Flatliter MK2 Bed & Bag

The 2011 launch of Fox’s original Flatliner Bedchair was as radical in design features as Cliff Fox’s original 1982 bedchair. Where Cliff wrote the headlines by making the world’s first adjustable-legged bedchair, Scott Day and Shaun McSpadden – the designers of the Flatliner – changed the way every other manufacturer would design future bedchairs: by creating a totally flat bed, which they did at the time thanks to rotating cam wheels. It was a brilliant concept which resulted in a brilliant product and predictably turned out to be one of Fox’s biggest sellers in 2011/12.

2013 saw Fox launch the next generation – the Flatliter Bed & Bag System: a sleeping device which many believed took comfort and design to its highest ever level. However, following an intensive development and testing process, Fox are now pleased to announce they have an upgrade – a MK2 version, which, when you add up all the stats, look at the pics and, like we’ve just done, spend 24hrs on one, it confirms these are even better than the original!

The Compact model

The Standard model

The big questions

‘These’? There was only one model with the MK1…
That is correct, however, customer feedback has resulted in two sizes for the MK2 range. The Standard has the same dimensions as the MK1: 214 x 87cm with a minimum and maximum height of 40cm and 50cm – and now there’s a small Compact model which measures up at 200 x 80cm with a min and max height of 35 and 45cm.

So what’s changed technically then?
A lot, but we’ll start with the supplied sleeping bag. Improved hollow fill now not only aids warmth but is also softer and allows the bag to sculpt around your body, very much like your quilt at home would. The lining of the bag has also been tweaked, so now the top half is fleece which aids warmth and also feels much softer against your body and face. The bottom half remains polyester which means you don’t stick to the bag when you move around in the night. Fox have also made much larger, padded internal zip baffles, which when combined with the new bag-to-bed attachment gives you a top-end 3-season rated sleeping bag.

And heavy-duty crash zips allow you to get out quick

The top half of bag is fleece and bottom is polyester – the perfect combo

What’s this new bag attachment like then?
It’s a significant improvement. Previously it attached to the underside of the bed with Velcro strips, but many users felt slightly too constricted within the bag, so now the bag zips to the side of the mattress on the actual bed. This means there’s now much more ‘give’ in the bag and results in a much larger usable space inside.

And the mattress?
Yes, that’s been upgraded too. It’s now firmer thanks to being made from a high-density foam that again makes the bed even more comfortable to lay on.

There’s elasticated fitting around mattress at leg and foot end

The lumbar support has remained the same. Why? Because it’s faultless!

Why’s the ‘securing/tension strap’ in a different place?
Well noticed. While all other manufacturers have a strap which goes around the top and bottom of the bed to hold it tightly shut, Fox’s new tension system sees straps on both sides that go around the frame rather than over the mattress so it’s now possible to fold/compress it far more compactly than previously.

Clever. And what about support?
There’s plenty of that – all of which has been carried across from the original. Why, you may ask? Simply because it cannot be improved. The single legs at both ends aid stability whilst keeping weight to a minimum, and a lumbar support prevents mattress sag.

Large internal zip baffles keep the cold out

Dual hinges – no cams – means it folds even flatter

Hit me with some stats then.
We’ll start with weight. The Compact weighs 12.6kg and the Standard at a fraction more at 13.3kg; that’s mightily impressive when you consider that includes the fitted sleeping bag and at worst is a minimum of 2kgs less than their competitor’s offering. Price-wise, the Compact retails for £289.99 and the Standard £309.99. foxint.com

Optional extras

Switch bags or throw on one of these covers and you’ll be primed for whatever this autumn/winter has to throw at you…

5 Season Bag
Be ready to take on our yearly-plunge into sub-zero temperatures with this arctic-approved 5-season sleeping bag which can be purchased separately. The new MK2 version features a super-soft filling for greater comfort and warmth and is fully fleece-lined, again for maximum warmth and comfort. To use, simply unzip the supplied sleeping bag from the MK2 and then zip on this polar brute for instant heat.
“GIMME”: Compact, £139.99; Standard, £149.99.

Aquos Cover
There’s nothing more frustrating than Britain’s temperamental weather conditions. Thank heavens for Fox’s Aquos Cover options then, both of which will keep you warm and dry. This model features the exclusive Fox Camo pattern design (can you spot the hidden Fox logo?) and is oversized to ensure the whole bag remains covered. It has Velcro strips on both sides so it can be secured and will turn the Flatliner MK2 bag from 3-season to 3/4-season.
“GIMME”: £59.99 and £69.99

Aquos Thermal Cover
Sweat your tits off this winter by converting the 3-season bag on the MK2 into a 5-season option with this Thermal Cover, which again features Fox’s unique camo pattern. It has a waterproof outer and a thick layer of insulation with a fleece-lining. As with the standard Aquos Cover, there are Velcro fastenings to enable the cover to be secured, and again, this cover is available for both the Compact and Standard models.
“GIMME”: £89.99 and £99.99