Swag or stretcher?

[stricky]

We are planning a trip up the Hay River Track in the Simpson Desert next year and I have had some conflicting advice re best bedding. My Wife and I are both over 50 so comfort is getting to be very important. One mate swears by his swag, while other now uses a stretcher and reckons they are way better than a swag. Has anyone had any experience with stretchers? I know it means also taking a tent but that is not a problem if the stretcher is better.

[nj swb]

My father is in his 70s, and struggles to get up from the ground. He's been using a stretcher for years, generally under the awning alongside his car. Lately, he's taken to using a swag on the stretcher, and seems to be enjoying it.

[old Jack]

You can now get stretcher swags, best and worst of both systems. If you have heaps of room and travel light then stretcher swag under an awning is the quickest and warmest solution, problem is when it is really wet and windy, this is where a good tent is better until you have to put it up or take it down in the rain or when it is wet! At 55 years old we still sleep on the ground in either a swag or tent but I must say the stretcher option has been discussed on recent trips.

OJ.

[justcruizin]

I use a stretcher with my swag on top. Best of both worlds and off the ground.

[swampy 6863]

Definitely a stretcher, getting too old to sleep on the ground anymore no matter how good the mattress is. Iv got an old style flat swag that opens right out so if it's just me going away I throw it on the stretcher but if the wife's with me we put two stretches together with a dooner over the two swag mattresses and sleep on that with another dooner over us both. Nice and cosy

Swampy

[ticky]

I have the same problem, sleeping on the ground is no longer an option for me.

I have been looking for a while now, and I believe the best one I have found is the Darche Dusk to Dawn.

http://darche.com.au/product/dusk-to-dawn-900/

I am only looking at the 900mm single. My wife likes to sleep under the stars, all 5 of them.

The Darche is self supporting in good weather, fits on a single stretcher, is full side opening from either side, plenty of ventilation for hot nights and the mattress felt really comfy on the stretcher.

The only thing I dont like about this swag is the price. It's not the cheapest on the market.

I havent decided if I would get the use out of it, but if I decide to get a swag, this is the one I believe I will get.

No association with any brand or shop.

Steve

[Just Cruzin]

What about one of these

http://www.fishingtackleshop.com.au/products/jet-tent-bunker-xl-swag-and-camp-bed-in-1-extra-large.html

[LanaB]

a group of 4 of us did the Hay River 6 years ago when I had my Patrol, 2 were in rooftop tents (me included) one in a swag, and the other on inflateable airbed in a tent. I was 64 at the time, and had an airbed on top of my RTT mattress, and loved it. I have had that set up for years. These days I have an Oztent with airbed on a aluminium stretcher, mainly because I was having problems folding the RTT on my own as I got older (now 70).

[andyhi696]

I use an swag on a stretcher and if the wjeather looks bad i also use a cheap plastic tarp over the lot. It works in most situations including 'below freezing and heavy rain.

[Lost1]

If I'm moving camp every day then a swag on a stretcher is first choice. If setting up camp for a couple of days then I prefer a tent with a stretcher inside. I start to get a bit stiff sleeping on the ground for more than a couple of days. I use a coleman stretcher and a self inflating mattress.

This is probably best done before you've had a dozen tinnies and some port. But when its really cold you can put some coals from the fire under the stretcher to warm you up.

[RUGGA]

If setting up camp for a couple of days then I prefer a tent with a stretcher inside, when its really cold you can put some coals from the fire under the stretcher to warm you up. Please Note - this can only be done once

Because I am bored, some Selective editing

[Cams]

I'm 48 and have finally given up on using just a mattress on the ground. Now use a stretcher, mattress and tent. Annoying part is my favorite tent to take is too small for the stretcher and have to take the old one now.

[ticky]

What about one of these
http://www.fishingtackleshop.com.au/...tra-large.html

Yeah, I like the look of the Oztent. I might have to check that out. And I thought I had made up my mind.

Steve

[zepps]

Another great reason to use a stretcher in a tent is effective use of space. You can neatly tuck away bags and gear under the stretcher keeping it dry and away from crawling critters.

+1 stretcher... Comfy too!

zepps

[sharkcaver]

this would have to be the best "stretcher swag" I have seen. However, Kulkine has now closed, so I don't know how available they will now be. Unless someone else takes over manufacture of them.

http://www.drifterscreek.com.au/au/Homestead-Single-Swag.html