10 Best Cots Tricks All Pros Recommend 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, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're on the go.

We compared and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.

Comfort

A good night's sleep is vital to fully enjoy your camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. Look for an cot that is not heavy and also offers a solid level of support. This will ensure you a restful night's sleep. Cots with mattresses are especially desirable and are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.

If you're backpacking, or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are mostly backpackers, think about 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. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking, consider something heavier and larger, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to look as close to a traditional bed as they can. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still simple to carry and set up on the trail.

When choosing a cot, it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. Choose cot beds for sale that are constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to be.

A cot should also provide enough cushioning to shield you from the hard rough ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. Also, a cot must be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Find a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity to ensure it's able to support your body, particularly when traveling with a partner or pets.

Portability

The most comfortable camping cots fold flat and take up very little space in your backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are less heavy than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes and multi-day backcountry excursions. The flexibility of the cot's design is important when you consider how long it takes to unpack and pack your gear.

Depending on the model you select, it may take a few minutes to unroll and set up a cot. More complex models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage or other features to help reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.

Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether that helps keep them in place during stormy or windy weather. They are particularly useful for backpacking, when the security of your shelter may be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.

Think about how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas those with a robust construction and larger sleeping area are more suitable for basecamps or car camping. If you intend to use your cot for home primarily, it is worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.

The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice if you are looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's ideal for all camping styles. It packs down into a case similar in size to a standard camping chair and has an attached strap for simple haulage. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices however its robust frames and sturdy materials make it a good choice for any camping trip.

Easy Setup

Cots are usually a necessity when camping but they also are more difficult to install than other types of sleeping equipment. This is because they require you to set them up on a level surface which can be hard to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars on their feet and head which you might want to avoid hitting when you sleep.

The best cots that we tested were relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since 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 are different. You have to assemble the frame yourself and then tension the fabric, which requires a lot of energy and time.

The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot one of the most simple to install that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the typical cot but it packs down to a size that's about similar to the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's also extremely durable, being made of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester with an aluminum frame that is sturdy.

We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It also has a unibody construction that eliminates any bars across your feet and head, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot can be folded down to a size that is similar to the size of your preferred backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 lbs.

The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's easy to set up. It takes just a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs lock into place using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and offers a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.

Durability

The best camping cots are able to stand up to a lot of abuse. These cots are constructed of durable materials like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear when an individual sleeping. A good quality cot will make use of high-end 600D polyester that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The best cots are made with double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones like pole sleeves.

They are perfect for camping as they are comfortable and keep you free of bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around in the dark. They are also an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to use together. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers who are already carrying a large backpack.

Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable and allow you to get an excellent night's sleep and not need to bring a sleeping pad along with you. However the cot is heavy and bulky, which means it can be hard to fit it into a tent even if the tent has plenty of space.

The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminium frame provides great support and is comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use for hiking trips than a foam or air cushion.

They are ideal for guests who are 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 has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an air mattress or tent which means you don't need to be concerned if they blow up or shift in the middle night.