Camping out on the ice is the best way to target the fish during their most aggressive feeding frenzies. To do so, you will most certainly want a cot that is portable and you can depend on.
Below you’ll find a list of the 7 best ice fishing cots by category: most portable, most efficient use of space, most comfortable, and 2-person cots.
How To Pick An Ice Fishing Cot
Finding a good ice fishing cot can be a bit like finding a needle in a haystack. Here you will find that we’ve done your homework for you.
A good ice fishing cot should be:
- Fit within the dimensions of your hut: this seems obvious, however, it is all too easy to underestimate the size of these things. Many cots are bulky, which doesn’t bode well if you are trying to fit them in an ice fishing shelter
- Easy to set up: ice fishing just simply isn’t a conducive environment for trying to decipher some complex set-up instructions.
- Packs easily: you probably already have limited room in your sled as it is
- Comfort: you’ll certainly want a cot that feels warm
Easiest To Carry Long Distances
These lightweight cots can be packed down to fit within a backpack. At less than 10 pounds each, they don’t add much weight to your tow. These can be a big difference maker for those venturing out to remote locations such as remote mountain lakes or big river backwaters.
Marchway Ultralight Folding Tent
| Dimensions | 74.8” x 27.4” x 6.5” |
| Weight | 4.7 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 275 lbs |
| Current Price | Click here |
The Matchway Ultralight Folding Tent goes hand in hand with ice fishing in remote locations, such as trout fishing in the mountains. The cot folds up into a package that should be small enough to fit into a backpack or carrier bag.
Even if you are not planning on walking far, this is still a great option if you are in search of something that won’t take up too much space in your sled.
Timber Ridge Aluminum Lightweight Cot
| Dimensions | 75” x 26” x 6” |
| Weight | 5.6 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 225 lbs |
| Current Price | Click here |
The Timber Ridge Aluminum cot is another great option in the lightweight category. The container it comes in is compact enough to fit within a backpack or carrier bag.
The best feature that sets the Timber Ridge apart from the rest is the pre-attached frame of aluminum pipes. This makes the cot among the easiest to set up, which is a big bonus when you’re out on the ice and your number one priority is getting on the fish.
Double Bunk
The most simple way to consolidate space within an ice fishing hut is to go with the double bunk cot. These can be a little bit on the bulky side, but they do save a lot of space when you consider how much space two separate cots take up.
Disc-O-Bed C X-Large Cam-O Bunk
| Dimensions | 79” x 35” x 11” |
| Weight | 61 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 500 lbs per cot (1000 total) |
| Price | Click here |
The Disc-O-Bed double bunk is a great way to conserve space while also providing sleeping space for two anglers. At 79″ long, this double-bunk is compact enough to fit inside most 3-4 person huts, such as the C560.
Best feature: 2 side organizers along each level of the cot. This comes in handy for storing extra fishing gear such as jigs, pliers, lines, and flashlights among much more.
Of course, the biggest downside is that the Disco-O-Bed is bulky and weighs 61 pounds by itself. You’ll need to consider this if you plan on reaching your favorite spot on foot.
Best For Comfort
It’s no secret that sleeping in a cot can be tough on the back, especially for anyone who experiences any degree of chronic back discomfort. However, this alone shouldn’t discourage you from ice camping. Some cots have extra padding and/or adjustable positions.
Sportneer Mattress Padded Folding Cot
| Dimensions | 74” x 28” x 18.5” |
| Weight | 9.5 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 450 |
| Price | Click here |
The Sportneer Mattress Cot is topped with a double-layered 1200D Oxford Cloth that should be resistant to water and dirt. No need to bring extra padding along to make your cat more comfortable.
The side pocket that comes with the cot is a nice added touch. It attaches to the outer frame of the bed and is large enough to hold a wallet, a phone, or a small jig box or two.
Bushtec Sierra 440
| Dimensions | 82” x 34” x 18” |
| Weight | 28 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 440 |
| Price | Click here |
The Bushtec Sierra adds extra layers of waterproof canvas and padding for increased comfort and durability. Your back will thank you for the ergonomic design. No assembly is required.
One potential downside is the bulkiness. The cost does not fold down in a multi-piece set that can be fit into a bag. As such, it’ll take up a lot of space and is perhaps best for those who value comfort over saving space.
Timber Ridge Folding Cot
| Dimensions | 79.2” x 29.9” x 12.2” |
| Weight | 17.4 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 |
| Price | Click here |
The Timber Ridge Folding Cot can be adjusted so that your head is above your feet and your back is in a reclining position. Also, a plus is the 600DD fabric and foam padding.
The powder-coated steel frame is built to withstand the bump ride out on the ice. Once again, the biggest potential pitfall is the cot simply folds in half. This makes it tougher to transport, especially if you need multiple cots.
Best Double Cots For Traveling Pairs
There are double cot options available as well for those traveling in pairs. It prevents you from having to purchase multiple cots while also helping to conserve space.
Kampkeeper 2-Person Camping Cot Queen
| Dimensions | 80” x 60″ x 23″ |
| Weight | 29.04 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 250 |
| Price | Click here |
The Kampkeeper also comes in a Twin size. One nice feature is the inflatable air mattress. This is going to be about the closest you can get to your bed at home. The downside here is the bulkiness.
For this reason, it might work best for someone who is looking to put a cot in a wood or metal permanent ice hut. You could certainly fit this within a large pop-up shelter, but it would be hard to find the space in your sled and you don’t want to have to inflate the mattress while you’re out on the ice.
Final Thoughts
If portability is what you’re after, then you are best off with a cot that can be broken down to fit inside a bag or large backpack. For those emphasizing comfort, you are best off picking a cot with extra padding or one that can be reclined.
