The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and challenging to pack when you're traveling.
We compared and rated 10 of the top cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is essential to enjoy your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a sleeping cot. Look for a cot that is light, but also provides a solid foundation. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots that feature mattresses are especially popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the right cot is crucial for car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be transported in your bag. If you plan to combine backpacking and car camping look into something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as close to a traditional bed as they can. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily 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 should also have a decent amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it can support your body, particularly in the case of traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and require less space in your backpack. best crib newborn allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is important when you consider how long it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
It could take only some time to fold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complicated models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage, or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms and windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot for your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as a matching pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for most types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and has an attached strap for simple haulage. This cot does not offer the largest sleeping space of our top picks. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even area, which is difficult to locate while camping. Some come with bars for the head and foot area which you don't want to touch while sleeping.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are simple to set up. Some of them are self-standing which is a major relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them and others feature an easy fold-out design and a couple of clicks to put them in the proper position. Traditional cots are often a different story since they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric by yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to install, which means it can be used for car or tent camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's a bit heavier than the average cot, but it folds down to a size that's the same size as the carry case of a fold-down camping chair. It's also extremely robust, made of a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It also features a unibody construction that eliminates any bars between your feet and head, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the size of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225 lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that's extremely easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap into place and only requires a few pulls to break down to store it. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are built to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with strong materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not tear under the weight of an individual sleeping. A good cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress areas like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping as they keep you comfortable and free of bugs and other creatures that could be lurking in the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't provide the same level of comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a major problem, particularly 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 having to bring the mattress. However, this cot is quite heavy and bulky, which means 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 mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is very 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 a great option for camping however they can be used in other situations, such as when you have guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that has an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to fret when they explode or shift in the middle night.