Say "Yes" To These 5 Best Cots Tips
The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is vital when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.
We compared and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is crucial for enjoying your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot look for one that is lightweight and offers solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the right cot is essential for car camping or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. If you plan to combine a mix 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 an even more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all made to look as like a traditional mattress as is possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It is important to consider the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years to come, look for specifics such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have a good amount of cushioning to shield you against the hard rough surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot must also be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Choose a cot which has an adequate weight capacity to ensure it's able to support your body, especially in the case of traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and take up less space in your backpack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They are lighter than other options for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. Considering how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear the mobility of a cot is a major factor in its overall rating.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and set up the coffin. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that help to reduce the amount of time spent setting up your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile they can be adjusted to suit different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to camp. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are great for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you're using. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted and an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option if you are seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most types of camping. It folds into a case similar to an outdoor chair, and has an easy-to-transport strap. It doesn't come with the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks however its robust materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even surface which can be difficult to locate while camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area that you may not want to strike when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tested are relatively easy to install. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief since they don't require you to figure out how to secure them, and others feature an easy fold-out design and a couple of clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are not always the best choice because they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself, which can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to install that's why it can be used for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also incredibly robust, made of an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also features a unibody construction that eliminates any bars across your feet and head which makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot is foldable down to a size comparable to the storage bag of your preferred backpack. It's heavier than other cots that we've tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults of up to 225 lbs.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that's extremely easy to install. It takes just a few seconds to fold and snap into place. It only requires a few tugs to take it apart to make it easier to store. 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 designed to stand up to lots of abuse and use. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure it does not tear when strained by the weight of a sleeper. A high-quality cot will be constructed of 600D polyester, which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfy and secure from bugs and other animals that might be roaming around your campsite at night. They are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. cots offers are made equal and some will require you to add an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. This can be a huge issue, particularly for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable, so you can get a great night's rest and not need to carry a sleeping pad along with you. However tots and cots 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 great option, which does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping but they can be used in other scenarios, such as when you've got guests staying over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also a great addition to a RV or camper since they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to fret if they blow up or shift in the middle night.