Post by: trinityalyce on October 13, 2018, 09:31:29 AM
We’ve been considering moving on the tent and swags for something a bit more compact - easier to store, take on trips where we’d prefer not to tow, and more suitable to throw in the Jimny for beach camping trips.
The Big Daddy swags caught my eye purely because of their size. A double swag that large would be a suitable option for our needs. But I know little more about them or what else is around that compares. What is the quality like? What kind of life-expectancy would they have? Anyone have one and able to provide some honest feedback?
Also, who else is making a swag that does compare? I haven’t looked at swags in years, but the double swags back then were a good bit smaller than this one... Are there any Aussie/higher quality brands making something that size that we should take a look at?
Thanks!
Post by: Bird on October 13, 2018, 10:33:39 AM
Quote from: trinityalyce
. Given that we still have two single swags, our Oztent, the double swag/bed roll for the tent, and now the camper... well it’s a bit out of hand!out of hand? I dont feel so bad about my shed collection now... LMAO
Post by: rags on October 13, 2018, 10:36:42 AM
Kings swags look ok, and certainly enable a family to get camping gear well priced.
I see southern cross now do a king size swag as their double is really a large single
https://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au/product/king-dome-swag/ (https://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au/product/king-dome-swag/)
Post by: trinityalyce on October 13, 2018, 10:55:07 AM
out of hand? I dont feel so bad about my shed collection now... LMAO
That just the collection of gear I cared to mention!
Along with everything else we’re storing in our garage “just in case” it’s surprising we even have room in there for a car!
Post by: plusnq on October 13, 2018, 11:08:34 AM
That just the collection of gear I cared to mention!
Along with everything else we’re storing in our garage “just in case” it’s surprising we even have room in there for a car!
You can get a car in? 😂😂😂
Post by: trinityalyce on October 13, 2018, 11:26:35 AM
You can get a car in?
Just about!
Remember I drive a Jimny, it doesn’t need a lot of room!
Post by: rossm on October 13, 2018, 11:51:52 AM
https://youtu.be/QRWUjjY0Eq4
Post by: trinityalyce on October 13, 2018, 12:09:53 PM
Will there be room in the car for the two 2m lengths of poly pipe to hold up the sagging side walls?
https://youtu.be/QRWUjjY0Eq4
But honestly this is the kind of feedback that’s good to know. We may look to get a tent that folds more compact (can’t say I like the idea of the Oztent on the Jimny roof racks - might be longer than the car!
) but first are considering what’s around in swags.
Post by: trinityalyce on October 13, 2018, 12:13:04 PM
We have had southern cross swag (and tent) for ever can't fault, except price. But then again like the discussion over in the ultimate camper thread, there is that debate between Aussie quality and higher price against cheaper priced Chinese imports. I'm glad Southern Cross has lasted into the new world and hope they survive.
Kings swags look ok, and certainly enable a family to get camping gear well priced.
I see southern cross now do a king size swag as their double is really a large single
https://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au/product/king-dome-swag/ (https://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au/product/king-dome-swag/)
They look like a great product, but sadly at that price and for our purpose (limited use) I can’t say it’s feasible.
While I’d rather pay more for something that’s quality when it’s something I’ll use often, it isn’t a practical option when we’d probably only use a swag a handful of times each year at most...
Post by: Rumpig on October 13, 2018, 12:17:19 PM
Will there be room in the car for the two 2m lengths of poly pipe to hold up the sagging side walls?that is ridiculous that someone would need to do that with a swag....get what you pay for by the looks of it
https://youtu.be/QRWUjjY0Eq4
Post by: rossm on October 13, 2018, 12:40:51 PM
that is ridiculous that someone would need to do that with a swag....get what you pay for by the looks of itTo be fair it’s probably not a problem confined to this particular brand. There is a fair bit of unsupported weight in that much canvas on a large dome swag.
I am thinking about upgrading from the old style flat one I use to a dome but just not sure ...
when I see dome tents with thin poles with their walls billowing in in the wind I am happy that with a flat swag the wind goes straight over the top. I just pull the canvas up over my head.
