The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting

A restful night's sleep is vital when you're hiking or hunting, and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the go.

We tested and rated 10 of the top cots in terms of comfort, portability and durability.

Comfort

Sleeping well on the trail is vital for enjoying your camping experience. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to sleep 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 with a mattress-like cover are the most desirable. They are typically designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other insulation.

Finding the right cot is important, whether you're car camping or backpacking. Think about lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. They are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine car camping and backpacking, consider something larger and heavier like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.

If you're looking for a more luxurious option The cots that made this list are designed to feel as close as possible to a traditional mattress. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts, they're still relatively easy to transport and put up on the trail.

When you're choosing a cot it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. You should look for specifics like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.

A cot should also have adequate cushioning to protect you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to fit your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lie down in. Choose a cot which is able to support your weight to ensure it can support your body, particularly when traveling with a spouse or pet.

Portability

The best camping cots fold flat and take up little space inside a backpack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. cots and tots are lighter than other alternatives for camp bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes and multi-day backcountry trips. Considering how much time you spend packing and unpacking your equipment, the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in its overall rating.

It may only take some time to fold and put together a cot dependent on the model. More complicated models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features to help you reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.

The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether to keep them steady in windy or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can affect the stability of your shelter.

When you're choosing a cot consider how often you'll use it and the location you'd like to stay. Cots with a light design and compact fold are ideal 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 primarily at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you have. This usually consists of fitted and flat sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.

The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice if you are seeking an easy-to-setup and comfortable cot. It's ideal for all camping styles. It folds down into a case resembling a camping chair and has a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks, but its sturdy materials and sturdy frame make it a good option for camping trips of all kinds.

Easy Setup

Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to set them up on an even surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness, and some of them have bars over their foot and head areas that you may want to avoid hitting when you sleep.

Thankfully, the best cots that we tested are simple to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief as it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them, and others feature a simple foldout design and a few clicks to set them in the proper position. Traditional cots are often a different story because they require you to assemble the frame and tension the fabric yourself and it could take a lot of energy and time.

The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the simplest to install, which means it can be used for tent or car camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than the average cot but it packs down to a size that's about the same size as the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's also extremely durable, being made of tough and comfortable 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 features a unibody construction that eliminates any bars across your head and feet which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot also packs down to a size, which is about the same as the bag you carry in your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than the other cots we've tested but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225 pounds.

The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's simple to set up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap into place and just a few twirls to break down to make it easier to store. The legs lock in place by a lever lock system that is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.

Durability

The best camping cots are built to stand up to lots of use and abuse. These cots are constructed of sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it doesn't break under the weight and tension of a person sleeping. A cot that is of good quality will use high-end 600D polyester that can withstand a lot 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 secure from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. They also provide a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. Not all cots provide the same comfort and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used with them. This can be a huge issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.

Some cots, such as the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable which means you can enjoy a great night's rest and not need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. This cot is large and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent even if it has plenty of room.

The Helinox Lite Cot offers another great option, which does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.

They are also great for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want them sleep on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any other vehicle with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than an inflatable mattress or tent which means you don't need to fret whether they explode or shift in the middle night.