Thread: swags - are they any good

While I do not currently have a swag, they are really good. They are comfy and the canvas ones offer a lot of protection from the elements. Some also have a mosquito netting flap so that you can have it open and not get eaten. They are bulky though but shouldn't be a problem if you are bringing the defender. I don't know about the specific brands so can't comment. It is also useful to put it on a tarp to stop the swag from getting too dirty and helps keep it drier from the water beneath during the rain. Much easier to pack up than a tent!

ive got a candy canvas swag. its great.

mozzie net is a must

Also forgot to mention - some swags are made of really thin material - this makes them particularly prone to tearing and also not very well insulated! Also the varying mattress types available do affect the comfort factor.

I live in mine for weeks at a time.....get a good one.....get a good farter sack as well. a lot of the modern "thin" materials cant be easily punctured, ripped or cut. Mine is "thin" but tough as nails, has a 40mm hi density foam matteress. Don't buy a cheap one....that's what you will have. Goto a home/camping show and talk to all the suppliers and they'll tell you the best features such as overlap flaps on zips etc.....then once armed with all the info, go buy one you like. ps....they never pack up to the same size you buy them...allow for double.

Originally Posted by TheEntertainer

Hi All,
Thinking about getting a swag to roll out when I do my mountain bike events, worst thing after a 100km in the mountains is to pack up a tent with sore legs, arms and you know what...

Had a look a the oztrail biker, for around $150 (low budget), is the 5cm foam mattress thick enough or am I better of buying a 10cm mattress and sleeping in the back of the defender?

thanks

J

Agree with both Synthium & Eevo, and from a comfort perspective, I'd say the 10cm minimum, but if only needing a single, I'd strongly suggest a self inflating mat in preference to a foam mattress, as they are more comfortable, and reduce the bulk and weight of the swag. You can also add a little more air to the self inflating mats, but not too much, as not designed like lilo, and will split. Aldi have good self inflating mats at a very reasonable cost, from time to time, if you have one nearby.
If you're buying a swag with mattress included, you could then go for the thinnest/cheapest & pop the self inflating mat on top, and I reckon you'd be floating in seventh heaven after a days mountain bike riding!

Bloody oath they're good!

I've got a Burke and Wills 'Coolabah' swag and I love it, I much prefer it to a tent, and they are a whole heap warmer, only downside is your lady friend can't join you, and they're positively huge when rolled up, but they're comfy! Not sure what the cheaper ones are like as this was a fairly expensive investment at around $400 IIRC, but I'm sure I'll have it for life.

Cheers
Will

Not sure what make mine is, I actually got it at the expo.
It's fantastic, sleeps two without too much cramming, and it's comfortable and warm to boot.
It's a bit big when rolled up but I can live with that.

I have an oztrail Mitchell dbl takes about 3 min to set up the hoops it is big when rolled up but I carry on the rood rack so size is not a problem. Has stood up to some very heavy rain and wind which took several tents away