LuxuryLite Cot

[aysrav]

This little cot makes a lot of interesting claims, and now that I've had one and used it several times, I can attest to the truth of these claims.
I'll review the various aspects in order of personal importance.
Comfort
As you may know from a previous thread, I've been toying around with hammocks and different kinds of pads in my search for motocamping bliss. This UltraLite cot actually does compare to the comfort of a hammock. You are completely off the ground (4") so there isn't anything to complain about. The width is adequate (24") and will accomodate even the widest of pads. You don't really need a pad but I find the two together (cot/pad) offer the best case scenario.
Stuff Size
Here's where this thing really shines. It packs up so tiny and light you can take it with you anywhere and it will fit in nearly any piece of your luggage.
Versatility
Here's another plus. Set it on rocks, beach, pinestraw or asphalt. It doesn't really matter. Once you're laying on top of this thing you won't be able tell. I also like the tent option. The manufacturer suggests that you place the cot under your tent (and mat, if you wish) and then stake it down. Yes, there will be a big bulge in the middle of your tent, but it will stay put and it's comfortable.
Price
Yes, it's pricey. But it's a really well thought out design and seems extremely durable. It's pretty amazing that it weighs under three pounds.
Weight
The UltraLite cot weighs 2 lbs and 12 oz and will accomodate up to 325 lbs. If you weigh under 175 lbs (as I do), you can remove a few of the poles and the whole things weights 2 lbs.
Support
I haven't had any issues with mine but I have read glowing reviews about the guy who owns the company. Word is that he is very customer service oriented and reliable. He also offers a full 30 day money back guarantee and I think that did it for me.

[Mellow]

Thanks.. how about a link to where it can be purchased? Also, you said it was pricey but not how much you paid... :confused:

[Trailace]

I found this.

LuxuryLite Cot (http://www.luxurylite.com/cotindex.html)

http://www.luxurylite.com/cot09.jpg

[6rider]

Great cot. Fits inside the saddlebag on my valkyrie. Most comfortable way to spend the night on the ground.

[aysrav]

Thanks Rick, that's the link. As indicated there, they run 219.95 (free shipping). I looked around on craigslist, flea bay, etc. and couldn't seem to do any better. I guess the people that have one are hanging on to them.
BTW, it's also available at Cabela's and there's a bunch of reviews there.

[Trekker]

Looks like the Hi-Tech Cot from Aerostich... same price.
I've seen one and like it a lot... just not enough to buy one... yet.

[Liv2Ride]

As a note the Aerostich Hi-Tech Cot is the same cot as the LuxuryLite Cot. Aerostich buys them from the guy that owns Luxury Lite. I own one and I recently received an offer but the offer was significantly lower than I was willing to let it go for. However, it did get me to thinking about selling it along with a bunch of other items that never get used. I'm a gear junky and I really need to down-size. I'm thinking that the cot should go to the first person that can come up with $185.00 That's a minimum of $35.00 less than Aerostich or LuxuryLite and $45.00 less than Cabela's. By the way it is the new version with the black middle feet and aluminum poles and has been used less than a handful of times. Feedback, thoughts? If you're interested send me a personal message.

[aysrav]

I guess I had a little too much time on my hands this week but here's what I did. LuxuryLite suggests putting the cot under your tent so I thought I'd give it a try. On a night that wasn't too cold and with no chance of rain, I put the cot on the ground...
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/7528/dscf5319.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/dscf5319.jpg/)
Put a ThermaRest on top of the cot...
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7242/dscf5317s.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/dscf5317s.jpg/)
Then I took the ground cloth of my tent and staked it down over the top of the ThermaRest...
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/1118/dscf5316.jpg (http://img215.imageshack.us/i/dscf5316.jpg/)
And here's what it looks like ready to place the tent on top.
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8652/dscf5313.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/dscf5313.jpg/)
But for the first trial run I just put my sleeping bag on top and crashed without the tent. The pad beneath never budged.
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/245/dscf5315t.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/dscf5315t.jpg/)
I'm thinking about doing this with a bivy. Pretty comfy considering how minimalist it is.

[Mellow]

I guess I had a little too much time on my hands this week but here's what I did. LuxuryLite suggests putting the cot under your tent so I thought I'd give it a try.

That's the first I've heard of that....

I guess I would be concerned about it stressing the seams on the tent too much..

I wonder what the benefit is with this vs putting it inside the tent.

[AzDesertRider]

I'm thinking the cot legs / feet would put a lot of stress on the fabric, trying to poke through the tent bottom when the cot is inside. Putting the cot under the tent....hmmm, they just might be onto something here.

[aysrav]

I guess I would be concerned about it stressing the seams on the tent too much..

I wonder what the benefit is with this vs putting it inside the tent.

I'm thinking the cot legs / feet would put a lot of stress on the fabric, trying to poke through the tent bottom when the cot is inside. Putting the cot under the tent....hmmm, they just might be onto something here.

Guess I won't know for sure until I try it both ways. Supposed to snow tonight so hang in there!
Which will cause more stress, the feet to the tent bottom (if placed inside) or the outer seams (if placed underneath)? I dunno, but that's why I was thinking bivy.

[Mellow]

The problem with a bivy is most of them aren't very tall on the inside... and you're reducing the height using the cot.

[aysrav]

The problem with a bivy is most of them aren't very tall on the inside... and you're reducing the height using the cot.

