The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is vital when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is crucial to fully enjoy your camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a sleeping cot. Find an cot that is not heavy but also offers a solid level of support. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. Consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you are combining car camping and backpacking, consider something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option All of the cots that made this list are designed to feel as close as they can to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for features like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning to guard from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot should also be long and wide enough to accommodate your height. You should choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options and can add up quickly when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. The mobility of the cot is important when you consider how much time it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
It can take just some time to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that will help you reduce the amount of time you spend making your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible they can be adjusted to suit different ground conditions. Some cots have a tether that keeps them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it, as well as the place you'd like to set up camp. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot for home primarily, it is worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This usually consists of flat and fitted sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for most types of camping. see more folds down into a case that resembles the camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on a level surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their feet and head that you could need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
The top cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to fix them. Others feature an easy folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used both 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, however it can be folded down to the same size as a foldable campchair's carry case. It is extremely durable, constructed of tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size similar to the storage bag of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place and just a few twirls to break down to store it. The legs are locked by a lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a solid 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 strong materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not break under the weight of a sleeping individual. A cot that is of good quality is made of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping as they keep you comfortable and away from bugs and other creatures that could be lurking around at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. But not all cots are created to be the same and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's sleep without bringing an extra sleeping mat. However the cot is big 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 pad to be comfortable. 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 an air or foam cushion.
They're also ideal for guests staying with you, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They are also ideal for a RV or camper since they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress, so you won't have to worry whether they explode or shift during the middle of the night.