Swags have been the tent of choice for a lot of campers throughout the years simply because they’re versatile, quite simple and can be used just about anywhere. With air poles and dome swags being introduced, most campers thought that swags couldn’t get any better, and that they would dominate the tent market for many years. And then came along stretcher tents.
One of the biggest disadvantages of swag tents is that you need to get them down on the ground, which isn’t always comfortable and possible. For that reason, many people have started putting their swag tents on a stretches for some extra height, which limits the ability to pitch the swag tightly. Pitching the swag tightly is vital for staying warm and dry, and that also means that you’ll have to set up both the swag tent itself and a stretcher. And that’s how the easy fold stretcher tent was born.
So now that the sales of an easy fold stretcher tent equal the sales of a swag tent, how do you make the right choice? Well, you should know the key differences between them. Swag tents are the most simple form of tents, and they basically feature a mattress that’s protected by a canvas exterior. Stretch tents, on the other hand, are basically a tent mounted on a stretcher.
The pros of stretching tents are that they are quicker to set up than swag tents, while still keeping you off the ground and ensuring you stay warm and dry. Moreover, they provide more headroom and allow you to sit at the edge with your shoes off. Additionally, stretching tents feature a big storage vestibule and shelter for your gear below, and they can be used as a mozzie shelter without a canvas fly.
However, they have some disadvantages as well. For instance, they’re usually quite heavy and can’t be packed with bedding inside. Speaking of bedding, you’ll likely need a mattress for extra insulation and comfort.
Swag tents, on the other hand, are very warm and include a mattress. Most models are completely waterproof, and you can leave the bedding inside when packing them. Additionally, they’re quick and easy to setup without the poles, and they can be used inside a caravan or a house.
On the downside, they’re too bulky to carry, and setting up the poles can take quite some time. Moreover, they don’t have any storage except the actual interior of the tent, and you’ll have to place them directly on a flat ground which is not always possible and convenient. Lastly, it’s difficult to set them up on a stretcher, and there’s not much room to get changed.