The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However they can be a bit heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the move.
We tested and scored 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
best infant cribs is vital for a successful camping excursion. Instead of sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. Choose a cot that is lightweight but also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is crucial. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. For those who combine backpacking and car camping think about something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, all of the cots that made this list are designed to be as similar as possible to a traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the materials and construction of the cot when choosing one. Look for cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for details like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide a good amount of cushioning, to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot must also be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. You should select the cot that has the right capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up little space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you're spending packing and unpacking your gear the mobility of a cot is a major factor in the overall rating.
It can take just a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage, or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to put together your bed.
The most flexible cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. affordable cots include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the security of your shelter may be compromised due to uneven or unstable ground.
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 fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for camping in car parks or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot for the home, it's important to purchase bedding specifically designed for the kind of bed you have. This includes fitted and flat sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice when you're looking for an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most camping types. It folds into a carry case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached for simple haulage. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among the top choices however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots can be a necessity for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up as compared to other sleeping gear. It is because you have to place them on an even surface that can be difficult to locate while 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 fairly easy to set up. Some of them are self-standing which is a major relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them while others come with an easy fold-out design and a couple of clicks to put them in the proper position. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story as they require you to assemble the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself and it can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the simplest to set up, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping as in backpacking trips as. It's a little heavier than the standard cot, but it can be folded to a size that's about the same as the carry case for a folding camp chair. It is also extremely durable, being made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique design that eliminates bars that run across your feet and head, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot can also be folded down to a size that's roughly similar to the size of the bag that you use to store your favorite backpack. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, but it's very robust and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that's extremely easy to install. It takes only some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs are locked with a lever-lock system which is extremely secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are designed to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it doesn't tear when an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is strong and able to endure wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. However, not all cots are made to be the same and some require you to add an additional sleeping pad to provide optimal comfort. This can be a big hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy pack.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable, so you can get an excellent night's sleep and don't have to carry a mattress along with you. However, this cot is quite 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 is another great option that doesn't require an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who took it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They are also ideal for guests staying over, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They are also ideal for a camper or RV because they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.