ARB SkyDome Swag

[MacFamily]

Has anyone bought one of these Skydome Swags yet, interested in any feedback weather you have bought one, seen one or used a mates.

They look well made and plenty of room, might have to duck down to our local ARB and have a look at one.

I know one thing they wont be cheap but you get what you pay for.

ARB SkyDome Swag | ARB 4x4 Accessories (http://www.arb.com.au/products/arb-touring-camping-accessories/skydome-swag/)

[Learner]

TBH, I think that the dome units will be fine, as long as there is no dew, frost or rain (or dust).

The problem that all swags seem to share is that there is no vestibule to put things like boots, rain gear, packs etc under cover while still being outside of the tent. Of course, you could wrap these things in a tarpaulin.

Further, if you need to enter or exit the swag when it is raining, some rain will get in.

I truly think that a small, 2-3 man, hiking tent is more practical.

HTH,
Peter

[Tombie]

ARB also do a "Boot Swag" :cool:

Wifes just ordered an ARB Skydome... Will get back to you.

[Tombie]

TBH, I think that the dome units will be fine, as long as there is no dew, frost or rain (or dust).

The problem that all swags seem to share is that there is no vestibule to put things like boots, rain gear, packs etc under cover while still being outside of the tent. Of course, you could wrap these things in a tarpaulin.

Further, if you need to enter or exit the swag when it is raining, some rain will get in.

I truly think that a small, 2-3 man, hiking tent is more practical.

HTH,
Peter

Peter...

You leave your gear in the fourby :cool:

Boots in alongside...

And even a tent lets water in when its raining ;)

I've got a tarp that gets rigged off the side of the 4wd when inclement weather to prevent rain on top of the swag (if i deem it necessary)

[MacFamily]

Peter...

You leave your gear in the fourby :cool:

Boots in alongside...

And even a tent lets water in when its raining ;)

I've got a tarp that gets rigged off the side of the 4wd when inclement weather to prevent rain on top of the swag (if i deem it necessary)

That was my thoughts, awning off the side to keep rain out.

We have a centerpole tent which sets up quick and also have two little girls but I like these and the swag would be ideal on a boys trip

[Barra1]

Those Skydomes or whatever look very much like the Southern Cross Canvas swags;)

Which begs the question - and be sure, everyone will have a different answer - a Skydome Swag vs Southern Cross Lite Tent.

The swag weighs 10kg - plus the fancy "boot swag" - the Lite tent weighs in at 14kg.

I have to add here - I can't imagine I would ever have the guts to put up a Boot Swag - in fact I thought ARB was having an early April Fool's joke at our expense until I saw someone has bought a Boot Swag.:eek::eek:

I'm getting too old and set in my ways:(

I reckon I know how Andrew Symonds felt when Shane Watson lit incense in the Aussie dressing room.:eek::eek::eek: My boots are grossly mistreated:(:(

It would be interesting to witness a competition in setting up the two outfits - three different categories:
1: Perfect conditions
2: Howling wind and rain
3: Late at night after a few sherberts

Not saying which is best - that is individual - love me swag (Hal Saul of Tawonga Swag) and love me Southern Cross Tent;)

Tombie - the tent doesn't leak. Say that again, the tent doesn't leak - and it gets used in the High Country during winter - in fact think of me up at Dartmouth next week;)

[Tombie]

Tombie - the tent doesn't leak. Say that again, the tent doesn't leak - and it gets used in the High Country during winter - in fact think of me up at Dartmouth next week;)

I actually meant when you open the door to go in :cool:

Just like opening the swag to go in :D

[Barra1]

I actually meant when you open the door to go in :cool:

Just like opening the swag to go in :D

Yeah - it DOES let the rain in when you open the door - that is why it is wise to get the zip-on canopy over the door.

Waking up in a swag with rain pounding down has hairs on it:twisted:

You just wished you had put up the canopy off the side of the Defender:(

[Tombie]

It would be interesting to witness a competition in setting up the two outfits - three different categories:
1: Perfect conditions
2: Howling wind and rain
3: Late at night after a few sherberts


I'd suggest the following could occur:

1: Tent would win
2: Swag would win (and possibly be drier) - Dont forget you can use it as a swag and just climb in...
3: Who cares, last time I was that pickled I just unrolled and collapsed on TOP of the swag ;)

Reasoning - Bedding already in swag, mattress already in swag...

Tent requires bedding be put in tent...

From experience, I've also found swags to be warmer in cold conditions.

[jakeslouw]

After struggling with a 3m x 3m bell tent again last weekend, those swags are looking MIGHTY good.
In fact, my bell tent hasn't even been put away properly, I just half folded the sod and shoved it in the back of the County and came home.

