The Reasons Best Cots Is Everywhere This Year
The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is crucial. Cots are a great option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots are bulky and hard to transport on the road.
We tested 10 of the best cots and rated them on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
Sleeping well on the trail is crucial to enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain, while providing a comfortable place to sleep on. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is light and offers an adequate amount of support to ensure you get an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like cover are the most popular. They are often designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other types of insulation.
If you're backpacking, or car camping, choosing the right cot for your needs is key. For those who are mostly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which provide a very portable sleeping solution that can be carried in your backpack. If Best cot for newborn plan to combine a mix of car camping and backpacking you should consider a heavier option like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a more luxurious option, the top-rated cots on this list are all designed to feel as similar to a traditional bed as possible. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to transport and set up on the trail.
It's important to also consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. To ensure that your cot will last for many years, look for details like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.
A cot should also provide adequate cushioning, to protect you against the hard rough surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep you from sinking in. A cot must also be wide enough and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. You should select a cot that has a sufficient capacity for weight, especially if you are traveling with a partner or pets.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and can be placed in a smaller space in your backpack. This lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options and can quickly add up when you go on long hikes or multiple-day backcountry treks. The flexibility of the cot's design is crucial when you think about how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.
It may only take several minutes to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. Certain models are more complex 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 you reduce the time it takes to put together your bed.
The most versatile cots come with adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking as uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.
Consider how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to camp when selecting a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and larger sleeping area are ideal for basecamps or camping in cars. If you intend to use your cot for home primarily, it is worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed for the type of bed you've got. It usually includes flat and fitted sheets and the pillowcase.
The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great choice if you are seeking an easy and comfortable cot. It's also suitable for all camping styles. It folds into a case that resembles an outdoor chair and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot does not offer the largest sleeping space of our top choices. However, its strong frame and durable materials make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.
Easy Setup
Cots are often a necessity for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping equipment. This is due to the fact that they require you to place them on a level surface, which can be difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their feet and head that you may need to be careful not to hit during your sleep.
The best cots that we tested were fairly easy to set up. They are also self-standing, which is a great relief because you don't have to think about how to fix them. Some have a simple folding design and require just the click of a button. Traditional cots, however, are often a different story since they require you to put together the frame and then tie the fabric by yourself and it could take a lot of strength and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to install, which means it can be utilized for tent or car camping as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be packed down to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a unibody design that removes bars across the feet and head. This makes it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot also packs down to a size that's roughly the same as the storage bag for your favorite backpack. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, however it's extremely solid and suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
We were also awestruck by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a cot that is light that's extremely easy to install. It takes just a few seconds to unfold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to disassemble to make it easier to store. The legs lock in place by a unique lever lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are built to stand up to lots of use and abuse. They are constructed with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it does not tear under the weight and tension of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is strong and able to withstand wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas like pole sleeves.
They are perfect for camping as they will keep you warm and free of bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around at night. They also provide an alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're backpacking or hiking. But not all cots are made equal and some require you to pair them with an additional sleeping pad for optimal comfort. 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 sleep without the need to bring a sleeping mat. This cot is large and bulky, which means it will be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it's spacious.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another fantastic option that doesn't require an additional mattress to be comfortable. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides good support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during hikes in the mountains say they felt more comfortable than using a foam or air pad.
Cots are great for camping however they can be used in other circumstances like when you have guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that comes with a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, which means you don't have to worry about them shifting or blowing up in the middle of the night.