The Best Cots For Hiking and Hunting<br /><br />A restful night's sleep is vital while hunting or hiking, and cots are a great option for keeping you off the ground and comfortable. However, cots can be heavy and can be difficult to carry on the road.<br /><br />We tested and rated 10 of the top cots for comfort, portability and durability.<br /><br />Comfort<br /><br />A good night's rest is vital to fully enjoy your camping trip. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain while providing a comfortable bed to rest in. Find a cot that is lightweight, but also provides a solid foundation. This will guarantee an excellent night's rest. Cots with a mattress-like surface are particularly attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to provide an additional layer of insulation.<br /><br />Finding the right cot is important regardless of whether you're camping in the car or backpacking. Look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot and ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot for backpackers. They are extremely portable sleeping solutions that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you plan to combine a mix of backpacking and car camping, then consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.<br /><br />If you're looking for a luxurious option The cots on this list are designed to be as similar as possible to the traditional mattress. They're a bit heavier than their ultra-lightweight counterparts however, they're easy to carry and setup on the trail.<br /><br />When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials and construction. Find cots constructed from high-quality fabrics that can withstand the rigors of use. Look for features such as 600D polyester fabrics and reinforced seams to ensure that your cot will last for a long time to come.<br /><br />A cot should also provide a good amount of cushioning, to protect you from the hard, uncomfortable surface. Some models, such as the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe, are cushioned and quilted, whereas others, such as the REI Kingdom Cot 3, come with baffles to stop you from sinking in. A cot should also be wide enough and long enough to fit your height. You should select the cot that has the right weight capacity, especially if traveling with a companion or pet.<br /><br />Portability<br /><br />The most comfortable camping cots fold up compactly and take up very little space in your backpack which allows you to pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. They are also lighter than other camping bedding options, which can add up quickly on long hikes or multi-day backcountry treks. Considering how much time you're spending packing and unpacking your equipment, the portability of a cot is a significant aspect in its overall rating.<br /><br />It could take only some time 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 have built-in storage pockets, or other features that can help to reduce the amount of time spent making your bed.<br /><br />The most versatile cots have adjustable legs, which allow you to adjust them for different terrain conditions. Some cots are equipped with a tether to keep them stable in windy or stormy weather. These are especially helpful when backpacking because uneven or unstable terrain can compromise the stability of your shelter.<br /><br />Think about how often you'll use the cot as well as the place you intend to stay when you select a cot. Cots with a light design and compact fold are great for backpacking, whereas cots with a heavy-duty construction and a bigger sleeping area are more suitable for car camping or basecamps. If you intend to keep your cot at the home, it's worth investing in bedding that's specifically designed to fit the type of bed you've got. This usually consists of flat and fitted sheets and the pillowcase.<br /><br />The Byer of Maine easy cot is a great option to consider if you're looking for a comfortable and easy-to-setup cot. It's also suitable for most camping styles. It packs down into a carrying case that's similar in size to a standard camping chair and has a strap attached for simple haulage. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform among all our top picks however its robust materials and sturdy frame make it a good choice for any camping trip.<br /><br />Easy Setup<br /><br />Cots are usually a necessity when camping, but they are often more difficult to set up than other types of sleeping equipment. It is because you have to set them up in an even area, which is difficult to locate when camping. Some of them also come with bars for the head and foot area that you may not want to hit while sleeping.<br /><br />The best cots that we tested were fairly easy to set-up. Some of them are self-standing, which is a huge relief as it doesn't require you to figure out how to secure them while others come with a simple foldout design and a couple of clicks to put them in place. Traditional cots are not always the best choice as they require you to construct the frame and then tie the fabric yourself and it will require a significant amount of energy and time.<br /><br />The Alps Mountaineering Double Kwik cot is among the simplest to set-up, so it can be used for camping in the car and tent camping. It can also be used for trips to backpack. It's heavier than the average camping cot, but it can be folded down to the same size as a folding campchair's carry case. It's also extremely durable, made from a rugged and comfortable 600D polyester and an aluminum frame that isn't made of any flimsy plastic parts.<br /><br />Another model we recommend is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unibody design that eliminates bars across your feet and head which makes it ideal for sleepers who are back or side. The cot can be folded down to a size similar to the size of your backpack of choice. It's heavier than other cots we tested, but it feels very solid and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 lbs.<br /><br />The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is extremely easy to set-up. It takes only some time to unfold and snap it into place and then a few nudges to break it down. The legs are locked using a unique lever-lock mechanism that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy base for your sleeping bag.<br /><br />Durability<br /><br /><br /><br />The best camping cots will withstand a lot of abuse. They feature durable components like aluminum frames and robust fabrics. The fabric should be tightly woven so that it will not tear when strained by the weight of a sleeping person. A high-quality cot is made of 600D polyester which is heavy duty and can stand up to wear and tear. The most durable cots have double stitching and reinforced seams in high-stress zones such as pole sleeves.<br /><br />Cots are great for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures who might be swarming around your campsite during the night. <a href="https://www.cots4tots.co.uk/">cribs beds</a> are also an excellent alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads when you're hiking or backpacking. Some cots don't offer the same comfort, and some require a sleeping pad to use alongside them. This can be a big issue, especially for backpackers with a heavy bag.<br /><br />Some cots have an air mattress to make them more comfortable. This lets you have a restful night's sleep without bringing the mattress. The cot is huge and bulky so it may be difficult to fit into the tent, even though it is spacious enough.<br /><br />The Helinox Lite Cot offers another excellent option that does not require an additional sleeping pad. Its lightweight aluminum frame provides a good level of support and is extremely comfortable to sleep on. It was more comfortable for our test subjects to use on hiking trips than an air or foam cushion.<br /><br />They are also ideal for guests staying over, and you don't want to let them sleep on the floor. They're also a great addition to a camper, RV or any vehicle that comes with an air 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 bouncing around or blowing up in the middle of the night.<br /><br />