The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is vital. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's rest is essential for a successful camping excursion. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a bed. Choose a cot that is light and also offers an adequate amount of support. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most desirable. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other types of insulation.
The right cot for you 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 carried in your backpack. If you are combining car camping and backpacking look into something larger and heavier, 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 be as like a traditional mattress as they can. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to tears and rips, so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. You should look for specifics such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot should also have a good amount of cushioning to shield you against the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide enough and long enough to fit your height. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it's able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and take up less space in your pack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other options for camp bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the mobility of a cot is a significant factor in the overall rating.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take minutes to unfold and set up the cot. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that can help you reduce the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. Some cots have a tether that keeps them stable in windy or stormy weather. They're especially 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, as well as the place you'd like to stay. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are more suitable for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the cot you're using. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice if you are looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often required for camping, but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. It is because you have to place them on an even surface which can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area that you might not want to touch while sleeping.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tested are relatively easy to install. Some are self-standing which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to put them in place. Others have a simple folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots are not always the best choice since they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric by yourself and will require a significant amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to set up and can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the average cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case for the folding camping chair. It is also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with strong aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the size of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than the other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to disassemble for storage. The legs are secured by a lever lock system that is very secure and provides the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure it does not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A good quality cot will use 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 ideal for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other animals who might be swarming in your campsite at night. They also provide an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without bringing a sleeping mat. However, best cots for newborns is quite large and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional pad to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers great support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who used it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping however they can also be used in other circumstances, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also ideal for a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable 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.