Which Swag?

[taslucas]

Who runs which swag?

Im in the market for a swag. I have a few mates with some pretty nice looking heavy duty swags.
The Oztrail ones seem to be fairly well priced and look to be decent quality. Does anyone have one of these? What are your thoughts?
A few things to keep in mind:
Im probably only going to use it 3 or 4 times a year so it doesnt have to be fully hardcore.
Most the time ill either be laying on wet ground or get rained on so im looking more for good waterproofing instead of good ventilation.
The weight doesnt bother me as i own a patrol.
Any thoughts or recomendations would be appreciated.

[Winnie]

Swags aren't really good for sleeping in the rain, you will need a tarp or something to go over it. I have a Freetime swag and the water soaks through

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[DX grunt]

I consider a swag an investment and believe you pay for what you get.

I used to be in the SES and bought a decent king single swag. It was an AOS brand and had a roll back top, and underneath that was a sandfly cover, that protected me. I could still hear the mozzies buzzing around, but they were'nt in my space. lol. The only regret I have is not getting the thicker mattress.

Here's a pic of my swag. I'll roll it out and give you the full monty and add it as an edit, sometime this week.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af279/DXgrunt/DX%20grunt/Unofficialtripreport006.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/DXgrunt/media/DX%20grunt/Unofficialtripreport006.jpg.html)
This is an old pic, so don't be too critical. lol

There are lots of options to stay dry. Site selection is the most important thing. Stay away from known waterways/run off areas. Put a tarp/ground mat on the ground under your swag. You could make your own 'tent' by stringing a rope between two trees - remembering not to ringbark or damage the tree - and draping a tarp over it, and using tent pegs to hold the tarp down. If you're allowed, dig a small trench around your swag/campsite, so if it does rain, you won't get flooded out - and remember it's there, so when you get out of bed you don't roll your ankle, and remember to fill the holes in when you leave.

If you go for a few 'drinkies' at another campsite, make sure you've got a couple or a few solar lights at your camp, so you can find your way home in the dark. lol

Rossco

[my third 256]

got a darche kingsize swag and love it
just remember to season it and spray with water proofing stuf

[taslucas]

Yeah you can get good waterproof swags, my mates is awesome, I found him asleep one morning with puddle on him haha. I'll have to find out what brand.
Always the same when looking at camping gear, most of it is designed to be insect proof and well ventilated to keep you cool which isn't what I'm after in Tassie lol.
Hey rosscoe, thats not a swag, thats a tent! Lol

McCulture

[oncedisturbed]

I have a king single wild country dome swag from rays outdoor and works a treat, heavy canvas and good mesh, paid $120 on special for but does need a thicker mattres which I use a 4wd self inflating mat.

Also have a double dome swag made by Sherpa which is awesome as again thick canvas, good mesh and has a good mattres in it. Paid $350 on special from a 4wd show.


Sent from my iPhone using Motorculture mobile app

[threedogs]

Had heaps of swags over the years, Scenerio try getting into a Darche or dome style swag in the rain with muddy boots.
But wait theres more you are four parts Pist. Then remember to zip it up. Mob in Shep make an awesome tent style swag
I have two swags don't use them for One reason only, they are far too bulky,
I plan on taking 2 mates to Cape york, way too much room, IMO cheap GEO and Lilo for that trip
But a Rooster like yourself get the King single of Your choice, RAYS do a decent one at a good price

[TPC]

I have a "Down Under Brumby" swag and I love it.
I have used it in the rain and never got wet, if it is raining when I get in I use the end entrance to stop rain getting in.
It has good ventilation too which I found important to let condensation from breathing out otherwise it will build up inside the swag and you end up wet.
It is not cheap but you get what you pay for.

[NP99]

Have a look at the esky web site

http://www.techniice.com/camping-gear-categories

I have one of their swags!

