The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is vital when you're hiking or hunting and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital to fully enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the rough and cold terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. When choosing a cot, ensure that it is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is important, whether you're car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your pack. If you do a mix of car camping and backpacking think about something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option, all of the cots on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot must also offer an adequate amount of cushioning to guard against the hard rough surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough to comfortably lay down in. You should select the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up little space in your backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in the overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, depending on the model. 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 will help to reduce the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. cheap cots have a tether to keep them steady in windy or stormy weather. They are particularly ideal for backpacking, where the security of your shelter may be compromised due to uneven or unstable ground.
When selecting a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to stay. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot at home primarily, it is worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed to fit the type of bed you have. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for all types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair and is equipped with straps for easy transportation. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Installation is simple
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 can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars across their feet and head which you might need to be careful not to hit while you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots we tried are simple to install. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to put them in place. Others feature a simple folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are often a different story because they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself and can take quite a bit of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set-up, so it can be used for car camping and tent camping. Full Statement is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's a little heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's about similar to the carry case for a folding camp chair. It is also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Full Statement recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates the need for bars that run across your head and feet which makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the bag that you carry in your preferred backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we tested however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It only takes some time to unfold, snap into place, and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to stand up to lots of abuse and use. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it does not break when the sleeping person. A good quality cot is made of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfy, 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. Not all cots provide the same level of comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use together. This can be a huge problem, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to have a restful night's sleep without bringing the mattress. However, 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 great option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
Cots are a great option for camping, but they can be used in other scenarios like when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent which means you don't need to fret if they blow up or shift during the middle of the night.