The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting

A restful night's sleep is vital when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and comfy. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry on the road.

We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort mobility, the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.

Comfort

Getting a good night's rest on the trail is crucial to enjoying your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. Choose an cot that is not heavy, but also provides a solid foundation. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots that feature mattresses are especially attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.

If you're backpacking or camping, finding the best cot beds cot for your needs is crucial. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. These are extremely mobile sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. For those who combine car camping and backpacking look into something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.

If you want a more luxurious option, all of the cots that made this list are designed to be as similar as they can to a traditional mattress. While they're more bulky than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively simple to transport and set up on the trail.

When choosing a sale cot, it is also important to think about the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are made to stand up to regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts for many years, look for features like a 600D poly material and reinforced seams.

A cot should also provide enough cushioning to shield 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. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. It is recommended to choose a cot with an adequate weight capacity, especially if traveling with a companion or pet.

Portability

The best camping cots are lightweight and take up less space in your pack. This allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up during long hikes or multi-day backcountry excursions. When you consider how much time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a infant cot bed around is a significant aspect in its overall rating.

It can take just some time to fold and assemble a cot dependent on the model. Certain models are more complex and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots have built-in storage or other features that can help you reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.

Cots with adjustable legs are the most versatile they can be adjusted to fit various ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them stable in stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.

When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to stay. Cots that are light and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and with a larger sleeping area are better suited for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the cot you're using. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as a matching pillowcase.

The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option when you're looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most types of camping. It packs down into a carry case that's similar in size to the standard camping chair, and has an attached strap to make it easy to transport. This cot does not offer the largest sleeping space of our top picks. However, its strong frame and durable materials make it an excellent choice for most camping trips.

Easy Setup

Cots can be a necessity for camping however they are more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even space, that can be difficult to find when camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area that you may not want to touch when you sleep.

The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to put them in place. Others have a simple folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are different. They require you to put together the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires a lot of energy and time.

The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the easiest to build that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as backpacking trips. It's a bit heavier than the standard cot, but it can be folded to a size that's about the same as the carry case of a folding camp chair. It is also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with strong aluminum frame.

Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It has a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the bag that you carry in your preferred backpack. It's heavier than other cots that we've tested but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.

The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's simple to set up. It takes only some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges for it to be broken down. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers a solid base for your sleeping bag.

Durability

The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They are constructed with strong materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it does not tear under the weight of the sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress places like pole sleeves.

They're great for camping, as they keep you comfortable and free of bugs and other creatures that might be lurking around at night. They also offer a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're backpacking or hiking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made to be the same and some will require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. This can be a huge hassle, especially for backpackers carrying 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 an excellent night's sleep and don't need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. This cot is large and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit in a tent even if it's spacious.

The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hikes in the mountains say they were more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.

Cots are great for camping but they can also be used in other circumstances for instance, when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent, so you won't have to be concerned when they explode or shift during the middle of night.