Centre Pole tents V Swags

Submitted: Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 08:57

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Aandy(WA)

A message for Mike Harding
I'd seriously urge you to look at a good quality canvas locally made centre pole tent. There are several to choose from but you won't find them at the originally mentioned dealer who doesn't really cater for the serious off road tourer/camper. The vast majority of true off road travellers use centre pole tents (check out the tents in any remote location - not the beach at Christmas - they are quicker to erect than a swag and you can stand up and put gear in them. Just 4 pegs and one pole. Less than a minute for my 9X9!

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Reply By: Gajm (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 09:17

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 09:17

Just what is the definition of "true off road travellers " ? I'd be amused to hear.
Also a centre pole tent is not quicker than all swags as you stated as fact, some swags have no poles or pegs, simple roll out and they are done. Swags also are complete once they are set up, your tent still requires bedding.....or don't true off road travellers use bedding?...just a huge tent?

Once a Jolly centre pole tent man camped by a billabong......hmmm

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Follow Up By: Wok - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 10:11

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 10:11

I concurr...the users of center-pole units have been with tour-groups ( standard issue?). Simple swags are much quicker to 'setup'. Downside is the bulk of 'thick' bedding which can make the 'rolled size' formidable..bugger of a wind-load on the roofrack!
The current crop of deluxe swags are a different kettle of fish with their top & bottom poles....virtually a minitent!

INHO if you camp o/n & drive long hours - swags are easy....over several days - tents offer a lot more comfort.

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Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:34

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:34

I did direct my message to a particular person, GAJM but thanks for your interest anyhow. I guess you don't go off roading if you don't know what I mean, but basically I refer to campers who are not on sealed roads and not in Caravan Parks. When I take my caravan to the Gold Coast I'm not off roading even though I tow with a 4wd. When I take my tent and visit the Wonnangatta Valley (a great destination in the Vic high country) or the Simpson Desert or Birdsville - then I'm off roading. I hope this has been of some help to you. Cheers!

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:06

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:06

LOL you always make me laugh. Check the rig pics, I only camp offroad, I don't like sealed roads, and i don't like caravan parks, the more remote the better...for me that is, but because it's what I like to do it doesn't make me any better than someone who stays in caravan parks or even motels for that matter, your problem is you seem to think it makes you better than other people because you like to "rough it" more than someone else.

I have slept under a motorcycle with nothing more than the clothes i wore, doesn't make me tough, just stupid, when you grow up a bit you realise there's nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of comfort, no offence to anyone, but I will do what makes me and the family happy, which is more important than to me than what you think. Just who are you trying to impress?

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Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 21:49

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 21:49

Sorry GAJM I don't know where you get your information from but I've been a caravanner staying in parks for over 30 years!!! I also enjoy 4wd off road trips but the last night away from home was at Hilton on the Park. I enjoy all facets of travel whether it be International or local, in 5 star hotels or on my motorbike or 4wd. I don't follow why you butted in on my reply to another person, I also don't understand how you sleeping under a motorbike is of any relevance. You asked me what I meant by off roading and now I wonder why I bothered to answer you. May I suggest that you lose your "attitude" and get a life!

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Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 08:50

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 08:50

I think you need to broaden your view of travel GAJM. Don't like sealed roads, remote locations .... do you mutter and complain if there are "tourists" where you wanted to go? LOL

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:19

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:19

My apologies, I thought you were the same W anker Aandy(WA) that attacked a post of mine, a while back that, was not directed to you, and several others, if you are not that same idiot....but a different one, then I am more than happy to apologise.....but not for having an opinion about your stupid statement, now email me directly (email supplied below in another reply) if you want to continue this, because I am 100% certain no one else wants to read this dribble.

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Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Thursday, Oct 14, 2004 at 19:35

Thursday, Oct 14, 2004 at 19:35

GAJM I neither wanted your apology nor your abuse. I at no time directed my comments on tents v swags at you but nevertheless I've had a string of abusive comments from you. I am allowed to have an opinion and offer it to another person. I think you must be a quite bitter old lady to have attacked with such venom!

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Friday, Oct 15, 2004 at 10:05

Friday, Oct 15, 2004 at 10:05

Didn't I give you my email so if you needed to you could continue this elsewhere? And it wasn't a real apology it was sarcasm, I know you are the same Aandy who has attacked me and plenty of others in other posts, I have a long memory for some things..., and your stupid post started it with your once again ridiculous comments, when you realise you only have an opnion, and what you state isn't actualy fact, then I will be more than happy not to reply, but you just can't help yourself, you have always tried to degrade someone, somewhere, probably in a pathetic attempt to make you feel good about yourself.

As for trying to insult me by calling me an old lady, is that really the best you can do? go ask some Primary school students, I am sure they can give you some better ideas...or should I simply retort with something closer to your level like: "I know you are, but what am I?" or better still "I'm rubber and you're glue....."

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Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 11:34

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 11:34

When I got my tent, I looked at the cost of swags, and anything "GOOD" was $400ish, and others have said, come with crap materess'. Way too much $, and way too bulky.

