The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is essential when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're on the move.
We tested 10 of the best Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a cot. Find a cot that is light but also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. If you plan to do a mix of car camping and backpacking 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 plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to be as like a traditional mattress as possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. The fabric's fragility can lead to tears and rips, so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are designed to stand up to regular use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for years to come.
A cot should also provide an adequate amount of cushioning, to protect you against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should also be wide and long enough to fit your height. You should choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up little space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options which can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. When you consider how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your equipment, the portability of a cot is a major factor in its overall score.
Depending on the model you select, it may take minutes to unfold and set up the cot. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. They're especially suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot and the location you plan to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a bigger sleeping area are better suited for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This includes flat and fitted sheets, as well as the pillowcase that matches.
If you're looking for a comfy, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached to make it easy to transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top picks. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on a level surface which is difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars over their foot and head areas that you may prefer not to hit during your sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots that we tested are easy to set up. Some are self-standing and are a massive relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them, while others come with simple foldout designs and just a few clicks to set them in the proper position. Traditional cots are different. You have to assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the simplest to set up and can be used for car or tent camping, as in backpacking trips as. It's a bit heavier than the standard cot, but it can be folded to a size that's about similar to the carry case of a folding camp chair. It's also extremely robust, made of a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the storage bag of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots that we tested, but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to take it apart to make it easier to store. The legs lock into place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are constructed of strong materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not break when strained by the weight of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to endure 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, comfortable and secure from insects and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. tots and cots are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. However not all cots are created to be the same and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a big problem, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and not need to bring a sleeping pad along with you. However the cot is large and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent, even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
They're ideal for guests who are staying with you, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that has mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than the tent or air mattress, so you won't have to be concerned whether they explode or shift during the middle of the night.