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their feet and head that you could prefer not to hit while you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots we tested are relatively simple to install. Some of them are self-standing which is a major relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them while others have simple foldout designs and just a few clicks to set them in the proper position. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story since they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the most simple to install that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly robust, made of a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a size, which is about the same as the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tried, but it's very solid and suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely simple to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to disassemble for storage. The legs lock in place with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will stand up to a lot of abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it doesn't break when the sleeping person. A high-quality cot is 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 high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you away from the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags for hiking or backpacking. However, not all cots are made to be the same and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad to provide maximum comfort. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without the need to bring an extra sleeping mat. However this cot is large and bulky, so it isn't easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need 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 participants to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are great for camping, but they can be used in other situations, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to a RV or camper since they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.