[Cuppa]

I've got one of these (http://www.saulswags.com.au/Pages/photogallery.htm), no zips & warmer than many because of the double layer of canvas over the top of you. I had a longer flap sewn onto the head end as I used to get water channeling inside when it rained. From the pics it looks as though todays model has the extended head flap like I had added). A top quality swag....... but to be honest if I were buying another today, just for occasional use I'd go for one of the zip up type with a couple of hoops inside. A mate has had one for years with a pvc floor in it which he reckons is far better for wet weather.

Cuppa

[BigRAWesty]

I got mine custom made.. its a king single in size, pvc floor and 100mm of side, and good heavy canvas top. Full length zips down either side, fine pvc mesh from about 1m from the top, and around the end, and if you tie it up it makes a ridge like structure.
I tie it to the bull bar with toes into the wind and never had an issue with water.
As many have said, only down fall is matress thickness. But if I used it heaps I would get a self inflating one..
Ill roll it out and take a pic..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

[NP99]

I got mine custom made.. its a king single in size, pvc floor and 100mm of side, and good heavy canvas top. Full length zips down either side, fine pvc mesh from about 1m from the top, and around the end, and if you tie it up it makes a ridge like structure.
I tie it to the bull bar with toes into the wind and never had an issue with water.
As many have said, only down fall is matress thickness. But if I used it heaps I would get a self inflating one..
Ill roll it out and take a pic..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories (http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?15134-Westy-s-Accessories.-A-small-back-yard-builder.)

Of the swag we hope! :)

[93patrol]

I roll with a double AOS swag i got from the army surplus in town for me and the missus.

the thicker the canvas the better the swag IMO my bro in law has a cheap swag for one of those outdoor shops and it is really thin and lets the wind flow through it everyone knows its gets bloody cold on the beaches down here so a nice thick canvas keeps that wind out

[threedogs]

You'll probable find shops like Rays and Army surrplus stock area specific gear.
As no point getting a swag for FNQ when you're down in Tassie, Ask whats made
or does anyone one make gear for Tassie conditions, thats what I'd be doing.
Surely someone in Tassie produce quality swags to suit your needs

[daggy]

I was looking for a swag at Xmas last year and couldn't find anything that I really liked. Getting older, getting down to the ground and then up could pose problems along with setting up in the wrong area, especially if it rains. I ended up getting a tent cot, it's a camp stretcher with a small tent that zips onto the stretcher. I use a inflatable hiking mattress underneath to stop the cool air rising. I find it really quick to set up, about 3 minutes with stuffing around and about the same to pull down and packs into a neat carry case. Packs up smaller than a swag but it is rigid. I know of a couple of others that use these and they love them also.

[oncedisturbed]

or use a swag on a stretcher, just as comfy :)

[Winnie]

or use a swag on a stretcher, just as comfy :)

Thats how I do it, comfy as!

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[taslucas]

Yeah I'm thinking more along the lines of something thick and waterproof that can be laid on wet ground. Maybe a stretcher for when I'm sleeping close to the trol but sometimes want to walk a short way so I wouldn't want to carry a stretcher as well.
Also, I have in mind this Vic high country trip Winnie so I'm going to be taking swag on the plane.

[threedogs]

Better off borrowing a swag if coming over ,lucas. Someone can lend one I'm sure
Just makes no sense binging one over or you taking the Cat

[taslucas]

Better off borrowing a swag if coming over ,lucas. Someone can lend one I'm sure
Just makes no sense binging one over or you taking the Cat

Nah taking a plane I reckon. No cat anymore either, it's the spirit of tas

[taslucas]

So heres a few i have in mind:
this one $109 and $11 postage
It says its got a good pvc floor which has got my interest.
Not too heavy either if i want to carry it through the bush
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/330857462952?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/06/20.jpg

Or this. $129 but $60 postage (ouch!!)
Also has a good pvc floor. A bit of extra room for my girlfriend if i can convince her lol. Not too keen on all those messy tie ropes
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321056456813?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/06/21.jpg

[MudRunnerTD]

hmmmmm? No Centre support pole! i think it would sag in the guts pretty bad mate. especially the double. Especially if it got a little wet and heavy.

