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The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
When you're out hunting or hiking sleeping well is vital. Cots are a great option to ensure you're comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and difficult to carry when you're traveling.
We tested and evaluated 10 of the best cots for the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is essential for a successful camping excursion. Instead of sleeping on the ground it is possible to sleep comfortably in a cot. When choosing a cot, make sure you choose one that is light and offers solid support to ensure an excellent night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most popular. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress, sleeping pad or other types of insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, choosing the right 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 carried in your backpack. If you do a mixture 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 luxurious option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as similar to a traditional bed as they can. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to carry and put up on the trail.
When you're choosing a cot it's also important to consider its materials and construction. Choose cots that are made of top-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.
A cot must also offer enough cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to accommodate your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. It is recommended to choose a cot that has a sufficient weight capacity, especially if traveling with a friend or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your pack. This allows you to put more sleeping gear in your backpack. They weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can quickly add up on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
Depending on the model you choose, it can take a few minutes to unroll and put up the bed. More complicated models require more assembly, and some come with parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that help you reduce the amount of time spent setting up your bed.
Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile they can be adjusted to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some include an anchor to keep them in place during storms or turbulent weather. They're particularly suitable for backpacking trips, as the security of your shelter may be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
Consider how often you will use the cot and where you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and with a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set of bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you're using. This usually consists of sheets that are flat and fitted as well as the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice if you are looking for an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It folds into a carrying case that's similar in size to the standard camping chair, and has a strap attached for simple haulage. This cot does not offer the largest sleeping space of our top choices. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they are often more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. This is because they require you to place them on a level surface which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Additionally, some of them have bars on their feet and head that you could want to avoid hitting during your sleep.
Fortunately, the top cots we tested are relatively simple to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to worry about how to secure them. Others feature a simple folding design and only require the click of a button. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story as they require you to put together the frame and tension the fabric yourself and it can take quite a bit of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the easiest to set-up, so it can be used both for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used on trips to backpack. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same size as a foldable camping chair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It's a unibody design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the storage bag of your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots that we've tested but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set-up. It takes just two seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It only requires a few tugs to disassemble for storage. cots to tots into place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are made to withstand a lot of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it doesn't break under the weight of a sleeping individual. A good cot will use high-end 600D polyester that will withstand lots of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. Some cots don't provide the same level of comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used together. This can be a big problem, particularly for backpackers with a heavy bag.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable, so you can get a great night's rest and don't need to carry a mattress to sleep on. The cot is big and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it has plenty of room.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than when using an air or foam pad.
They're also great for guests staying with you, and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to an RV or camper because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.