The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot look for one that is light and offers solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other types of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is key. For those who are primarily backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be transported in your bag. If you plan to are combining car camping and backpacking think about something heavier and larger like 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 made to be as close to a traditional bed as they can. 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 is also important to think about its materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, therefore, you should choose a cot made of high-quality fabrics that are designed to stand up to regular use. Look for details such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for years to come.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning to guard against the hard rough surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to fit your height. It is recommended to choose the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if traveling with a friend or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering how long it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up a bed. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help you minimize the amount of time you spend making your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some cots have a tether that keeps them in place during windy or stormy weather. They're especially useful for backpacking, when the stability of your shelter could be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
When sale cot choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to camp. Cots with a light design and compact fold are great for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider purchasing a set of bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate 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 fantastic choice. It folds down into a case resembling the camping chair and has straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are often required when camping but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to place them on a level surface which can be hard to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars on their head and foot areas which you might want to avoid hitting during your sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots that we tested are easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a major relief since they don't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others come with an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to set them in the proper position. Traditional cots, however, are not always the best choice because they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric yourself and can take quite a bit of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to install, which means it can be used for car or tent camping, as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than the average camping cot, however it can be packed down to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot also packs down to a size, which is about similar to the size of the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 lbs.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to break down to make it easier to store. The legs are locked with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and robust fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it will not break when strained by the weight of a sleeper. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is heavy duty and can endure wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable, and safe from insects and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. They also provide a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy an excellent night's sleep and don't need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. However this cot is large 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 offers another excellent option that does not require an additional 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 subjects to use for hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.
They are ideal for guests who are staying over, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. Full File to an RV or camper because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Additionally, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.