The Reasons Best Cots Is Everywhere This Year
The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking, a good night's sleep is vital. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky 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 restful night's sleep is crucial to fully enjoy your camping excursion. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the rough and cold terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to rest in. When selecting a cot, ensure that it is lightweight and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots that feature 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.
Finding the right cot is crucial for car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be transported in your bag. If you combine backpacking and car camping, consider something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.
If you're looking for a comfortable option, the top cots listed here are all made to be as similar to a traditional bed as they can. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and set up on the trail.
It is crucial to take into consideration the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Flimsy fabrics are prone to tears and rips, so choose a cot made of high-quality materials that are made to withstand the rigors of daily use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for years to be.
A cot should also provide an adequate amount of cushioning to shield you against the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. A cot should also be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. Find a cot that is able to support your weight to ensure it can support your body, especially if you're traveling with a spouse or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up a small amount of space in your backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are less heavy than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be an advantage when you are taking long hikes and longer backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the ability to move a cot around is a significant factor in the overall rating.
Depending on the model you select, it may take minutes to unfold and put up a bed. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that can help you minimize the amount of time you'll spend setting up your bed.
cots to tots come with legs that can be adjusted, allowing you to adjust them to different ground conditions. Some include a tether to keep them stable during storms or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.
When choosing a cot, think about how often you'll use it, as well as the place you'd like to camp. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, while the ones with a strong construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding that is specifically made for the cot you have. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted as well as an appropriate pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's ideal for all camping styles. It folds down into a case similar to the camping chair, and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.
Ease of Setup
Cots are often a necessity when camping but they also are more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even space, which is difficult to find when camping. Some of them also have bars on the head and foot area that you may not want to touch when sleeping.
The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing which is a huge relief since you don't have to think about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and require only a few clicks. Traditional cots are different. You must assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which takes 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 car camping and tent camping. It can also be used on trips to backpack. It's a bit heavier than the average cot, but it folds down to a size about similar to the carry case for a fold-down camping chair. It's extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with 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 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 size of your favorite backpack. 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.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely simple to set up. It only takes the time of a few minutes to unfold, snap into place, and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs are secured using a lever lock system that is extremely secure and offers the perfect base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to withstand a lot of use and abuse. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear under the weight and tension of a person sleeping. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can stand up to wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress areas such as pole sleeves.
Cots are great for camping as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other creatures that might be roaming around your campsite at night. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. Not all cots offer the same comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use together. This can be a major problem, particularly for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and don't have to carry a sleeping pad with you. However this cot is large 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 excellent option that doesn't need an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are ideal for camping however they can be used in other scenarios for instance, when you have guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to a RV or camper since they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. They're also more stable than the tent or air mattress and you don't have to be concerned when they explode or shift during the middle of night.