Camp Stretcher For your Swag | Hints and Tips | What to look for.

After sleeping on the ground in a swag for over 30 years I now have been sleeping on a camp stretcher for 18 months or so. I thought I'd share my thoughts of the Pro's and Cons of sleeping on a camp stretcher with my swag.
To me there are many benefits and I think personally there are so many benefits!.
Feel free to share your comments and thoughts below on if you use one for camping.
"XL 100 BLACK/ORANGE - Catalog" darche.com.au/xl-100-1
"King Single Swag - Stealth - CRASHPAD" crashpadgear.com.au/products/...

[@leeprice674]

Thanks for the video mate. Love the setup you showed. Just bought a swag but live in the UK. Watching the Aussie set up is great and so much less drama than my own current system. I have gone for a stretcher too so your video has given me reassurance it will work for me too. All the best mate and thanks for the advice 👍👏

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G'day Lee, thanks for watching. I dont think you will regret using a stretcher. Are swags popular in the UK? Cheers

[@leeprice674]

@@OffroadTouringLife that's good. It arrives today so I'll have explain to my wife all the benefits for the costs outlay 😂😂👍 Yes swags are becoming popular. A company called Outhaus are reproducing many styles. It's been very difficult getting imports so low stocks on Oztent, Darche and the ARB SkyDome, which is what I've bought. All the best mate and look forward to getting more tips from you 👍

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Awesome! Enjoy! I'm happy to answer any questions. Maybe watch my swag seasoning video too. 👍🏻

[@theadventuresofzoomandbettie]

Never really thought of chucking a stretcher under the swag before!! Good review!

[@OffroadTouringLife]

The ease of set up and pack down plus even just swinging your legs out to get up is a huge plus for me!

[@rosswalker3579]

Good review Richard, coming from the Military we always use stretchers in base camp so makes good sense to use one with a swag for a bit more comfort and to get off the ground. Just ordered the Crashpad Storm Swag, their stretcher and the Crashpad sleeping bag, so should be nice and comfortable in their whole sleeping ensemble - cheers mate

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for the feedback Ross and thanks for watching. A good night sleep, waking up refreshed, and relaxed. I don’t think you will be disappointed with new camping set up. Cheers Richard

[@StayFrostyOfficial]

Can confirm in the military a stretcher under the hootchie and bivy bag is the best set-up for keeping dry

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Refreshed and relaxed is tne key.

[@michaellanyon7320]

Great combo, just bought myself a Darche 1400 stretcher for my Crashpad double swag

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Sounds perfect mate!

[@forgottenknowledge8917]

I got a rhino stretcher and swag. Fits perfectly in my small van. My camper is coming together

[@OffroadTouringLife]

That sounds perfect. It's great when everything falls into place.

[@toddoooo4947]

Great video, just bought a arb swag and stretcher Not a arb man but very impressed with the quality of both

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Nice one Todd, I'm not biased to one brand either. Sleeping on a stretcher isn't for.everyone but I'm a fan of it. Thanks for watching and taking tne time to comment. Cheers

[@Hewesy1984]

Great video mate!! 👍

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks mate, I hope I covered most questions I'm often asked about the stretcher.

[@darrenrogers8525]

I started by going around oz 4 times in an old school swag ( canvas bedroll 30 mm foam mattress dig your own irrigation trench) literally waltzed my matilda.... hq holden premier wagon etc. this isnt about soft this is about how comfortable and easy camping is now stretchers and being able to swing my legs in and out bed put my boots on without hassles first thing in the morning ( or for a 3 am drinking ablution) is just plain awesome. if you havent tried it I thoroughly recommend it :)

[@OffroadTouringLife]

That’s exactly how I used to camp, a swag with a flap over it. I bought my first swag 32 years ago. I can’t go passed the stretcher now for the reason you mentioned. Thanks for watching mate.

[@dangleeson7917]

Great video mate

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks mate. I hope I covered most things people look for in a stretcher. Thanks for watching.

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Good stuff Rich. Cheers Steve

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for watching Steve. It would be hard to go back on the ground! Although I do when I use a double swag.

[@DonsShed]

Great video bud, I've subscribed 😊 cheers, Don (Dons Shed and Xplor Overland) Perth WA

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for watching Don! Cheers for the sub too!

[@kevinwaters-marsh217]

Nicely done. Thanks

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Cheers thanks for watching.

[@mariaebersohn6952]

Thanks for your reply.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

👍🏻

[@BonesFPV]

Cool video. Thanks very much.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

No worries, thanks for watching.

