The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is essential. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's rest is essential to fully enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. Choose a cot that is light, but also provides a solid level of support. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is important, whether you're car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your pack. If you plan to combine a mix of car camping and backpacking and camping, you might want to consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to a traditional mattress. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. The fabric's fragility can lead to tears and rips, so choose a cot with high-quality materials that are made to stand up to regular use. Look for details such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot should also provide a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to fit your height. You should 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 fold up compactly and take up a small amount of space inside a backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options and can add up quickly when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about how long it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up the cot. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that can help you reduce the amount of time you spend making your bed.
cheap cots come with legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them stable in windy or stormy weather. They are particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter could be weakened by 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 ideal for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you have. This usually consists of flat and fitted sheets as well as a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're looking for an easy and comfortable cot. try this website for all camping types. It folds down into a case similar to an outdoor chair and has a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even surface which is difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head which you don't want to strike while sleeping.
Thankfully, the best cots we tried are easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Some have an easy folding design and only require the click of a button. Traditional cots are different. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, which means it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used on trips to backpack. It's a bit heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's the same size as the carry case for a fold-down camping chair. It's also incredibly durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It's a unibody design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we tested however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set-up. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place and just a few twirls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs are secured with a lever-lock system which is extremely secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to withstand a lot of abuse and use. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not break in the rigors and strain of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is heavy duty and can withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. They are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. Not all cots provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's sleep without having to bring the mattress. This cot is large and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hikes in the mountains say they were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They're also ideal for guests staying with you, and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to an RV or camper because they're much more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than the tent or air mattress, so you won't have to worry whether they explode or shift during the middle of night.