The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting

When you're out hunting or hiking sleeping well is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However they can be heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the move.

We compared and evaluated 10 of the best cots in terms of comfort, portability and durability.

Comfort

A good night's sleep is vital to fully enjoy your camping excursion. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable place to rest in. When choosing a cot, look for one that is lightweight and provides an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots that have a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other forms of insulation.

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

If you're looking for a luxurious option, all of the cots featured on this list are designed to feel as close as they can to the traditional mattress. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're easy to carry and setup on the trail.

When choosing a cot, it's important to take into account the materials used and the construction. Fabrics that are thin are more prone to tears and rips, therefore, you should choose an cot that is made of top-quality fabrics that are designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. Look for details like 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for a long time to come.

A cot should also provide adequate 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, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot should also be wide enough and long enough to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a companion or pet.

Portability

The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up a small amount of space in your backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They are also lighter than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. The portability of the cot is crucial when you think about how long it takes to pack and unpack your gear.

It may only take a few minutes to unfold and assemble a cot depending on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features to help you reduce the time to put together your bed.

Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to keep them in place during storms and windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable terrain could compromise the stability of your shelter.

Consider how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to camp when choosing a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot primarily at home, it's worth purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you're using. This includes fitted and flat sheets as well as an appropriate pillowcase.


The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice to consider if you're seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for most types of camping. It folds into a case similar to an outdoor chair and is equipped with a strap for easy transport. This cot does not have the biggest sleeping area of our top choices. However, its sturdy frame and durable materials make it a great choice for most camping trips.

Easy Setup

Cots are usually a necessity when camping but they also are more difficult to install than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to set them up in an even space, which is difficult to locate while camping. Some come with bars for the foot and head which you don't want to hit when sleeping.

Thankfully, the best cots we tested are relatively easy to set up. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others have simple foldout designs and a few clicks to set them in the right position. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story as they require you to assemble the frame and then tie the fabric yourself, which could take a lot of strength and time.

The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the easiest to build that's why it can be used for tent or car camping, as well as backpacking trips. It's a little heavier than the standard cot but it packs down to a size about similar to the carry case for a folding camp chair. It is extremely durable, constructed of a rugged and comfy 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.

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 ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot can also be folded down to a compact size that's roughly similar to the size of the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, but it's very robust and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.

The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that's simple to set up. It takes only two seconds to unfold and snap into place. It only requires a few pulls to take it apart for storage. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a solid platform for sleeping bags.

Durability

The most durable camping cots can withstand a lot of abuse. These cots are made with durable materials like aluminum frames and tough fabrics. Fabric should be tightly woven so that it will not break under the weight of the sleeping person. A cot that is of good quality will make use of high-end 600D polyester that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also have reinforced seams and double stitching in high stress areas such as pole sleeves.

They are ideal for camping because they will keep you warm and away from bugs and other creatures that might be lurking around at night. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same level of comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers carrying a heavy bag.

Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you get a good night's rest without having to bring the mattress. This cot is large and bulky so it may be difficult to fit in the tent, even though it has plenty of room.

The Helinox Lite Cot is another great option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test participants to use on hikes than an air or foam cushion.

Cots are great for camping but they can also be used in other circumstances, such as when you have guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also a great option for a camper, RV or any vehicle that has mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. mini cot beds Links to an external site. than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.