The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However they can be a bit heavy and challenging to pack when you're traveling.
We tested 10 of the best co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is essential for enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a bed. Choose an cot that is not heavy but also offers a solid level of support. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other types of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are primarily backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your pack. If you are combining backpacking and car camping think about something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to feel as similar to a traditional bed as possible. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's also important to consider the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for details like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide an adequate amount of cushioning to shield you against the hard rough surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot must also be long and wide enough to fit your height. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are small and take up less space in your pack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are less heavy than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is an advantage during long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the mobility of a cot is a major factor in its overall rating.
Depending on the model that you select, it may take a few minutes to unroll and put up a bed. More complex models require more 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 spend building your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile they can be adjusted to suit different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them in place during windy or stormy weather. They're especially suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter can be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to stay. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot for the home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the kind of bed you've got. This includes flat and fitted sheets, as well as the pillowcase that matches.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice if you are looking for an easy and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It folds down into a case similar to an outdoor chair and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust materials and durable frame make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity for camping, but they also tend to be more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, which can be difficult to find when camping. Some come with bars for the head and foot area that you may not want to touch when sleeping.
The top cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to put them in place. Others feature simple folding designs and only require a few clicks. Traditional cots are not always the best choice since they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric yourself, which could take a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, which means it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used on backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and 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 that run across your feet and head, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a small size, which is about the same size as the bag that you use to store your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we've tested, but it's very robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place. It only requires a few tugs to disassemble for storage. cots offers in place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it doesn't break in the rigors and strain of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfy, and safe from bugs and other creatures that might be roaming in your campsite at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. Not all cots offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to have a restful night's sleep without having to bring an extra sleeping mat. This cot is large and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during backpacking hiking trips say they were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can be used in other circumstances, such as when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a RV or camper since they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to worry if they blow up or shift in the middle night.