We test the Oztrail Ultimate All Weather stretcher tent

Swags are the norm for off-roaders heading off the grid, but while they’re comfy and easy to set up they do tend to have one big downfall – size.

For a winter trip to the Vic High Country I got a common double-size swag for the girlfriend and myself, and after four days of squeezing it inside my LWB GQ Patrol wagon, I was seriously over it. Rolled up with mattress and sleeping bags inside it weighed a metric ton, and even with it butted up against the back of the driver’s seat (rear seats down) you’d struggle to fit a small Esky behind it.

After that trip we started looking at alternatives, and that’s when we came across the OZtrail Ultimate All Weather stretcher tent, which is available in either a single or double queen size. Straight away the size struck us, because it easily had room for two adults inside (being queen size) but when it was packed up, it was about half the size of the swag both in length and width and only weighed a touch over 20kg.

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Unlike a normal tent it uses a metal stretcher frame, so set up is no less complicated or time consuming than a swag. Simply fold out the base, insert two poles for the main structure, peg down the fly over the top and you’re all set! Pack up is even easier, the frame folds up in 10 seconds and fits straight in the bag so there’s no squishing and rolling that’s needed for a big swag.

The other neat feature of the stretcher frame is that it keeps you nice and high off the ground in damp conditions, and a mesh shelf underneath provides a nice dry spot to keep your shoes.

Two massive doors either side make access in and out a breeze, and because it’s based on a traditional tent you still have heaps of head room to sit up, change clothes and do other basic tasks without feeling like you’re in a coffin.

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The only pitfall we can find so far is the metal stretcher frame runs a beam straight through the middle of the floor, which can be uncomfortable if you really want to spread out. But at six-foot-two in height, I had no issues with head-to-toe length and because the floor of the tent is off the ground, there’s no need for a mattress.

At $529.99, they really aren’t any more expensive than a good quality double swag.

AVAILABLE FROM: www.oztrail.com.au
RRP: $529.99