The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is crucial. Cots are an excellent option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort mobility, portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is essential to fully enjoy your camping trip. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to sleep on. Look for a cot that is light but also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily transported in your bag. If you are combining backpacking and car camping, consider something heavier and bigger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, all of the cots featured on this list are designed to feel as close as possible to the traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry 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 rips and tears so choose a cot made of high-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand regular use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot must also offer a good amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot must also be long and wide enough to fit your height. You should select a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. Baby Cot lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your equipment, the portability of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall score.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up the coffin. More complicated models require more assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage or other features to help cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to stay. Cots that are lightweight and compact in size are great for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a bigger sleeping area are better suited for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all types of camping. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks but its strong materials and durable frame make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even space, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area that you may not want to touch when sleeping.
Thankfully, the best cots we tried are easy to install. Some are self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to put them in place. Others have a simple folding design and require just a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set-up, so it can be used for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the typical cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's also incredibly robust, made of an extremely durable 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 easy to set up. It's a unibody design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the size of 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.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It takes only some time to unfold and snap into place and then a few pulls to break it down. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to withstand a lot of abuse. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear under the weight of the sleeping person. A good cot will use the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable and secure from bugs and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam bags for hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are created to be the same and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to have a restful night's sleep without having to bring the mattress. However, this cot is quite big and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent, even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who used it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping, but they can be used in other circumstances like when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Additionally, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.