via For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is vital while hunting or hiking, and cots are an excellent option for keeping you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're traveling.
We compared and scored 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.
Comfort
A good night's sleep on the trail is essential 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 sleep on. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is lightweight and provides a sturdy level of support to ensure a great night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.
Finding the right cot is crucial, whether you're car camping or backpacking. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If you are doing a combination of car camping and backpacking and camping, you might want to consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option All of the cots featured on this list are designed to be as similar as they can to the traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively 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. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears, therefore, you should choose 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 that your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot must also offer an adequate amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop your feet from sinking. Also, a cot must be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. You should select a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a companion or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold down compactly and take up little space in a pack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options, which can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. The mobility of the cot is essential when considering how long it takes to unpack and pack your gear.
Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and put up the bed. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Baby Cot Bed have built-in storage pockets, or other features that help to reduce the amount of time you spend building your bed.
The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow the user to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some also include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Think about how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot exclusively at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you have. This includes fitted and flat sheets as well as the pillowcase that matches.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option when you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for all camping styles. 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 doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks however its robust materials and durable frame make it a great choice for most camping trips.
Installation is simple
Cots are a must for camping, but they are also more difficult to set up than other sleeping equipment. It is because you have to place them on an even area, that can be difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head that you may not want to hit when you sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots that we tested are easy to install. Some are self-standing which is a relief as you don't need to worry about how to put them in place. Some have an easy folding design and require only the click of a button. Traditional cots are different. You must assemble 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, so it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for backpacking trips. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any flimsy plastic parts.
We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the head and feet. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a small size that's roughly similar to the size of the bag you carry in your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, but it feels very solid and suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just some time to unfold, snap into place, and then a few pulls for it to be broken down. The legs are secured by a lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are made to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and robust fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not tear when a sleeping individual. A good quality cot will make use of the heavy-duty 600D polyester, which will withstand lots of wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping, as they keep you away from the ground, comfortable, and safe from bugs and other animals that might be roaming around your campsite during the night. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping mats and foam mattresses for hiking or backpacking. Some cots don't provide the same comfort and some require an additional sleeping pad to use with them. This can be a huge problem, especially for backpackers carrying a large backpack.
Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable and allow you to get an excellent night's sleep and not need to carry a mattress to sleep on. The cot is big and heavy, so it could be difficult to fit into a tent even if it is spacious enough.
The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who took it on hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They are also great for guests staying over, and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to an RV, camper or any vehicle that comes with an air mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.