The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is vital. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However, they are heavy and can be difficult to carry for travel.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots on the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is crucial for enjoying your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. When choosing a cot, ensure that it is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like surface are particularly popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping think about something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to feel as close to a traditional bed as is possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it's also important to consider the materials used and the construction. Look for cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for features like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. A cot should be long and wide enough to accommodate your height. It is recommended to choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up a small amount of space in your backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options which can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in its overall rating.
Depending on the model that you choose, it can take minutes to unfold and set up the bed. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that help to reduce the amount of time spent setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some cots have a tether that helps keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot at your home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you've got. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all camping types. It folds into a carry case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on an even surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars on their head and foot areas which you might need to be careful not to hit during your sleep.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set-up. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. cribs beds have a simple folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are different. They require you to put together the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to set up that's why it can be used for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same size as a foldable campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly robust, made of an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size similar to the bag that you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we've tried, however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a 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 break down for storage. The legs lock in place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not break when the sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from insects and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. They also offer an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. However there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made equal and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure optimal comfort. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without bringing the mattress. This cot is large and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in a tent even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They're also great for guests staying with you, 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 inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.