Recommend Me A Swag.

[Comfortablynumb]

Looking to get a single swag. Not going to be used often. Will be used when one extra family member joins us on trips. Sleeping arrangements would be changed and I would be using it myself.

Not interested in cheap and nasty. Interested in quality.

Not interested in paying $500 for occasional use either.

No need for multiple pockets, hat hangers and the like (will be used in conjunction with the camper trailer)

Considering the option of a stretcher (getting older!)

Prefer a dome style.

Aware that most without a centre hoop sag on the sides (not just Kings)

Second hand is fine.

What do youse reckon?

[6knights]

I have a Darche dusk to dawn and love it,  go for the 1100mm wide one as they have a 70mm thick mattress compared to a 50mm matt. in the 900mm wide version.
The 1100mm swag is only 20 bucks dearer than the 900 wide version ,  you will appreciate the extra room in it.
1100mm dusk to dawn at tentworld is $399

[rossm]

I have a Darche dusk to dawn and love it,  go for the 1100mm wide one as they have a 70mm thick mattress compared to a 50mm matt. in the 900mm wide version.
The 1100mm swag is only 20 bucks dearer than the 900 wide version ,  you will appreciate the extra room in it.
1100mm dusk to dawn at tentworld is $399

The 900 Dusk to Dawn is big enough for me.
On an oztrail easy fold stretcher (I'm too old for sleeping on ground) I am as happy as I would be at home in bed.
That combination may give your $500 budget a nudge but buy well, buy once.

[Pete79]

The wife bought a 23zero Bandit for all the bells and whistles. Turned to be junk (poles didn't fit, couldn't close all the zips).
She swapped it for a Darche Dirty Dee.

The swag is great, but the mattress is pretty average.

I would suggest just by the Darche Skin and then grab a proper good quality 100mm thick mattress, like an Exped or similar.

Eventually I suppose I'll have to update my 25 year old flat canvas swag with no fancy domes or poles. Actually I don't think that thing will ever die, I might have to pass it on to the kids if I want to get a new one....

[nab]

I've had an oztrail Mitchell for years, it's been great and I still use it on boys trips with an oztrail stretcher. All up it was under $300.

Do not get a kings swag, they used to be good but now use lots of plastic/nylon parts that are crap.

[Beachman]

I also have an oztrail Mitchell which I use on a stretcher and so far can't complain.

[doc evil]

3rd vote for the Mitchell.....hasn't been used in years, but there if I need it.

[Ozemu]

JetTent bunker.

You'll never ever ever ever look back!

[WilSurf]

Very timely topic.
We had a free EMC Swag (previous name of 4WD Adventure or King I suppose) and the poles are snapping and the mattress is too thin.
We bought a proper 100mm self inflating mattress but the pole issue remains.

[WilSurf]

I would suggest just by the Darche Skin and then grab a proper good quality 100mm thick mattress, like an Exped or similar.

They are not on their website as a skin only.

[Pete79]

They are not on their website as a skin only.

Snowys used to have them, but I see their website says not in stock now.
Not sure if that's just a China/COVID thing or if they've stopped offering the skins only.

We bought ours about 8 or 10 months ago and the Darche skins were definitely available then.

[Raym]

I have a Crashpad that I use on a stretcher. Aussie made & I have no complaints.

[Chesapeake]

My two cents worth, have a look at Saul swags. A traditional swag, no pegs, poles and zips. Had mine more than 20 years. As tough as buggery. Could include it on the list of essentials like Trailblaza  fridges, Puma knifes, Sako rifles and Toyota Landcruisers. And made in Victoria.

[Comfortablynumb]

Thanks for your replies.

Currently thinking of putting the swag on a stretcher (that age thing again).

Which means the swag needs to be free standing.

Swags with the centre hoop also prove to be difficult to get in and out of. For me at least.

Anyone else?

[rossm]

Thanks for your replies.

Currently thinking of putting the swag on a stretcher (that age thing again).

Which means the swag needs to be free standing.

Swags with the centre hoop also prove to be difficult to get in and out of. For me at least.

Anyone else?

yep, freestanding and no centre hoop is the go.

[nab]

The oztrail Mitchell has 3 hoops but I never use them. I put the swag on the stretcher, then I tie the head end rope to the awning so it's not resting on my head. The swag has a separate flyscreen, both the flyscreen and canvas National all the way to the foot end so access is easy.

[westvic]

The oztrail Mitchell has 3 hoops but I never use them. I put the swag on the stretcher, then I tie the head end rope to the awning so it's not resting on my head. The swag has a separate flyscreen, both the flyscreen and canvas National all the way to the foot end so access is easy.

This....except I use the head end hoop only.

[6knights]

The Darche dusk to dawn doesn't have a center hoop, they use a ridge pole to hold up the canvas.

[pabhar]

Recently purchased one of these for beach/bush camping trips where we only take the ute. Folds up into its own bag and large enough for 6foot 2 adult. I haven't had it in bad weather as yet however other reviews indicate the waterproof qualities are ok. Still need a self inflating mattress to make it comfy. Very quick setup

https://www.tentworld.com.au/buy-sale/oztrail-easy-fold-tent-stretcher-bed-single?gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9iBBhCJARIsAE9qRtAMIpCmfASO2Xo88jAXDT1luw7fLTnR0wL39k2cThVr-O7Owwn5ExQaAsA9EALw_wcB