The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful night's sleep is essential while hunting or hiking, and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However, cots can be heavy and difficult to pack for travel.
We test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's rest is vital to fully enjoy your camping trip. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep on. Choose a cot that is lightweight, but also provides an adequate amount of support. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most desirable. They are often designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other insulation.
Finding the right cot is important regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. Consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you plan to are combining backpacking and car camping think about something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to look as similar to a traditional bed as possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Choose cots that are constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. You should look for specifics such as a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot must also offer adequate cushioning to protect you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. You should choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up little space in your backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options, which can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in its overall rating.
It could take only some time to fold and put together a cot depending on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile, letting you adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots have a tether that helps keep them steady in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the security of your shelter may be weakened due to uneven or unstable ground.
When selecting a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and the location you'd like to stay. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets as well as the pillowcase that matches.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for most types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It packs down into a carrying case that's 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 biggest sleeping platform among the top choices, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Installation is simple
Cots are often required for camping, but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even space, that can be difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also have bars on the head and foot area that you might not want to hit while sleeping.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set-up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to fix them. Some have simple folding designs and only require an easy few clicks. cots4tots 't the same. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires lots of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. It's a bit heavier than the standard cot, but it can be folded to a size that's the same as the carry case for the folding camping chair. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars across your head and feet which makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the size of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, but it feels very solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set-up. It takes just the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs lock in place using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to stand up to lots of abuse and use. They are constructed with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and tough fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not fall apart under the weight of the sleeping person. A good quality cot is made of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping as they are comfortable and keep you away from any bugs or other creatures that might be lurking in the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. Not all cots provide the same comfort and some require a sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a major issue, particularly for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get a great night's rest and not need to carry a sleeping pad to sleep on. This cot is large and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They are also great for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent which means you don't need to fret whether they explode or shift during the middle of night.