The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is vital when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots are bulky and difficult to pack on the road.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a bed. Find a cot that is light and also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure a good night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is crucial. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine car camping and backpacking look into something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to look as similar to a traditional bed as they can. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about its materials and construction. Choose cots that are made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for details like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have enough cushioning to keep you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot should also be wide and long enough to fit your height. You should choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering the amount of time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and set up the coffin. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that helps keep them stable in stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot take into consideration how often you'll be using it and the location you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and a bigger sleeping area are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot for the home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. It usually includes sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice if you are looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping types. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in size to the standard camping chair, and has a strap attached for simple haulage. This cot does not have the largest sleeping surface of our top picks. However, crib sets and durable materials make it an excellent option for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
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 they require you to place them on a level surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their feet and head that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
The cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them, while others have a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to set them in the right position. Traditional cots are not always the best choice since they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric yourself and it can take quite a bit of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to build, which means it can be used for tent or car camping, as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than the standard cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case for the folding camping chair. It is also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. cheap cot bed features a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your feet and head, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot also packs down to a compact size, which is about the same as the bag that you use to store your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It takes just some time to unfold, snap into place, and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs lock in place by a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not fall apart under the weight of a sleeping individual. A cot that is of good quality is made of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping because they are comfortable and keep you away from bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around in the dark. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a major problem, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's sleep without bringing an extra sleeping mat. The cot is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in a tent, even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which 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. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They're also great for guests staying with you, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent which means you don't need to worry if they blow up or shift in the middle night.