Are you tired of waking up on the ground in the morning on top of what is now a deflated air mattress? It seems no matter how much we spend on a quality inflatable air mattress, at some point, it loses its ability to retain air throughout the entire night. Or if you sleep with a partner, every one of their movements, no matter how small, feels like you are in a kayak on the Pacific Ocean. Some people go with sleeping pads. Sleeping pads do not deflate, however, if you are camping in rougher terrain, every stick, stone, or uneven surface can be felt through the thin padding. If you are looking for the best sleep possible on your camping trip, we recommend you go with a camping stretcher or a camping cot.
Camping Tip:
Make sure to check out our top 10 multitools for the 2021 camping season!
Camp stretchers allow to sleep off the ground which keeps you warm and dry during cooler and damp conditions but also increases airflow in your tent to keep you cooler during summer camping. There is a wide range of different types of camping beds available on the market today. From camp bunks to camping bunk beds. From a double stretcher bed to a queen size camping stretcher. With so many options available how do you know which one is right for you? Not to worry, we have combed through hundreds of camp stretchers reviews to find the best folding bed in Australia.
But before we get to the review, let us take a closer look at everything you should consider before purchasing your brand-new camp stretcher.
In This Post:
Our Top 8 Camping Stretchers
Camping Stretcher vs Bed Mattress
First, you need to ask yourself if you should be looking at camping stretchers or airbed mattresses? There are pros and cons for each, however, if you are looking airbeds, know that you will need to spend a good amount of money to get a quality self-inflating airbed that will not leak throughout the night. Here are the pros and cons of each.
Camping Stretcher
- Pros: Allows you to sleep off the ground. Easy setup. Storage under the stretcher makes more room in your tent. Easy to get in and out of, ideal for older people or people with mobility issues.
- Cons: Stretchers can be heavy and bulky. Takes up more room in your vehicle. A queen camp stretcher will always need a support bar that can be uncomfortable at times.
Airbed Mattress
Pros: You can set the firmness for as soft or firm as you like.Good for sleeping with a partner and sharing body heat to keep warm. Deflates into a small package that can be easily stored away in your vehicle and not take up much room.
Cons: If there is no built-in pump, you will need to purchase an external pump. Pumps are noisy. If your pump breaks, you will need a professional to fix or replace the pump. Prone to leaks, leaving you sleeping on the ground throughout the night. Motion transfer is off the charts.
Camping Stretcher Type
If you do decide to go with a camping stretcher over an air mattress, that is only one of many more decisions you will have to make. There are different types of camping stretcher beds you need to consider. Here is a breakdown of those types.
Single Stretcher
Single stretchers sleep one person comfortably though it does not allow for too much move movement throughout the night. If you are a restless sleeper, look at jumbo single stretchers, or a double stretcher.
Double Stretcher
A double camp stretcher can sleep two people or one larger person, or one restless sleep comfortably. If you and your partner are both restless sleepers, or you would prefer more room, then look at queen and king stretcher beds. Also, some couples prefer to each have their own single or double camping stretcher.
Bunk Bed
If you have children, you may want to consider camping bunks. Camp bunk beds are great for saving space in your tent by allowing two people to take up as much floor space as only one person. Also, maybe not just for kids, two small adults could sleep comfortably as well as the most top bunks have a capacity of 100 Kg.
Stretchers with Inflatable Mattress
If you want the best of both worlds, you could consider a stretcher with a built-in inflatable mattress. These camp beds come with the pros and cons of each type of camp bed. Sleep off the ground and have the under storage that a stretcher bed provides while having one of the most comfortable cots by having the adjustable firmness capabilities of an air mattress. Remember, you get the cons as well. There is a chance you air mattress could start leaking in the night and this camp cot will take up a lot of space in your vehicle.
How to Choose the Proper Camping Stretcher
When you begin your search for your new camping bed, no matter the brand or size, they will all have the same set of specifications for you to review and consider. Look at these specifications closely to determine if that camping stretcher bed is the right size, can hold the proper amount of weight, and what is required to set up the folding camp bed. Here is a list of the most important specifications to consider before making your purchase.
- Size (sleeping area): Obviously, the size of your new stretcher is extremely important. Will you be sleeping alone? Are you a restless sleeper and would prefer a double instead of a single? Camping stretchers come in single, double, queen, and king sizes. Pick the one best suited for yourself, or you and your partner.
- Capacity: Capacity in this circumstance refers to how much weight stretchers can support without causing damage or collapsing. Stretcher beds come in a full range of capacities to pay extra attention to this, especially if you are of the big and tall persuasion.
- Portability and Set-Up: Pay close attention to what is required to set up your stretcher bed. Most stretcher beds will not require additional tools to assemble and will simply fold down and will be ready for use. However, if it does require additional tools, be sure you pack them with you for your trip. Also, stretcher beds with air mattresses may require a pump if the air mattress does not have a built-in pump.
