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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 vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, cots are bulky and can be difficult to carry for travel.

online cots  compared and scored 10 of the best cots for the quality of their comfort, portability, and durability.

Comfort

A restful night's sleep is vital to enjoy your camping excursion. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you from the rough and cold terrain while providing a comfortable place to sleep on. Look for an cot that is not heavy and also offers an adequate amount of support. This will guarantee a good night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like top are the most desirable. They are usually designed to work with an air mattress or sleeping pad, or any other forms of insulation.

Finding the ideal cot is essential for car camping or backpacking. For those who are predominantly backpackers, consider lightweight options such as the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer an extremely portable sleeping solution that is easily carried in your pack. For those who are combining car camping and backpacking look into something heavier and bigger like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe or REI Kingdom Cot 3.

If you're looking for an even more plush option, the top-rated cots listed here are all designed to feel as like a traditional mattress as is possible. They're a bit 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 cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots made of top-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. You should look for specifics like a 600D polyester fabric and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for years to come.

A cot must also offer enough cushioning to protect you from the hard rough ground. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are quilted and padded, while others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, feature baffles to keep your feet from sinking. A cot should be long and wide enough to be able to accommodate your height. You should choose a cot with an adequate capacity for weight, particularly if you are traveling with a friend or pet.

Portability

The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up a small amount of space inside a backpack and allow you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They weigh less than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. The portability of the cot is crucial when you think about how much time it takes to unpack and pack your equipment.

Depending on the model that you choose, it could take a couple of minutes to unfold and set up the bed. More complicated models require more assembly, and some have parts that are difficult to locate or connect. Some cots are equipped with storage pockets, or other features that will help you reduce the amount of time you spend setting up your bed.

The most flexible cots are those with legs that can be adjusted, allowing the user to adjust them for different ground conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them steady in conditions of stormy or windy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking since uneven or unstable ground can compromise the stability of your shelter.

Consider how often you will use the cot and where you intend to camp when choosing a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are perfect for backpacking, whereas the ones with a strong construction and a bigger sleeping area are better suited to basecamps or camping in cars. If you plan to keep your cot at your home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed for the type of bed you have. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets and a pillowcase.

The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option if you are seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for most types of camping. It folds down into a case resembling the camping chair and is equipped with an easy-to-transport strap. The cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among the top choices however its robust materials and durable frame make it a great option for camping trips of all kinds.

Ease of Setup

Cots are a must for camping but they can be more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. It is because you have to place them on an even area, which can be difficult to find when camping. Some come with bars for the foot and head which you don't want to touch when you sleep.

The cots we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some are self-standing, which is a huge relief since you don't need to worry about how to fix them. Some have simple folding designs and require just an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are a different story. You have to assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which takes an enormous amount 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 a bit heavier than the typical cot, but it can be folded to a size that's about the same as the carry case of the folding camping chair. It's also incredibly durable, made from a tough and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that doesn't contain any flimsy plastic parts.

We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is simple to set up. It has a unibody design that eliminates bars across the feet and head. This makes it ideal for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot also packs down to a compact size that's roughly the same as the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, but it feels very sturdy and is 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 is extremely simple to set up. It only takes a few moments to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges for it to be broken down. The legs lock into place with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.

Durability

The most durable camping cots can be able to stand up to the rigors of use. These cots are constructed of strong materials like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it doesn't tear under the weight of an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot will be made of 600D polyester that 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 because they will keep you warm and away from bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around in the dark. Cots can be a great substitute for sleeping mats and foam mattresses when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that offer the same comfort, and some require an additional sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a major hassle, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.

Some cots, like the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them more comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep and don't have to bring a sleeping pad along with you. The cot is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it has plenty of room.

The Helinox Lite Cot offers another fantastic option, and does not require an extra sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame offers a great level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. Our test subjects who slept on it during backpacking hiking trips say they felt more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.

Cots are a great option for camping, but they can also be used in other scenarios for instance, when you've got guests staying over and you don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also a great option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more sturdy than tents or an air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them bouncing around or blowing up during the night.