The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting

A restful and peaceful night is vital when hiking or hunting, and cots are an excellent option to keep you off the ground and in a comfortable position. However they can be a bit heavy and difficult to carry when you're on the move.

We evaluated 10 of the most comfortable Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.

Comfort

A restful night's sleep is vital to fully enjoy your camping trip. Unlike sleeping on the ground, cots keep you off the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to sleep on. When selecting a cot, look for one that is lightweight 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 desirable. They are usually designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad as well as other types of insulation.

The right cot for you is essential for car camping or backpacking. For those who are primarily backpackers, think about lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that is easily transported in your bag. If you plan to combine a mix of car camping and backpacking and camping, you might want to 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 feel as close to a traditional bed as they can. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts but they're still easy to carry and set up on the trail.

It is crucial to take into consideration the materials and construction of the cot when selecting one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that are durable enough to withstand daily use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for details like a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.

A cot must also offer a good amount of cushioning to shield you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, whereas others, such as REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide enough and long enough to accommodate your height. Find a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to ensure it's able to help your body, especially if you're traveling with a partner or pets.

Portability

The best cot newborn camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your backpack. This allows you to fit more sleeping equipment into your backpack. They also weigh less than many other camp bedding options which can add up quickly during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the ability to move a cot around is a major factor in the overall rating.

It could take only several minutes to fold and put together a cot depending on the model. More complex models require more assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots have built-in storage, or other features that can help you reduce the time to put together your bed.

Cots with legs that can be adjusted are the most versatile, letting you adjust them to fit various ground conditions. Some include an anchor to keep them in place during storms or windy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking as uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.

Consider how often you'll use the cot and the location you plan to stay when you select a cot. Cots that are lightweight and compact are ideal for backpacking. However, cots with a lot of weight and with a larger sleeping area work better for Nursery Cots camping in car parks or basecamps. If you intend to use your cot mostly at home, you should consider investing in a set bedding that is specifically made for the type of cot you're using. This typically includes fitted and flat sheets and an appropriate pillowcase.

The Byer of Maine easy cot is a fantastic choice to consider if you're seeking a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's ideal for all types of camping. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in dimensions to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached for simple haulage. It doesn't come with the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks but its strong materials and durable frame make it a great choice for any camping trip.

Easy Setup

Cots are often a necessity for camping, but they also are often more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that they require you to put them up on a level surface, which is difficult to find in the wilderness. Some of them have bars on their feet and head which you might prefer not to hit when you sleep.

The best cots that we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some are self-standing which is a huge relief since you don't have to worry about how to fix them. Some have an easy folding design and require only an easy few clicks. Traditional cots are not always the best choice since they require you to assemble the frame and tie the fabric yourself and it will require a significant amount of energy and time.

The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik-cot is one of the most simple to set up that's why it can be utilized for tent or car camping, as well as for backpacking trips. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, but it can be tucked away to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It's also incredibly durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any plastic parts that are fragile.

Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is a breeze to set up. It's a single-body design that removes bars across the head and feet. This makes it perfect for those who sleep on their backs and sides. The cot folds down to a size that's roughly similar to the size of the storage bag for your backpack of choice. It's a little heavier than some of the other cots we've tested, but it's very solid and suitable for adults up to 225 pounds.

We were also impressed by the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is extremely simple to set up. It takes only two seconds to unfold and snap into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart for storage. The legs are locked with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides an excellent base for your sleeping bag.

Durability

The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric must be tightly woven to ensure that it will not fall apart under the weight of an individual sleeping. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is extremely durable and can endure wear and tear. The best cots also use reinforced seams and double stitching in high-stress places like pole sleeves.

They're great for camping because they keep you comfortable and free of any bugs or other creatures that could be lurking around in the dark. They are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. But there are a few differences between nursery 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 big problem, particularly for backpackers who carry a large bag.

Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them more comfortable and allow you to get a good night's sleep and not need to bring a sleeping pad to sleep on. However, this cot is quite heavy and bulky, which means it's not easy to fit it into a tent, even if the tent has plenty of space.

The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. The lightweight aluminum frame offers excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our testers to use on hikes than an air or foam cushion.

They're also ideal for guests who are staying in your home and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great crib option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that has a mattress. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than an air mattress or tent which means you don't need to worry when they explode or shift in the middle night.