The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical when you're hiking or hunting and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However, cots can be bulky 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 mobility, portability, ease of setup and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep is essential to enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. Find an cot that is not heavy but also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure you a restful night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping think about something heavier and larger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to feel as like a traditional mattress as they can. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to transport and put up on the trail.
It is important to consider the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Look for cots made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for details such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot must also be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. You should choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your backpack. This lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options which can add up quickly when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry trips. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a significant aspect in the overall rating.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and set up a bed. More complicated models require more assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets or other features that can help you reduce the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some come with an anchor to keep them in place during storms and windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you have. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets and a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option when you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It folds down into a case that resembles an outdoor chair and comes with a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are usually a necessity for camping, but they also tend to be more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on a level surface which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars across their head and foot areas which you might want to avoid hitting during your sleep.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set-up. Some of them are self-standing and are a massive relief as they don't require you to figure out how to secure them and others feature a simple foldout design and a few clicks to put them in place. Traditional cots aren't the same. You have to assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes an enormous amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to install, which means it can be used for car or tent camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It is also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates the need for bars across your head and feet which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot also packs down to a compact size that's about the same size as the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely simple to set up. It only takes the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap it 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 sleeping bags.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure it doesn't break under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to stand up to wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable and secure from bugs and other creatures that may be roaming in your campsite at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same level of comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a big problem, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy backpack.
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 the mattress. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into a tent even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad. mini cotbed is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
Cots are ideal for camping, but they can also be used in other situations, such as when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they are more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress which means you don't need to worry when they explode or shift in the middle night.