The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is critical when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're on the go.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is essential to enjoy your camping experience. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. Look for an cot that is not heavy and also offers an adequate amount of support. This will ensure you a restful night's sleep. Cots that feature mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Finding the right cot is crucial, whether you're car camping or backpacking. Consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine a mix of backpacking and car camping and camping, you might want to consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option All of the cots on this list are designed to feel as close as possible to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears so choose 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 years to come.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Choose a cot which is able to support your weight to be able to support your body, especially when traveling with a spouse or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. cheap cots weigh less than other camping bedding options which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you're spending packing and unpacking your equipment, the portability of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall score.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up the cot. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets or other features that will help you minimize the amount of time spent making your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some cots come with a tether that keeps them in place during stormy or windy weather. They are particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping area are better suited for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot for home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets as well as the pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for a variety of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds into a case resembling the camping chair, and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of all our top picks but its strong materials and sturdy frame make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also 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 which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some come with bars for the head and foot area which you don't want to hit when sleeping.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some of them 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 an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are a different story. You have to assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, meaning it can be used 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 packs down to a size about the same size as the carry case for a fold-down camping chair. It is also extremely durable, being made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
cheap cots recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars that run across your feet and head which makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the bag that you carry in your favorite backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225 lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that's extremely easy to install. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place. It only requires a few pulls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs lock into place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to withstand a lot of abuse and use. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not break under the weight of a sleeping individual. A good quality cot is made of high-end 600D polyester that will withstand lots of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping as they keep you comfortable and away from bugs or other creatures that could be lurking in the night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are created equal and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad for maximum comfort. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and don't have to carry a mattress with you. However, this cot is quite big and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hikes than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can be used in other situations for instance, when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a RV or camper since they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them shifting or blowing up during the night.