The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is vital while hunting or hiking, and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots are bulky and hard to transport for travel.
We tested and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital to enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a bed. Choose a cot that is lightweight but also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other forms of insulation.
If you're backpacking or camping, finding the best cot for your needs is key. For those who are predominantly backpackers, www.cots4tots.Co.uk consider lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your pack. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking, then consider something heavier such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to feel as close as they can to a traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials and construction. Find cots made of top-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 have an adequate amount of cushioning to guard from the hard rough surface. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles to prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough to comfortably lie down in. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up very little space inside a backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They also weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering the amount of time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up a cot. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots are equipped with built-in storage, or other features that can help you cut down on the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with adjustable legs are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some come with a tether to keep them stable during storms or turbulent weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be weakened by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and with a larger sleeping area work better for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the cot you have. This typically includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a pillowcase.
If you're in search of a comfortable, easy-to-set-up cot that's suitable for a variety of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap to make it easy to transport. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy frames and sturdy materials make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping, but they are more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to place them on a level surface, which can be hard to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars on their head and foot areas which you might need to be careful not to hit during your sleep.
The top cots we tested were relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and require just a few clicks. Traditional cots are different. They require you to put together the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires a lot of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set up, which means it can be used for car camping and tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly robust, made of an extremely durable 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 simple to set up. It also features a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet, making it perfect for sleepers who are back or side. The cot is foldable down to a size comparable to the storage bag of your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than other cots 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 light cot that is very easy to install. It takes just a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few pulls to break it down. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can withstand a lot of abuse. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeper. A good quality cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable and secure from insects and other creatures that might be roaming around your campsite at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't provide the same level of comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to use together. This can be a major 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 which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and not need to carry a sleeping pad along with you. However this cot is big and bulky, so it isn't easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent is plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.
Cots are a great option for camping, but they can also be used in other circumstances, such as when you've got guests staying over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a RV or camper since they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.