The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry for travel.
We tested and scored 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a sleeping cot. When selecting a cot look for one that is lightweight and provides a sturdy level of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the right cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are primarily backpackers, consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. For those who do a mix of car camping and backpacking look into something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to be as close to a traditional bed as they can. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to rips and tears so choose a cot with high-quality materials that are made to stand up to regular use. Look for details such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to come.
cot beds for sale should also have enough cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. Also, cot beds for sale must be long enough to fit your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. Find a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to ensure it can support your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and require less space in your pack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and put up the coffin. More complicated models require more assembly, and some include parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them to different terrain conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that helps keep them stable in stormy or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are better suited to 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 cot you own. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for all types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds into a case similar to the camping chair, and is equipped with a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity when camping but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to put them up on an even space, which can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head which you don't want to strike when you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were fairly easy to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a relief as you don't need to worry about how to secure them. Others feature an easy folding design and only require a few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. You must assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the simplest to build that's why it can be used for tent or car camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's the same as the carry case of the folding camping chair. It is also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size comparable to the bag that you carry in your favorite backpack. It's heavier than other cots we've tried, however it's extremely robust and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set up. It takes only some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs are locked with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
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. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it does not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A good quality cot is made of high-end 600D polyester that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping as they keep you comfortable and free of bugs and other creatures that may be lurking in the night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses for hiking or backpacking. However there are cheap cot beds between cots. Not all cots are created in the same way, and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad to provide maximum comfort. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable, so you can get an excellent night's sleep and don't need to carry a mattress along with you. This cot is large and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit in a tent, even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides excellent support and is comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can be used in other circumstances for instance, when you have guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper, RV or any vehicle that has an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress, so you won't have to worry if they blow up or shift in the middle night.