9 Best Camp Stretchers For Australia In 2024
Yes, the winner is expensive. But a good night’s sleep while camping is priceless.
With removable high-density foam padding, you won’t need extra softening. There’s even an integral pillow which many cheaper options don’t have. Each leg is adjustable making it perfect for uneven ground. It’s ideal for those with ailments and injuries who like multiple adjustment points on their beds.
This is a robust, heavy-duty camping stretcher suitable for every camper and most camping styles. Folding easily for transport and weighing only 13kg, this is a deluxe camp stretcher delivering the ultimate in camping comfort.
Only the best camp stretchers can offer a good night’s sleep. Choose the wrong one and you’ll spend your camping trip uncomfortable and sleepless. There’s nothing like back pain and lethargy for putting the brakes on your camping itinerary.
One camper's dream-sleep stretcher is another’s nightmare. To help you equip yourself with the perfect stretcher for your sleeping comfort, I’ve reviewed the 9 best camp stretchers for Australia for 2023. I’ve also added a handy buyer’s guide so you’ll know exactly what to look for.
My Review Process
I’ve been through quite a few stretchers, as my ever-changing, ever-ageing body, grew new demands for comfort. Nonetheless, my stretcher selection criteria has remained the same.
Comfort is everything. Think about how you sleep at home and cater to this as best you can. A camp stretcher should be wide enough, long enough, and soft enough yet supportive. It must hold your weight, and be sturdy enough to handle impact as you flop into bed each night.
Lightweight portability is a bonus, but durability is essential. It’s going to take some rough treatment, including frequent packing and unpacking.
Yes, the winner is expensive. But a good night’s sleep while camping is priceless.
With removable high-density foam padding, you won’t need extra softening. There’s even an integral pillow which many cheaper options don’t have. Each leg is adjustable making it perfect for uneven ground. It’s ideal for those with ailments and injuries who like multiple adjustment points on their beds.
This is a robust, heavy-duty camping stretcher suitable for every camper and most camping styles. Folding easily for transport and weighing only 13kg, this is a deluxe camp stretcher delivering the ultimate in camping comfort.
The XL100 Stretcher Bed has laminated 600D Poly - with PVC coating, and a steel and alloy crossover frame. It’s incredibly robust and stable, and a perfect fit for the off-roader and extended tourer forging paths through a rugged wilderness.
Holding a static load of 150kg, the 100 cm wide stretcher delivers perfect camping sleep for heavier people and tall people.
Folding and storing easily and weighing only 10kg, the XL100 will deliver countless comfy slumbers under the stars or in your favourite tent.
The OZtrail Queen Instant Anywhere Bed is an airbed/stretcher hybrid. With adjustable air support, couples can enjoy custom-made sleep.
Fitting easily into most 3-person tents, the high-tensile steel base is very sturdy and expands in seconds. Fill the durable heavy-duty PVC mattress with air for a luxury sleep made for two. Supplied with a carry case on wheels, setup is fast and easy.
The Disc-O-Bed is design genius and is possibly the most versatile and innovative camp stretcher. You can configure it as a double bunk, 2 singles or a 3-seater lounge. Each stretcher has its own convenient storage/organiser system.
With adjustable legs for uneven ground and a durable and sturdy frame, each stretcher will hold 227kg. Comfortable in all configurations, the Disc-O Bed adds an element of fun to sleeping in the great outdoors. Brilliant for most campers, this is the humble camp stretcher reimagined.
The Easy Fold is great for larger people. You’ll also appreciate the integrated at-hand storage. It holds 150kg and has feet designed to minimise the impact on tent floors.
I love this stretcher for the solo camper/explorer who moves frequently from place to place with short stopovers. Setup in just 10 seconds, Easy Fold delivers comfort, convenience, and a restful night’s sleep.
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Built to handle the toughest Aussie conditions, the RS-15 King has a durable X-Leg frame and is compatible with OZTENT RS-1 Swags. With anti-sway stabilizer bars and a load rating of 200kg, this is must-have sleeping kit for the rugged solo adventurer.
At 217cm long x 107cm wide, it’s a spacious and comfortable stretcher. This makes it ideal for hefty 4WD adventurers sleeping under their 4WD canopy deep in the Aussie wilderness.
Lightweight doesn’t have to mean light on comfort. Weighing just 5.6kg with a packed size of only 69 x 23 x 8cm, the Zempire is very popular with all campers. Minimalist campers especially love this space-saving yet comfortable stretcher.
