The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking sleeping well is essential. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're traveling.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is lightweight and provides solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. Look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to feel as close as they can to the traditional mattress. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's important to take into account its materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to stand up to regular use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to be.
A cot should also provide enough cushioning to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. You should select a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space inside a backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be a big advantage on long hikes and longer backcountry excursions. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the mobility of a cot is a major factor in its overall score.
It can take just some time to fold and put together a cot depending on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile, letting you adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and turbulent weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can affect the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and a larger sleeping space are more suitable for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot for home primarily, it is worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. This usually consists of fitted and flat sheets as well as a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option when you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most types of camping. It folds into a case resembling an outdoor chair, and is equipped with a strap for easy transport. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they also are often more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to put them up on a level surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars over their feet and head which you might want to avoid hitting while you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tried are easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a relief as you don't need to worry about how to secure them. Others have an easy folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots, however, are usually a different story as they require you to assemble the frame and tension the fabric yourself and could take a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to install, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the standard cot but it packs down to a size that's about similar to the carry case for a folding camp chair. It's extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It has a unibody design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a small size that's about the same size as the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. It's heavier than other cots we tested, however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is simple to set up. It takes just the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap into place and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to withstand a lot of abuse and use. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not fall apart when a sleeping individual. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which is heavy duty and can endure wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones such as pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfy, and safe from bugs and other creatures that might be roaming in your campsite at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. However not all cots are made in the same way and some require you to use an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a huge problem, particularly for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get an excellent night's sleep and don't have to bring a sleeping pad with you. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. cot bed sales offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
Cots are great for camping, but they can be used in other situations like when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to a camper, RV or any other vehicle with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them shifting or blowing up during the night.