Post by: Pottsy on October 13, 2018, 01:20:34 PM
Roll it out, hope in, rains throw the head flap over your noggin and away you go. Waterproof, doesn't catch the wind and tools up to about 900mm high and 450mm in diameter with mattress and a couple of old army blankets inside.
Post by: Mangrovematt on October 13, 2018, 03:15:34 PM
Seasoned it over a week of hosing and drying off in the sun each day, small leak on day 1 as expected with new seams, day 2 no leaks, went for the big daddy delux 75mm mattress, nice and dence can’t feel the ground through it, max 5 mins to set up and pack down, there is a few cheats on youtube to assist with the saging side canvas, basically a occy strap from the left hand side of the bow down to a peg then up to the right hand side of the bow, do this either end of the swag ,she pulls up nice and taunt,
They roll up the same size as a standard swag but they are just twice as wide,
Really happy with it,
Matt
Post by: Rumpig on October 13, 2018, 05:24:17 PM
To be fair it’s probably not a problem confined to this particular brand. There is a fair bit of unsupported weight in that much canvas on a large dome swag.don't have that issue with my Darche swag, it's been in torrential downpours and no sagging issues at all. In saying that, mine has 3 hoop poles and 2 centre spreaders that make it much sturdier then those appear to be https://darche.com.au/product/dirtydee-1100/
I am thinking about upgrading from the old style flat one I use to a dome but just not sure ...
when I see dome tents with thin poles with their walls billowing in in the wind I am happy that with a flat swag the wind goes straight over the top. I just pull the canvas up over my head.
Post by: SEADOO on October 13, 2018, 05:40:33 PM
I have a Bourke and Wills swag. I prefer to set up on a stretcher and under some form of cover.
Post by: trinityalyce on October 13, 2018, 05:44:12 PM
don't have that issue with my Darche swag, it's been in torrential downpours and no sagging issues at all. In saying that, mine has 3 hoop poles and 2 centre spreaders that make it much sturdier then those appear to be https://darche.com.au/product/dirtydee-1100/The 1400mm wide version of your Darche swag just went on the list to check out. Only 100mm narrower than the Kings one, which we can live with...
I brought one for our annual beach fishing trip, as I didn’t want to drag the camper every time,Thanks for the good feedback! Will look into your solution for the sagging canvas, too.
Seasoned it over a week of hosing and drying off in the sun each day, small leak on day 1 as expected with new seams, day 2 no leaks, went for the big daddy delux 75mm mattress, nice and dence can’t feel the ground through it, max 5 mins to set up and pack down, there is a few cheats on youtube to assist with the saging side canvas, basically a occy strap from the left hand side of the bow down to a peg then up to the right hand side of the bow, do this either end of the swag ,she pulls up nice and taunt,
They roll up the same size as a standard swag but they are just twice as wide,
Really happy with it,
Matt
Geez, the swag I've got is 30 plus years old, not anything like a tent, more like a bed roll.That's basically what we have now - we've only used it as a bed roll inside the Oztent though (kept the bedding protected on the roof of the car regardless of weather, dust, etc.). My last single swag was also that design and it did me fine (was a cheapy one I picked up as a broke student so was pretty worn out when I upgraded to a hoop-style single swag that's practically brand new...). But now there's the two of us, a dog, and we're softer thanks to the comfort of the camper! 😂
Roll it out, hope in, rains throw the head flap over your noggin and away you go. Waterproof, doesn't catch the wind and tools up to about 900mm high and 450mm in diameter with mattress and a couple of old army blankets inside.
Do you guys sleep out in the open or set up under a tarp or some form of cover?When we swagged it we set up under the car awning, and have side walls/shade cloth we used as needed based on the weather. I *do* prefer the stretchers when you're sleeping in them a lot, but this time around it'll only be the short trips so we're not bothering with a stretcher.
I have a Bourke and Wills swag. I prefer to set up on a stretcher and under some form of cover.
Post by: Watty2975 on October 13, 2018, 05:56:34 PM
Two people to roll up works well. We have been very happy with it so far. It has been out some heavy rain and stayed dry.
We bought it for the same reasons, extra when we don’t want to tow the camper.
