The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical while hunting or hiking and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and comfortable. However they can be a bit heavy and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.
We tested and scored 10 of the best cots for durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is vital to enjoy your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is lightweight and provides a sturdy level of support to ensure an enjoyable night's sleep. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly 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 to meet your needs is essential. For those who are predominantly backpackers, consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your pack. If you do a mixture of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you want a more luxurious option All of the cots on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to a 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 choosing a cot, it's also important to consider the materials and construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears so look for a cot made of high-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years to come, look for specifics such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also have an adequate amount of cushioning, to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough to comfortably lay down in. You should select a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camp bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how long it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Based on the model you select, it may take a few minutes to unroll and set up a cot. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage or other features to help reduce the time to set up your bed.
The most flexible cots are those with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and have a larger sleeping area are better suited for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding designed specifically for the cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice when you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for most camping types. It folds into a case similar to an outdoor chair, and has straps for easy transportation. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping area of our top choices. However, its sturdy materials and durable frames make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set up as compared to 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 have bars on the foot and head that you may not want to touch while sleeping.
The cots we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing which is a major relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, and others feature an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to set them in place. Traditional cots are usually a different story as they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself, which will require a significant amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to set up, which means it can be used for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It is extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It's a unibody design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the size of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we tested but it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that's extremely easy to set up. It only takes a few moments to unfold and snap into place and then a few tugs to break it down. The legs are locked using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are built to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not break in the rigors and strain of a sleeping person. A good cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed places like pole sleeves.
They are ideal 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 can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam bags for hiking or backpacking. Some cots don't provide the same comfort and some require a sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without the need to bring an extra sleeping mat. However this cot is big and bulky, so it isn't easy to fit it into a tent, even if your tent has plenty of space.
best crib offers another fantastic option, and does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are great for camping but they can also be used in other circumstances like when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also ideal for a RV or camper since they're much more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.