[@ThePlim62]

Been camping for 40 odd years. Jet Bunker or its spin off's, I have the Dune version, are superior to any Swag (Oven) on a stretcher; imo, especially in the set up and pack away department. I've turned around about six mates from conventional Swags to these all in one Stretcher Swag designs.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

That’s the beauty of camping, there is a range options out there. I have a few mates who use Jet Bunkers. I personally have never used one. I’d definitely been keen to try one out though. Thanks for watching. Cheers

[@backroadexpeditions768]

Great video

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Cheers thanks for watching

[@andreabasiliotaddo2116]

Great video, thank you very much. I have double swag Crashpad, do you think it would work with two stretchers side by side?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for watching, I. Mmm it could work maybe? But I think tje bars down the middle would make sleeping uncomfortable. Id be leaning more towards it not working out.

[@michaelgorman9399]

Great video. Really good info. Do you think your warmer in winter and cooler in summer on a stretcher?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

I think cooler in summer. Winter i haven't noticed to much change but not sleeping on a wet cold ground is good. Im not as young as I used to be 🤣

[@TooT212]

Great video. One question I have is. Do you worry about the poles tearing the swag while they hand over the sides of the stretcher?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G’day James, not at all. I haven’t met found it to be be an issue. Cheers

[@chrisspies8123]

Be interested to know what size crashpad swag you have, 900mm wide? Great video by the way. Very informative. Also ready to pull the triger but want to ensure the width is right. Cheers

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Gday Chris, the s seat is 1000mm wide. Thanks for watching and enjoy the new swag!

[@parabelllum8733]

Most comfortable way to camp . Beats any rooftop for comfort and no ladders . OzTent have a 1 m Stretcher on the market rated at 200kg - Toughest around. Ideal for a swag

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Definitely a great investment! Thanks for watching.

[@glennpayne9103]

Does the oztent stretcher fit easily in the bag? I own a couple of them ...King Goanna and Gecko and the bags are a joke... way too small... The stretchers are on the heavy side too ...

[@parabelllum8733]

@@glennpayne9103 it fits in the bag no problem . The bag is not the Highest quality but the stretcher is the best on the market . Its heavy at 15 kg , but to be expected with the heavy duty components its made of

[@PadmaDorjee]

Thanks for your video Richard. I am considering buying my first swag and comparing between Darche and 23Zero Bandit and would like your Opinion if possible. Also, if using the stretcher is still okay for someone who moves around in bed a bit, would it make the stretcher move or rock a bit? Im gonna check out your other vids now, thanks again for your useful wisdom.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for watching. The best thing to is read as many swag reviews as possible. I dont no much about the 23zero swags but what I have seen they are pretty good. Darche have also been around for mamy years so lots of info around on tnem. A larger footprint stretcher will be more stable which is why I like mine. I have been using it all week on all surfaces and its awesome to get up off the rocks ect. Let me know what you decide Cheers

[@PadmaDorjee]

@@OffroadTouringLife Thanks for your reply mate. Going away again tomorrow so got myself a 23Zero Bandit yesterday and setting it up now. Have a Oztrail stretcher I haven’t unpacked yet so if it fits will keep otherwise will get one like yours.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Nice one, let me know what you think. Cheers

[@karenlong6647]

Hi Richard, what size Crashpad swag are you using on the Darche stretcher?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Hi Karen, that is a Crashpad single swag. It fits well. Thanks for watching

[@maxt7525]

G’day mate, I have the same stretcher with a swag on it but I find it sags in the middle of the stretcher a bit....find myself rolling into the middle of the saw constantly 🤷‍♂️

[@OffroadTouringLife]

That's no good mate, I could tell you how many nights I have had on my stretcher but I have never had that problem. My swag mattress is thick so maybe that helps?

[@activateadventures6222]

Hi I have a question, I was going to get a thicker mattress for my swag. Do you think using a stretcher helps with softness for a better sleep ?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G'day, I think it definitely helps, or another option is a self inflating mattress in addition to your mattress.

[@Jokkles]

G'day Rich, I found with using a stretcher I needed to put a closed cell foam mat under the swag mattress to stop the cold from underneath-how do you go with the Darche?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G’day mate how’s things! I haven’t found it to be a problem. I do have a polar fleece blanket on top of my swag mattress I’m not sure if that would be the difference. I thought if it was to cold I’d go down the path you do. Good to hear from you. Cheers Rich.

[@Jokkles]

@@OffroadTouringLife Going well, just need to get out more often.. I reckon the polar fleece would be making a difference, just stops the air flow a bit. Looked at a crash pad swag the other day, nice looking swag! Cheers mate, Jok

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Great to hear! I havr had my crashpad single for 4 years and the double 3 years. There a good thing!

[@jimmyhamilton1591]

Hey maybe I missed something but did you show how easy (or otherwise) it is to get in & out of the swag when up on the stretcher bed? Fairly fundamental aspect when using a stretcher!