Post by: oddsocks on October 13, 2018, 05:56:52 PM
https://crashpadgear.com/collections/swags/products/swag-crashpad-double
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: wakychapmans on October 13, 2018, 06:00:42 PM
...it’s surprising we even have room in there for a car!
wait... you put a car in your garage?
Post by: rossm on October 13, 2018, 06:09:29 PM
Do you guys sleep out in the open or set up under a tarp or some form of cover?Used to sleep in a swag on the ground but age had seen me too graduate to a stretcher. Just too hard getting up off the ground in the morning.
I have a Bourke and Wills swag. I prefer to set up on a stretcher and under some form of cover.
Have an awning off the side of my Prado to keep the dew off with a couple of walls for some extra protection if needed.
Tent is used if staying in one place more than a couple of days.
Works for me.
Post by: Rodt on October 13, 2018, 06:56:30 PM
don't have that issue with my Darche swag, it's been in torrential downpours and no sagging issues at all. In saying that, mine has 3 hoop poles and 2 centre spreaders that make it much sturdier then those appear to be https://darche.com.au/product/dirtydee-1100/
We looked at the 3 hoop pole versions before going with the Kings. Went the Kings as we are all tall and reckon we would kick the middle one getting in and out. We easily fix the sagging by using a ocky straps on each end and it seems to work pretty well. We use the same peg to attach that is used for the swag flap
Post by: Rumpig on October 13, 2018, 07:36:40 PM
We looked at the 3 hoop pole versions before going with the Kings. Went the Kings as we are all tall and reckon we would kick the middle one getting in and out. We easily fix the sagging by using a ocky straps on each end and it seems to work pretty well. We use the same peg to attach that is used for the swag flapfair enough, can't say i have ever hit the centre pole myself, but understand some people would prefer the bigger opening for getting in and out of.....i just prefer not having to use guy ropes at all on mine, the opening size being less of an issue to me.
Post by: 6knights on October 13, 2018, 09:43:50 PM
We had a Sahara Drover prior to that it leaked in all four corners where the canvas joined the base so we sent it back after a two week Tassie trip and was able to get a full refund which was good, there was also another couple on the trip with the same swag and it leaked just as much as ours, dont get one of these!!
Post by: Fullberries on October 13, 2018, 10:02:55 PM
Post by: Rodt on October 14, 2018, 09:18:03 AM
fair enough, can't say i have ever hit the centre pole myself, but understand some people would prefer the bigger opening for getting in and out of.....i just prefer not having to use guy ropes at all on mine, the opening size being less of an issue to me.Will say it might not have had any foundation in actual fact just a point we thought of at the time ;D
Post by: Bird on October 14, 2018, 09:29:32 AM
Quote from: Rumpig
don't have that issue with my Darche swag, it's been in torrential downpours and no sagging issues at all. In saying that, mine has 3 hoop poles and 2 centre spreaders that make it much sturdier then those appear to be https://darche.com.au/product/dirtydee-1100/3 loops and 2 poles I'd call that a tent lol!
(https://darche.com.au/uploaded/thumbnails/db_file_img_40541_1000xauto.jpg)
Post by: Brodie Tas on October 14, 2018, 09:46:34 AM
Post by: Rumpig on October 14, 2018, 09:54:59 AM
3 loops and 2 poles I'd call that a tent lol!I have no issues with it being called that, it really is a mini tent.....being I no longer have canvas laying on my face and body like my old canvass swag was, and I can just about sit upright in this one whilst being trapped inside in torrential rain for over an hour like on a previous trip away, I'll take this style any day over my old style swag.
(https://darche.com.au/uploaded/thumbnails/db_file_img_40541_1000xauto.jpg)
Post by: Bird on October 14, 2018, 10:04:06 AM
Quote from: Rumpig
I have no issues with it being called that, it really is a mini tent.....being I no longer have canvas laying on my face and body like my old canvass swag was, and I can just about sit upright in this one whilst being trapped inside in torrential rain for over an hour like a previous trip away, I'll take this style any day over my old style swag.yep the ability to get changed/dressed etc while staying dry is a huge advantage I reckon. Shitty start to teh day being wet..
