The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical when hiking or hunting and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots can be heavy and hard to transport on the road.
We test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot, look for one that is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure an excellent night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially desirable and are often designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are predominantly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. If you do a mix of 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 a comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all designed to feel as similar to a traditional bed as is possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to transport 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 made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for features like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have a decent amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard rough ground. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. A cot should also be long and wide enough to accommodate your height. You should select a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a friend or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This allows you to fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They also weigh less than many other camp bedding options and can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. When you consider how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the mobility of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall score.
Depending on the model that you select, it may take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up a cot. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that help you minimize the amount of time spent setting up your bed.
The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some come with a tether to keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. They are particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter could be weakened by unstable or uneven ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot as well as the place you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot for the home, it's worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you have. This includes flat and fitted sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are often more difficult to install than other types of 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. Some of them have bars on their foot and head areas that you may need to be careful not to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are simple to install. Some of them are self-standing and are a massive relief since it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them while others come with an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to set them in place. Traditional cots are usually a different story since they require you to put together the frame and tension the fabric yourself and will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the easiest to build and can be used for car or tent camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the standard cot but it packs down to a size about the same size as the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's extremely durable, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also has a unibody design that eliminates bars that run across your head and feet, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we've tested, but it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are designed to withstand a lot of use and abuse. They are constructed with strong materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not break under the weight of the sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress areas like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping because they keep you comfortable and away from bugs and other creatures that could be lurking around in the dark. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to use with them. This can be a big problem, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
Cots For Tots UK have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's rest without the need to bring a sleeping mat. The cot is huge and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great 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 test participants to use on hikes than an air or foam cushion.
They are also great for guests staying with you, and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that comes with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to be concerned whether they explode or shift in the middle night.