The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is essential. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots can be heavy and hard to transport for travel.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots in terms of the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, you can sleep comfortably in a sleeping cot. Choose a cot that is lightweight, but also provides an adequate amount of support. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots that feature an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.
Finding the right cot is essential regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. Look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be carried in your backpack. If you are doing a combination of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option 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 be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
pop over to these guys to also consider the cot's materials and construction when choosing one. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot should also provide a decent amount of cushioning to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Some models, like 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. Also, a cot must be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. You should choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up a small amount of space in a pack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options and can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering how much time it takes to pack and unpack your equipment.
Based on the model you choose, it could take a few minutes to unroll and set up a cot. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage pockets, or other features that can help to reduce the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.
The most flexible cots have legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some cots have a tether to keep them stable in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and the location you'd like to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you own. This includes flat and fitted sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for all types of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in size to the standard camping chair, and comes with a strap for simple haulage. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a great choice for any camping trip.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must for camping, but they are also more difficult to set up than other sleeping gear. This is because they require you to put them up on an even surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars over their head and foot areas that you could prefer not to hit when you sleep.
The best cots that we tested were fairly easy to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a relief as you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Others feature simple folding designs and only require an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is one of easiest to set up, which means it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, being made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that is sturdy.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for side and back sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size similar to the size of your preferred backpack. It's a little heavier than other cots we tested but it's very robust and is suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.
such a good point were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to set up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart to make it easier to store. The legs lock into place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of strong materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it doesn't break when strained by the weight of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot is constructed of 600D polyester, which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress zones like pole sleeves.
They are ideal for camping because they keep you comfortable and away from bugs or other creatures that may be lurking around at night. They also provide an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to use together. This can be a big problem, especially for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This allows you to have a restful night's sleep without bringing an extra sleeping mat. However the cot is 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 lightweight aluminum frame provides good 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 an air or foam pad.
Cots are a great option for camping however they can also be used in other situations like when you've got guests staying over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them shifting or blowing up during the night.