Has anyone got one of these? I am a SIM/lightweight pad person but am having major surgery which has disrupted my summer plans.
I have identified this bed (aptly named stretcher) as strong, fairly high and decent looking to help me to continue camping albeit not cycle camping, this summer.
There aren't many reviews but I am hoping it will be decent.
I've no personal experience of the Gecko Stretcher but, having watched the youtube videos (not great!) can see it's virtually the same as all other camping beds of this type, only padded.
We've got an Outwell bed of this type (don't think they make them anymore). The frame is aluminium, so it's lighter and, as mentioned previously, it's not padded. The pack size is reasonably compact and it's stable and sturdy, once assembled. It's easy to assemble and pack away and gives a taut surface (ideal for using with a SIM), we used ours for sunbathing but it's not been out of its bag for a few years now. The downside, perhaps, is the 2 x bars at head and foot of the bed; they do protrude quite a bit so you can't put two beds close together and you'd have to factor them in when thinking where to position the bed, especially near canvas.
If you're planning on using a SIM atop the Gecko then I'd suggest looking at an alternative - less expensive - brand, which would do the same job. I believe Mucker has a couple from GoOutdoors, which he's very happy with. It seems pointless paying for padding when you're not actually going to benefit from it.
I've just checked and the ones we have are still available: Laguna Hills (large).
The assembled size of the Laguna L (ours) is: 80/97 x 210 x 44cm. The Gecko measures: 80 x 190 x 50cm, so is shorter but taller. I'd just check if that stated width of 80cm includes the head and foot bar, though (as you can see from the Outwell measurements, the 80cm wide bed is actually 97cm wide when taking into account the bars). Price-wise, they're the same.
With a sloping-sides tent, you'll have to position the bed quite a way in, since the height of these beds, plus width including bars, is considerable.
I'm confused as to why Norwich Camping would describe the Gecko Stretcher as a 'low height' campbed and claim it suits a 'shallow type tent' (obviously meaning, lower beds can better fit a tent with sloping sides), then go on to give dimensions of 190 x 80 x 50cm. It seems this bed is actually quite a bit taller than other models, not lower?
Can I just ask, are you particularly interested in this one because of the additional height, the padding or the weight-carrying capacity? It does look like a good item, if you prefer the bonus of any of those points.
We do indeed have a pair of bog standard singles from G.O. and we are indeed more than satisfied with them. I think This is the latest version, with little or no difference to ours, other than the colour?
Having said that, we do top them off with decent SIM's, and we are arguably just as comfortable sleeping with the SIM's on the floor, as we do for overnighting en-route through France (As well as on other folks' living room floors, when we outstay our welcome! LOL!).
Biggest bonus for us with the actual beds are the height, and the ease of getting in/out, and the storage space below them, as opposed to the actual sleeping comfort of the bed. I suspect most of that comes from the SIM!
I'd also add that we have had no other camp bed to compare them with, as these are one of the few items we have been happy enough to stick with, since we set ourselves up 5 years ago.
I did once try a mate's camp bed that had the top and bottom cross bars on it... and I wasn't overly impressed. They (the end bars) were tight to fit first of all (although it was a new bed) but it also felt like my feet were starting to rise, due to the tautness of the canvas. Ours "sag" across the width for the full length. Any taller than 5ft 10, and you'd also probably be resting a heel on that bottom bar (It's rare the head stays at the very top... especially when it's cold!!).
Our SIM's are also a few inches longer than our beds, so another negative for the end bar, for us if not for others.
Thanks for your thoughts, I have already ordered one. The increased height was a particular selling point for me (post abdominal surgery). If I could use it without a SIM that would be a plus and it can always be used for people who come to stay as well.
I do appreciate that it will need to sit fairly centrally along the back of the tent but that is fine our tent is more than big enough for that.
I don't mind the cost. I was drawn to it because I know someone with an oztent and it is quite impressive/well made.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Oztent Gecko "stretcher"