What is the price for a double swag?

[weeds]

I have four basic swags I.e. non dome. Awesome in good weather as I have them made up with sheets and blankets (I don't get it when people use sleeping bags in a sag) roll them and bobs your uncle. always sleep under the car awning or shed. The slightest rain and I'm one wet chicken.

I have always been tempted to buy a dome swag and do away with an awning but figured they would still be a pain in the rain.
I
I also agree that swags are warmer.

I also have two square centre pole tents that I use if wet weather is around plus they make a good change room for the girls.

My suggestion is buy basic flat swags (cheapest around) and invest your change in a good awning.

I have spent weeks on end living out of my $50 swags, under cover when the weather is looking dodgy and swear by them. I had to use a sleeping bag on the weekend just gone.....what a terrible nights sleep.

[MLD]

I have a Darche Super Dome swag. things i learned since acquisition:

(a) no amount of seasoning will waterproof a swag;
(b) in the rain it just sucks as a shelter;
(c) in the high country or Lithgow the dew means an early morning pee is guaranteeing wet socks;
(d) there is no equivalent sleeping arrangement to falling asleep with the canvass rolled back gazing at the stars over head in a desert knowing that the bugs stay on the outside.

If I was to buy another I'd look for one that has the canvas lifted off your feet. In the rain the contact of your feet to the canvas guarantees wet feet. It also catches on your blanket so when you turn over you uncover yourself. Sleeping bags turn into a wrestling match with yourself in the tight confines.

I swapped out the 50mm foam mattress and replaced it with a 50mm foam inflatable mattress. Just a little extra comfort for my ageing bones.

An awning or tarp is a must if there is any chance of dew or rain.

as for the boot swag, too cool. But what happened to a shopping plastic bag.

MLD

[ade]

TBH, I think that the dome units will be fine, as long as there is no dew, frost or rain (or dust).

The problem that all swags seem to share is that there is no vestibule to put things like boots, rain gear, packs etc under cover while still being outside of the tent. Of course, you could wrap these things in a tarpaulin.

Peter
my swag has a vestible at both ends that fits my boost and a bit more, cant bloody think of the type at the moment, aussie made though

[ade]

I have a Darche Super Dome swag. things i learned since acquisition:

(a) no amount of seasoning will waterproof a swag;
(b) in the rain it just sucks as a shelter;
(c) in the high country or Lithgow the dew means an early morning pee is guaranteeing wet socks;
(d) there is no equivalent sleeping arrangement to falling asleep with the canvass rolled back gazing at the stars over head in a desert knowing that the bugs stay on the outside.



MLD
mine is water proof, tested in a twelve hour continous downpour, dry as a bone in the morning, still cant think of the brand

[loanrangie]

After struggling with a 3m x 3m bell tent again last weekend, those swags are looking MIGHTY good.
In fact, my bell tent hasn't even been put away properly, I just half folded the sod and shoved it in the back of the County and came home.

What is the price for a double swag?

Not sure i'd be using a swag in efrica, dont like the idea of a big cat staring at me sleeping in a big take away bag, Egyptian cobra was enough in Tanzania and elephants in Zimbabwe !

[jakeslouw]

Not sure i'd be using a swag in efrica, dont like the idea of a big cat staring at me sleeping in a big take away bag, Egyptian cobra was enough in Tanzania and elephants in Zimbabwe !

Ah we're tough down here, some wildlife doesn't worry us much!

I'm more scared of the 700 venomous spiders in Australia than I am of an ellie or a lion.

[loanrangie]

The first time i ever saw a rooftop tent was in Tanzania we camped at Arusha on the way to Ngoro Ngoro crater, it was on a 2dr rangie and remember thinking that it was the ideal accommodation for Africa.

[Hoges]

The advert says " ARB SkyDome swags have been designed from the ground up..." :eek: strewth, I wonder how they did that? :wasntme:

[ade]

remembered the brand `AOS` I wouldnt buy another type

[winaje]

So, as MacFamily asked... has anyone bought one?

Pricing appears to be Single $395, double $560

[FenianEel]

There's a bit of a delay in supply of the skydome's at the moment, but there's more coming in the next couple of weeks.

I've only used it once, in dry conditions, but I loved it. The Mrs loved it better than our other swags, cause it's less claustrophobic.

They are a HUGE bit of kit though, and a very big when rolled as well.
They're pretty much a mini tent, but a great design, and well made.

[Ranga]

I still reckon a good quality hiking tent, self-inflatable mattress and sleeping bag is the best bet for my situation. Light, small, quick to setup and if anything like my old hiking tent, good for storms/blizzards etc. This also has the added benefit of being usable in hiking situations.

