The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is crucial. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the move.
We compared and rated 10 of the top cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep in. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is lightweight and provides solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Finding the right cot is crucial for car camping or backpacking. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping, consider something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option All of the cots on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to the traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to transport and put up on the trail.
It is important to consider the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so choose an cot that is made of top-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for details such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning, to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and require less space in your pack. This allows you to fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options and can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. The portability of the cot is essential when considering the amount of time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up a cot. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some include an anchor to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to stay. Cots that are light and compact in size are great for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and with a larger sleeping area are better suited for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to keep your cot at home primarily, it is worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets and a pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for all types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It packs down into a case similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached for easy transport. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a great choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. Best cot for newborn is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on an even surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars on their feet and head that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are simple to install. Some are self-standing and are a massive relief as they don't require you to figure out how to secure them and others feature simple foldout designs and a few clicks to set them in the right position. Traditional cots, however, are not always the best choice since they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric by yourself and it will require a significant amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used on trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also features a unibody design that eliminates bars that run across your head and feet which makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the bag that you carry in your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we tested, but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to install. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to disassemble to store it. The legs lock into place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to withstand a lot of abuse and use. These cots are constructed of strong materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it does not break under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A good quality 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 areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and secure from bugs and other animals that might be roaming in your campsite at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. Not all cots offer the same comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable, so you can get an excellent night's sleep and don't need to carry a mattress with you. However, this cot is quite 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 excellent option that doesn't need an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
They are 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 a great option to a camper, RV or any other vehicle with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.