The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking sleeping well is crucial. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots on comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to rest in. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is lightweight and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are primarily backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping look into something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option All of the cots featured on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it is also important to think about the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to tears and rips, so look for an cot that is made of top-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 a long time to come.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning, to protect you against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. You should select a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the portability of a cot is a major factor in the overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot depending on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that will help you reduce the amount of time spent building your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some come with an anchor to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. They're especially useful for backpacking, when the security of your shelter may be weakened by unstable or uneven ground.
When selecting a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to stay. Cots with a light design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and larger sleeping area are more suitable for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot at the home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you've got. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for a variety of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case that resembles an outdoor chair, and is equipped with straps for easy transportation. This cot doesn't offer the largest sleeping space of our top choices. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required for camping, but they also are more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. It is because you have to place them on an even space, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some have bars on the foot and head which you don't want to touch when you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots that we tested are simple to set up. Some are self-standing which is a major relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them while others have an easy fold-out design and a couple of clicks to get them into the right position. Traditional cots, however, are not always the best choice as they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric by yourself, which will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the easiest to set up that's why it can be used for car or tent camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the standard cot but it packs down to a size about the same as the carry case of a folding camp chair. It's also incredibly sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates the need for bars across your head and feet, making it perfect for sleepers who are back or side. The cot also packs down to a compact size that's roughly similar to the size of the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we tested however it's extremely 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 only takes some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs are locked with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are designed to stand up to lots of use and abuse. most recommended cribs have durable components, such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure it will not tear in the rigors and strain of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which 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 such as pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfy and protected from bugs and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite at night. They also offer an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. However, not all cots are created in the same way, and some require you to use an additional sleeping pad to provide maximum comfort. This can be a big problem, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.
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 bring a sleeping pad with you. The cot is huge and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit in a tent, even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. 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 were more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can be used in other circumstances, such as when you've got guests staying over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.