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The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting

When you're out hunting or hiking getting a good night's rest is crucial. Cots are a great option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However, cots are bulky and difficult to pack on the road.

We compared and scored 10 of the best cots on durability, comfort, portability and ease of use.

Comfort

Getting a good night's rest on the trail is essential for enjoying your camping experience. In contrast to sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the cold and uneven terrain while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep in. Look for an cot that is not heavy and also offers a solid foundation. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots that feature a mattress-like surface are particularly desirable and are often designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.

The right cot for you is crucial regardless of whether you're camping in the car 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 do a mixture of car camping and backpacking, then consider something heavier, like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.

If you're looking for a plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all made to look as like a traditional mattress as is possible. They're heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and setup on the trail.

It is crucial to take into consideration the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Find cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years to come, look for specifics like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.

A cot should also have an adequate amount of cushioning to guard from the hard rough surface. Certain models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are padded and quilted, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, have baffles to prevent your feet from sinking. A cot should be long and wide enough to accommodate your height. You should choose the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if traveling with a companion or pets.

Portability

The best camping cots fold up compactly and take up very little space inside a backpack and cots4Tots allow you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry excursions. The flexibility of the cot's design is essential when considering how much time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.

Depending on the model you choose, it can take minutes to unfold and put up a cot. Certain models are more difficult and require more assembly. Other models have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets or other features that will help you reduce the amount of time you'll spend building your bed.

Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some come with an anchor to keep them in place during storms and turbulent weather. They are particularly useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain can affect the stability of your shelter.

When selecting a cot, consider how often you'll use it and where you plan to camp. Cots with a lightweight design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to car camping or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, it's worth investing in a set bedding designed specifically for the type of cot you have. This typically includes sheets that are flat and fitted as well as an appropriate pillowcase.

If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for a variety of camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds into a carry case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and comes with a strap for simple haulage. The cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of all our top picks however its robust materials and durable frame make it a good choice for most camping trips.

Ease of 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 surface which is difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also have bars on the foot and head which you don't want to hit while sleeping.

The best cots that we tested were relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing which is a major relief since it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them, while others have a simple foldout design and a few clicks to get them into the proper position. Traditional cots are often a different story because they require you to construct the frame and tie the fabric by 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, meaning it can be used for camping in a car or tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from an extremely durable and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.

We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It's a single-body design that eliminates bars on the head and feet. This makes it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a small size, which is about the same as the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's heavier than the other cots we've tested however, it's very sturdy and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 lbs.

We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a very light cot that's extremely easy to install. It takes only some time to unfold and snap into place and then a few tugs for it to be broken down. The legs lock in place with a lever-lock system which is extremely secure and offers a solid base for your sleeping bag.

Durability

The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and robust fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven so that it will not break under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester which is extremely durable and can withstand wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.

They are ideal for camping because they keep you comfortable and away from any bugs or other creatures that might be lurking around at night. Cots are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. However not all cots are made in the same way and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. 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 bed to make them more comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep and not need to carry a sleeping pad to sleep on. However, this cot is quite large and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.

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

Cots are great for camping but they can also be used in other circumstances for instance, when you have guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent addition to an RV or camper because they are more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to worry about them blowing up or shifting up in the middle of the night.