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A Handy Guide to Choosing a Swag

If you’re looking for a new swag, you may be a little confused as to what the differences are and how to choose the right model for you.

To save you the headache – in this blog, we’ve outlined the key points to look for when choosing a swag!

For me, there’s no better way to sleep outdoors than in the cocoon that is my swag. In any location or temperature, in my swag, I feel warm and protected from bugs – meanwhile still experiencing that glorious feeling of being out in the elements.

If you’re in the market for a new swag, it’s a daunting task to wade through all the brands and different types on offer to find the one that suits you. So, I hope the following tips help to make some sense of it all and equip you to make the best choice!

OZtrail Sundowner Swag 900

There’s no better way to sleep outdoors than in a swag! Image: OZtrail

1. Traditional Vs Dome

Traditional Swags are basically two layers of canvas with a mattress in between. They’re light in weight, compact when rolled up, easy to carry and transport, and are usually lower priced than dome swags.

OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag

This is a traditional, ‘envelope’ style swag. The OZtrail Cooper Expedition to be precise. 

Dome Swags, due to their shape and height (60-70cm high), provide plenty of room inside while keeping the top canvas layer off your face. They offer easy side and/or head access, are generally well ventilated, and will keep insects, vermin, and snakes out.

In recent years too, the debate surrounding the ‘swent‘ – a sleeping solution that boasts features of both a swag and a tent – has proven to be never-ending. For more on this, tune into Ben and Lauren’s conversation on the Snowys Camping Show:

2. Size

Swags are usually available in 3 main sizes:

  • Single: 60-90cm Wide x 180-230cm Long
  • King Single: 90-115cm Wide x 190-230cm Long
  • Double: 110-130cm Wide x 190-230cm Long

3. Material

  • Quality canvas swags are made from a blend of cotton and polyester fibres. This creates a finished material that is breathable, rot-proof, and water-proof.
  • ‘Heavy-duty ripstop’ means that nylon has been integrated into the weave, creating an even better strength-to-weight ratio.
  • The weight or grade of the canvas is generally expressed in ‘ounces per square yard’ (oz), or ‘grams per square metre’ (gsm). Most swags fall into the range of 14-16oz canvas, which is roughly the same as 320-360gsm.

4. Canvas Vs PVC Base

  • A PVC base will generally keep the swag dryer in wet conditions than a canvas base. However, it will tend to be less breathable and prone to condensation in warm and humid conditions.
  • A tarp works the same as a PVC base, if the swag you like doesn’t have the latter. An added benefit of a tarp is that you can use it as a clean surface to step on as you enter or leave your swag.

Darche Dusk to Dawn 900 CP

A ‘dome’ swag is almost like a little one-person tent.

5. Mattress

  • Swag mattresses are generally made from high-density open cell foam with a washable poly-cotton cover that can be removed for washing.
  • Thicknesses range from 35mm for biker and traditional swags, and up to 70mm for top-of-the-range dome swags. Thickness usually increases with the swag price.
  • For added comfort, self-inflating mats make good additions or alternatives when it’s important for compact storage or transport.

6. Ventilation

  • Dome swags provide good ventilation by fully or part-opening the zippered openings at the head or foot. The head window is sometimes referred to as the ‘shooter’s window’.
  • Pegging out the overhanging canvas porticos will provide additional protection from the weather.

7. Zips

  • Reliable and good performing zips are essential in good-quality swags. No.10 Heavy Duty YKK spiral or coil zips are the benchmark, although there are many of equal quality. Look for chunky and solid pull-tabs and zips that are strong and robust.

OZtrail Sundowner Swag 900

Dome swags provide good ventilation by fully or part-opening the zippered openings at the head or foot. Image: OZtrail

8. Storage pockets

  • Some swags offer internal nooks and pockets to store torches, phones, water bottles, and more.
  • Good-quality swags have pockets to store poles and pegs when the swag is rolled up, making them easy to find when needed.

9. Add-Ons

  • Consider a swag bag or swag protection system to store your swag when transporting or storage. It will protect against damage and keep your swag clean of dust and dirt.
  • Many sleeping bag brands offer sleeping bags that are ideal for use with swags. Suitable bags are generally 80-100cm wide, have no hood, and are not so bulky that they can’t be rolled up and left in the swag.
  • As mentioned above, self-inflating mats make great swag mattresses, as they are lightweight and compact when rolled up. A self-inflating pillow is ideal for the same reason.
  • A spreader pole atop your swag will keep your swag taut and stable. It will do the same job as pegging out with rope and pegs when this isn’t possible.

Darche Outbreak 1550

We’ll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that’s right for you! Image: 23ZERO

Hopefully you now feel comfortable choosing a swag that suits your requirements. However, if you need further assistance, feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call; we’ll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that’s right for you!

In the meantime, check out our best-selling swags for this year – or, our huge range of swags to get you started on your next camping adventure!