Are your knees not quite how they used to be? Does the ground just not do it for you?
Not only do camp stretchers allow clearance from the cold tent floor, but offer some height when collapsing all the way down or hoisting all the way up is far too much effort! For those those wishing to maximise room, they’re also popular for providing valuable storage space underneath. Some campers also get the heebie-jeebies over potential creepy crawlies exploring their bedding at ground level!
All reasons are valid, and one’s choice in a stretcher boils down to durability, stability, ease-of-use, a packed size that fits in with your transport capabilities, and – most importantly – finding one that is the right size for your tent!
Let’s get stuck into which camp stretchers and beds have been our best-sellers over the past 12 months! This list holds no incentives or brand bias; it’s our customers who have done the talking. We’ve simply crunched the numbers to find out which stretchers and beds have come out on top, based on the sales volumes both online and instore at Snowys.
Starting at Number 10…
10. Oztent RS-1S King Single Stretcher (Series 2)
The ever-popular RS-1S King Single stretcher from Oztent is, despite once being number 3, still keeping campers happy across the country.
Use it on its own or chuck a swag on top, as this stretcher has anti-sway bars to keep it stable. It also features integrated straps that anchor your swag, and is a perfect fit with Oztent’s RS-1 Swag – and at over 1m wide and 2m long, it can also work with most others. Not keen on a swag? No worries. You can fit two of these stretchers with space left in the middle in either the RV5 or RX5 tent!
With its smart new colour and 600D polyester fabric, the RS-1S Series II from Oztent is ideal for those who want a generous and versatile stretcher to use with their swag or camping mattress.
9. Quest Outdoors Fast Bed XC | Queen, Large, and Jumbo
From outdoor dozing to stargazing comfort — new to rank is the Fast Bed XC range by Quest Outdoors, delivering elevated sleep beyond the ‘burbs!
The Queen 150 boasts a luxurious 151cm width supporting 240kg for couples, while the Jumbo 90 offers 88cm of solo sprawling space. For minimalists, the 80 model provides 77cm width with a 150kg rating. All feature quick-fold systems for effortless setup and robust frames that keep you off the cold ground.
Sleep like royalty under the stars with Quest Outdoors’ answer to five-star camping comfort!
8. Helinox Cot One, High Cot One, and Lite Cot
Helinox gear is awesome, and the Cot One is a favourite among motorcycle and bicycle tourers. After comfortably maintaining its hold at #8, we think the only reason it doesn’t shoot even closer to the top spot is due to its higher price tag.
Helinox specialise in super compact gear with quality craftsmanship. This stretcher weighs just 2.3kg but has a rated capacity of 145kg due to the strong yet lightweight TH72M alloy frame. The design is easy to assemble and tension thanks to the level system. The Cot One is a classic ‘buy once, buy right’ scenario. It’s for lovers of lightweight, top-notch gear, and is just as perfect for campers looking to reduce packing load as it is for the cycle-tourer.
The ultimate backpacker’s bed — the Lite Cot by Helinox elevates sleep with feather-light intelligence! Boasting aircraft-grade aluminium alloy, Nylon 66 hubs, and premium textiles, this compact cot delivers surprising strength for motorbike tourers and hikers alike. Stretch out in lightweight luxury beyond the campfire!
For those wanting a bit more clearance from the ground, check out the High Cot One from Helinox! It’s got more than double the clearance from the ground to the Cot One, so is the answer to all those lightweight gear enthusiasts who desire a higher bed.
7. Coleman Instant Up Stretcher 1P Swagger
Stretch out in your outback hangout, with the Instant Swagger Stretcher by Coleman! With a heavy-duty frame capable of bearing up to 150 kilograms, this stretcher is for adventurers who dream big. Its simple, one-person operation has you set up and bivvied down by sunset, while its four-pin locking system enables a strong, secure connection to the separately available Instant Up 1P Swagger Tent.
Thanks to 600D polyester fabric too, withstand the wear and tear of heavy dreaming during those outback slumbers.
