The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is crucial. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable place to sleep in. Find an cot that is not heavy, but also provides a solid level of support. This will ensure a good night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like surface are particularly desirable and are often designed to be used 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 to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very 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 plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as like a traditional mattress as they can. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to carry and set up on the trail.
great crib is important to consider the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years to come, look for specifics such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. Also, a cot must be long enough to meet your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. It is recommended to choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space in your backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are lighter than other options for camp bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall rating.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take minutes to unfold and put up the cot. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that help you reduce the amount of time you'll spend making your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them steady in stormy or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when selecting a cot. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a bigger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot at home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you have. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option when you're looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It folds down into a case that resembles an outdoor chair and has straps for easy transportation. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top choices. However, its sturdy materials and durable frames make it a good option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are often more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. It is because you have to put them up on an even space, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head which you don't want to touch when you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple 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 an easy fold-out design and a few clicks to put them in the right position. Traditional cots, however, are usually a different story because they require you to assemble the frame and tie the fabric by yourself and will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's a bit heavier than the standard cot, but it can be folded to a size that's about the same size as the carry case for the folding camping chair. It's also extremely robust, made of an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars on the feet and head. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a compact size that's roughly the same size as the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. best rated cribs takes only a few seconds to fold and snap into place and only requires a few pulls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs lock in place using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not tear when a sleeping individual. A good quality cot will make use of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other animals who might be swarming around your campsite at night. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However, not all cots are created to be the same and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable and allow you to get a good night's sleep and don't have to carry a mattress to sleep on. However the cot is large and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent, even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They're ideal for guests who are staying with you, and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They are also a great addition to an RV or camper because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to fret when they explode or shift in the middle night.