The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and challenging to pack when you're traveling.
cot bed sales test 10 of the top co-teaching cots and scored them on comfort and accessibility, ease of setting up, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital for a successful camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. Choose a cot that is lightweight and also offers an adequate amount of support. This will ensure a good night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other types of insulation.
The right cot for you is essential regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your backpack. For those who combine car camping and backpacking, consider something larger and heavier, 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 similar to a traditional bed as possible. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose a cot with high-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for years to be.
A cot must also offer a good amount of cushioning, to protect you against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Choose a cot which has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to support your body, especially if you're traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up little space in a pack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be an advantage when you are taking long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you'll spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a significant aspect in the overall rating.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up a bed. More complex models require more assembly, and some have parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time spent making your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible, letting you adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that helps keep them in place during windy or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot exclusively at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the cot you're using. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all types of camping. It folds into a case similar in size to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot does not offer the largest sleeping space of our top picks. However, its sturdy frame and durable materials make it an excellent option for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are often required when camping, but they are often more difficult to install than other types of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area which you don't want to touch when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are simple to set up. Some are self-standing and are a massive relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others have an easy fold-out design and a few clicks to put them in place. Traditional cots are not always the best choice as they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric yourself, which could take a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, meaning it can be used both for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, however 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 rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the storage bag of your backpack of choice. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it feels very solid and suitable for adults up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap into place and only requires a few pulls to break down to store it. The legs are locked with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The best camping cots will stand up to a lot of abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it doesn't tear in the rigors and strain of a sleeper. A cot that is of good quality is made of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping because they are comfortable and keep you away from bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around at night. They also offer an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without bringing a sleeping mat. The cot is huge and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into a tent even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hikes 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 option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to be concerned if they blow up or shift in the middle night.