Thread: Swags - I need opinions

I've got a Saul Swag and swear by it. If I need more shelter, a tarp from the roof rack to the ground as a lean-to and your snug and dry or cool and shaded.

Hi Gav,

I'm with the group for the Saul Swag.

Simple, basic, no frills, no hassles design. As previous posters have said, Saul is a traditionalist. As a result, I suspect my grandchildren might still be getting use out of of mine long after I have departed this mortal realm (and I don't even have children yet )

While all those folk with their fancy hooped designs are still art-farcing around trying to get the thing set up, mine is already unrolled, ready to go, and I'm relaxing with a beverage. Been there and done that. Again, if you're going to spend that much time setting up the swag why not just pitch a tent and be done with it! IMHO some of the domed/hooped swags are more complex than some tents.

I've seen others have the zips and clips and velcro come adrift and render their swags much less than ideal. Don't know the make/models/origins/ages so can't comment on the price performance of them.

Saul has all of the bits that you might want. Good merino wool blankets for those really cold desert nights, and mosquito nets for those tropical sleep disturbing beasties. He's also very accommodating if you have some special considerations and would like some customisation.

I like my Saul swag. It's simple and versatile (just need some twine, and a stick or two, for miraculous possibilities) and it's built to last several lifetimes.

If you've been used to sleeping in a tent there is a bit of a learning curve/acclimatisation period involved in swagging it comfortably for the night. Took me about a few days to get comfortable with it. Your mileage may vary.

That's my 5c worth. Hope it is of use to you.

Cheers,
Iain

Seems a lot of people dont like the hoop design swags for the time taken to put them up. Never timed it but I reckon I can be in my sway inside 3 minutes. I dont peg it down and only ever put the peg either end to rope yhe ends off to, if there is a tree handy I use them.
cheers
blaze

Another vote for the Saul Swag for all the reasons listed above. I've slept cosy and warm in the snow or simply left the flaps lose in the tropics for a ggod nights kip.

A lot of swags these days have IMHO lost the plot and become more like mini tents - can't see the point in that. A swag was originally meant to be simple and universal - use it rolled up as a seat or backrest while lounging around the campfire then, when the time comes, just roll it out and crawl in until the sun rises.

My first swag was an old worn out tonneau (sp?) cover from a ute with a bit of basic bedding rolled up inside.

Go to your local upholstery shop as see if they can make one. It's cheaper, local and made to measure. I got it made wider and longer, also to suit n.q conditions, with a cover sheet of canvas to lay flat as most bush swags or pitch as a tent over you in heavy rain. beaut made too.

My son bought me a Wild Country swag from Ray's.
The first one wasn't water proof and was exchanged under warrrenty.
We also use a RV3 Oztent.

Hourses for courses with the use of both.

I get a good nights sleep in the swag but codensation is an issue.
I don't use the hoops unless it's left set up during the day to "air out".
I've found the air vents on both ends don't get enough air flow for the condisation problem so often sleep with top open(just do the mesh up for bugs).
Great for one night or a rolling camp quick set up where privicy isn't a priority.

The tent is 2 min. longer to set than the swag if you don't want the extra walls(I peg the back guy ropes and put rope onto the awning so 4 or 6 pegs total).
The advantage is room for the clothing bag ect. when stoped.

One idea I picked up while out with some guys from here was to put a tarp over the swag at night.
This way the morning dew is on the tarp and not the swag so it doesn't get rolled into the swag on pack up.
Nothing worse than getting into a wet swag
Same for the rain, by the time you put a tarp up you might as well put up the tent.

I set my swag up next to a door on the Landie, get to put my boots inside out of the wet and away from the bugs this way, better the than the rubish bag I used.


So if I want a quick stop in dry conditions I grab the swag.
If I want room for cloths or need privacy(like a big camp site)or it's going to rain I go the tent.
If with the clan the girls get the tent and I use the swag under the tent awning

And just to add to the confusion I'll add that a mate has just picked up a double swag so he can have some storage space when it's in use.

Also consider how you intend to carry a swag on/in your rig, they do take up some space.
If on the roof think about what happens when driving in the rain, 100km/h pushs water into all the little openings

I'm a Saul swagman too. Only one I've ever owned and can't think of too many way to improve them. I hate mossies but its just one of those things if you're sleeping outside.

I have a single Fleming and Sandford (dont exist anymore.) This is a simple basic design also.

Had a double Saul and loved it for its simplicity. I use a self inflating mat with mine as that's far more comfortable. Fold the swag in half lengthways, complete with bedding for packing. Of course the mattress packs separately.