The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're on the move.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot ensure that it is lightweight and offers solid support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other types of 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 carried in your backpack. For those who combine backpacking and car camping look into something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for an even more comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all designed to look as similar to a traditional bed as possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, so look for a cot with high-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for features like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop 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 a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity, especially if traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about how much time it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
Depending on the model you select, it may take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up the bed. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. best cot newborn come with built-in storage, or other features to help cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots come with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them to different terrain conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to stay. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas those with a robust construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to keep your cot at home primarily, it is worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It packs down into a case similar in size to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they also tend to be more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on an even surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their feet and head which you might need to be careful not to hit while you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tested are relatively simple to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Others feature an easy folding design and require just a few clicks. Traditional cots are usually a different story because they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric yourself, which can take quite a bit of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to build, which means it can be used for tent or car camping as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unibody design that eliminates bars across your head and feet, making it perfect for sleepers who are back or side. The cot can be folded down to a size similar to the size of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs lock into 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 designed to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it doesn't tear when an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot is constructed of 600D polyester, which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures that may be roaming around your campsite during the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. However there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made to be the same and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a huge issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's rest without the need to bring a sleeping mat. However this cot is large and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if your 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. Our test subjects who used it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than 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 addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than an inflatable mattress or tent, so you won't have to fret if they blow up or shift during the middle of the night.