How To Identify The Best Cots Which Is Right For You
The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and challenging to pack when you're on the move.
We tested 10 of the best Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, portability, ease of setup, and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is essential to enjoy your camping experience. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a bed. When choosing a cot, look for one that is light and offers solid support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add 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 such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. For those who do a mix of backpacking and car camping look into something larger and heavier, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for an even more luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to feel as like a traditional mattress as possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's also important to consider the materials used and the construction. Look for cots made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for details like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others, such as 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 be able to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that is able to support your weight to ensure it can support your body, especially in the case of traveling with a companion or pets.
Portability
The best camping cots are lightweight and take up less space in your backpack. This lets you put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is important when you consider how long it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up the cot. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage or other features to help you reduce the time it takes to put together your bed.
The most flexible cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. They're especially ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter could be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding designed specifically for the cot you have. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted and a pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice if you are seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all types of camping. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a great choice for any camping trip.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping, but they are more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even space, which is difficult to find when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area which you don't want to touch when you sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tested are relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Some have simple folding designs and only require a few clicks. Traditional cots aren't the same. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the easiest to build and can be used for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's about the same as the carry case for a folding camp chair. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that doesn't have any plastic parts that are fragile.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates any bars across your feet and head which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot folds down to a size that's about the same size as the bag that you use to store your favorite backpack. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set-up. It takes just some time to unfold and snap into place and then a few nudges for it to be broken down. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can stand up to a lot of abuse. They have durable components, such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not break when an individual sleeping. crib sets will use heavy-duty 600D polyester, which is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.
They're great for camping because they will keep you warm and free of bugs and other creatures that could be lurking in the night. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used together. This can be a big problem, particularly for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get a great night's rest and don't have to carry a mattress along with you. This cot is large and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic 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 testers who slept on it during hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping, but they can be used in other circumstances for instance, when you have guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent option to a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. Additionally, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.