The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is essential while hunting or hiking and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.
We tested 10 of the best co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, portability, ease of setup and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital for a successful camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a sleeping cot. When selecting a cot ensure that it is light and offers solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially desirable and are often designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is crucial, 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 an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your pack. If you plan to combine backpacking and car camping think about something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you want a more luxurious option, all of the cots on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about the materials used and the construction. Choose cots that are constructed from high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. Look for details like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to protect you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop you from sinking in. A cot should be long and wide enough to be able to accommodate your height. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity, especially if traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up little space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. When you consider how much time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in the overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets, or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend making your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some come with a tether to help keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are better suited to car camping or basecamps. If you intend to keep your cot at your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you have. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and has a strap attached to make it easy to transport. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top choices. However, its strong materials and durable frames make it a good option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up than other sleeping equipment. It is because you have to put them up on an even surface which can be difficult to locate when camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area that you may not want to hit while sleeping.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some of them are self-standing and are a massive relief since it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them and others feature an easy fold-out design and a couple of clicks to put them in place. Traditional cots aren't the same. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, meaning it can be used for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's a bit 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 durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any plastic parts that are flimsy.
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 side and back sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a size, which is about similar to the size of the storage bag for your backpack of choice. Baby Cot 's a bit heavier than other cots we've tested, but it feels very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that is very easy to install. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to break down to make it easier to store. The legs lock into place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to withstand a lot of use and abuse. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it doesn't break in the rigors and strain of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can stand up to wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from insects and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. However not all cots are made to be the same, and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad for maximum comfort. 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 bringing the mattress. However, this cot is quite 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 pad to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They are ideal for guests who are who are staying in your home and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.