The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is essential. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, they are heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We tested and scored 10 of the best cots on comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital to fully enjoy your camping excursion. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to sleep in. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is essential for car camping or backpacking. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you are doing a combination of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all made to feel as close to a traditional bed as is possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to carry and put up on the trail.
It is important to consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose a cot with high-quality materials that are designed to stand up to regular use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to be.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot should also be long and wide enough to fit your height. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up a small amount of space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be an advantage when you are taking long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a significant aspect in its overall score.
It may only take a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, depending on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time spent making your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. best crib for newborn come with a tether to keep them steady in stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to stay. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and larger sleeping area are more suitable for basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to use your cot for home primarily, it is worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This typically includes sheets that are flat and fitted as well as the pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair, and is equipped with straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top choices. However, its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up as compared to other sleeping gear. It is because you have to set them up in an even surface which can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head that you might not want to hit when sleeping.
Fortunately, the top cots we tested are relatively easy to install. They are also self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to secure them. Some have an easy folding design and require just an easy few clicks. Traditional cots aren't the same. They require you to put together the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which takes a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the easiest to set up, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case of a fold-down camping chair. It is also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates any bars between your feet and head, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. 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's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that's extremely easy to install. It takes just some time to unfold and snap into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs are locked with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it does not break under the weight and tension of a sleeper. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other animals that may be roaming around your campsite during the night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However, not all cots are made to be the same and some will require you to use an additional sleeping pad to provide maximum comfort. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without bringing a sleeping mat. The cot is big and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They're ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They are also a great addition to a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to fret whether they explode or shift in the middle night.