Got to get a swag, confused?

[achjimmy]

I have to get a swag. Haven't had one since the basic folded canvas. Buy its big field out there?  And not wanting to spend a zillion. But some questions.

Does the vinyl on the bottom cause issues?

Is Full canvas better than ripstop fabric?

I envisage I want one that opens right up but in reality do you ever open it up?

[D4D]

Vinyl base - good if you camp in wet/snow conditions

Canvas base - will breathe better in hot weather

Full canvas - would probably last longer but in reality you won't use it enough to wear it out

Rip stop canvas - easier to roll/packup

Full open - yes, this is how I get in/out as getting in/out the end is a pita

If I was buying again I'd get the ARB

[GBC]

If you want to put your head inside it you'll need the bells and whistles with the bows and opening flaps and moon roofs. Condensation has always been a deciding factor for me and by the time I look at it objectively I use a hiking tent/sim mat for all weather, and my old flap over swag for casual camping under tarps etc. I would take a hike tent over a swag every time for camping in rain. I can sit up in it and get airflow that a swag can't do.

[Rodt]

I remember the good old days where a swag was a hospital bed mattress, a blue tarp and a leather strap to tie it up and carry with . All these fancy new poles, zips etc scare me a bit

Rod

[loanrangie]

Heaps on gumtree if you want 2nd hand , i got one for $70 not long ago that was used 5 times.

[tryagain]

When I looked and bought a number of years back a friend said to me (his opinion) if it needs poles and ropes its a tent not a swag, I agreed with him somewhat but it all depends on what you want it for. I went with a more traditional design, the idea of dome style and being able to lay in bed and look at the stars but keep bities out initially appealed to me until I realised when I am in bed ill be sleeping. I went for a  Jolly Swag Traditional - Drover because

• it had a variety of usage options, just rolled out and used, or use a rope to a tree/small pole to get it up and off you.
• the minimalist option means it can and has been used as a seat until bed time then easily rolled out and hoped into (handy after more than a few drinks)
• had the ability to ventilate and keep rain out at the same time
• for me I could class it as a swag (not a tent) but still had the ability to keep bities out if needed
• side or top access so didn't have to slide in from the end.
• and probably most importantly a comfy mattress

At the end of the day though it all depends on how you intend to use it, mine was for minimalist short trips with the boys or overnight stops on the way to somewhere. For other types of camping I had other set-ups. 

[plusnq]

Swagged it for many many years. Bought my youngest lad an oztent Jet Bunker and borrowed it for a 4WD weekend. What a revelation. Comfortable, dry and off the ground. And its smaller than my swag when packed up. If its just me and him travelling, Ill be getting another for myself.

http://www.drifta.com.au/oztent-bunker/

[mumbls]

My only add to what has been posted is, get midgy/no see-um mesh. Having those bastards in the swag can bugger up your night.

Paul

[jayjay]

Yes, we are also looking at the idea of getting either a couple of swags -or a double one- but my question is this: is it claustrophobic? Doesn't seem to be a lot of headspace? My concern is that I would get one and then find that an issue. Has anyone ever regretted their swag purchase on that basis?

[Bird]

Yes, we are also looking at the idea of getting either a couple of swags -or a double one- but my question is this: is it claustrophobic? Doesn't seem to be a lot of headspace? My concern is that I would get one and then find that an issue. Has anyone ever regretted their swag purchase on that basis?

swags are not for everyone...

I got my first swag off a dude used it for 1 hour and ran screaming back into the car as he had no room...

I suggest you borrow one and try it in th back yard...

I've gone back to a tent.. swags are great, but ****ing Shitful if you wake up and its pissin rain and you wanna get changed

[jayjay]

I've gone back to a tent.. swags are great, but ****ing Shitful if you wake up and its pissin rain and you wanna get changed
[/quote]

Ummm........ that's a thought too..........thanks!

[D4D]

Yes, we are also looking at the idea of getting either a couple of swags -or a double one- but my question is this: is it claustrophobic? Doesn't seem to be a lot of headspace? My concern is that I would get one and then find that an issue. Has anyone ever regretted their swag purchase on that basis?

I haven't regretted it, a swag works well for quick overnight trips, but it has a limited use case. Now I have an Oztent, I'd probably use that instead. Being able to stand up and get dressed is a plus.

[Bird]

Ummm........ that's a thought too..........thanks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn01gQN29rM

got mine used off nastybay for couple hunge..

unedited setup vid
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGW5Gc2lXbI

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Totally agree Bird.

Who suggested you borrow one and try it in the back yard...

"I've gone back to a tent.. swags are great, but ****ing Shitful if you wake up and its pissin rain and you wanna get changed." (Bird, Today at 08:08:22 PM)

I have an awning on my Cruiser and recently used it, instead of taking the Tvan.
I used an "OzTrail RV. Awning Tent." (that was obtained from Ray's at Frankston.) 
Great idea, but you still have to pack everything to go shopping.
The 30 second tents with an internal frame, eg. Oz RV3, etc..seem to be a compromise.
They might be quick but they're bulky and not easy to pack into a 4wd.
Usually they're on the roof rack.
It's your decision, what you do will no doubt need some adjustment on your part.

Choosing a tent:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TowIMemFhzs
Choosing your bedding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Br7mraQR-ks

Good luck with your choice.

[noel_w]

Overnighters or weekend i use my King Brown swag on a stretcher. Longer stays I have an RV5.
Love my King Brown swag, great bit of kit.

[Cruiser 105Tvan]

Swag to Choose

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=40301.msg661987#msg661987