The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is crucial. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry for travel.
We tested 10 of the best co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, portability, ease of setup and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a bed. Look for an cot that is not heavy and also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is essential, whether you're car camping or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be carried in your pack. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping, consider something heavier and bigger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to be as similar to a traditional bed as is possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to carry and put up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that 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, uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. A cot should be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Choose a cot which is able to support your weight to be able to help your body, especially in the case of traveling with a spouse or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and require less space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in its overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and put together a cot depending on the model. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that help to reduce the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some come with a tether to help keep them in place during storms and windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground can affect the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are more suitable for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding designed specifically for the cot you're using. It usually includes sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for a variety of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds down into a case resembling a camping chair and has straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on an even surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars over their foot and head areas that you may prefer not to hit 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 doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others have a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to set them in place. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to install that's why it can be used for car or tent camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly robust, made of an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a small size that's roughly the same as the bag you carry in your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than other cots we've tested however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is very easy to set up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It only requires a few tugs to break down to store it. The legs lock into place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are built to withstand a lot of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not fall apart when the sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is heavy duty and can endure wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and secure from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. They are also a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However not all cots are made in the same way, and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. cots and tots can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's sleep without having to bring a sleeping mat. However the cot is heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They're ideal for guests who are who are staying in your home and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also ideal for an RV or camper because they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.