- Comfort: Stretcher bed camping is a great way to guarantee a comfortable night’s rest.
Best Camping Stretchers
Oztent King Goanna Stretcher
This oztent stretcher is perfect for big and tall campers looking for luxury and comfort at an affordable price. This stretcher is ultra-durable and extremely sturdy with its heavy-duty steel frame. Easy to set up and easy to pack away. Comes with a zippered carry bag.
- RRP: $159.95
- Rated Capacity: 150 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 210L x 80W cm
- External Dimensions: 210L x 92W x 48H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 105L x 17W x 15H cm
- Material: 600D padded polyester with powder-coated steel frame.
- Weight: 11.5 Kg
Pros: Supports up to 150 Kg. The bed is 210 cm long for taller campers. Heavy-duty steel frame. Includes carry bag. Inexpensive. Comes with a 5-year warranty.
Cons: Will take up a lot of space in your vehicle when packed away.
OZtrail Easy Fold Single Jumbo Stretcher
This oztrail stretcher takes less than 10 seconds to set up! Ideal for big and tall campers this camp stretcher supports up to 150 Kg and is 210 cm long. Rest easy at night knowing where all your valuables and personal devices are with a mesh under-storage area and a side organizer pocket.
- RRP: $179.99
- Rated Capacity: 150 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 210L x 90W cm
- External Dimensions: 210L x 90W x 42H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 108L x 16W x 16H cm
- Material: 600D polyester with a powder-coated steel frame.
- Weight: 11.4 Kg
Pros: Large sleeping area. 150 Kg capacity. Convenient storage areas for valuables and personal devices. Comes with zippered carry bag. Only takes 10 seconds to set up.
Cons: Only comes with a 1-year warranty.
Zempire Speedy Stretcher Bed Twin
This double camp bed sleeps two average-sized adults comfortably and sets up in seconds. Forgot to bring a pillow? No problem, this stretcher bed comes with two padded headrests. The frame is made from powder-coated steel, is ultra-durably, and can support up to 200 Kg.
- RRP: $149.99
- Rated Capacity: 200 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 193L x 132W cm
- External Dimensions: 193L x 132W x 47H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 100L x 23W x 17H cm
- Material: 600D polyester with a powder-coated steel frame.
- Weight: 13.75 Kg
Pros: Can sleep two average size persons comfortably. Comes with two padded headrests. Corner mat straps to secure a sleeping mat for additional comfort. Carry bag included. Leg locks for extra security. Set up in seconds and rest easy with a 2-year warranty.
Cons: Bulky and takes up space when stored in a vehicle.
Darche XL 100 Stretcher
The Darche XL 100 Stretcher has a capacity rating of 150 Kg and is constructed with a steel and alloy cross-over support frame for added durability and support. Restless sleepers will rejoice with a width of over 100 cm so they can move freely throughout the night.
- RRP: $179.00
- Rated Capacity: 150 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 216L x 100W cm
- External Dimensions: 216L x 100W x 50H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 116L x 17W x 27H cm
- Material: Laminated 600D polyester PVC coated top with a steel and alloy frame.
- Weight: 10 Kg
Pros: 150 Kg support capacity for big and tall campers. Over 100cm wide for restless sleepers.Steel and alloy cross-over frame. Carry bag included.
Cons: Bulky. Only a 1-year warranty.
Coleman Big Sky Stretcher Bed Deluxe
The Coleman Big Sky Stretcher Bed Deluxe is simple by design. Folds down for easy setup and folds up for easy pack up, this stretcher also comes with a 4.5 cm thick foam pad and a coil suspension system. Comes with a sturdy powder-coated steel frame and a capacity of 136 Kg.
- RRP: $159.99
- Rated Capacity: 136 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 203L x 76W cm
- External Dimensions: 203L x 76W x 38H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 101L x 77W x 14H cm
- Material: Polycotton with a 22 mm powder-coated steel frame.
- Weight: 9 Kg
Pros: Coil suspension. Sturdy powder-coated steel frame. Covered foam mattress pad. Pad is 4.5 cm thick for added comfort. Easy to set up and easy to pack up.
Cons: Only a 1-year warranty.
Explore Planet Earth Single Easy Fold Stretcher
This basic stretcher is everything you need for your next camping trip at an affordable price. Just because it is inexpensive does not make this camp bed cheaply made. Designed with a heavy-duty polyester top and a reinforced steel frame, this stretcher can take a beating.
- RRP: $119.00
- Rated Capacity: 110 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 200L x 60W cm
- External Dimensions: 200L x 71W x 47H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 98L x 20W x 20H cm
- Material: Heavy-duty polyester with a reinforced steel frame.
- Weight: 8.8 Kg
Pros: Reinforced steel frame with a 110 Kg capacity. Side pocket for storing your valuables and personal devices. Carry bag included.