6. Oztent King Goanna Stretcher (Series 2)
Roll into deluxe outdoor slumber with the King Goanna Stretcher Series II by Oztent! Plush insulated foam padding and durable 600D polyester cradle you under starry skies, while mesh storage, drink and phone holders keep essentials within reach. Its sturdy steel square tubing frame supports 150kg across a generous 92cm width, with swift X-leg design for fast setup and compact storage.
Compatible with Oztent RV-4 and RV-5, this rugged stretcher ensures blissful bedtime on every adventure.
5. 23ZERO Husky 100 Stretcher
Jumping from compact and lightweight to generous and roomy – the Husky 100 from 23Zero is a big, sturdy stretcher that hit our shelves in early 2020.
It’s perfect for supporting a swag if you want to get yourself up and off the ground, and although it’s not custom made for the Bandit 900, it sure is made to measure. This stretcher weighs in at 10kg and with the frame constructed from a combination of steel and alloy, plus a PVC-backed 600D polyester sling holding up to 150kg.
23Zero knows their stuff and it’s no surprise that the Husky 100 has made our best-sellers list yet again!
4. Zempire W-Leg Stretcher V2
From kid’s sleepovers to space-conscious getaways, the W Leg stretcher from Zempire is, even at number 4, a WINNER! We’ve had them for about 4 years, and shooting their way up the rank is a testament to their quality and popularity.
Feedback from some customers has been that the first couple of setups can be a bit more work. That said, it’s worth persevering, and the initial struggle quickly eases once the 600D poly oxford fabric adjusts to being pulled taut by the frame – it’s a bit like a thick self-inflating mat that’s been compressed in manufacturing.
Compact, lightweight, and comfortable, the W Leg stretcher is well thought out and makes a great all-rounder.
3. Big Sky Stretcher Beds | Standard, Deluxe, and Compact
The good old trusty Big Sky Beds from Coleman have been accommodating campers comfortably for a very long time. Their entry-level price point always sees strong sales and they are no stranger to this list!
These stretchers have a different design from other stretchers and use a coil-sprung trampoline-style configuration. The foam mat is included and creates a super comfortable and insulated surface to rest upon. The Big Sky Beds are easy to set up and have hooped legs that are friendly on tent floors – but their larger packed dimensions can put some people off.
Available in Compact, Regular, and Deluxe sizes, these are an ideal budget-friendly choice for long term stays, or as a spare bed at home.
2. Darche XL 1400 Double Stretcher
Let’s talk about the XL 1400 Double Stretcher by Darche! Spanning a generous 1400mm wide, this stretcher offers rugged wrigglers superior space with a no-middle-bar design for literal undivided attention from your loved one. The 600D laminated polyester fabric with PVC panels delivers supportive comfort, while a powder-coated steel and alloy frame ensures rock-solid stability.
Setup is swift with a 3-step process, making this stretcher the perfect cradle for bigger swags and camping couples!
1. OZtrail Easy Fold Stretcher Beds
Taking the gong for yet another consecutive year – OZtrail’s Easy Fold Stretcher Beds are a trusty favourite and boast a string of 5-star reviews! There are 4 sizes to choose from – Single, Low Rise Single, Jumbo and Queen.
These stretchers come with a few added extras such as storage pockets on the side and an under-bed gear hammock. There are no bars for your feet to kick across the ends, and they have a 150kg weight rating. As with most double stretchers, the Queen does feature a bar down the middle for necessary structural support, but if you add a couple of mattresses you can still snuggle with your partner without the bar digging in.
If you’re looking for an easy, stable, no fuss stretcher for general camping, the OZtrail Easy Fold Stretchers are a stellar choice. There is, however, a strong trend towards lightweight gear and with that OZtrail are starting to consider lighter-weight alternatives for their stretcher range. In 2021, they released their aluminium framed stretchers in Large and Jumbo, and despite these not having the easy-fold feature, they are passed with a 25 mm Square Kinetic Hardened Aluminium frame. We wonder whether this new design and lighter weight might be popular enough to bump the Easy-Fold from first place..?
