The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable Cots and gave them a score based on comfort mobility, the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
small cot beds is vital to fully enjoy your camping excursion. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a sleeping cot. Look for a cot that is light but also offers a solid level of support. This will guarantee you a restful night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most sought-after. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. If you plan to combine a mix of backpacking and car camping you should consider a heavier option like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, all of the cots that made this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to transport and put up on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Choose cots that are made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. You should look for specifics such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning, to protect you against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others, such as 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. Choose a cot which is able to support your weight to ensure it's able to help your body, especially when traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and take up less space in your pack. This lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other options for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and longer backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about how long it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
It could take only some time to fold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some come with parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. Some cots have a tether that keeps them stable in stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can affect the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are great for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and larger sleeping area are better suited to car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you own. This includes flat and fitted sheets, as well as the pillowcase that matches.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all camping styles. It folds down into a case resembling the camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot does not have the largest sleeping surface of our top selections. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a good option for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to place them on a level surface which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars on their foot and head areas that you may want to avoid hitting while you sleep.
The top cots we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them while others come with a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to put them in the right position. Traditional cots are a different story. You have to assemble 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, meaning it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the standard cot, but it folds down to a size that's similar to the carry case for a folding camp chair. It is extremely durable, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a size that's about the same as the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's heavier than some of the other cots we've tested, but it's very robust and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is extremely simple to set up. It only takes a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are built to withstand a lot of use and abuse. They are constructed with strong materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not break when a sleeping individual. A cot that is of good quality will make use of high-end 600D polyester that will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfortable and secure from bugs and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to use with them. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
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 bring a sleeping pad with you. However the cot is big and bulky, so it isn't easy to fit it into a tent, even if your tent has plenty of space.
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 provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who used it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
They are ideal for guests who are who are staying in your home and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any other vehicle with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to worry when they explode or shift in the middle night.