The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is vital when hiking or hunting and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable cots and rated them on comfort, portability, ease of setup, and durability.
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 sleeping cot. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is light and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other forms of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are primarily backpackers, look at lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to are combining backpacking and car camping think about something heavier and bigger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for an even more comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all made to look as similar to a traditional bed as they can. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to transport and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it's also important to consider the materials used and the construction. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. Look for details such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for years to come.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot must also be long and wide enough to fit your height. You should choose a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your backpack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options and can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. Considering how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the ability to move a cot around is a significant aspect in its overall rating.
Based on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and set up the coffin. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that help to reduce the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible they can be adjusted to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them in place during stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground can affect the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you will use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you own. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice when you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all camping styles. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots are a must for camping however they are more difficult to set up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even surface that can be difficult to find when camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area which you don't want to strike when sleeping.
The cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some of them are self-standing and are a massive relief since they don't require you to figure out how to secure them, and others feature an easy fold-out design and a few clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots aren't the same. You have to assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires lots of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the standard cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case of a fold-down camping chair. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unibody design that eliminates bars that run across your head and feet, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size that's roughly the same as the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we tested however it's extremely robust and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to install. It takes only some time to unfold, snap into place, and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs are secured with a lever-lock system which is extremely secure and offers the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are built to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it doesn't fall apart under the weight of the sleeping person. A cot that is of good quality will use the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping as they are comfortable and keep you away from bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around at night. best crib are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require a sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's sleep without bringing a sleeping mat. However the cot is big and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent 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 a foam or air pad.
They're also great for guests staying over, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also ideal for a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them shifting or blowing up during the night.