Swag- straight on ground or put something underneath

[Nay-DMAX]

Well as the title states just wondered those who camp with their swags do you find it better to put anything underneath the swag or just straight on the ground.  Would like to hear from those who have used their swags in colder conditions as I think this is where it would make more of a difference.  If you do put something underneath what do you find is best? 

[scarps]

Hey Nay-Dmax, for me it depends on the weather.  If it's summer and hot, I usually just throw my swag straight on the ground. Outside of that I'll throw a tarp on the ground so that it draws the moisture from the ground and not the base of the swag.

[Tim - Stratford]

Hey Nay-Dmax, for me it depends on the weather.  If it's summer and hot, I usually just throw my swag straight on the ground. Outside of that I'll throw a tarp on the ground so that it draws the moisture from the ground and not the base of the swag.

x2 - Just packing now for our Boy's Trip - We may be camped at 'altitude' so I put a small tarp down then swag. My swag also has a close cell hike mat at the bottom, then foam mattress, with a small inflatable mat on top. No cold gets through at all. (The swag I have is all canvas with no PVC bottom)

Tim

[Nay-DMAX]

Thanks Scarps and Tim sounds like the tarp might be the way to go when we used to use the swag it was on the back of the ute or only in warmer weather.  The swag does had pvc bottom but thinking the tarp underneath might be the way to go, a tarp doesn't take up much room in the ute. Now to just figure out what we will do to contain the dogs at night then might get to do more overnight trips on weekends.

[ozstickman]

Before the wife and I got married we swagged it everywhere. We put some of that insulation foil under the mattress and had a small tarp to roll the swag down on.

A friend of ours alway has a stretcher for his and put a strip of good coals under it.

[BigJules]

I've got a small tarp I put down, only to keep the crap off the bottom and to kneel on when rolling it up, and only sometimes.

[westvic]

I've got a small tarp I put down, only to keep the crap off the bottom and to kneel on when rolling it up, and only sometimes.

X2 never had a problem with cold no matter what the temp or what is underneath the swag

[Aaron Schubert]

I'd be inclined to put a tarp down just to protect the swag. You can guarantee the first thing that will go is going to be the floor, when a stick or rock goes through it

Aaron

[fuji]

Usually a bit of shade cloth then tarp it.there was no moisture underneath after the first Knockwood trip.

[Nay-DMAX]

Yes I was thinking to protect it and to try and keep it dryer.

Usually a bit of shade cloth then tarp it.there was no moisture underneath after the first Knockwood trip.

What about on the Albury trip Fuji when you just used the tarp, I would like to not have to carry too much stuff if we only going for one night if we can.  The camper is fabulous but it is a lot to set up for one night so with the new swag we are trying to see if we can get out more, with a quick set up one night even when I work a Saturday is more viable when it is only a half hour drive.

[Dogsbreakfast]

Get yourself a camp stretcher and bung your swag on that. Happy times.

[Nay-DMAX]

Get yourself a camp stretcher and bung your swag on that. Happy times.

Trying to avoid having to take more things like that which is why I was hoping the answer was going to be a tarp, we already have the camper just wanting options that give quicker set up etc I can see the benefit of having it on stretcher but hoping we don't need to go that way. Cheers for the replies.

[scarps]

Trying to avoid having to take more things like that which is why I was hoping the answer was going to be a tarp, we already have the camper just wanting options that give quicker set up etc I can see the benefit of having it on stretcher but hoping we don't need to go that way. Cheers for the replies.

There are benefits of having it on a stretcher (particularly for old buggers like me that can't lie straight and is easier to get off the stretcher in the morning, than from the ground), but you guys are young and that shouldn't be a problem atm.  The only other words of advice on the tarp would be same as a tent. Fold the tarp so that it's not wider than the swag.  That way if it does rain, the water runs to the ground and not between the tarp and your swag.

[scarps]

In terms of your furfriends, suggest leave their beds in thd back if the Dmax. Warm, dry and secure.

[har05l]

I've always thrown a tarp down also and never had a problem regardless of the elements. I also set up a lean to tarp over the top just in case of over night rain or dew in the colder areas, works a treat.

[lino6]

Probably have this or the awning to sleep under in the swag.

Sent from somewhere on something with that tap thing

[scarps]

Probably have this or the awning to sleep under in the swag.

Sent from somewhere on something with that tap thing

You been camping at home again:-)

[haywas]

I've just started to put down those blue squares that fit together under mine.

[D4D]

I use an offcut of 'annexe matting', not really for insulation more to protect the bottom of the swag.

[lino6]

You been camping at home again:-)

Let this be a lesson, snoring has consequences at "our" place! 

[Nay-DMAX]

I've just started to put down those blue squares that fit together under mine.

We do put these under our camper floor thinking I would prefer to carry one tarp at this stage, debating about swagging it for long weekend to see how it goes.  Will still be keeping the camper just looking at shorter trip options.

[Black Diamond]

By the time I hit the Swag I'm generally numb so any cold from the ground can't be felt, but a little tarp underneath to keep the mud away for me

BD

[Carlisle Rogers]

Travelander bag has a ground tarp sewn in...genius.

[Jakster1]

Always been a fan of setting up the swag off the ground where i can. On solo missions or 1 - 2 nighter boys trips which is really the only time it gets used I used to roll it out on the back of the ute or unroll it in the back of the wagon, nowadays it goes straight on the ground because I don't have a suitable vehicle to set it up on/in. On the Roof rack is a last resort.
Been thinking about getting a stretcher to get off the ground. Mainly to keep the critters and creepy crawlys from joining me plus it's a lot more comfortable and user friendly I think being a bit higher up.

[themissus]

We have a bit of shade cloth, then use the square foam clip together mats between it and the swag. Gives you a bit more comfort on rocky ground, protects the bottom of the swag and stops condensation forming on the bottom of the swag. You can get away with 6 mats if you're packing light, we usually use 8. We stash them under the swag on the roof rack when travelling.
A stretcher would be great but with our swag being queen size, the bar up the middle is a PITA, although it might keep him on his side :-P.
Cheers Kim.