The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is vital while hunting or hiking, and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and comfy. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's rest is crucial for a successful camping excursion. 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 look for one that is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure a great night's rest. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
The right cot for you is important, whether you're car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking, then consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to look as like a traditional mattress as they can. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to carry and put up on the trail.
It is important to consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Flimsy fabrics are prone to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for years to come.
A cot must also offer enough cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. A cot must also be long and wide enough to fit your height. It is recommended to choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is an advantage when you are taking long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. The flexibility of the cot's design is important when you consider how much time it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
It could take only a few minutes to unfold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some come with parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help you minimize the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
The most flexible cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them stable during storms or windy weather. They are particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be weakened by uneven or unstable ground.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to keep your cot at home primarily, it is worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you have. This includes flat and fitted sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for all camping types. It folds into a case that resembles the camping chair and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot does not have the biggest sleeping area of our top selections. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on an even surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars over their head and foot areas that you could need to be careful not to hit during your sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots we tested are relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't have to think about how to secure them. Some have simple folding designs and only require an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are different. They require you to put together the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires lots of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, which means it can be used for camping in a car or tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the standard cot, but it folds down to a size that's the same as the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates any bars between your head and feet which makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size similar to the storage bag of your preferred backpack. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart for storage. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to withstand a lot of abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not fall apart under the weight of an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have 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 bugs and other creatures who might be swarming in your campsite at night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are created in the same way and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a major problem, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
cribs have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's sleep without the need to bring the mattress. The cot is huge and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They're also ideal for guests staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. infant cot bed are also a great addition to a RV or camper since they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to fret if they blow up or shift in the middle night.