Advice of using a Swag on top of a camp stretchers

[Beachman]

Hi All,

My considering buying a Swag for my quick fishing trips and was thinking about getting one I can use on top of my king single camp stretcher.

I’ve never owned a Swag, but I like the idea of being off the ground. Does anyone else do this and does it work?

Thanks

[paul.o]

I haven't done what you are doing, but I do have two swags, both with hoops but not the newer larger style. If you've not had one before, have a look at the swags that have plenty of height. Mine are both King Singles (Darche and Jolly) and there isn't enough room, ie. canvas just about touching my shoulder when on my side.

I'll be getting a "freestanding' style shortly.

Someone here will know, but I still think you'd be able to put this style on a stretcher.

Paul

[Tim - Stratford]

A lot of 'aging' mates do it. They love not being on the ground and reckon it's easier getting out of the swag in the morning. My view is that they must be comfortable given the amount of snoring they do!

[chester ver2.0]

In summer i love being on the stretcher

In winter i find it bloody freezing and prefer to be on the ground. i think the cold air passing under the stretcher seems to make it colder and yes i realise that the ground will be cold as well but i somehow find it warmer on the earth in winter

[Chris.]

Yep I use a swag on top of a stretcher, works very well, much more comfortable being off the ground.

[Alan Loy]

An alternative is the stretcher tent, it combines the two together.  There are a few arround at different price points eg

https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/jet-tent-bunker-stretcher-tent

https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/oztrail-easy-fold-tent-stretcher

https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/kamp-rite-original-tent-cot

[fazza81]

yep another swag on stretcher user here,  makes my swag twice as comfy

[shakey55]

I have been using a swag for years while travelling the outback.  A few years ago my back was a little crook so I took a stretcher with me and put the swag on top.  I found it easy and great.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[GBC]

Yep. Also keeps it cleaner and dryer.

[Beachman]

Thanks everyone for your feedback as you have convinced me. I did look at the combo swag/stretcher but I’ve already got a good free standing stretcher. At the moment this Oztail Mitchell is winning https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/oztrail-mitchell-swag

It’s only going to be used a handful a times per year, so doesn’t need to be too flash.

[Dogsbreakfast]

Yep stretcher, self inflating mattress and swag = best snooze ever.

[GBC]

Thanks everyone for your feedback as you have convinced me. I did look at the combo swag/stretcher but I’ve already got a good free standing stretcher. At the moment this Oztail Mitchell is winning https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/oztrail-mitchell-swag

It’s only going to be used a handful a times per year, so doesn’t need to be too flash.

Enoggera camping is closing down - pretty big sale on there. I don't know what's left though.

[Hairs]

G'day Beachman,
I too having been toying with the stretcher under the swag, yep heaps of travelers do have them.
ATM We use an airbed(6" thick) under the thin foam mattress that came with our swags, problem being the extra height makes it feel stuffy inside, but it does make for a comfy sleep.
Toasty warm in the colder months. 
At the national Meet in Mansfield we were warm enough, didn't feel the cold at all, alcohol consumtion might of had something to do with that 

[Bird]

I think it defeats the purpose of having a swag

[Merts]

I think it defeats the purpose of having a swag

Only if the purpose of having a swag is to be as uncomfortable as possible.

The extra time involved in putting my stretcher up is about a minute, and as others have said, it's way more comfortable than being on the ground.
It's still a quick and easy way to set up a 'bed' in the bush.

Btw, for the record, my setup is all Darche. A 1000mm wide stretcher, an 1100mm wide swag and sleeping bag, and a 900mm wide self inflating mattress rather than the one that came with the swag. The mattress sits neatly between the stretcher sides, and the swag overlaps them by a couple of inches both side, which means any rain sheds off rather than going between the swag base and stretcher. It's as comfy as my bed at home. 

[S.W]

Yep stretcher, self inflating mattress and swag = best snooze ever.

^^ What he said!

Good point above about the swag being wider than the stretcher to stop water running underneath too. I put mine under my awning so never even considered it.

[Mudguts]

Literally spent years in a swag on a stretcher. Great set up! Would recommend getting the biggest stretcher you can, I'm 6' and found the standard stretcher just a bit short due to the way the material rises up to meet the cross members - put a bend in my neck.
Also recommend getting a 4wd mattress - then you'll be really comfortable!

Regards,
Dicko.

[Desert lover]

In my experience, people I know who live and work on cattle/camel station always have their swag/s on stretchers... there are lots of nocturnal creepies, crawlers and slitherers which, unless you have a fully enclosed swag (you are zipped into it totally) could potentially find your swag an enticing place.... I always thought that just rolling out the swag and clambering in on the ground was a great idea...until it was explained to me why it isn't...
So it is definately on a stretcher for me.

[sharkcaver]

A swag on a stretcher is my weapon of choice and has been for years. I have over 20 nights under canvas with this set up so far this year. A free standing swag tends to sit on a stretcher better and no ropes are required. Its best if your stretcher is wider than your swag to avoid side bagging, but if it does to a small degree, you can live with that. By having my swag on a stretcher bed, I don't need a PVC base. I hate a PVC base due to the pools of sweat/condensation that I find under the mattress each morning.

I'm about to spend another week in my swag on a stretcher bed 

[BigDog816]

I think it defeats the purpose of having a swag

I thought that too Bird, but then I tried it.  More comfortable, less sand in/on the swag, cool in summer.  My boys trip setup is Swag on Stretcher under the Awning off the side of the car, fridge full of Beer and Rum, with some snags jammed in around it. 

My swag isn't one of the ones with the poles and bows, flyscreen etc (I think that defeats the purpose of a swag) essentially a big canvas sleeping bag (made by a canvas guy in Toowoomba), unclip, unroll and your in bed.

[nab]

Another swag/stretcher user here.

I use it under the 4x4 awning and just tie the end rope up to the awning pole, keeps the canvas off my head.

[RichardW]

Used this setup for many years. Keeps nasty surprises out.
Just replaced the Oztrail Mitchell with an Oztrail Winton.

North Pool - CSR


Just out of the box.

[Wato]

Yep another vote for the swag/stretcher combo. I resisted for years because I had always "just needed my swag", but I now wouldn't go back.

Craig

[clarky]

I have been using a stretcher with a swag for a while now. With the self inflating mattress it is comfier than my bed at home. (Please don't tell my wife, or we will be updating the mattress). The no climbing up or down is another benefit, and your boots are dry in the morning and no mud or dirt on the swag.