Swags vs other bedding??

G,day,

if you have not camped much, and you are going away for 3 wks camping, I assume from your questions that you have not camped for this long before and you will be on the move here and there?

you want to get this right otherwise they might not want to do it again.

imho,

good swags aren't cheap and the boys (how old?) may not like them. Depending on what room you have, four swags can be pretty bulky too. They may prefer to have their own little "zone" together do whatever, without actually going to bed, or getting up if you know what I mean. Reading, colouring in, the like, away from the parents. For these reasons at least, I would suggest a small dome tent, does not take up much room when packed either. If the boys are old enough, you can teach them how to put the dome up and down, and that can be their taks for making and striking camp.

For bedding comfort, thermarests are very comfortable and also do a good job insulating you from cold ground.

don't know about the tent cots mate.

We have the self inflating 4wd queen size bed which doesnt have pump or anything just open the caps and it sucks the air in. Comfy ?? yes, Room ?? Take up a heap of room as they can only be rolled. Easy to use ?? yes and no inflation great To roll up a bast#rd. Swags I love em wife hates em. There are so many on the market remember to get one that has the mesh in it so that you can leave the top open with out getting eaten alive by mozzi's. Then there are all different types with built in matresses. I think any of these things needed to be loaded on the roof. They take up sooo much luggage space. The best thing I have had was a camp strecher, fold down to nothing, your up off the ground and I found them to be extremely comfortable. If space is limited this is the way I would go, but not ideal if sleeping out as the sleeping bag will end up moist /wet from the morning due, ideal if in a tent/annexe. Time wise all about the same to open up etc. Only thing is if sleeping in a dome tent that is not that big the camp strechers need to be in from the sides a bit so you wont be rubbing on the tent all night. Just what I have had and used over the years. Regards Steve M

Hiking Tents ..
Shape like Swags - Single or Double - but much lighter ..
Swags are a nuisance .. too heavy, uncomfortable, expensive .. old technology
Our double hiking tent is 2.4 kg a single is 1.9 and between 160 and 220
good luck
gmd

As you have already experienced sleeping in a Swag, at 13 and 9, the boys will absolutely love their own. 4 swags won't take up that much more room than two, especially if you can store them on a roof rack, or in a trailer. The Hoop type are best IMO. This will be a good investment for them. They can also use them at other times for sleepover's, etc.

If you include a sleeping bag for each swag, (stored inside when rolled up) that is all you will need for comfortable self contained bedding.

For additional protection from the weather when cooking etc. you can include a tarp, either self standing, or attached to the side of the vehicle.

Self inflating mattresses, stretchers, etc. will also take up room and you would also need a tent for sure.

Perhaps before you buy the swags, why not get the boys to try sleeping overnight in the backyard in your swags. They will soon tell you if they like the idea.

Not sure where you are travelling. If inland then dew will not be problem as it is near the coast. A simple dome tent would keep you dry and out of the wind. The continual desert wind can be annoying if you have no shelter from it.

Sleeping - In bushwalking circles we say you spend a third of the time in bed and should be top quality and this means not cheap. There is nothing more horrendous than spending a cold night.

As stated before, insulate from the ground (thermarest are great) or a simple roll of closed cell foam and then a QUALITY sleeping bag and your set. Good bags pack very small and with this sort of equipment you can easily sleep warm lying on snow. Can even then cover yourself in snow to prevent windchill. The snow will only be about zero and that is easily handled by a good sleeping bag.

If going out in the desert be aware that temperature can easily drop below zero at night. (even without snow LOL)