Anyway, sorry to hijack the thread. At least with the ARB dome swag you can sit up in it to eat, and would be easier to get dressed in than most other swags. Weight and bulk are the deal-breakers for me.

[Gonecamping]

We have an ARB Double swag since sept 12 and have not been able to use it in the rain yet as it is still leaking. We have weathered it in the bath soaking it for 24 hours each time. This has been done twice. We have also left it in the rain 3-4 times and it still leaks. Another problem we have is it condensates between the mattress and the PVC floor - even with the head end foot ends open and one of the sides open. This happens even in dry mild weather.

[winaje]

Thanks Gonecamping. We've decided to go with a Blackwolf Turbo 240 tent 2013 model, got a good price when they were on special.

[Tombie]

We have an ARB Double swag since sept 12 and have not been able to use it in the rain yet as it is still leaking. We have weathered it in the bath soaking it for 24 hours each time. This has been done twice. We have also left it in the rain 3-4 times and it still leaks. Another problem we have is it condensates between the mattress and the PVC floor - even with the head end foot ends open and one of the sides open. This happens even in dry mild weather.

I would contact ARB...

And get some seam sealer...


As for condensation, all swags will suffer that if the temperature / moisture differences are great enough...

I've had a swag dripping on me inside (condensation only)

[953]

Just get a tent.
What your looking at there, is a tent........... only smaller;)
Cheers Dean.

[Franz]

Not sure i'd be using a swag in efrica, dont like the idea of a big cat staring at me sleeping in a big take away bag, Egyptian cobra was enough in Tanzania and elephants in Zimbabwe !
You can always roll out the swag on your roof rack instead of on the ground - I was speaking with someone today that does this on his Defender :)

[953]

Hi Franz, how about rollout your swag inside the defender & put the contents on the roof?:D
Cheers Dean.

[Franz]

Hi Franz, how about rollout your swag inside the defender & put the contents on the roof?:D
Cheers Dean.
LOL.

[Redback]

There's a few of complaints about the ARB swag leaking, seems they haven't been able to fix them either as yet.

Contact ARB, they are replacing them at least, gonecamping, just noticed your on the forum the link is too, other may want to see your not the only one.

Read this
ARB swags - Page 7 (http://www.4wdadventurers.com/showthread.php?612-ARB-swags/page7)

Baz.

[Naviguesser]

Anyone got an update on these?
Have the leaking ones been sorted?
Anyone that has owns one have a review a few months on they would to share?

[Vern]

will let you know next week, surely its going to rain up the high country over the weekend:(

[Tombie]

Have a great trip

[gromit]

The Skydome looks less claustrophobic than a 'conventional' swag but more poles etc. to lose.

Awning out the side, mine's just a piece of canvas cable tied to the roofrack, and swags underneath.
Boot Swag ? My boots get put under the Defender.


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/12/777.jpg (http://s1245.photobucket.com/user/cradley/media/Stuff/DSCF1918_zpsb2adedae.jpg.html)



Colin

[Dizza]

Nothing beats my Burke and Wills swag in any conditions. Stays dry and warm no matter the weather and you can roll it back up with bedding etc. still inside and throw it on the roof rack ready for the next night.

I did the tent thing once. Never again. At least not for just myself and maybe one other person. It just isn't worth the extra effort to set up.

Mine is a double hoop kind so it isn't quite the typical Aussie swag but it does a good job of making it feel nice and roomy. Set it up under the awning so that you don't get damp stepping into and out of it and you are all set.
It tends to warm up to the perfect sleeping temperature pretty quickly year round. (I suppose that's the advantage of such a small sleeping space)

Dizza

[Vern]

Have a great trip

And if this thing doesn't 'weather' itself soon, I'll be having a wet trip:(

[Vern]

Well after a wet weekend, I can report on my arb sky dome. Friday night we camped just below Craig's hut, had a fair bit of rain coming from all directions even though we we're under awnings, we all got wet. Swags included, darche, Arb, Burke and wills, roman and forgot what the other was. I came out best in the arb, all the rest got a bit soggy.
I had drips falling from a seam on top where the door is (may not have been weathered properly yet). Overall I was very happy with it, heaps of room, and I didn't have the swag touching me and getting dew all over me.
Next night at the wonnangatta was much comfier due to no rain:)

[winaje]

So, as MacFamily asked... has anyone bought one?

Pricing appears to be Single $395, double $560

Funny to find this thread 4 years later. Have just taken delivery of a Darche Ridgedome. Will be using it on top of a Darche XL100 stretcher, and hopefully under an awning. Looking forward to try it out soon.