The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. When choosing a cot, look for one that is lightweight and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your backpack. If you combine backpacking and car camping look into something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for an even more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as like a traditional mattress as they can. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about its materials and construction. Choose cots that are constructed from high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. You should look for specifics such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot should be long and wide enough to fit your height. You should choose a cot with an adequate weight capacity, especially if traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and take up less space in your pack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They are lighter than other options for camp bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes and longer backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is important when you consider how long it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
Depending on the model you select, it may take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up a bed. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage, or other features that can help you reduce the time to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile, letting you adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some come with a tether to help keep them in place during storms or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and a bigger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you own. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for all camping types. It folds down into a case that resembles an outdoor chair and is equipped with straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't offer the largest sleeping space of our top choices. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are often a necessity for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to place them on a level surface which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their head and foot areas which you might need to be careful not to hit while you sleep.
Fortunately, Mini Cot Bed tested are relatively easy to install. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief as they don't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others come with a simple foldout design and just a few clicks to set them in the right position. Traditional cots, however, are usually a different story as they require you to construct the frame and tension the fabric by yourself, which could take a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to build, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain 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 that is similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we tested however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It takes only two seconds to unfold and snap into place and only requires a few pulls to disassemble for storage. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of strong materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not tear when strained by the weight of a sleeper. A good quality cot will use 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.
Cots are ideal for camping as they keep you off the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other creatures that might be roaming around your campsite at night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. However, not all cots are made to be the same, and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. This can be a big issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy an excellent night's sleep and don't need to carry a sleeping pad with you. The cot is huge and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into a tent even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who took it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are ideal for camping however they can also be used in other scenarios like when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a RV or camper since they are more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Additionally, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.