[@OffroadTouringLife]

That's a great point mate. I didn't show it. I guess the easiest way to describe it is that getting up is like hopping out of your normal bed. Unlike like laying on the ground and standing up. Thanks for watching

[@Eddie_Turbo]

Hey mate! I'm a side/stomach sleeper, does this sag in the middle a bit?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G'day, I have found it not to sag. I couldnt tell you how many nights I have slept on it bit there is plenty. The stetcher is still holding up well.

[@SwampySi]

Which Crashpad is that? Do you ever have an issue of the swag coming off the stretcher as you move around at night? I notices it's not tied down at all.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G'day, its a crasbpad single stealth. I have never had an issue with it coming off or moving around.

[@glennpayne9103]

Is the stretcher bag a tight fit like the Oztent ones ..?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Its fine mate, I have never had a drama fitting it back in.

[@explorethebush]

Do you snap more swag end poles mate?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

No mate never had an issue. I haven’t snapped one yet. Cheers

[@andrewthomas695]

Bite me, Rompa. I am getting one of these. Anything to avoid that unpleasant 3 am overland flow hitting the skin. 😳

[@OffroadTouringLife]

🤣

[@rudvs]

Where is the line over hang of a swag on stretcher ? 2 inches either side ok ? Or need to be perfect size ?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Mine just hangs over. Peiple have told me it can damage my swag. This hasn't happened at all. Cheers

[@scarps113]

Funnily I just ordered one of these stretchers this morning from tentworld on eBay for $150 delivered. Had a slight mishap last weekend in the VHC while using a narrower stretcher and in the night I must have twisted and kicked one end of my king size darche swag off. Boys had great delight taking a pic of my skewed swag and me getting out of it in the morning😂

[@OffroadTouringLife]

As long as there was photos 😂. The Darche seems great so far!

[@chrishurley5711]

Soon be replacing our kombi with a Jimny and looking for my new setup. Considering a swag and stretcher combo but worried about rain. Is there a chance the stretcher will create a puddle under your swag?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

There is a every chance water may sit in the stretcher but I don't feel it would pool. Enjoy the Jimmy!

[@Chrisamic]

Probably not, if the swag overhangs the stretcher. For the same reason that a ground sheet needs to be smaller than the tent, run-off from the shelter will be directed underneath if it is too big.

[@dennisgrill3812]

Is that an 110cm wide swag on the 100 stretcher?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Close, its the other way round. The swag is 100cm. Stretcher is 110cm cheers.

[@longy8027]

Have you found it any colder with air being able to get underneath swag?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

G’day Longy, I haven’t found the cold to be a problem I do have cgear matt I do put under the stretcher from time to time. I have heard others do add an extra layer under there mattress to insulate it better too.

[@ThePlim62]

Good mattress good sleeping bag solves this issue.

[@stephengay4577]

How wide is the crash pad swag?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

1000mm plenty of room

[@sallyf3383]

Keen to know how much it sags!

[@OffroadTouringLife]

It barely sags at all. I have used it so much since this was made. I would buy another one. 👍🏼

[@lindajohnston552]

Hi, some good info about the stretcher. We just purchased our first stretcher and have found the canvas to be super tight, so that clipping in the bars at the head and the foot of the stretcher almost impossible for someone with average strength. Do you have any tips or is it just a matter that over time it will become easier?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Hi Linda, it should get easier overtime. With mine I have elastic under ome end that makes fitting the bar across easier. I put this one on second. Does yours have this? Thanks for watching

[@lindajohnston552]

@@OffroadTouringLife No, I have the cheap knock offs. We've set them up at home (we bought two) before our trip in early November. We slept on them and that seems to have stretched the canvas and we can now clip the ends on. I think we should pack them down and set them up again tomorrow and see if it's easier.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

It sounds like it will be easier after a few nights of use. Let me know how you get on.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

The model before mine i dont think had the elastic at one end.

[@lindajohnston552]

@@OffroadTouringLife we finally got the stretcher beds set up. We then slept on them then next two nights (in our lounge room!). This seemed to loosen the canvas so when we went away they were much easier to set up.

[@robertpaquet755]

I have a stretcher "burke and wills deluxe" which is 800mm wide. Would a swag fit on that? Cheers

[@OffroadTouringLife]

It should fit on there fine, how wide is your swag? Cheers

[@robertpaquet755]

@@OffroadTouringLife I don't have a swag yet. I have a voucher at Freddys www.freddys.com.au/collections/swags I am not sure which one to pick, maybe you have recommendations? Anyway thanks for your reply, Cheers Rob

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Deciding on a swag can. be a tough choice. There are many brands on the market. Read as many reviews as you can. I’m super happy with my Crashpad swag. I like external poles too. The ease of set up when there are like that makes a big difference too. Good luck with your decision. Cheers

[@robertpaquet755]

@@OffroadTouringLife Quite a few swags have a 1100mm width. Would this be ok on a 800mm wide stretcher? It means it's out 150mm on each side of the stretcher.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Personally for that width I think the stretcher is to narrow. That could risk damaging the swag putting stress on it hanging over the sides. .

