The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, Cots4tots.Co.uk portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is essential to enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. When selecting a cot make sure you choose one that is lightweight and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the right cot is essential for car camping or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine a mix of backpacking and car camping you should consider a heavier option like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to be as like a traditional mattress as they can. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to transport and put up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, so look for an cot that is made of top-quality fabrics that are designed to stand up to regular 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 enough cushioning to keep you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot should also be long and wide enough to fit your height. You should select a cot with an adequate weight capacity, especially if traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up a small amount of space inside a backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is an advantage when you are taking long hikes and longer backcountry trips. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how long it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a few minutes to unroll and put up a coffin. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage or other features to help reduce the time to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that keeps them in place during stormy or windy weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter can be weakened by uneven or unstable ground.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a bigger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot for your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're looking for an easy and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It folds down into a case similar to a camping chair and comes with straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks, but its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required for camping, but they also are more difficult to install than other types of sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to put them up on a level surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars across their feet and head which you might want to avoid hitting while you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots that we tested are simple to install. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief since they don't require you to figure out how to secure them and others feature a simple foldout design and a couple of clicks to put them in the proper position. Traditional cots are a different story. 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 one of the easiest to set up and can be used for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It is extremely durable, constructed of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot also packs down to a small size that's roughly similar to the size of the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs lock in place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are built to stand up to lots of abuse and use. These cots are made with durable materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not break in the rigors and strain of a sleeper. A cot that is of good quality will make use of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping as they will keep you warm and free of bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around in the dark. They also provide an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. However not all cots are created equal and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad for maximum comfort. This can be a big hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without having to bring an extra sleeping mat. However the cot is large and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, 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 were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They're ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition for a camper, RV or any vehicle that has mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to worry when they explode or shift during the middle of the night.