The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is essential when hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However they can be heavy and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort, portability, ease of setup and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable bed to rest in. When choosing a cot, ensure that it is lightweight and provides solid support to ensure a great night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Finding crib sets is crucial regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about 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 backpack. If you are doing a combination of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to feel as similar to a traditional bed as they can. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about its materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears, so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for years to be.
A cot must also offer an adequate amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard rough surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot must also be long and wide enough to fit your height. Find a cot that is able to support your weight to ensure it's able to support your body, especially in the case of traveling with a spouse or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a major factor in its overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, dependent on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with 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 they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that keeps them in place during stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can affect the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, consider how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact in size are great for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping area work better for camping in car parks or basecamps. If cot beds for sale intend to use your cot at your home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This includes flat and fitted sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option if you are seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all camping types. It folds down into a case resembling the camping chair, and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a great choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even surface that can be difficult to locate while camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area that you might not want to touch when you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots that we tested are easy to install. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to put them in place. Others feature an easy folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which takes lots of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the most simple to build that's why it can be used for tent or car camping as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any plastic parts that are fragile.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It also features a unibody construction that eliminates any bars across your head and feet, making it perfect for sleepers who are back or side. The cot folds 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 tested but it feels very robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart for storage. The legs are locked using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it does not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeper. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping, as they will keep you warm and free of any bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around at night. They are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used together. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable, so you can get a great night's rest and not need to bring a sleeping pad with you. However the cot is big and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are ideal for camping but they can be used in other scenarios, such as when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a RV or camper since they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.