Havent used my Burke and Wills double swag in years. Been using the Blackwolf tent, but just bought an Oztent RV1 to replace it.. not much longer to setup, but they both need a roofrack due to size when packed up
Post by: trinityalyce on October 14, 2018, 01:00:29 PM
yep the ability to get changed/dressed etc while staying dry is a huge advantage I reckon. Shitty start to teh day being wet..
Havent used my Burke and Wills double swag in years. Been using the Blackwolf tent, but just bought an Oztent RV1 to replace it.. not much longer to setup, but they both need a roofrack due to size when packed up
Hence our issue and need to rejig our camper-free set up - can you imagine something the length of the Oztents sitting on top of a Jimny? I'd rather not... LOL.
Post by: Bird on October 15, 2018, 07:39:54 AM
Quote from: trinityalyce
Hence our issue and need to rejig our camper-free set up - can you imagine something the length of the Oztents sitting on top of a Jimny? I'd rather not... LOL.Why not? few years ago there was a bloke in our club with that setup :) he actually made a 'box' up to sit the packed up tent in and supported it full length.
Post by: trinityalyce on October 15, 2018, 08:17:30 PM
Why not? few years ago there was a bloke in our club with that setup :) he actually made a 'box' up to sit the packed up tent in and supported it full length.
It wouldn't be worth it for me to do that, and I'm not real keen on the amount of overhang otherwise. It'll only be the odd weekend here and there - maybe up to a week on a long beach trip - that we'd use the Jimny for camping. With the Patrol so well set up and the camper there's just no point for most of what we do.
Also, I can't really lift the tent on my own, not that high off the ground at least. A swag - even a large one - I can manage, but not that tent. So having a solo or girls weekend away just wouldn't be feasible with the Oztent unfortunately.
Post by: loanrangie on October 16, 2018, 12:59:03 PM
My collection is 2m,3m,4m,6m tents, single + 2 x double swags, camper trailer.
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on October 16, 2018, 05:55:53 PM
Bloody cheap plus its robust
https://www.sunyee.com.au/double-canvas-swag-camping-tent-swags-deluxe-aluminum-poles-pillow-bag-beige.html (https://www.sunyee.com.au/double-canvas-swag-camping-tent-swags-deluxe-aluminum-poles-pillow-bag-beige.html)
Post by: tryagain on October 16, 2018, 07:32:45 PM
3 loops and 2 poles I'd call that a tent lol!
I have always said, if it needs poles, it's a tent.
Post by: Arch on October 20, 2018, 03:19:25 PM
I know they are not cheap but potentially looking at a near new one.
Cheers
Arch
Post by: GGV8Cruza on October 22, 2018, 02:21:00 PM
Anyone purchased a ARB Double Swag? Any feedback would be appreciated.
I know they are not cheap but potentially looking at a near new one.
Cheers
Arch
I was lucky enough to win a ARB double, also have a single. Have been out in all sorts of weather and never had a drop inside. Easy to put up and ours goes away every trip as the kids want to sleep in it all the time which frees up room in the camper
GG
Post by: Annieandandy on October 26, 2018, 08:27:10 PM
They are a huge unit so take up a fair bit of your storage space. We didn't get any rain so can't comment on how waterproof they are but I'd prob throw a cheap tarp over the top if rain forecast was heavy.
Definately recommend a ground sheet underneath to keep sand and dew away. Oh and two bungy cords at each end help it keep its shape.
I think they are great value for money for occasional use.
Post by: nab on October 26, 2018, 09:26:14 PM
I just bought another one for the kids and they have changed the bag, it is now like the old sleeping bag cover material and they are about half a size too small, really struggled to get it in my there. I’ll email them and see if they have any old canvas bags, not getting my hopes up...
Post by: rossm on October 26, 2018, 09:45:29 PM
Anyone purchased a ARB Double Swag? Any feedback would be appreciated.
I know they are not cheap but potentially looking at a near new one.
Cheers
Arch
Here’s a review
https://youtu.be/8NtbSU0oslc
Post by: Windshear on October 27, 2018, 10:11:29 PM