Thread: Swag or tent??

We just bought a double swag for me and the missus. Biggest advantage we saw was it has all bedding ready to go with it. Ours can be opened right up so its just misquito netting and then closed up when its raining. It has flaps either end that peg out so that you can leave the foot and head canvas open to get reasonable airflow in rain. Only thing I would suggest is getting a 12v fan to put at the foot opening to get a bit more airflow.
btw has plenty of room for me wife and the 7 month old baby
cheers
Josh

Being a bit of a minimalist, old habits die hard, I'm from the 'Swag' school of thought.

Takes up far less room than a tent, ease of setting up - in all weathers, costs - well that is very problematical you get what you pay for.

Originally Posted by Recy Mech

Being a bit of a minimalist, old habits die hard, I'm from the 'Swag' school of thought.

Takes up far less room than a tent, ease of setting up - in all weathers, costs - well that is very problematical you get what you pay for.

Thanks.
I'd argue that a tent usually takes up less space than a swag, there arent many 1 or 2 man canvas tents out there that give similar constraints when erected.

That said I can see they are much more durable than a non-canvas variety when out in the bush. Indeed, is that it? Are they popular because they are the most durable for 1 man (or latterly 2 people)? If so and they are waterproof I'm sold, I think!

Another question...
From reading various swag posts on here, why do people make a tarp strung over the swag part of there normal setup? If they are waterproof and breathable I'm not seeing the need?

Thx
J

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I have four single swags, basic bottom end price wise in fact I made one as an apprentice. They are far from water proof if there is rain is about than I need to be under cover. They can handle dew.

I used them for 18 days touring the Simpson desert and they worked a treat but as mention do take a lot of room on the roof rack. Keep in mind 50mm mattress 2 sheets doona pillow all wrapped u in two layers of canvas at a guess 400mm round

Hey Jon, The swag is by far the best thing ive slept in as far as room and ease of setting up, I bought the Oztrail Mitchell for $200 and still is perfectly ok to sleep in, with netting only on a warm nite nothing beats it,

cheers

Ken

Thanks guys. It would seem the cheaper ones let rain in..

Can anyone comment on the more expensive brands in this regard?

Does water tend to come in around the seams or through the canvas?

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I use a small tent, thin mattress and sleeping bag when traveling with a mate on motorbikes. He uses a swag.

I don't think there is a huge difference in the space they each use when packing the bikes. The swag is probably easier to pack/ unpack. The tent gives a bit more room to read etc.

Last time we went out we camped by a river and had a heavy dew that night. Next morning all his gear, left out by the swag, was soaked. My gear, stowed in the tent with me was fine. The tent had enough ventilation to be very comfortable.

Also, people are less inclined to drive over tents vs swgs.

I'm sticking with the hiking tent for these trips.

Bill

Originally Posted by Yorkshire_Jon

Thanks.
I'd argue that a tent usually takes up less space than a swag, there arent many 1 or 2 man canvas tents out there that give similar constraints when erected.

That said I can see they are much more durable than a non-canvas variety when out in the bush. Indeed, is that it? Are they popular because they are the most durable for 1 man (or latterly 2 people)? If so and they are waterproof I'm sold, I think!

Another question...
From reading various swag posts on here, why do people make a tarp strung over the swag part of there normal setup? If they are waterproof and breathable I'm not seeing the need?

Thx
J

Sent using Forum Runner

If it rains or a heavy dew settles, you don't have to pack a wet swag...