The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We test 10 of the top co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is vital for a successful camping trip. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to sleep in. Find a cot that is lightweight and also offers an adequate amount of support. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the best cot for your needs is key. 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. For those who combine backpacking and car camping look into something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all designed to look as like a traditional mattress as is possible. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to carry and put up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears therefore, you should choose a cot made of high-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for features such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide a decent amount of cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. Also, a cot must be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Find a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly when traveling with a spouse or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and require less space in your backpack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering the amount of time it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and set up the coffin. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms and turbulent weather. These are especially useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and where you intend to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas those with a robust construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you own. This includes fitted and flat sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's ideal for all camping styles. It folds into a case similar to an outdoor chair and is equipped with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of all our top picks however its robust materials and durable frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even space, which is difficult to locate while camping. Some have bars on the foot and head that you might not want to touch when you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots we tried are easy to set up. Some of them are self-standing and are a massive relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, and others feature simple foldout designs and just a few clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires a lot of energy 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 heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size that's roughly the same size as the bag that you use to store your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we tested but it feels very robust and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is very easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to break down to store it. The legs lock in place using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are made with strong materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't tear in the rigors and strain of a sleeper. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can endure wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They're great for camping, as they keep you comfortable and away from bugs or other creatures that may be lurking in the night. They also offer an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't provide the same level of comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and not need to carry a sleeping pad along with you. 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. cot beds , which is lightweight, provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are ideal for camping but they can also be used in other circumstances like when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.