The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical when you're hiking or hunting and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, they are heavy and hard to transport for travel.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is essential to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep in. Look for an cot that is not heavy and also offers a solid level of support. cot sale will guarantee you a restful night's sleep. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically 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, finding the right cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are mostly backpackers, consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. If you do a mixture of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as close to a traditional bed as is possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still fairly easy to transport and put up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's important to take into account the materials and construction. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot should also have an adequate amount of cushioning to guard against the hard and uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should also be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. Choose a cot which has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, especially in the case of traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are small and take up less space in your backpack. This lets you fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. cot for sale are also lighter than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is important when you consider how long it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
Based on the model you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and put up a bed. More complicated models require more assembly, and some have parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage, or other features to help reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.
The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some also include an anchor to keep them in place during storms or stormy weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the stability of your shelter can be weakened by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with a larger sleeping area work better for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as a matching pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for all types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds down into a case similar to a camping chair, and has straps for easy transportation. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of all our top picks but its strong materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on an even surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars over their foot and head areas that you could prefer not to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots we tested are relatively simple to install. Some are self-standing and are a massive relief since it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them, while others have an easy fold-out design and just a few clicks to put them in the proper position. Traditional cots aren't the same. You have to assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which takes lots of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set up, meaning it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable 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 also extremely durable, made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with a sturdy aluminum frame.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it ideal for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a compact size, which is about the same as the bag that you use to store your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tested but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is very easy to install. It only takes the time of a few minutes 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 extremely secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. These cots are made with durable materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it does not tear when a sleeping individual. A good quality cot will make use of heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress areas like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping, as they will keep you warm and away from any bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around in the dark. They also provide an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't provide the same comfort and some require a sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a big problem, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.
Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a great night's rest and don't need to bring a sleeping pad along with you. mini cot beds is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in a tent even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using a foam or air pad.
Cots are great for camping, but they can be used in other circumstances like when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.