The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is essential when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and comfy. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is essential for a successful camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. Find a cot that is lightweight and also offers a solid level of support. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly desirable and are often designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be transported in your bag. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking, consider something heavier and bigger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option The cots featured on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to a traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to transport and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. Look for cots made of top-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. Look for details such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for years to come.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to keep you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. best crib for newborn , like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. You should choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up little space in your backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and put up the cot. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help you reduce the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that keeps them in place during stormy or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground can affect the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a bigger sleeping area are better suited for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot exclusively at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding that is specifically made for the cot you have. This includes fitted and flat 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 great choice. It folds down into a carry case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks but its strong materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for any camping trip.
Ease of Setup
Cots are usually a necessity for camping, but they also are more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on an even surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their feet and head that you could prefer not to hit while you sleep.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set up. Some of them are self-standing and are a massive relief since they don't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others come with a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are usually a different story as they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric yourself and can take quite a bit of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It is extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester and a sturdy aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the bag that you carry in your preferred backpack. It's heavier than other cots we've tried, but it feels very solid and suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that's extremely easy to set up. It only takes the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap 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 best camping cots will stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it doesn't tear in the rigors and strain of a sleeper. A good cot will make use of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping because they will keep you warm and free of bugs or other creatures that might be lurking in the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses for hiking or backpacking. But not all cots are made to be the same and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a big problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable, so you can get a great night's rest and not need to carry a mattress with you. However this cot is large and bulky, so it isn't easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
They are ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.