What to Watch: OZtrail Anywhere Single and Queen Bed
Why bring a stretcher and an air mattress when you can have the best of both worlds with OZtrail’s Anywhere Beds? These beds are an alterative to stretchers, representing an airbed-stretcher hybrid!
Sporting a durable heavy-duty PVC air mattress on top of an easy-to-set-up steel frame, packing your sleeping gear for a weekend away is super easy. The air mattress also sits inside a flannel pocket to both protect and add comfort. The built-in pillow and the ergonomic feet are also designed to go easy on your tent floor, while a side organiser keeps your gear and gadgets right where you need them. Its generous length also has it a great option for taller users.
Be it your living room, or a touring tent – the Anywhere Single and Queen Beds from OZtrail is a simple and comfy sleeping solutions!
What are your predictions for next year’s best-sellers?
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Greetings.. what height is the stretcher once erected? I need one to be at least 500mm..
I have a bad hip (having had a cancer now in remission) and need a base and sleeping matress which gives ie not hard and not soft. Price not so much of an issue. What do you recommend? I sleep on a medium Sleeping Duck mattress at home. Thx
Hi there Peter, apologies for the late response (and to hear about your busted hip!) – We have a blog that details the best camping mattresses for 2022 – check it out, and see what you think?
Hi again Peter – another suggestion would be to try a mattress/stretcher combination, or some of the 10cm-15cm thick self-inflating mats on our website. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that this is the ultimate comfort solution for you – but it seems to have worked very well for others. Best of luck!
A question that I cannot seem to find a answer for
Can you buy a replacement matti g for the oztrail camping stretchers at all????
Thanks inadvance
G’day Michelle, unfortunately, OZtrail do not list them in their spare parts so not at this stage. Cheers
What we found when getting a stretcher for our double swag to sit on is that they never actually fit properly, the swag edges always hang over and it makes the swag floppy.
Is there any stretcher that actually fits and works with the poles ?
Hi Amelia, it really depends on the swag you have, each swag being a little different means that there isn’t a one size fits all stretcher solution for swags. Oztent has made a large format stretcher with anchor straps on the corners, we created a video on it here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3IdKmBhnIn8.
It works well with their RS1 swag, but it still isn’t perfect for other brands as you can see in the video.
I hope this helps a little.
I am an ageing camper have a single spinifex deluxe padded stretcher nothing padded about it but I cannot however hard I try cannot get head and foot “rails” hooked on have you an alternative stretcher I am looking at a double or queen size but concerned about weight to carry.
Cheers
Those can be tricky to set up, Jilly.
We actually only have one queen size stretcher in our range at the moment, but the set up is very simple – all you have to do is unfold it. It’s called the Easy Fold Queen Stretcher from OZtrail, and it weighs 15kg for reference. You can check it online here, I hope this helped Jilly.
The Disc-O-Bed is missing, be right at the top imho…
Any idea of how the stretcher feet wear tent floors? I’ve always used inflatable mattresses and the thought of weight being transferred through 6 small feet has me wondering on any extra wear to a tent floor.
That’s a good question Funny Old Fellow, and the answer comes down to common sense really.
Hooped legs are going to be the most friendly on tent floors, however, all the stretchers we stock have plastic caps over the feet to protect tent floors. If you are camping on rough ground without a groundsheet under your tent, then you are increasing the chance of damage. The same can be said if your kids are using the stretcher like a trampoline or your tent has a lightweight floor. We always recommend using a ground sheet under your tent to reduce the potential for damage here. If you are still concerned, then you could always use another layer inside the tent under your stretcher, or wrap some foam or fabric over the feet of your stretcher, items like storage bags from your stretcher or camp chairs are useful for this.
Long story short, there is a higher chance of a stretcher bed causing damage than that of an inflatable mattress, but with a little thought, you won’t have any problems.
Hi Funny Old Fellow,
grab a few PVC pipe end caps & put under the feet, lightweight and take up bugger all room. good for poles too