Swag

Hi Richard

We had our swags custom made - solves the one size (doesn't) fit all.

Motherhen

Gidday

You have hit the nail right on the head with your first question.

Swags may not be for everyone. I have been using one for a while and sometimes I even wonder. At your size you should watch very carefully the size that you buy. One manufacturer's king size might not be quite as "king" as another's and width is as important as length.

Your best bet may be to search the web and look for an australian manufacturer rather than shopping in a camping chainstore, many of which sell imported product and their size range is often smaller. Obviously you can expect to pay more for an australian made canvas swag from a manufacturer with some history in the business.

As for s tyle -- traditional v hoop canvas base v pvc there are plenty of variables --- it come down to preference. it would be a good idea to borrow or hire before you buy, like I said they aren't for everybody and a quality
swag will not be cheap.

and they don't pack up small either. A good king or double takes a up a fair bit of room.

Good luck with it ...there is nothing quite like lying back and looking at the stars from a swag!

Cheers

Rocco

Richard,
I'm not as tall as you and I had difficulty with the normal over the counter swag.
I solved my problem by buying a suitable size piece of high density 75mm sponge foam, in my case it was 190cm long by 90cm wide.
The manager of home business made up a towelling cover for it.
I purchased a piece of 16oz canvas (Australian made of course) 3 metres square when hemmed all round.
This was my swag when made up with a sleeping sheet (a Queen sheet folded in half and then sewn across the bottom) a couple of old grey blankets and a pillow.

In practice it was made up as follows; The mattress was placed about a metre in from 1 edge of the canvas and abour 75cm from the top edge of the canvas. The rest of the bedding went on top of the mattress and all sides were folded in and the lot rolled up and secured.

In use you used the side flaps to keep the moisture off if necessary, to keep the warmth in if necessary and flapped all the way open if you needed to keep cool. The head and foot bits can be used to cover head and feet if necessary.

I've used this for more that 20 years and have never been wet or really cold.
From memory it cost around $120 for the canvas and the mattress, the other bits came from around the house.

This is about as basic as you can get, but it works well. It's also the quickest to set up, undo the straps ,kick it out and it's done.

Disco.

Just one other thing to consider. Mozzies. Might be just me, but I cannot sleep if mozzies can get at me. They seem to be much worse and much more widespread in recent years. I find I either need a dome typw swag with built in netting (at which point I have a small tent) or I always carry a mozzie dome as well as a swag. Another solution are the Speedie instant tents. If you find there are mozzies, just throw the Speedie out and get in. Takes a bit of time to learn how to fold them up, but once you have the knack, they are very fast and easy to pack as well.

I am 185cm and have no problem with Burke & Wills swags. You have about another 8-10cm on me. Burke and Wills aren't cheap, but they are one of the better brands.

There are so many styles to consider, there have been numerous posts here on the pros and cons. Some people don't like the canvas on their bodies, some people don't like the fiddling with hoops and so on.
Try one in a store, if you are too tall for it, then talk to an Motor Trimer/ upholsterer/ Canvas maker/ sail maker about either making one form scratch, or adding a section to what you buy.
There are 2-3 in my town who make swags or would easily do this, I'm sure it's just a matter of talking to them in your local area.

Hullo Richard

I guess there are as many responses/answers as there are people with swags :-)

You might like to have a look at Mr Swagman (no afflliiation) as his swags are 210cm x 80cm - http://www.mrswagman.com.au/premium-deluxe.shtml

I have one - well made, plenty of ventilation, comfortable and reasonable price

Cheers
Andrew

gday Richard,
As a matter of intrest Im 6foot 10 inches tall and about 155kg.
I use an Oztrail "Mitchell Double" Swag.

Lotsa room if Im by myself, or snug if im with the Handbrake! ;)
They used to be pretty cheap, I think i got mine for about $250 back in 2007, Ive toured/llived in her for upto a Month at a time, in Rain and good weather, No issues to report.

Theres plenty out there to look at, good luck!! :)

Hey mate


I am 6'3" so I know where you are coming from. I have to camp out in swags as park of my employment (Hard life I know) and have used a number of different brands and styles over the years.

To date the best I have found for ventilation, space (7' long), mozzy proofness (the swag doesnt touch you), build quality, ease of set up etc is the Dome swag from southern cross canvas in Melborne. (no affiliation) see link to the current one I am using.

http://www.southerncrosscanvas.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/dome-swag-single.jpg

I use this in conjunction with a stretcher so that it is off the ground and much easier to get in and out of, you also get venilation underneath and have somewhere to store your boots etc.

Se attached pic of how i set up. Image Could Not Be Found

Regards

Jas

Have a look at the swag/bed that the Gall Boys use . i have watched their cd's and have seen them survive some big tropical storms plus they look almost crock safe