Canvas or Plastic floor in swag

Each or either. I have 2 canvas bottoms and a plastic bottom swag. When using the canvas bottoms, I make sure that I use some form of ground sheet. $2 blue tarps do the trick, and it saves having to clean dirt off the botom of the swag before packing away. I find I sleep better in the canvas bottom swag. Dont know why, just do. Perhaps because it 'breathes', I dont really know. As for leaking, I guess because they are one peice of canvas, so no joins except for where the zips are, less chance of leaking.

The plastic bottom swag is just as good. Mine has high sides, so less chance of it leaking. The only downside is that it seems to collect alot of moisture on the underside, thus attracting plenty of dirt/sticks/leaves as the temptation is to use it without a ground sheet.

If it was my choice, go with what suits your budget and your needs. pay attention to the mattresses as this I beleive is the most important factor. I lived in my swag for three months straight once, I was only able to do it because of the mattress. We have the two canvas bottom swags as they can be joined together to make a double bed, they were the right price, good sized mattress, and nothing looks better than dragging a dusty canvas swag off the back of the ute. Bit of an ozzie icon I reckon.

good luck

Personally I chose to go with an all canvas swag as I reckon they breathe much better. (had the opportunity to 'road test' a few before I purchased mine).

I carry a piece of shadecloth to put under the swag (when I bother) to keep it a bit cleaner, works better than a tarp because rain can not pool on it.

There is such a rich variety of swags available nowadys, that i think that it will really come down to which of the 'other' features you need/want most...

cheers

Haven't had any problems with my swag with a plastic bottom. I haven't ever used one with a canvas bottom, but the canvas top on mine does collect dew on the inside on cold nights. I'm not sure if the canvas bottomed ones would let moisture seep through.

Its like this !
Dosen't matter what you get , as long as you put a ground sheet underneath it..
Personally, I use a roll of hi_density ( sky Blue ) foam rubber ,.. Clark Rubber stores sell it,,and I think its pool matting type, , and its a good 25-30 mm thick,, and fits perfectly inderneath the swag, is water proof, and if you are a big fellar, like me, its an extra ( waterproof ) mattress

Cheers
Bucky
email me for more details if you want ,, bloh@aapt.net.au

I use my canvas bottom swag directly on the ground and have no problems at all with it.

Thanks guys, Looks like the canvas floor wins. I still don' understand how water gets inbetween the seams/stitching. he must be on drugs. :-)

I think I understand how stitching in the seams in plastic is more prone to leaking than in canvas, but practically it is not a problem in my experience.

I do find that the plastic bottom is easier to clean, especially if the roll is sitting on the roof-rack exposed to dust or mud.

Just another thought ...

Ciao for now
Andrew happy to roll out his swag anywhere ;-)

Go the plastic (PVC) bottom.
1. They stop the rising moisture.
2. If you camp in the centre bindis don't stick to them.
3. When rolled up on the roof or back of a truck they stay a lot drier if it rains.
4. You don't need to carry a ground sheet.
5. If you need to take them inside for any reason (motel room, friends house, work accommodation ,etc.)you can wipe them down with a wet rag and not drag dirt and crap inside.

As far as leaking at the seams, It would depend on the quality and design. Buy one off someone who has been making and using swags for years ( not mass producing them for the cities) and you wont have a problem. You can always use a wax stick on the seams.
I have 2 swags with PVC and 2 without and honestly cant see any reason why you would buy a swag without a PVC bottom anymore.
Cheers

i spend too much time in a swag to put up with a moldy smell from canvas bottom. the plastic bottom is the way to go, the darche dome swags do not leak in torential down poors i should now the army allways picks the wet season to go bush. as they say if its not raining its not training.

Canvas Bottom is the best for a swag a pvc botttom does not allow the mattress to breath, as a person sleeps they sweat this sweat goes through your mattress and and in pvc based swag collect under the mattress so if you are using the swag for long periods of time you need to air the mattress or it will go mouldy,

Also a in a pvc based swag when you sew it you need to treat the stitching as it will leak pvc does not swell like canvas and take up the holes the needle leaves behind, yes pvc is good in muddy situations but it may mean picking a better place to put it or carying a cheap poly tarp.

Having said that there is also difference in the canvas themselves some canvas breathes better than others as there is a fine line when making a canvas to get the canvas to be waterproof and breath, talk to your local camping store ask them the questions and see what sort of answers you get, there will be for and agianst both products, niether is wrong some things just work better than others in certain situations.

Make sure you get one with a good breathable fabric it will slow the condensation down.
Derraux

About the PVC floor swags and sweeting ?

I make sure my swag is aired every day when camping, thats the key to stopping mould ect, only takes 1/2 hr in the morning and you can do the same in the afternoon, when making camp,

I have slept in some major storms, and with my waterproof PVC base and my hi_density foam ground sheet, have never been wet,

Mind you its a bit tricky getting in and out during a storm, but still managed to remain reasonably dry,,, but thats a different story

Cheers Bucky