The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be heavy and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is vital to enjoy your camping excursion. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot, look for one that is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are predominantly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking look into something heavier and bigger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all designed to be as like a traditional mattress as they can. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing cheap cot beds , it's also important to consider the materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears therefore, you should choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are made to withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for features like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide enough cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent you from sinking in. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough to comfortably lay down in. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to be able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are compact and take up less space in your pack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options, which can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. The mobility of the cot is important when you consider the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
It may only take several minutes to fold and assemble 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 have built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you have. This includes fitted and flat sheets and a matching pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice if you are seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and has an attached strap for simple haulage. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a solid option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set up than other sleeping gear. It is because you have to set them up in an even space, that can be difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the foot and head that you might not want to touch when sleeping.
The cots we tested were relatively simple to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to fix them. Others have a simple folding design and only require an easy few clicks. cot beds for sale are often a different story since they require you to put together the frame and tie the fabric yourself, which could take a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the most simple to install that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, however it can be packed down to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are flimsy.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a compact size that's about the same as the bag you carry in your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we 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's easy to set up. It takes just some time to unfold and snap into place and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs are secured by a lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it doesn't break in the rigors and strain of a sleeper. A good quality cot will use the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they will keep you warm and away from bugs or other creatures that could be lurking in the night. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't offer the same comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used together. This can be a big hassle, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without bringing the mattress. However this cot is heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.
Best cot for newborn offers another excellent option that does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They're also great for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more sturdy than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to fret if they blow up or shift during the middle of night.