The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is vital when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However, cots can be heavy and difficult to pack for travel.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's rest is essential for a successful camping trip. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a sleeping cot. When selecting a cot, look for one that is lightweight and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other types of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is crucial. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. They are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you are doing a combination of backpacking and car camping and camping, you might want to consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all made to feel as like a traditional mattress as is possible. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider its materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to tears and rips, so choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are designed to stand up to regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years to come, look for specifics like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide a good amount of cushioning to guard against the hard rough surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. You should select a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are compact and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear, the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in its overall score.
Based on the model you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up a cot. More complex models require more assembly, and some have 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 it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile they can be adjusted to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground can affect 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 lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for most types of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case that resembles the camping chair and has straps for easy transportation. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top picks. However, its strong frame and durable materials make it an excellent option for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to put them up on an even area, which can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head which you don't want to hit when you sleep.
The top cots we tested were fairly easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a major relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them and others feature an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to get them into the right position. Traditional cots are different. You have to assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, which means it can be used both for car camping and tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are flimsy.
Baby Cot suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It also features a unibody design that eliminates bars between your feet and head which makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the size of your preferred backpack. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we tested but it feels very solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It only requires a few pulls to take it apart to store it. 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 most durable camping cots can stand up to a lot of abuse. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and robust fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it will not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeper. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to endure wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping, as they keep you comfortable and free of bugs and other creatures that might be lurking around at night. They also offer an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same level of comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to use together. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's rest without the need to bring an extra sleeping mat. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit in a tent, even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are ideal for camping, but they can be used in other scenarios like when you have guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that has an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.