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 for keeping you off the ground and comfortable. However, they are heavy and hard to transport for travel.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots in terms of durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is essential for enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a bed. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other types of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are predominantly backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily transported in your bag. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking think about something heavier and bigger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, all of the cots featured on this list are designed to feel as close as possible to the traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to transport and put up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears so look for an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are designed to withstand regular use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. Also, a cot must be long enough to meet 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, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up little space in your backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and longer backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the portability of a cot is a significant factor in the overall rating.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up a coffin. Certain models are more complex 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 can help you minimize the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some also include an anchor to keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter can be weakened due to uneven or unstable ground.
When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact in size are great for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot for the home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you've got. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for all types 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 platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some come with bars for the foot and head that you might not want to strike while sleeping.
The cots we tested were fairly easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Others have simple folding designs and only require the click of a button. Traditional cots are usually a different story as they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric yourself and it will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set-up, so it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It is also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with a sturdy aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates the need for bars that run across your feet and head, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size similar to the bag that you carry in your preferred backpack. It's heavier than other cots that we've tested, but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap into place. It only requires a few pulls to take it apart to store it. The legs are locked using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are designed to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it does not fall apart under the weight of the sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which is heavy duty and can withstand wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfy and protected from bugs and other creatures that might be roaming in your campsite at night. They also offer a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. However not all cots are created equal and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Baby Cot , such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable, so you can get an excellent night's sleep and not need to carry a mattress with you. However the cot is large and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hikes than a foam or air cushion.
They are also great for guests staying with you, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to an RV or camper because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Additionally, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.