Buying a Swag

My wife and I use a double swag we bought at Ray's outdoors about 2 years ago. It's made out of Indian Canvas, has a 2inch mattress, 3 fibreglass hoops (we leave these in when we roll it), zip up canvas (top and front) and flyscreens top and front. So you can climb out through the top or front. It also has extra space at the front and back so your feet can hang over the end of the mattress, and you can put your boots inside and away from the dingos. Its had a lot of use, and we've been very happy with it - not a stitch out of place. It only cost $240 at the time, but is about $400 now. Probably not the best quality, but we've not been able to fault it. And I really like the design.

Its pretty bulky when you roll it up complete with sleeping bags and pillows, but we have plenty of room in the canopy, so thats not an issue.

cheers
Phil

Hii Nick We use Burke and Wills Stringy bark model and have found them grear Ray

"Best Make" ????

Hmmm, that's a hard call Nick.

14oz, 16oz, 17oz is the "weight" or "thickness" of the canvas used.
The heavier the canvass, the stronger it is. At least that is the theory.

When I bought our "Down Under" swags, (single XL in our case) one of the reasons we chose them was because they are made locally, are a quality product and "spare parts" are readily available. "Spare parts" you say? Yep.

Consider the protective covering that goes over the foam mattress.
Over time, the covering may become worn and need replacing.
No problem with ours. Can buy the mattress covers separately, as you can with the hoops, foot support rods, etc., which may become lost over time.

Just bear in mind, a double swag will be rather bulky to carry and store. We find a pair of single XL (extra width) to be more practical than one double swag. One person may like the canvas cover folded back so they can view the night sky through the netting, whilst your spouse may wish to be "cocooned" in total canvas so that Dingo can't join them in the sack.

Swags can be somewhat "restrictive" and each person has their own sleeping requirements.

That's my view anyway.

Thanks for the input blokes, you gave me something to think about though Sandy with 2 separate swags, anyhow it doesn,t take much to visit the Mrs. "next door" when the clock needs a wind!!

Thanks Fellas Regards Nick

WE have used a southern cross double for about 6 years now.

All the best
Eric

We have just done the Canning and out to the Calverts and bought a double Mr Swagman. Not the cheapest but really comfortable, easy to set up and with sleeping bags kept us warm.

We have used Onland swags from Camping-r-us (www.camping-r-us.com.au) with great service and good availability of spare parts.

When swags get used for long periods you can expect little things to need attention - in my experience, hoops get sat on or whatever, and Camping-r-us have been good to deal with. Our swags have a tough life, and these have stood up to the punishment.

Nice heavy canvas; good design that has nice strong zips and all the mozzie nets and stuff at a reaonsable price...

I have a Bob Burrage
Australia Outback Bush Gear

Contact Details are
(02) 4272 3705

He is located near Woolongong.

The double swags have a wollen blanket sewen into them and are very comfortable.

Cheers Kev

We have 3 Bourke & Wills "Simpson" Swags for our family. Been across the Simpson with them, slept in 30 degree nights, slept in them in -5 degree night and wouldn't have anything else. Completely mozzie, sand fly, snake, or anything bitey proof, and you can have your mesh zipped up, or the mesh and the canvas zipped up. Slept in absolute gale force, sand blowing conditions and they have not moved an inch. Seriously, wouldn't have anything else. They may cost $699 each, but you get what you pay for. If you are going to make that investment, make it a good one first up. Especially if you are getting one for the kids.

I think you will find that anybody that says they are using 16 or 17oz canvas is telling porkies.