The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and accessibility, ease of setting up and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is essential to enjoy your camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a bed. Choose a cot that is light and also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most popular. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other types of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the best cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are mostly backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture 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 featured on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to tears and rips, therefore, you should choose a cot with high-quality materials that are made to stand up to regular use. Look for details such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for years to come.
A cot should also provide a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. A cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. You should select a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up a small amount of space in your backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is important when you consider the amount of time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it could take a few minutes to unroll and put up the coffin. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most flexible cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different terrain conditions. Some also include an anchor to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter could be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot at home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option if you are seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It folds into a case resembling an outdoor chair and has an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust materials and durable frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping, but they tend to be more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to put them up on an even area, which is difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head that you may not want to strike when you sleep.
The cots we tested were fairly easy to set up. Some are self-standing and are a massive relief since it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them while others have a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to set them in the proper position. Traditional cots are different. You have to assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires lots of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, which means it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. cots to tots than the average camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots that 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 only a few seconds to fold and snap into place and only requires a few tugs to break down to make it easier to store. The legs are locked using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't break under the weight and tension of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can stand up to 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 away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from insects and other creatures that might be roaming around your campsite at night. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However not all cots are made equal and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a big issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without having to bring an extra sleeping mat. However this cot is heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They are ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They are also ideal for a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to be concerned if they blow up or shift in the middle night.