[boots]

I have a 20 + year old darche single swag and has not let me down , a great swag .

[taslucas]

hmmmmm? No Centre support pole! i think it would sag in the guts pretty bad mate. especially the double. Especially if it got a little wet and heavy.

The single has tie ropes to pull it tight (as does the double). Do you think thats not enough support? Id like to find one that doesnt rely on too many tie ropes. Darren, would you reckon the design of the single with an extra centre hoop is the go?

[taslucas]

Does anyone have one thats stable without any ropes?

[taslucas]

Darche ones look pretty good boots.

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/06/22.jpg
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Darche-Solo-Biker-Ranger-Dome-Canvas-Swag-/360670214480?pt=AU_Tents&hash=item53f99eb950

[MudRunnerTD]

Have a look at this current thread. Very interesting

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?21115-Cheap-swags

[taslucas]

Have a look at this current thread. Very interesting

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/showthread.php?21115-Cheap-swags

Just been reading that thread but trying to keep it all in this thread (this isnt very old either). After reading the thread, i dont think i can go past the quality of the jungle reef swags. Im now watching a few of the single jungle reef swags. I think i will buy one within the week:)

[Hodge]

I've got a bourke and willis and it never failed me, never soaked through or anything. But i'm looking at the jet bunker swags from oztent. Off the ground and pretty rigid. Saw it at last years 4x4 show melbourne.

[MudRunnerTD]

Just been reading that thread but trying to keep it all in this thread (this isnt very old either). After reading the thread, i dont think i can go past the quality of the jungle reef swags. Im now watching a few of the single jungle reef swags. I think i will buy one within the week:)

Yah no worries Lucas, I actually thought they were the same thread! Lol

[taslucas]

haha yeah i thought it might be good to have a few options and opinions in one thread for new swaggers like myself:)

Go the jungle reef i reckon

[batesy]

check out kulkyne campers their swags are great.

[taslucas]

Thanks mate, but I just purchased a jungle reef one. Got it at a bargain off eBay.

[Blacklotusdog]

Thanks mate, but I just purchased a jungle reef one. Got it at a bargain off eBay.

Hey mate let us know what it's like when ya get it. Was gonna grab one of these in next couple of months would be keen to get your thoughts on this.

[taslucas]

Hey mate let us know what it's like when ya get it. Was gonna grab one of these in next couple of months would be keen to get your thoughts on this.

Yep i can do that. It should be on its way to me tomorrow.
Heres what i got:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Single-Swag-Tent-3-Fibreglass-Pole-hoop-15oz-Grey-CanvasNEW-/130918630895?pt=AU_Sleeping_Gear&hash=item1e7b5bc5ef
http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2013/06/51.jpg

[threedogs]

I purchashed a King single Dome style as the Mattress is 110cm widex 100mm thick , still brand new 2 y o
But boy, does it roll up big. now I have awning might resort to sleeping "outside" again. Just tie some
2mtr x 2mtr tarps to awning poles for weatherproofing.

@ lucas make sure you have spare poles PITB when/if they break.

[taslucas]

Well my Jungle Reef single swag arrived on friday. Absoloutely stoked with it so far. Insanely cheap really and fast postage, and it looks great! Awesome tough construction.

A big THANKYOU to davo94 for pointing me in the direction on Jungle Reef (techniice.com).

I just set it up to season it this morning....

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh519/taslucas1/DSC_0065_zps85d3cef1.jpg (http://s1249.photobucket.com/user/taslucas1/media/DSC_0065_zps85d3cef1.jpg.html)


Cant wait to try it out:)

[Winnie]

Either hose it down and let it dry a few times or leave it out in the rain

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[taslucas]

Either hose it down and let it dry a few times or leave it out in the rain

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

Cant you see the picture?

