The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, they are heavy and hard to transport for travel.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is essential to enjoy your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. When choosing a cot, look for one that is lightweight and offers solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your pack. If you are doing a combination of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for an even more comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all designed to feel as close to a traditional bed as possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Find cots made of top-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop you from sinking in. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to accommodate your height. You should select a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and take up less space in your pack. This allows you to fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the portability of a cot is a significant factor in its overall rating.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up a cot. More complicated models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time to put together your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them stable during storms or windy weather. They are particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be weakened by unstable or uneven ground.
When selecting a cot, consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot for the home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for all types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds into a case similar to a camping chair, and has a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping, but they tend to be more difficult to install than other types of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to place them on an even surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars over their head and foot areas that you may prefer not to hit when you sleep.
Thankfully, the best cots we tried are simple to install. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them while others have a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are not always the best choice because they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric by yourself and it will require a significant amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to install and can be used for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's a bit heavier than the average cot, but it folds down to a size about the same size as the carry case for a fold-down camping chair. It's also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with strong aluminum frame.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars that run across your head and feet, making it perfect for sleepers who are back or side. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the storage bag of your preferred backpack. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is very easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to break down to store it. The legs are locked by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not fall apart under the weight of a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is heavy duty and can stand up to wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping as they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs and other creatures that might be lurking in the night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam bags when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a big hassle, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. cots4tots lets you get a good night's sleep without bringing a sleeping mat. The cot is huge and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They are also ideal for guests staying over, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Additionally, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up during the night.