The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When hiking or hunting sleeping well is crucial. 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 compared and rated 10 of the top cots for comfort, portability and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is crucial to enjoy your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep in. When selecting a cot ensure that it is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get a great night's rest. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are popular and are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Whether 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 like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you are combining backpacking and car camping, consider something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all designed to be as close to a traditional bed as is possible. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, but they're still easy to carry and setup on the trail.
When choosing a cot, it's also important to consider its materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears, so look for a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to withstand regular use. You should look for specifics such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot should also have adequate cushioning, to protect you against the hard rough surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot must also be wide and long enough to accommodate your height. It is recommended to choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, particularly if you are you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up very little space inside a backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a significant aspect in its overall score.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up the coffin. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help you reduce the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.
The most flexible cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them in place during windy or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When you're choosing a cot take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to stay. 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 camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, you should consider purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for all types of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds down into a case resembling the camping chair, and is equipped with a strap for easy transport. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices but its strong materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Installation is simple
Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up as compared to other sleeping gear. This is because they require you to put them up on a level surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars over their head and foot areas which you might want to avoid hitting during your sleep.
Fortunately, the most comfortable cots we tested are relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a major relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them while others come with a simple foldout design and a couple of clicks to get them into 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 strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the easiest to set up that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average camping cot, however it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It is also extremely durable, being made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester with strong aluminum frame.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates the need for bars between your head and feet which makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot also packs down to a compact size, which is about similar to the size of the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, but it feels very sturdy and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set up. It takes only the time of a few minutes to unfold and snap into place and then a few nudges for it to be broken down. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are designed to stand up to lots of abuse and use. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not break under the weight of an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
They're great for camping as they will keep you warm and free of bugs or other creatures that could be lurking in the night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. But, best cot beds are made to be the same and some require you to use an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. This can be a major problem, particularly for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and don't have to carry a sleeping pad to sleep on. The cot is big and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame, which is lightweight, offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who slept on it during hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can also be used in other scenarios, such as when you're having guests stay over and don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also ideal for a camper or RV because they're more comfortable than inflatable mattress. Additionally, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't need to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.