I was talking about a real bivy, not a one-man tent, and just setting it on top (with sleeping bag inside, naturally). May turn out to be too minimalistic for my taste, and the weather would have to be right, but I think it's worth a try.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1592/erez.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/i/erez.jpg/)

[Mellow]

I was talking about a real bivy, not a one-man tent, and just setting it on top (with sleeping bag inside, naturally). May turn out to be too minimalistic for my taste, and the weather would have to be right, but I think it's worth a try.
http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/1592/erez.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/i/erez.jpg/)

Okay, understood... I was thinking the bivy tents.

One advantage to putting it under the ground cover is that will keep air from circulating under the cot pulling heat away from you.. you could event put a bunch of leaves under the cot to help act as some type of insulator.. not sure it would help much but just a thought.

[George]

I've done that with my cot and a 3-man tent. No problem, saves the floor.

I don't carry the cot any longer as my new mattress does a terrific job. Could do both, may do when my trailer gets delivered.

I'm in the market for a new tent, need faster up 'n down. Can't get that with my "standard" $35 throw aways. :D

[aysrav]

One advantage to putting it under the ground cover is that will keep air from circulating under the cot pulling heat away from you.. you could event put a bunch of leaves under the cot to help act as some type of insulator.. not sure it would help much but just a thought.

Good one Joe. I may have to try that.

I don't carry the cot any longer as my new mattress does a terrific job. Could do both, may do when my trailer gets delivered.

Hey George, have you told us about this mattress of yours yet? What is it?

[Liv2Ride]

Hey George. You just about can't get any faster than the Apache instant tent that I have for sale on the For Sale forum.

Click on this link to read all about it and be sure to watch the video as it shows you in detail how the tent goes up in less than a minute.

http://www.atuffy.com/

If you are interested in the tent make me an offer. I used mine only 3 times before I realized that I prefer a tent that is light and packs down small.

Kat

I've done that with my cot and a 3-man tent. No problem, saves the floor.

I don't carry the cot any longer as my new mattress does a terrific job. Could do both, may do when my trailer gets delivered.

I'm in the market for a new tent, need faster up 'n down. Can't get that with my "standard" $35 throw aways. :D

[Whosoever]

That's the first I've heard of that....

I guess I would be concerned about it stressing the seams on the tent too much..

I wonder what the benefit is with this vs putting it inside the tent.

I agree..also...what about the contact points of the cot frame...I would be concerned that each of these "legs" would wear the tent floor especially if it is set on soft ground or gravel. Especially if used by us "full bodied" campers who are over 250 lbs.

[aysrav]

I agree..also...what about the contact points of the cot frame...I would be concerned that each of these "legs" would wear the tent floor especially if it is set on soft ground or gravel. Especially if used by us "full bodied" campers who are over 250 lbs.

Here's a shot of the same yard where I took the pics of the cot last week. This is Augusta, Georgia -- can you believe it?! Like I said earlier, I've gotta wait for the snow to melt. Then I'll get out an old tent and try it both ways.

[Superdave]

I'm in the market for a new tent, need faster up 'n down. Can't get that with my "standard" $35 throw aways. :D


I've been running a $12 tent that I got from a garage sale that
was a.... $12 tent. I looked around for a while and decided that
I wanted a Tunnel (or Hoop) tent like they have on the other
side of the pond, but I'm having trouble finding one stateside.

I have always liked the Eureka! Apex. I've been watching Ebay,
and Craigslist, and watching for sales.

Sunday night I went to the Eueka! online outlet store. (http://www.eurekacampingctr.com/eureka/dept.asp?s_id=0&dept_id=3070)
I've been there before, but they never had anything.
Now they do. I picked up a Class B standard Apex 2 for $38
($45 total with shipping). It comes with a footprint which
normally cost $36. Site navigation is a little funny so take
your time. I should get mine this week.

http://www.tomahawksky.com/store/lmimages/eureka_apex2.jpg
I'm not accosiated with Eureka!, but saw a chance to contribute.
This is my first post here.


I have a LuxuryLite Cot. The older carbon side rail style.
It was broken when I got it, and missing a few parts.
LuxuryLite offers a life time warranty so they fixed it up
and sent it back no questions asked. I still need to buy
a few more cross poles (.380").

This looks like a good forum.
I look forward to posting here again.

Dave

[bigTom]

Welcome, Dave.

That's a pretty nice catch on the Eureka. I'll check it tonight...

Glad you are here.

[Mellow]

Welcome Dave, I keep forgetting about that part of the eureka site... some very nice deals there.

[aysrav]

Wow! I've been to the Eureka site before but had never clicked on the Outlet tab -- great resource. Thanks Dave and welcome.

[aysrav]

Which will cause more stress, the feet to the tent bottom (if placed inside) or the outer seams (if placed underneath)? I dunno, but that's why I was thinking bivy.

Well I finally got around to trying the cot out under an old tent of mine. It is a hiker/biker tent that they claim is a 1-2 man -- and of course that means a pretty generously sized 1 man. I just climbed into the tent and right onto the cot/sleeping bag. It was quite comfortable and there were no stress issues. However, if it had been a larger tent, one that I could have walked around in, I feel that walking anywhere near the perimeter of the cot would have been problematic.
So far, my sense is that either a) you climb into the tent and right onto the cot, as I did in this case, b) that it be used in a rather large tent, one in which you are willing to give up a border area of about a foot, or c) my original thought of just plopping a bivy on top of it and call it a day.
I still plan to try it inside as well.