Centre Pole tents V Swags

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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