The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical while hunting or hiking, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We compared and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is vital to fully enjoy your camping trip. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. Find an cot that is not heavy, but also provides an adequate amount of support. This will ensure you a restful night's sleep. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. If you plan to do a mix of car camping and backpacking, consider something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to be as like a traditional mattress as they can. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to transport and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to tears and rips, so look for a cot made of high-quality materials that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for details like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. A cot should be wide enough and long enough to accommodate your height. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your pack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are less heavy than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is important when you consider the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
It may only take a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Some have components 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 versatile, letting you adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that keeps them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They are particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter could be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to keep your cot at the home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you've got. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for most types of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap for simple haulage. This cot does not have the largest sleeping surface of our top selections. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a good option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must for camping, but they are also more difficult to set up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to put them up on an even surface which is difficult to find when camping. Some come with bars for the foot and head that you may not want to hit while sleeping.
The top cots we tested were fairly easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Others feature simple folding designs and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. You have to assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to install, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet which makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot also packs down to a compact size, which is about similar to the size of the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than other cots we've tested but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults of up to 225 lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that's extremely easy to install. It takes just a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls to break it down. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can stand up to a lot of abuse. They are constructed with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not break when the sleeping person. A good cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and secure from insects and other creatures who might be swarming in your campsite at night. They are also a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. Some cots don't provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a big issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
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 not need to carry a mattress with you. The cot is huge and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during backpacking hiking trips say they were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are a great option for camping, but they can be used in other scenarios, such as when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also ideal for a RV or camper since they're much more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. cots offers than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.
