The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable cots and rated them on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is essential for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a bed. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is light and offers solid support to ensure you get an enjoyable 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 for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the ideal cot is important, whether you're car camping or backpacking. Think about 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 combine a mix of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option The cots featured on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to a traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still fairly easy to transport and put up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears so look for an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are designed to withstand regular 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 protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. It is recommended to choose the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and take up less space in your pack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options and can add up quickly when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry trips. The mobility of the cot is crucial when you think about the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
It may only take some time to fold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time spent making your bed.
The most versatile cots come with adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you will use the cot and where you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are light and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with 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 of bedding designed specifically for the cot you have. This includes flat and fitted sheets and the pillowcase that matches.
If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds down into a case similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. This cot doesn't offer the largest sleeping space of our top selections. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is because they require you to set them up on an even surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars over their head and foot areas that you may need to be careful not to hit during your sleep.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to put them in place. Others feature an easy folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. You have to assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to build and can be utilized for tent or car camping, as in backpacking trips as. It's a bit heavier than the typical cot but it packs down to a size that's the same size as the carry case of a folding camp chair. cheap cot beds 's also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It has 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 that's about the same size as the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it's very robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that is very easy to set up. It takes just the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap into place and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it doesn't fall apart under the weight of the sleeping person. A cot that is of good quality is made of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures that might be roaming around your campsite during the night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. crib sets don't provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a major problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's sleep without bringing an extra sleeping mat. However the cot is heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hikes than a foam or air cushion.
They are ideal for guests who are staying with you, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than an inflatable mattress or tent and you don't have to be concerned whether they explode or shift during the middle of the night.