The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is essential when hiking or hunting and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and comfy. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We tested 10 of the best Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and accessibility, ease of setting up and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is vital for a successful camping trip. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that is lightweight and offers solid support to ensure an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most desirable. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other types of insulation.
Finding the right cot is important for car camping or backpacking. 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 transported in your bag. If you combine car camping and backpacking think about something heavier and bigger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option The cots featured on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so choose a cot with high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for features like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard rough surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Choose a cot which has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and take up less space in your backpack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in its overall rating.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take a few minutes to unroll and set up a cot. More complicated models require more assembly, and some come with parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time you'll spend making your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile they can be adjusted to suit different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them in place during storms or windy weather. They're especially ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter can be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you're using. 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 is suitable for a variety of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap to make it easy to transport. This cot does not offer the largest sleeping space of our top choices. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are often more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. It is because you have to put them up on an even surface which is difficult to find when camping. Some come with bars for the foot and head that you may not want to touch when sleeping.
Fortunately, the top cots we tried are easy to install. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief as 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 right position. Traditional cots aren't the same. They require you to put together the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to build that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a bit heavier than the standard cot but it packs down to a size that's about similar to the carry case of a fold-down camping chair. It is also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester with a sturdy aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the storage bag of your preferred backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes only two seconds to unfold and snap into place and only requires a few pulls to disassemble to store it. The legs are locked by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are built to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not break when a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs or other creatures that may be lurking in the night. They also offer an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. But not all cots are made equal and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a huge hassle, 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 sleep without bringing the mattress. The cot is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in a tent, even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during hiking backpacking trips said they were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
cribs are ideal for camping however they can be used in other circumstances for instance, when you've got guests staying over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also ideal for a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to fret if they blow up or shift during the middle of the night.