The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A good night's rest is critical when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and comfortable. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We test 10 of the top cots and rated them on comfort and the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital for a successful camping trip. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable place to sleep in. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is crucial. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about 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. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to be as similar to a traditional bed as possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's also important to consider its materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears so look for a cot with high-quality materials that are made to withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for features like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer an adequate amount of cushioning, to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide enough and long enough to fit your height. Look for a cot that is able to support your weight to be able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up little space in a pack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in the overall rating.
Depending on the model you select, it may take minutes to unfold and set up the cot. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features to help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most flexible cots come with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them stable during storms or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to stay. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot for the home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. cot for sale consists of fitted and flat sheets and a pillowcase.
Continuing of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for all types of camping. It folds into a case similar in size to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. The cot doesn't offer the largest sleeping space of our top selections. However, its strong materials and durable frames make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are often more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. It is because you have to place them on an even space, that can be difficult to locate while camping. Some come with bars for the head and foot area that you might not want to strike when sleeping.
The cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to fix them. Others have an easy folding design and require only the click of a button. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which takes lots of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to build, which means it can be used for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the standard cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case for the folding camping chair. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a size that is similar to the bag that you carry in your favorite backpack. It's heavier than some of the other cots we tested however it's extremely robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap into place and only requires a few tugs to break down for storage. The legs are locked using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear when strained by the weight of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which is heavy duty and can endure wear and tear. The best cots use double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping, as they are comfortable and keep you away from bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around at night. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require a sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a major issue, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots come with an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to get a good night's sleep without the need to bring the mattress. However this cot is large and bulky, so it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
They are also ideal for guests staying over, and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any other vehicle with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them shifting or blowing up during the night.