Member - Mfewster(SA) replied:

That's what we use, but. We are going to change. We find we need to carry a small tent that can be used as a moz dome when the fly isn't on, as well as a tent. when it's wet because touching the canvas means water gets through, so some sort of shelter is necessary for rain. And a moz dome is essential in some places. So we are now thinking of a dome swag with netting in it to simplify the setup/number of things we carry.

BenDiD replied:

Ian,

I use exactly this set up. I have a simple swag from Sunset Canvas and it is great - unroll and you are ready to go. Comfortable, waterproof and warm. Mine is ten years old and going strong. I just bought a new one for my daughter. We have the most basic model they make, confusingly called the Deluxe Swag. It has a vinyl base and generous canvas top. If you prefer canvas on the bottom instead of vinyl they will happily do this for you. They will also make up any custom design if you want.

I did a trip to Broken Hill and Innamincka in June. I slept on the open ground in the swag every night and was comfortable and warm. I had a cheap single polyester quilt from k-mart, an ancient single wool blanket and a double sized fleece blanket (again from k-mart) doubled over to single size and I can tell you I never once felt the cold. I also took a Katmandu brand "therm-a-rest" mattress to put under the swag's foam mattress (I was worried about the cold desert air and ground), but I never needed it and the "therm-a-rest" stayed in the truck the whole time.

I happily recommend this simple style of swag over any sort of "mini tent" type swag. Whatever brand you buy, make sure there is a generous amount of canvas on top to pull up over your shoulders (and head if need be!) so that you stay covered even when you roll around while asleep.

Usual disclaimers, no affiliation, just a very happy customer.

Good Luck!

Ben

sweetwill replied:

hello ian
used a swag for the past 40 years and loved it. until I was free camping in the northern territory 18 month's ago, rolled out of the swag made breakfast then proceeded on my way,10 meters down the road was a snake that had been run over during the night, found out later it was only a python, the rest of the trip I would unload the ute and sleep in the back. bought a roof top tent after that episode. if you do get a swag remember ground sheet down first some type of plastic over you to protect you from the dew and a thick firm mattress cheers bill.

Member - Flynnie (NSW) replied:

After using tents and such I changed over to a swag a few months back, should have done it years ago.

I got a Saul swag. It should fit what you are after very well.

http://www.saulswags.com.au/index.htm

I ordered mine with mattress and two blankets and optional mozzie net. The blankets are very good and I plan to get some more for use as blankets on beds.

Worked great. I do not go much on the cocoon style of swag. I prefer the swag to be a swag and not a miniature tent. The Sual swag uses studs and not zippers. If the bities are about I setup the insect screen or sometimes I just had it handy and just pull it over my head as a cover. Very versatile setup.

It has been used from about plus 35 to minus 9.3 degrees. The minus 9.3 caught me a bit by surprise but I was using the two blankets and a sleeping bag and thought in the morning my toes were a bit cool. Have used it many times below zero.

Hal Saul sells on a COD basis.

Sand Man (SA) replied:

Ian,

A swag is the most versatile for of bedding available and if you buy a quality one will provide extreme comfort and longetivity.

We have a pair of swags with a sleeping bag permanently inserted. The sleeping bag is in the form of a duna.

The swags are sometimes used "stand-alone" and we have slept comfortably during downpours without any issues.
The swags are also sometimes used as bedding inside a tent, being left unzipped and used mainly as a mattress only with the sleeping bag placed over the top if necessary.

The one thing a swag does not provide is protection from sun and rain when not sleeping and for this reason, some other form of "cover" is recommended.
This cover can be in the form of a tarp draped from the side of a vehicle or free standing, or an annex/tent with an awning.

We have a camper trailer we use for longer trips, but for "overnighters" and trips not suitable for the camper, our combination of the Oztent and our trusty swags, give us unbelievable flexibility, versatility, comfort and protection from mother natures' whims.

Bill.

disco driver replied:

The best swag is always the simplest.

Back in the days when I was actually paid for working there were times when I HAD to spend up to a week away from civilisation. All I needed was my swag, the engel, the tuckerbox, a 2 burner gas stove and in summer a camp stretcher to lift me off the ground in case of snakes.

Before anyone comments about water etc, the work truck had 150L of fuel and 100L of drinking water in fitted tanks.

My swag was created by using a square of the best Berkmyre canvas (18oz) about 11ft square. In this I wrapped a 3inch high density foam slab, a -5 degree sleeping bag, a pillow and one grey army blanket (a good one).
This was big enough to totally protect from the heaviest rain I've ever camped out in (4 inches overnight) and has been comfortable in temps from -5 through to 40+.

In summer I almost always set up the camp stretcher and just tossed the swag on that up out of the way of any creepy crawlies and slitheries that may pass me in the night.

In later life I tried a couple of the mini tent thingies, couldn't hack them, a right bugger to get out of when the bladder tells you it's time to ease the pressure.
I've gone back to my old swag, much more comfortable just like the bush hat.
My grandkids got the others.

Disco.