The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is essential when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However they can be heavy and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots in terms of comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is essential for a successful camping excursion. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep in. When selecting a cot, look for one that is lightweight and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is important regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. For those who combine backpacking and car camping look into something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option The cots that made this list are designed to feel as close as possible to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about its materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to tears and rips, so choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for features like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide an adequate amount of cushioning, to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. You should choose the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up a small amount of space in a pack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is important when you consider the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Depending on the model that you select, it may take a few minutes to unroll and set up a bed. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
The most versatile cots come with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you will use the cot and the location you plan to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and with a larger sleeping space are ideal for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding designed specifically for the cot you own. Baby Crib includes sheets that are flat and fitted as well as the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds into a case resembling a camping chair, and has an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong materials and durable frame make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to put them up on an even space, which is difficult to find when camping. Some of them also have bars on the head and foot area which you don't want to touch when you sleep.
The cots we tested were relatively easy to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Some have simple folding designs and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to set up that's why it can be used for car or tent camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the typical cot but it packs down to a size that's similar to the carry case for the folding camping chair. It's also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars that run across your feet and head, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size that is similar to the storage bag of your favorite backpack. It's heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, but it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set-up. It takes just two seconds to unfold and snap into place and only requires a few pulls to take it apart for storage. The legs lock in place with a lever-lock system which is extremely secure and provides the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are built to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and tough fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it does not tear when the sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping because they will keep you warm and free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a major problem, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy an excellent night's sleep and don't need to carry a sleeping pad along with you. The cot is big and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. 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 testers to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are great for camping, but they can be used in other situations, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to be concerned whether they explode or shift in the middle night.
