Mini Cot Bed For Hiking and Hunting
If you're hiking or hunting sleeping well is vital. Cots are an excellent option to keep you cozy and off the ground. However, they are heavy and difficult to pack for travel.
We test 10 of the top Cots and gave them a score based on comfort and the ability to move, ease of set-up and durability.
Comfort
Getting a good night's rest on the trail is essential for enjoying your camping experience. As opposed to sleeping on the ground, cots help you stay away from the cold and uneven terrain, while giving you a comfortable bed to sleep in. Find an cot that is not heavy and also offers a solid foundation. This will ensure an excellent night's rest. Cots with an appearance of a mattress are attractive and are typically designed to be used with an air mattress or sleeping pad to add an extra layer of insulation.
The right cot for you is essential for car camping or backpacking. For those who are mostly backpackers, look at lightweight options like the Helinox Lite Cot or ALPS Mountaineering ReadyLite Cot, which offer a lightweight sleeping solution that can be easily carried in your backpack. If you are doing a combination of car camping and backpacking, then consider something heavier like the REI Kingdom Cot 3 or Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe.
If you're looking for a luxurious option The cots that made this list are designed to be as similar as they can to the traditional mattress. Although they're heavier than their ultra-light counterparts they're still relatively simple to carry and set up on the trail.
When selecting a cot it's important to take into account the materials and construction. Flimsy fabrics are prone to rips and tears therefore, you should choose an cot that is made of top-quality materials that are designed to withstand regular 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 should also provide enough cushioning to shield you from the hard and uncomfortable ground. Some models, like the Coleman ComfortSmart Deluxe are quilted and padded, while others include REI Kingdom Cot 3 have baffles that prevent you from sinking into the cot. Lastly, a cot should be long enough to meet your height and wide enough for you to comfortably lay down in. Look for a cot that has an adequate weight capacity to be able to support your body, particularly when traveling with a partner or pet.
Portability
The most comfortable camping cots are lightweight and require less space in your backpack. This lets you pack more sleeping gear into your backpack. The cots are lighter than other alternatives for camping bedding, which is a big advantage on long hikes or multi-day backcountry trips. Considering the amount of time you spend packing and unpacking your gear the portability of a cot is a major factor in the overall rating.
Depending on the model you choose, it could take minutes to unfold and put up the bed. More complicated models require greater assembly, and some include parts that can be difficult to locate or connect. Some cots come with built-in storage or other features that can help you reduce the time it takes to set up your bed.
Cots with legs that are adjustable are the most versatile that allow you to adjust them to accommodate different terrain conditions. Some include a tether to help keep them in place during storms and stormy weather. They're particularly ideal for backpacking, where the stability of your shelter can be compromised by unstable or uneven ground.
When selecting a cot, take into consideration how often you'll be using it and where you plan to set up camp. Cots that are lightweight and fold compactly are perfect for backpacking. However cots that are built to last and have a larger sleeping space are ideal for car camping or basecamps. If you plan to use your cot exclusively at home, you should consider purchasing a set of bedding specifically designed for the type of cot you own. This usually consists of fitted and flat sheets as well as a pillowcase.
If you're looking for a comfy and easy-to-set-up cot suitable for all types of camping The Byer of Maine Easy Cot is a great choice. It folds down into a case that resembles a camping chair and comes with an easy-to-transport strap. This cot doesn't have the biggest sleeping platform of the top choices, but its sturdy materials and durable frame make it a solid choice for most camping trips.
Easy Setup
Cots are a must 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 put them up on an even space, that can be difficult to locate when camping. Some have bars on the head and foot area that you might not want to strike when sleeping.
Thankfully, the best cots that we tested are easy to install. Some are self-standing which is a major relief since it eliminates the need for you to figure out how to secure them, while others come with simple foldout designs and a couple of clicks to set them in place. Traditional cots, however, are usually a different story as they require you to put together the frame and tension the fabric yourself and will require a significant amount of energy and time.
The Alps Mountaineering Double-Kwik-Cot is one of the easiest to build, which means it can be used for tent or car camping, as in backpacking trips as. It's heavier than a typical camping cot, however it can be packed down to the same size as a folding camping chair's carry case. It is also extremely durable, made of tough and comfortable 600D polyester, with strong aluminum frame.
Another option we suggest is the Coleman Pack-Away Cot, which is another cinch to set up. It also has a unibody design that eliminates bars between your feet and head, making it perfect for side and back sleepers. The cot folds down to a size comparable to the bag that you carry in your backpack of choice. It's a bit heavier than some of the other cots we've tried, however it's extremely robust and is suitable for adults who weigh up to 225 pounds.
The Helinox Lite Cot is a lightweight cot that is easy to set up. It takes only a few seconds to unfold and snap back into place. It just a few twirls to take it apart for storage. The legs are locked with a unique lever-lock system that is extremely secure and provides a sturdy platform for sleeping bags.
Durability
The most comfortable camping cots are designed to withstand a lot of use and abuse. They are constructed with durable components such as aluminum frames and strong fabrics. Fabric should be woven tightly so that it will not fall apart when an individual sleeping. A cot that is of good quality will use high-end 600D polyester that is able to withstand a lot of wear and tear. The top cots also feature reinforced seams and double stitching in highly stressed areas like pole sleeves.
Cots are ideal for camping because they keep you off the ground, comfortable and protected from insects and other creatures who might be swarming in your campsite at night. They are also a great alternative to sleeping bags and foam pads if you're hiking or backpacking. Some cots don't provide the same level of comfort, and some require a separate sleeping pad to be used alongside them. This can be a big issue, especially for backpackers who carry a large bag.
Some cots, for instance the REI Co-op Kingdom Cot 3, use an air mattress to make them extra comfortable, so you can get a good night's sleep and not need to bring a sleeping pad along with you. However the cot is big and bulky, so it's not easy to fit it into a tent even if your tent has plenty of space.
The Helinox Lite Cot is another excellent option that doesn't need an additional sleeping pad to be comfortable. Its aluminum frame is lightweight and provides excellent support and is very comfortable to sleep on. Our testers who used it on hiking backpacking trips said they were more comfortable than using an air or foam pad.
Cots are great for camping however they can be used in other circumstances for instance, when you're having guests stay over and you don't want them to sleep on the floor. They are also an excellent addition to an RV or camper because they're more comfortable than an inflatable mattress. Plus, they're more stable than a tent or air mattress, so you don't have to fret about them blowing up or shifting up during the night.