I have this which to me is outstanding value compared to a swag. Same as a swag, you cant stand up in it, but more room than a swag, and probably 4-5 mins to setup. 4 pegs, 1 pole, 1 fly if required, again 4 pegs.

[ View Image]
single pole 2 man tent... $110.00
Packs up to smaller than a Sleepin bag too.

AnswerID: 79686

Follow Up By: D-Jack - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 12:32

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 12:32

I'm with you truckster. After years of using a swag, having heaps of wind resistance on the roof, getting out of bed only to be rained on, waking up with bucket loads of condensation inside, worrying about leaking swag (most will let some water in during a downpour) and having to get into my night ware in front of everyone else (nothing that is!) I have converted to a small 2 man tent, 2 x aluminium poles and 6 pegs. 100% insect proof. Leave the fly off if warm night and see the stars/moon as clearly as anything through the mesh roof, put it on if going to rain, 100% waterproof. Won't be going back to the swag again, except maybe if sleeping on the beach. Snakes, spiders and scorpions can't get into an insect proof tent either. Some of my mates even set up a fly and sleep under it in their swags! Some them have even on occasions come begging to sleep in my tent in their swag when it's raining!

Some call the 'swags' that have insect proof material and zippers everywhere swags, most have one or 2 poles now and some require pegs. no more than a small, heavyweight and cumbersome tent. A swag is a piece of canvas with bedding in it that you sleep with your face exposed or cover with a piece of canvas is cold or wet. I just don't understand what people get out of a 'swag' tent for the extra bulk that they don't get out of a small tent. Maybe I'm getting old at 31. Just my 2 cents worth.

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 12:51

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 12:51

I'm not having a go at anyones choice of tent or swag, each to his/her own, there is no wrong choice if you are happy with it.

I like my swag, to me it's like an old fav jumper, and if I am on my own or with my son we use the swags, I can even set it up on the roofracks of the car if I need to.

I have to add I get a bit tired of people trying to push their own opinion on others. I thought the whole idea was to simply give people feedback based on personal experience, not try to cower them because they use a swag, tent, toaster, generator, gps, chemical toilet....or whatever, just because it's how you do it does not make it the only way, or even the right way.

I was objecting to my Aandy stating certain things as fact, one being, true offroaders use a centre pole tent?...what the hell is a true offroader?

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 12:57

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 12:57

By the way, I have deliberately made a few mistakes to show you why it is important to proof read before posting lol there should be no "my" next to Aandy, apologies Aandy

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Follow Up By: D-Jack - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 14:26

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 14:26

Gajm

Sorry if I gave you that impression. The thread started off about centre poles and like most do digressed into tent vs swag, but my reply is based on fact and experience if you read it carefully. And sure there is some opinion, that's what this forum is about, but I don't really think I'm pushing it. If I had have written,

"People who use swags are thick. You must have rocks in your head to use a swag. Change over to a tent now or the tent gods will be angry and may lightening strike you in your swag"

then I would be pushing my opinion. However I do not beleive that, and I agree that if someone wants to use a swag then they can, I mentioned I still use mine on the beach.

Your point about 'True Offroader' is valid. Maybe a true offroader is someone who never ever ever drives on a road. There.

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Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:27

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:27

I have a similar tent to yours Truckster which I use for motorbike touring and hiking (Coleman Hiker - one pole and nice and long). However for the rigours of 4wding I use a 9X9 Southern Cross. I find the centre pole tent much quicker to erect than the hiker which has more than 10pegs and several guy ropes.

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Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 19:54

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 19:54

Andy,
...like the 9x9 You dont have to use all pegs and ropes with this one either! Depends on weather.. Same as 9x9 or any tent, you wouldnt use 4 pegs in a real storm.

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:14

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:14

Nope D-Jack, wasn't aimed at you, I should have been a bit clearer, was more accumualation of things.

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Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 08:46

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 08:46

Oh you poor old thing GAJM - I've been making you "cower" without realising. GAJM I was giving my advice and opinion (to someone else and not you!!) and I'm sorry that my views have upset you so much. You do seem to be a fairly sensitive lady so please just ignore any future posts from me if they upset you. Believe me, my comments or opinions weren't directed at you or in any way intended to criticise your preferences.

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:11

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:11

LOL you do amuse yourself, yes Aandy, I am in total awe of your stupid and unfounded opinions, and take anything you say as gospel, you are such a true offroader with vasts amount of knowledge....that I'm sure some of which is usefull.......to someone........somewhere.

gajm_oz@yahoo.com (if you want to email me and arrange to meet for a beer)

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Reply By: Baz (NSW) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 13:52

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 13:52

I dunno about anyone else but i use both, swag & tent/camper the swag mattress on top of the camper mattress comfort plus and if it gets hot sleep on top of the swag or drag it outside or into the annex.

Baz.

AnswerID: 79713

Follow Up By: Glenn (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 16:15

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 16:15

Hi Baz,

That fire certainly looks close to the annex, of is the a paralex error from my end?