Constructed with a robust W-style frame, and 600D Poly-Oxford fabric, the Zempire is as comfortable as it is compact. It’s also super easy to set up. An ideal stretcher for the kids.
Children love bunk beds. With a double bunk camping stretcher, the fun doesn’t stop at bedtime. The Oztrail bunks are robust and very sturdy. Anti-tip design adds extra safety as do the rails on the top bunk.
Constructed using powder-coated steel and 600D polyester fabric, it easily handles the rough and tumble of the kids and rugged camping environments. To top it all off, they’re so comfortable they’ll have the kids asleep in no time – which is perfect for the grownups.
The Coleman Big Sky Regular Stretcher Bed is as comfortable as stretchers come. For well under one hundred dollars, this is budget-friendly camping comfort for all the family.
With coil suspension and a 4.5cm thick covered foam mat, you’ll sleep easy wherever you’re camping.
How To Choose The Best Camp Stretcher
There are several key things to consider when you’re camp stretcher shopping. The guide below will show you what to look for so you can purchase the perfect camping sleep.
Price
A premium single camp stretcher can cost between $250 and $600. You’ll find a super-comfy single camping stretcher that ticks all the boxes from $90 to $130. Good, heavy-duty models are closer to $200.
Doubles, both stacked and side by side, sit between $150 and $200 with premium models at $450 and more. $20 cheap camp stretchers are available but aren’t recommended due to their flimsiness.
Single or Double?
Single and double stretchers offer a variety of comfort options. The determining factor will be the size of your tent or sleeping space.
Is your tent for sleeping only? Or would you like more space to freely move around inside your tent? Singles are around 200cm L x 80cm W. Doubles are around 198cm L x 147cm W. Both can be slightly bigger and smaller.
Bunk or stacked camp stretchers are brilliant for saving space in 3 or 4-person tents or less. Stacked stretchers effectively double the sleeping space, however, a tent height of 180 cm or more is advisable.
You’ll need a large 3-person tent (240 x 240cm) or bigger to comfortably fit 2 singles or a double. Most 1-person tents will fit a standard 203L x 70W x 47H cm single camp stretcher.
Weight Capacity
Static weight capacity means a stretcher’s capacity to hold your weight while you’re sitting or sleeping on it.
Most adults should look for weight capacities of 135kg to 150kg (common capacities) allowing them to better absorb the impact of getting on and off the stretcher. Children and lightweight adults are generally ok with a stretcher capacity of 100kg.
Size And Ease Of Transport
Camp stretchers aren’t designed for backpackers. If you’re buying camp stretchers you’ll be using a vehicle for transport. All camp stretchers will fold flat, concertina like a standard camp chair, or assemble from pieces.
The vast majority of camp stretchers will be supplied with a compact bag for storage and transport, and are very easy to set up.
Frames
Frames are usually steel and alloy and have a variety of designs and locking mechanisms. Alloys and powder coating are great for corrosion resistance - look for stainless or alloy fixers and connectors. Heavy-duty models are usually the most durable.
Be aware of possible pinch points in mechanisms that can catch fabrics and fingers. Check the leg/feet design for their potential to damage tent floors.
Don’t worry too much about frame thickness. The weight capacity provided by the manufacturer is the best indicator of frame strength.
Usage
Camp stretchers are perfect for tents, gazebos, and sleeping under tarps. Many models are great for sleeping under the stars, with some specifically designed for use with swags.
Summary
The OZtrail RV Rhino Bed is my winner as not only does it tick all the boxes, it’s the most comfortable stretcher with no extras required. It will give you a fantastic sleep. The Disc-O-Bed Cam-O-Bunk runs a close second for its versatility, space management and outstanding innovation.
Common questions
A good night’s sleep is critical to health and well-being. For that reason alone, quality, comfortable camping beds are worth their weight in gold.
Singles range from 70 to 100cm – doubles are around 140cm. For superior comfort, the wider the better.
You can create extra comfort with the addition of a camping mattress, foam mattress, or thick blanket, making your camping stretcher more of a camping bed.
Some manufacturers design their camp stretchers specifically for swags. If your stretcher is wide enough (wider than 80cm) it will likely take a swag comfortably.
Camp stretchers are for sleeping. Place a pillow, foam mattress (if desired) sleeping bag or blankets, and you have a comfy bed. Camp stretchers are also good for bench seating.
Anthony has enjoyed many surreal camping moments with his family, and is now lucky enough to share these with readers like you.
*The information on this site is based on research and first-hand experience but should not be treated as medical advice. Before beginning any new activity, we recommend consulting with a physician, nutritionist or other relevant professional healthcare provider.
