The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is vital. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots in terms of the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is crucial to enjoy your camping trip. 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 solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most popular. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other forms of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are predominantly backpackers, consider 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. For those who do a mix of car camping and backpacking look into something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to be as similar to a traditional bed as possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, so look for a cot with high-quality materials that are made to withstand regular use. Look for details such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to be.
A cot should also have a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. Also, a cot must be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. Find a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to ensure it's able to support your body, particularly when traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and take up less space in your backpack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options, which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the mobility of a cot is a major factor in its overall score.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and put up the cot. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that will help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile, letting you adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that helps keep them in place during conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to camp. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and have a larger sleeping area are better suited for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to keep your cot at home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. This includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy, 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 down into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top selections. However, its strong materials and durable frames make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even surface that can be difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area that you may not want to hit when sleeping.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set-up. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to think about how to secure them. Some have simple folding designs and require just an easy few clicks. small cot beds are usually a different story since they require you to put together the frame and tie the fabric by yourself and it can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the easiest to set up and can be used for tent or car camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the typical cot, but it folds down to a size that's the same size as the carry case of a folding camp chair. It's also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot is foldable down to a size that is similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we tested, but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is very easy to install. It only takes a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs are locked with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it does not break in the rigors and strain of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can stand up to wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping because they keep you comfortable and free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same level of comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable, so you can get a great night's rest and don't need to carry a sleeping pad to sleep on. 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 aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are a great option for camping, but they can be used in other situations, such as when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to worry if they blow up or shift during the middle of night.