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15 Startling Facts About Best Cots That You Didn't Know
The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting

If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is essential. Cots are an excellent option to keep you comfortable and off the ground. However, cots can be bulky and can be difficult to pack when you're on the move.

We tested 10 of the best Cots and gave them a score based on comfort, accessibility, ease of setting up and durability.

Comfort

Getting a good night's rest on the trail is crucial for enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground you can rest comfortably in a cot. When selecting a cot, make sure you choose one that is light and offers a sturdy level of support to ensure an excellent night's sleep. Cots with a mattress-like surface are particularly popular and are usually designed to be used in conjunction with an air mattress or a sleeping pad for an extra layer of insulation.

Finding the ideal cot is crucial 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 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 such as 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 look as similar to a traditional bed as they can. Although they're more heavy than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively easy to transport and set up on the trail.

It is important to consider the cot's materials and construction when selecting one. Look for cots made of high-quality fabrics that can withstand regular use. To ensure that your cot lasts many years, look for details such as a 600D poly fabric and reinforced seams.

A cot should also have a decent amount of cushioning to keep you from the hard rough ground. Certain models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded. Other models like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that stop you from sinking into the cot. A cot should be wide and long enough to be able to accommodate your height. You should choose the cot that has the right capacity for weight, especially if traveling with a companion or pet.

Portability

The most comfortable camping cots fold down compactly and take up a small amount of space in a pack, allowing you to fit more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which can be an advantage during long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. When you consider how much time you'll spend packing and unpacking your gear, the mobility of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall score.


It may only take several minutes to fold and assemble a cot depending on the model. Some models are more complicated and require more assembly. Others have parts that are difficult to find or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage pockets, or other features that will help to reduce the amount of time spent setting up your bed.

Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most flexible that allow you to adjust them to suit different ground conditions. Some cots come with a tether that helps keep them stable in windy or stormy weather. These are especially useful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can affect the stability of your shelter.

Think about 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 in size are great for backpacking. However, cots that are heavy-duty and with a larger sleeping area work better for basecamps or car camping. If you plan to use your cot for home primarily, it is worthwhile to invest in bedding specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This includes fitted and flat sheets, as well as a matching pillowcase.

If you're looking for a comfortable easy-to-set up cot that is suitable for all types of camping and camping, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great option. It folds into a case resembling a camping chair, and has a strap for easy transport. This cot doesn't have the largest sleeping surface of our top picks. However, its strong frames and sturdy materials make it an excellent option for most camping trips.

Easy Setup

Cots can be a necessity for camping, but they are also more difficult to set-up than other sleeping gear. This is due to the fact that you need to place them on an even space, which is difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area that you might not want to hit when sleeping.

The cots we tested were fairly easy to set up. Baby Cot are self-standing which is a major relief as they don't require you to figure out how to secure them while others come with an easy fold-out design and a couple of clicks to get them into the right position. Traditional cots are different. You have to assemble the frame yourself and tension the fabric, which requires lots of energy 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 on trips to backpack. It's heavier than your typical camping cot, however it can be folded down to the same dimensions as a folding campchair's carry case. It is also extremely durable, being made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with a sturdy aluminum frame.

We also recommend the Coleman Pack-Away Cot. It is easy to set up. It also has a unique construction that eliminates any bars between your head and feet, making it perfect for back and side sleepers. The cot folds down to a small size, which is about the same as the bag you carry in your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we've tested, but it's extremely sturdy and is suitable for adults weighing up to 225lbs.

We were also impressed with the Helinox Lite Cot, which is a light cot that is very easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to fold and snap back into place. It only requires a few tugs to break down for storage. The legs are locked with a lever-lock system which is very secure and provides a solid base for your sleeping bag.

Durability

The best camping cots are built to withstand the rigors of abuse and use. These cots are made with sturdy materials such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven to ensure that it will not tear under the weight and tension of a person sleeping. A good cot will make use of high-end 600D polyester that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed places like pole sleeves.

Cots are great for camping, as they keep you off the ground, comfortable and secure from insects and other creatures that may be roaming around your campsite at night. Cots are an excellent alternative for sleeping bags and foam mats when backpacking or hiking. There aren't all cots that provide the same comfort and some require an additional sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a major issue, particularly for backpackers who are already carrying a heavy backpack.

Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air bed to make them extra comfortable which means you can enjoy a good night's sleep and not need to carry a sleeping pad with you. The cot is big and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into a tent, even if it's spacious.

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

Cots are great for camping but they can be used in other circumstances, such as when you have guests stay over and don't want them sleeping on the floor. They're also an excellent option to an RV, camper or any vehicle that comes with mattresses. They're more comfortable than inflatable mattresses. They're also more stable than a tent or air mattress, which means you don't need to worry about them bouncing around or blowing up during the night.

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