The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We test 10 of the top co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. When selecting a cot, look for one that is lightweight and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like surface are particularly attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. Look at lightweight options like 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 do a mix of backpacking and car camping look into something heavier and bigger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to be as close to a traditional bed as possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to transport and put up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Look for cots made of top-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, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as 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 to comfortably lay down in. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly in the case of traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and require less space in your pack. This allows you to fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear the portability of a cot is a major factor in the overall rating.
It may only take some time to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them stable in windy or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are light and compact in size are great for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping area are better suited for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you own. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets and the pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for most types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It packs down into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top picks. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they also are often more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even space, which can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head that you might not want to touch when sleeping.
Fortunately, the top cots we tested are relatively simple to install. Some are self-standing which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to fix them. Others have a simple folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, which means it can be used both for car camping and tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, however it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It's extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. small cot beds features a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size comparable to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tried, but it feels very solid and suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It only takes the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs are locked by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure it will not tear when strained by the weight of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping as they are comfortable and keep you away from any bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around in the dark. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same level of comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to use together. This can be a big problem, particularly for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's rest without having to bring the mattress. However the cot is big and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
They're also great for guests staying with you, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper or RV because they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.