The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is essential while hunting or hiking, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We compared and rated 10 of the top cots for the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is vital to fully enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a cot. Choose a cot that is lightweight but also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure a good night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is crucial, whether you're car camping or backpacking. Look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. For those who are combining backpacking and car camping look into something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for an even more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to be as like a traditional mattress as they can. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It is important to consider the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. Look for cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough to comfortably lay down in. You should select the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space inside a backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is an advantage during long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is important when you consider how long it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
It can take just several minutes to fold and assemble a cot, depending on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that can help to reduce the amount of time you spend building your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them steady in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They are particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised due to uneven or unstable ground.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to stay. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding designed specifically for the cot you own. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets as well as a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option if you are looking for an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It folds into a case resembling the camping chair, and has a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't offer the largest sleeping space of our top selections. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Ease of Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to place them on a level surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars over their feet and head which you might want to avoid hitting when you sleep.
The cots we tested were relatively easy to set-up. Some are self-standing and are a massive relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others come with a simple foldout design and a couple of clicks to put them in the proper position. Traditional cots are different. You must assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the easiest to build that's why it can be used for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. 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 another cinch to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a size that's roughly similar to the size of the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than the other cots we've tested, however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that is very easy to set up. It only takes some time to unfold and snap into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs are secured by a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to stand up to lots of abuse and use. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't fall apart under the weight of an individual sleeping. A cot that is of good quality is made of high-end 600D polyester that will withstand lots of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed places like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping, as they keep you comfortable and away from any bugs or other creatures that may be lurking around at night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made in the same way and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to provide maximum comfort. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep and not need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit in a tent even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They're also great for guests staying over, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any other vehicle with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Cots 4 Tots UK than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to fret when they explode or shift during the middle of night.