[Winnie]

Nope MC doesn't show any pictures for me.

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[taslucas]

Nope MC doesn't show any pictures for me.

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

Ahh, sucks to be you! On mc now and I can see it. It's a pic of the swag all hosed down

Sig test. android, MC version 2.4.7.11

[Sir Roofy]

needs a good soaking lucas not a shower from your hose
put it on the lawn and drown it a couple of times

[Winnie]

Yeah pay special attention to the seams and then open it up and check if there's any leaks around zippers etc

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[taslucas]

needs a good soaking lucas not a shower from your hose
put it on the lawn and drown it a couple of times

Oh she's had a good soaking, it's just that it runs off beautifully. I'll I'll keep hitting it over the next few days.


Yeah pay special attention to the seams and then open it up and check if there's any leaks around zippers etc

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!
I'm not listening to you. You told me swags weren't designed to be used in the rain!!

They said to rub a candle around any leaking zips and didnt mention using any spray on waterproof stuff



Sig test. android, MC version 2.4.7.11

[MudRunnerTD]

Well my Jungle Reef single swag arrived on friday. Absoloutely stoked with it so far. Insanely cheap really and fast postage, and it looks great! Awesome tough construction.

A big THANKYOU to davo94 for pointing me in the direction on Jungle Reef (techniice.com).

I just set it up to season it this morning....

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh519/taslucas1/DSC_0065_zps85d3cef1.jpg (http://s1249.photobucket.com/user/taslucas1/media/DSC_0065_zps85d3cef1.jpg.html)


Cant wait to try it out:)

that looks awesome mate. good size!

how thick is the mattress? got any pics of it rolled up yet?

[Winnie]

That spray stuff is junk. Will waterproof your swag really well but will also keep all the condensation inside, doesn't let the canvas breath.
Guarantee you'll get wet in the rain! How good is your swag depends if it will be a little bit or a lot hahahaha. I wake up in puddles but a mate has a brand new darche dome and gets a tiny bit wet. I set up under cover and keep dry.

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

[taslucas]

That spray stuff is junk. Will waterproof your swag really well but will also keep all the condensation inside, doesn't let the canvas breath.
Guarantee you'll get wet in the rain! How good is your swag depends if it will be a little bit or a lot hahahaha. I wake up in puddles but a mate has a brand new darche dome and gets a tiny bit wet. I set up under cover and keep dry.

If you're happy and you know it tap a post!

And I bet your puddles smell worse than his! Haha

Sig test. android, MC version 2.4.7.11

[taslucas]

that looks awesome mate. good size!

how thick is the mattress? got any pics of it rolled up yet?

Forgot to take a pic when it was rolled up. I'll get one when I pack it up. It's pretty small rolled up. Mattress is 50mm thick foam with a nice heavy duty outer.
The whole thing weighs 8kg.

Sig test. android, MC version 2.4.7.11

[Sir Roofy]

candle wax is best to use don't use that spray

[davo94]

Well my Jungle Reef single swag arrived on friday. Absoloutely stoked with it so far. Insanely cheap really and fast postage, and it looks great! Awesome tough construction.

A big THANKYOU to davo94 for pointing me in the direction on Jungle Reef (techniice.com).

I just set it up to season it this morning....

http://i1249.photobucket.com/albums/hh519/taslucas1/DSC_0065_zps85d3cef1.jpg (http://s1249.photobucket.com/user/taslucas1/media/DSC_0065_zps85d3cef1.jpg.html)


Cant wait to try it out:)

No problem mate.

I aired my matress out for over a week before use to save the headace of smelling fresh foam. The only headace I want from a swag comes from drinking to much the night before

[taslucas]

No problem mate.

I aired my matress out for over a week before use to save the headace of smelling fresh foam. The only headace I want from a swag comes from drinking to much the night before

Also good to put a bit of tea tree oil on it, it helps keep bugs away and helps stop mildew

Sig test. android, MC version 2.4.7.11