Cons: Only comes with a 1-year warranty.
Helinox Cot One Camp Stretcher
The super lightweight Helinox Cot One Camp Stretcher can easily be tied to your backpack for longer multi-day treks or strapped into your motorcycle or bicycle. The TH72M alloy frame is the reason this sleeping cot is on 2.3 Kg yet has a capacity of up to 145 Kg.
- RRP: $474.99
- Rated Capacity: 145 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 190L x 68W cm
- External Dimensions: 190L x 68W x 16H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 54L x 16W x 16H cm
- Material: Polyester with a Frame made from DAC TH72M alloy.
- Weight: 2.315 Kg
Pros: Ultra-lightweight design. Easy to set up and easy to pack up. Even though it is lightweight, it still supports up to 145 Kg. Come with a 5-year warranty.
Cons: Expensive.
OZtrail Deluxe Double Bunk Bed
These oztrail bunk beds set is perfect for kids or two smaller adults. This portable bunk beds set can also split into two separate single stretchers in minutes. Sleep at easy knowing there are anti-roll supports and safety rails for the top bunk. Comes with a side organiser to keep your valuables and personal electronic devices.
- RRP: $229.99
- Rated Capacity: 100 Kg top bunk | 120 Kg lower bunk.
- Size (Sleeping area): 182L x 73W cm
- External Dimensions: 182L x 73W x 90/107H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 63L x 45W x 20H cm
- Material: 600D polyester with a powder-coated steel frame.
- Weight: 17.6 Kg
Pros: Sleep two. Sturdy powder-coated steel frame. Top bunk comes with safety rails. Leg and anti-roll corner support. Carry bag included.
Cons: Only a 1-year warranty.
Coleman Camping Cot, Air Mattress, and Pump Combo
This Coleman Camping Cot Air Mattress Combo is for those campers who want the best of both words that a stretcher and an air mattress can provide. Sleep like a baby on this Coleman air mattress that has been factory tested to guarantee your mattress will not leak air throughout the night. Easy to set up and easy to pack up into the carry bag that is included. Extra durable steel frame supports up to 136 Kg for a twin size, and 272 Kg for the queen.
- RRP: $149.99
- Rated Capacity: Twin: 136.07 Kg Queen:272.15 Kg
- Size (Sleeping area): Twin: 187.96L x 101.6W cm – Queen: 198.12L x 149.86W cm
- External Dimensions: Twin: 187.96L x 101.6W x 59.69H cm – Queen: 198.12L x 149.86W x 55.88H cm
- Packed Dimensions: Twin: 106.67L x 45.72W x 45.72H cm – Queen: 106.67L x 45.72W x 45.72H cm
- Material: Steel frame
- Weight: Twin: 13.15 Kg – Queen: 19 Kg
Pros: Leakproof guarantee keeps your mattress inflated the entire night. Includes two side tables that pull-out for easy storage and cup holders. Comes with a pump and carry bag. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use. No additional tools needed for assembly.
Cons: Bulky. Takes up a lot of room when stored in a vehicle or home.
OZtrail RV Rhino Bed
Oztrail stretchers have a great reputation among campers. The Rhino bed lives up to the Oztrail reputation for being sturdy while at the same time providing superior comfort. Come with removable high-density foam padding and adjustable height legs to help set up on the uneven ground or provide additional storage space beneath. Perfect for children or adults.
- RRP: $449.00
- Rated Capacity: 150kg
- Size (Sleeping area): 215L x 88W cm
- External Dimensions: 215L x 88W x 37/47H cm
- Packed Dimensions: 90L x 86W x 35H cm
- Material: High-density foam padding with a steel frame.
- Weight: 13.5 Kg
Pros: Removable high-density foam padding. Adjustable height. Easy-lock safety locks. Includes a carry bag. Easy to set up and easy to pack up.
Cons: Expensive.
Camping Stretcher FAQ
Are camping stretchers comfortable?
If when you think of camping stretchers you are reminded of nightmare sleeping conditions from your childhood with metal poking you from who knows where and saggy support, stop right there. Modern camping stretchers have come a long way when it comes to how they are designed and what materials are used to provide you with the best restful sleep possible.
Do you need a sleeping pad?
When looking at a potential camp stretcher to purchase, check if it already comes with a built-in sleeping pad or air mattress. If not, you can purchase one to add on top, but it is not always necessary. It is a matter of preference.
Can a Camping Stretcher Damage the Tent Floor?
Some camp cots can cause damage to your tent floor. It is a good idea to bring some foam flooring, wood planks, outdoor carpet, blankets, or a tarp to place under the cot.
Ready to Purchase Your New Camping Stretcher?
Now that you have been well informed of all the options available to you for your camp stretcher needs, go ahead and a make a well-informed purchase today. Happy shopping!
