Thread: swags - are they any good

I use a Darche super done swag and find it very comfortable. It takes a couple of minutes to set up and also to roll up in the morning. It does take up a bit of space but like others, I chuck it on the roof rack when travelling. I took it on a 2 week trip from sydney across the Simpson an back in April and slept like a log (even with the frequent dingo visits). Not sure how Darche compares to other swag brands but I absolutely love using the swag.

Love my Saul.

Rugged and dead simple. Nothing to break on these things. Keep a seperate mozzie net for when you need it.

Originally Posted by Bushie

Where there's a will there's a way, (or buy a double).

Martyn

When my girlfriend came I took the tent, "there's so much room for... activities" (movie quote)

Will

I bought a cheap swag a while ago at a Caravan and Camping Show for $150. After years of struggling to sleep in the bush with everything from foam mats to expensive self inflating mattresses, I now get a fantastic nights sleep. I haven't used it directly in the rain, I put a tarp up, and sometimes one under, and the only problem is airing it out, as I don't like to pack it up damp.

Jeff

Me and the misses only ever take the swag, we have an oz trail Mitchell dbl. We've had it for 3 years now and still no tears zips are all perfect. Even slept right through heavy rain where the ground was flooding and we were perfectly dry and comfy inside.

We payed $300 at anaconda. Couldn't recommend them enough.

Have just spent three months using the Oztrail Biker swag in all conditions.It is still in good nick,no rips,zips up fine etc.Being the Biker the mattress is pretty narrow and it sometimes suffers from condensation[don't know if others also do]may be something to do with the waterproof synthetic base.The screening is excellent as long as it is kept clear of your skin....which it is, when kept taught by the guy ropes.Even better when used on a stretcher...mine is an alloy one from BCF.Don't expect to fold it up again as small as when you first unwrap it!

I have a Jolly swagman king single (the top version) has a 5cm thick mattress with another 5cm ripple mattress glued on top (factory). it is always in the landy and gets used at least once a week. It's comfy and warm and can fit 2 in it fairly comfortably (intimately). I have had it in lots of bad weather and it has always kept me dry.

The other nice feature to have, especially in summer, is having a vent at your head and feet so if it is raining you can still get a breeze over you. i also have a blow up mat to put in if i take it out on the bike.

The only time I use a tent now is if I am multi day hiking.

My mate has the double version of mine and it is huge, you could fit 4 people in it! however it is big and bulky.

cheers

I have the Darche superdome, it's 16 oz canvass and will take a lot of punishment before it tears. From research i did a few xmas ago when I bought a swag as a present the majority of the current crop are 12 oz canvass. They seem sturdy enough but there is a marked difference in weight of canvass between mine and Mum's partners (the present).

You will find the 50mm mattress wanting. I used an inflatable hiking mattress under the foam mattress for many years until i coughed up the cash for a 70mm high density foam mattress. It is a big package even when rolled tight.

They are warm even in freezing temps. I find mine extremely comfortable and rarely get a bad night sleep.

Rain is a PITA. It's not much of a shelter in rain and the moment you open the flap you are exposed. Most people set up a tarp so factor that in to your kit.

If I was to do it again i'd get one that has the centre pole end to end to lift the swag off the body and offer some air circulation. That said, my model is warm because you are snug as a bug in a rug.

The other thing to think about is canvass v poly base. My preference is canvass. The mattress doesn't sweat from the condensation. But if you lay on damp ground the canvass base will get wet to some extent. If the ground is wet i lay a small cheap tarp on the grass and swag on that.

I haven't tried it but the word on the street is the bed stretcher is the bomb for improving comfort. Handy too if you have limited mobility from dodgy joints. When you start adding stretchers to the kit you are no longer adopting fuss free camping.

Waterproofing is as easy as soaking it in the bath for 48 hours and hang to dry in the shade on a warm day. Do that in spring each year and you will soak out the musty odours (and farts) and re-season it for the coming camping season.

Best investment for a no fuss camping set up. Coming from someone that has a roof top tent, a 6 person quick erect canvass tent, lightweight hiking tents and the most used swag. Tempted to get a hammock for ****s and giggles.

Concluding words, buy quality and it will repay you in kind with years of solid service.

MLD