The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is vital. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital to enjoy your camping trip. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a sleeping cot. Find a cot that is light but also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are typically designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the right cot for your needs is crucial. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to do a mix of backpacking and car camping, consider something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to feel as close to a traditional bed as possible. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to transport and put up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's important to take into account its materials and construction. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for details like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer enough cushioning to keep you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and take up less space in your pack. This lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall rating.
It could take only some time to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them in place during conditions of stormy or windy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be weakened by unstable or uneven ground.
When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the cot you own. This includes fitted and flat sheets and the pillowcase that matches.
If you're looking for a comfy and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case similar to a camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they tend to be more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on a level surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars across their head and foot areas that you could need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to secure them. Others feature a simple folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's about the same size as the carry case of a folding camp chair. It's also extremely durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of 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 across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can also be folded down to a compact size that's roughly the same size as the bag you carry in your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we tested however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is very easy to set up. It takes just two seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to disassemble for storage. The legs are locked using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to withstand a lot of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it doesn't fall apart under the weight of an individual sleeping. A good quality cot is made of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots -
updated blog post - also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas such as pole sleeves.
They're great for camping because they will keep you warm and free of bugs and
Top ranked cribs other creatures that might be lurking in the night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. Not all
affordable cots offer the same comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use together. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable, so you can get an excellent night's sleep and not need to carry a sleeping pad with you. However,
best Cots for Newborns this cot is quite heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are ideal for camping however they can be used in other circumstances, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They are also ideal for an RV or camper because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.