The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots on the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is crucial to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable place to rest in. Choose a cot that is lightweight, but also provides a solid foundation. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. tots and cots with a mattress-like cover are the most sought-after. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Finding the right cot is crucial for car camping or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, consider lightweight options like 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 mixture of backpacking and car camping and camping, you might want to consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for an even more comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all designed to be as like a traditional mattress as is possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's also important to consider the materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for features like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning, to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long and wide enough to fit your height. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it can support your body, especially when traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your backpack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering how long it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up the coffin. More complicated models require more assembly, and some have parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that will help you minimize the amount of time spent building your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain 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 light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and have a bigger sleeping area are better suited for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you have. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for most types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds into a case resembling a camping chair, and has an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of all our top picks but its strong materials and durable frame make it a great choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, that can be difficult to locate while camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area which you don't want to strike when you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots we tested are relatively simple to install. They are also self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't have to think about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires lots of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set-up, so it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely robust, made of a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are flimsy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the storage bag of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than the other cots we tested, but 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 takes just the time of a few minutes to unfold, snap into place, and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs lock in place by a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are designed to withstand the rigors of use and abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and robust fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it doesn't tear when strained by the weight of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can stand up to wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfy, and safe from bugs and other creatures that may be roaming around your campsite at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags for hiking or backpacking. Not all cots provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a big issue, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's sleep without the need to bring an extra sleeping mat. The cot is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They're also ideal for guests staying with you, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to worry when they explode or shift during the middle of the night.