A Complete Guide To Best Cots
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, cots can be heavy and hard to transport for travel.
We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots on the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. When selecting a cot ensure that it is light and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure you get an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, finding the best cot for your needs is key. For those who are primarily backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking look into something heavier and larger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, all of the cots on this list are designed to feel as close as they can to a traditional mattress. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it is also important to think about the materials and construction. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years to come, look for specifics like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have a good amount of cushioning, to protect you against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to fit your height. Choose a cot which has an adequate weight capacity to ensure it can help your body, especially in the case of traveling with a spouse or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up little space in a pack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is an advantage when you are taking long hikes and longer backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear, the portability of a cot is a significant factor in the overall rating.
It could take only a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot, dependent on the model. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features that can help you reduce the time to put together your bed.
The most versatile cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them steady in windy or stormy weather. They're especially useful for backpacking, when the security of your shelter may be compromised due to uneven or unstable ground.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it, as well as the place you'd like to set up camp. Cots with a light design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding designed specifically for the cot you own. It usually includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all camping styles. It folds into a case that resembles a camping chair and has an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among the top choices however its robust materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to place them on an even surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars across their head and foot areas which you might want to avoid hitting when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots that we tested are easy to set up. recommended cribs are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Others feature simple folding designs and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story since they require you to assemble the frame and tension the fabric yourself, which will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, which means it can be used for camping in a car or tent camping. It is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same size as a foldable campchair's carry case. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are fragile.
Another model we recommend 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 folds down to a size similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we tested however it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It takes only a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs lock into place 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 built to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't break in the rigors and strain of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas such as pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping because they are comfortable and keep you away from any bugs or other creatures that may be lurking around in the dark. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam bags when backpacking or hiking. However, not all cots are created equal and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.
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 big and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during hikes in the mountains say they were more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
They're ideal for guests who are who are staying in your home and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option to a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to worry whether they explode or shift during the middle of the night.