The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and difficult to pack on the road.
We tested 10 of the best co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort and accessibility, ease of setting up and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is crucial to enjoy your camping trip. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. Choose a cot that is light but also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee you a restful night's sleep. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly desirable and are often designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Finding the right cot is important regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your pack. For those who are combining backpacking and car camping think about something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for an even more plush option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to be as like a traditional mattress as is possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to carry and put up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider its materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to rips and tears, so look for a cot with high-quality fabrics that are designed to stand up to regular 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 be.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to guard against the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should also be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up little space inside a backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are less heavy than other options for camp bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. small cot beds complicated models require more assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile, letting you adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some come with a tether to help keep them stable during storms or turbulent weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised due to uneven or unstable ground.
Consider 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 perfect for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot for home primarily, it is important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets and a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping types. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap to make it easy to transport. This cot does not have the largest sleeping surface of our top picks. However, its sturdy materials and durable frames make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they tend to be more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to set them up on an even surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars on their head and foot areas that you may want to avoid hitting during your sleep.
The cots we tested were relatively simple to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't have to think about how to secure them. Others feature an easy folding design and only require an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are often a different story because they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric yourself and can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used both for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are fragile.
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 perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can also be folded down to a size, which is about the same size as the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we've tested, but it feels very solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just 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 lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They are constructed with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure it doesn't break under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which is strong and able to endure wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping as they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. recommended cribs provide an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However not all cots are created to be the same and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad for maximum comfort. This can be a huge problem, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's sleep without bringing the mattress. However this cot is big and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hikes than a foam or air cushion.
They are ideal for guests who are staying over, 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 an air mattress or tent which means you don't need to fret if they blow up or shift during the middle of the night.