The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the go.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots on comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is crucial for a successful camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the rough and cold terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep in. Find online cots that is not heavy and also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other types of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is essential for car camping or backpacking. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. They are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you plan to do a mix of backpacking and car camping look into something heavier and larger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to the traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. Look for cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. Look for details such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for years to be.
A cot should also have a decent amount of cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. You should choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold up compactly and take up little space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are less heavy than other options for camp bedding, which can be an advantage when you are taking long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the mobility of a cot is a major factor in its overall rating.
It could take only a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, depending on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets or other features that help you reduce the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot for the home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. It usually includes sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for most types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds into a case that resembles the camping chair and is equipped with straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Installation is simple
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they also tend to be more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on a level surface which can be difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars on their head and foot areas which you might prefer not to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tested are relatively easy to install. Some are self-standing which is a major relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others have simple foldout designs and just a few clicks to set them in the right position. Traditional cots aren't the same. You must assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest 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 a little heavier than the standard cot but it packs down to a size that's about the same size as the carry case for a fold-down camping chair. It's also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot also packs down to a compact size that's about the same size as the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart to store it. The legs are locked using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to stand up to lots of abuse and use. These cots are constructed of strong materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't tear when strained by the weight of a person sleeping. A good cot will make use of the 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 such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping because they are comfortable and keep you free of 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. Some cots don't provide the same comfort and some require an additional sleeping pad to use with them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and don't need to carry a mattress with you. However, this cot is quite big 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 excellent option that does not require an additional sleeping pad. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who used it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
They're also ideal for guests staying with you, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a RV or camper since they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to fret if they blow up or shift in the middle night.