15 Startling Facts About Best Cots That You Never Knew
The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
A restful and peaceful night is critical when hiking or hunting and cots are a great option to keep you off the ground and comfortable. However they can be heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the go.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort and the ability to move, ease of set-up, and durability.
Comfort
A restful night's sleep is essential to fully enjoy your camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a bed. Find an cot that is not heavy but also offers an adequate amount of support. This will ensure you a restful night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most sought-after. They are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other insulation.
Whether you're backpacking or car camping, finding the best cot to meet your needs is essential. For those who are predominantly backpackers, look at lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be easily transported in your bag. 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 an even more comfortable option, the top cots on this list are all made to feel as close to a traditional bed as they can. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts, however, they're simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials and construction. The fabric's fragility can lead to rips and tears therefore, you should choose a cot with high-quality materials that are made to stand up to regular use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure your cot will last for many years to come.
A cot must also offer a decent amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. A cot should also be long and wide enough to be able to accommodate your height. Look for a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The best camping cots fold flat and take up very little space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear in your backpack. They also 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 important when you consider how much time it takes to pack and unpack your gear.
It may only take some time to fold and assemble a cot, dependent on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Some have components that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features to help reduce the time to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile they can be adjusted to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some also include a tether to keep them stable during storms or stormy weather. They are particularly ideal for backpacking, where the security of your shelter may be compromised by uneven or unstable ground.
When selecting a cot, think about how often you'll use it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots with a light design and compact fold are ideal for backpacking, while cots with a heavy-duty construction and a larger sleeping space are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set of bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you own. This includes flat and fitted sheets as well as the pillowcase that matches.
If you're looking for a comfy easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for most types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a fantastic choice. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a solid option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often required when camping, but they are often more difficult to put up than other kinds of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to put them up on an even surface which can be difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area that you may not want to touch while sleeping.
Thankfully, the best cots we tested are relatively easy to set up. Some are self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to secure them. Others have simple folding designs and require just a few clicks. Traditional cots aren't the same. You must assemble the frame by yourself and then tie the fabric, which requires an enormous amount of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used both for camping in the car and tent camping. It is also suitable for trips to backpack. It's a bit heavier than the typical cot, but it folds down to a size that's the same size as the carry case of a folding camp chair. It's also extremely sturdy, constructed from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't have any flimsy plastic parts.
Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is also easy to set up. It has a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot also packs down to a size that's roughly the same size as the bag you carry in your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225lbs.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that is extremely simple to set up. It takes just the time of a few minutes to unfold, snap into place, and then a few nudges for it to be broken down. The legs are locked by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for your sleeping bag.
Durability
The best camping cots are able to withstand a lot of abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and sturdy fabrics. The fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it doesn't tear under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that is extremely durable and can endure 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 are a great alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats for hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between cots. Not all cots are made in the same way and some require you to use an additional sleeping pad to ensure maximum comfort. This can be a huge issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots use an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without bringing a sleeping mat. However cot sets 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 offers another excellent option that does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who took it on hiking backpacking trips said they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
They are also ideal for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want to have them sleep on the floor. They are also ideal for a RV or camper since they're much more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Additionally, cheap cots than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.