Cheers

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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:52

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:52

Glenn thats his central heating. LOL

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Follow Up By: Penguin (NSW) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:00

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:00

Glenn

I can vouch for the fact heat no tarps were sacrificed that night. Looks are very deceptive. ;-)

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Follow Up By: Glenn (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:02

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:02

phew

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Follow Up By: Gajm (VIC) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:09

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:09

Baz, did that fire look that high when you were taking the pic? I took a few pics with the fire going and it looks like we are pyromaniacs!

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Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:07

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:07

Yep it looked high when i took the pic we were a bit worried there for a while but had no prob looks worse than it was had to be there, the tarp that would have been burnt was on a couple of bucks and not mine so no prob, sorry Mick.

Baz.

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Reply By: Davoe - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 14:42

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 14:42

we fly camp for the field season (only spend one night at the same place) and the weopon of choice is swag with tents only being used by the girls if it rains. as for leaking I use a tarp as a groundsheet that is big enough to flick over the swag during heavy rain

AnswerID: 79721

Follow Up By: Willem - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:43

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:43

Me...I getting old and soft and have been there and done that with tents, camp beds, swags etc..Now I have a nice foam mattress. Lay the front seats down and position soft stuff in the holes and make a lovely dry camp inside the truck. Anyone travelling with has to put up his/her own sleeping arrangement :-)

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Follow Up By: Muddy 'doe (SA) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:50

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 20:50

Hah,

I am with you Willem. I use the vehicle as an emergency shelter (bad weather, floods) or if I cannot be bothered doing anything else (late at night, buggered). The seats fold down to a reasonably flat bed and is fairly comfy (and dry!).

It can be a bit difficult in the modern vehicle with the moulded seats and various plastic bits everywhere but it beats lying on the ground in the cold!

Cheers
Muddy 'doe

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Reply By: Member - Jack - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 15:47

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 15:47

I hae both (well, three actually ...). Tanami 9x9 tent fo use when I am going to stay a while, a swag for when I am travelling solo and it is a nice evening, (or under a tarp attached to the side of the car if it looks rainy), and an el cheapo "quick erect tent" for a quickie stay when both of the above look impractical. Don't always carry the lot with with me, but generally two of the three are there. All are good for their chosen task.

Jack

The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get. (Lewis Carroll-Alice In Wonderland)

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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:55

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 18:55

Jack I am close to you.
Use a Southern Cross Ultimate Trekker with the family and a Southern Cross double swag on my own or with the girlfriend.
Do the same as you with tarp onto side of truck when needed for the swag.

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Follow Up By: Member - Jack - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 19:43

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 19:43

Hi John:

I usually just u-bolt a tent pole onto the roof rack, extend it, and hang the tarp from that (using occy straps), then tie or peg it to the ground. Very quick and easy...the way I like it.

Cheers
Jack

The hurrieder I go, the behinder I get. (Lewis Carroll-Alice In Wonderland)

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Reply By: Muddy 'doe (SA) - Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 21:11

Monday, Oct 11, 2004 at 21:11

I am going thru this issue of the best camp accomodation at present.

Since the air mattress went down at 1am last weekend I have been trying to come up with the best system for my needs both for sleeping on and for a roof over the noggin. I have a largish geo-dome tent which is fantastic for when I am stopped for more than a single day but it does take a while to put up. I also need a good soft base to sleep on and want something to use both inside and outside the tent.

Can't really get my head around being in a swag. I am not claustrophobic but it would still be a bit small for me as I like some room around me when sleeping.

My tent takes about 30-45 minutes to set up and this is no problem for camping for a couple of days but next year I am going to Weipa and will be doing maybe 8 -10 overnight stops in a row and putting the tent up and down every day may get somewhat annoying.

Over the weekend I bought a 12'x10' tarp with a couple of extendable poles and an extendable ridge pole. With this i can very quickly make a simple standalone shelter or an awning off the side of the 4by. I have then made up a bedroll consisting of a super high density 1" foam mat and a 2" self inflating mattress on a groundsheet which I can rollout under this shelter. I would say 10 minutes and I am done.

This idea would also be useful as an awning off the car or a couple of handy trees when it is really hot or raining. Even If I have already set up the tent for a long stay.

When travelling I will probably carry the equipment for both tenting and just the simple shelter and then just use the approriate level of accomodation required.

This to me offers the best of both worlds and I also think I have the sleeping needs sorted with the comfy bedroll that does not take up too much space and can be used both inside and outside the tent.

I hope one day to work my way up to one of the really fast to erect proper canvas tents such as the centre pole type that Aandy talks about or something like a Oz Tent RV. When I have a spare $400-$800 I will let you know!!!

As someone said above "each to their own"! I present my opinion and experiences for the benefit of anyone interested!

Cheers
Muddy 'doe

AnswerID: 79803

Follow Up By: Baz (NSW) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:11

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 10:11

There are double swags Steve, i think there is one for sale in the trader section for $250 very cheap for a double.

Baz.

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Follow Up By: Glenn (VIC) - Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 11:17

Tuesday, Oct 12, 2004 at 11:17

Yes Baz, you are right. Since I bought a double swag...just for me...I have not had better sleeps in the bush ever. The single swag was a bit claustrophobic for me, but the double rocks.

I bought it from ebay for under $300.

Cheers

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