[@scruiser80]

Great video, if they only made them in a double!

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for watching! There is a company that makes a double but the name escapes be at the moment. If I remember it I’ll post it up here. Cheers

[@lachiekimber8514]

@@OffroadTouringLife did you find the name?

[@0St3wY0]

Kulkyne double stretcher fits a big daddy deluxe swag, but at a price!

[@poeyd9624]

Do you roll up your gear in your swag bud ?

[@OffroadTouringLife]

In previous swags I have. This one has a thicker mattress and I have a thick sleeping bag. I could but it would be a struggle. It only takes a second to take tne bag out. I think I could with my double swag in tne sleeping bag was open. Cheers Rich

[@OffroadTouringLife]

My brother rolls his Crashpad swags with his sleeping bags inside. Cheers

[@bradmullaerialphotography]

So it’s different from the kings one how? Sets up just the same yet 500k less in price

[@OffroadTouringLife]

I'm not sure of the exact specifications on a kings one. This was around $120-140 from memory on a show special a few years ago. When I looked at the kings one at the time I think they weren't as wide. This may have changed now. This one is sturdy to and doesn't creak or anything like when on it. There is no harm in trying other brands at all, this one suited my swag perfectly witch is 1000m wide. Thanks for watching

[@bradmullaerialphotography]

@@OffroadTouringLife ah okay. They’ve come a long way from the old wooden army stretchers lol

[@OffroadTouringLife]

They sure have!

[@cjbacot]

more swag and less face would have been good!? but over-whole great tips and advice. Thank you

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Next time!

[@Kurtis11266]

Do you realise that the audio goes up about 300% from when you’re yapping on to the music? Great audio balancing bud

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Thanks for watching bud! 300% interesting.

[@iandaly8786]

Good video. Your background tune is too loud though.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Noted!

[@asd67lkj]

Agreed, this stopped me from subscribing. Just bought 2 of these stretchers, hence my look...

[@todgilding1365]

Mate 😳 what is with the volume levels the music blew my speakers

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Mate I don't get it right all the time.

[@waynejohnson6889]

Why not just get a swag and stretcher combined - jet tent bunker or similar? - they are supremely comfortable with an inflatable and water tight even in very heavy storms.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

I have had the Crashpad since feb 17. The stretcher came later. I like the canvas quality of a swag. A few mates have Jet bunkers som e like them some don’t. I have stuck with what works for me. How do find the condensation in the Jet bunker?

[@arkhamkillzone]

It's not worth to carry around a stretcher. The ground is the proper way to set up camp.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

I have slept in a swag since I was around 14 years old even younger thats 35 years. I couldn't tell you how many nights that has been. I have woken in my fair share of campsites in all conditions. Why not enjoy some creature comforts. I only use it for my single swag. I guess your theory rules out camper trailers, tent, roof top tent and caravans too.

[@arkhamkillzone]

@OffroadTouringLife personally I consider those methods cheating and at some point it isn't really camping no more. Each to their own tho and no everyone will have the same desires when it comes to camping. For me (just bought a 23zero 1400 bandit yestersay) I am happy to carry my gear far off away from everything and set up canp somewhere remote. To me that is a thrill and having the feeling of being totally surrounded by nature is what I am looking for. Nothing against people who want some extra comfort when exploring the out doors tho.

[@OffroadTouringLife]

I have done everything from remote travel to caravan parks. This time last year I was at Steep Point in WA. As long as your enjoying it and getting g out there its good. I spent over 4 months on tne road with a family of 4 I had a super basic set up for that trip. No solar, no devices, paper maps. Only a fridge. We survived! I have had the luxury of using amd testing low end amd high end camper trailers and hybrid's vans in a past life.. They all.serve a purpose. My first swag was a bag with a flap over it. No fancy poles, a thin mattress. That's a real.swag. only as wide as my shoulders. I used tnat for 10-12 years in all conditions. I still have it too. That was more basic than your new swag. I'm more than happy to have comforts now. Happy travels Cheers

[@mariae463]

Now I am new to this swag life. Just curious if you blokes think instead of buying a $100-$300 stretcher… Do you blokes think having an inflatable mattress ($50 k-mart) underneath your swag will be enough of a lift if the floor is wet? Anyways cheers mates. -N.ME Cheers Mates

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Hi, it could work but I have never heard of anyone doing it. If the swag is seasoned well you.apvuld have to many problems. The beauty of a stretcher is being right up off the ground. Personally I wouldn't bother with the air bed. Cheers