The Swag thread

[Reddo]

Post up what you have, and how you rate it.


Swag; Burk and Wills
Name; Waratah
Type; Single, Dome
Price; $319
Place of purchase; Jolly Swagman, Hobart
Dimensions;Length2150mm x Width: 830mm x Height 750mm
Satisfaction rate out of 5;
Very happy 4/5

What do you like about it;
Well, first of all its Australians made
Zips and canvas level are high, and don't run in the dirt
Came with a Tarp
Came with poles, and
Came with Guide ropes
Inside pockets for keys, phone and a torch holder.

what you don't like about it;
Not sure if the Velcro on the coving canvas will stand up to the mud and dirt.

http://www.australianhats.com.au/images/products/waratah.jpg

[nilla60]

A vital part for any swag is B&S stripes. Reflective stripes to alert circling utes to your presense.

[Big Boots]

Cockatoo Savanah from campout products in Brisbane. Only drama is its about 7 years old and has a rip in the fly screen part. Other than that thumbs up.

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f97/perfectpass05/2007%20Finke%20race%20-%20the%20long%20way%20around/DSC01070.jpg

[luxa]

http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/f39/how-old-your-current-swag-29245/

http://www.4wdmonthly.com.au/forum/f39/swags-good-get-34998/

Have a couple of Darche Swags, Australian Made with Australian canvas.

4/5

The Good:
No velcro, Mozzie net, Waterproof Vinyl Floor,

Notso:
Low Height - mozzies bite through mesh if its sitting on you.
Condensation - but this can happen in most swags.
Early models had fibreglass poles - they commonly split (most models now have alloy poles !!!)

Luxa

[trains]

I made up my own.
Called my swag.

Cost? Cant remember not that much.
Already had the egg shell matteress. made up a sheet cover for the mattres out of an old queen sized cotton sheet, made up like a pillowcase.
It's hoop is free standing, dont need any guy ropes to stay it in place.
Poles are lightweight alloy ones from kathmandu store for 20 bucks.
You can use tent pegs to hold it in place if you so require as its not that heavy.

Mossie screen with zip all the way round, (cant see it in the photo) can use poles for airing, or mossie protection, or just use flat and open as per normal swag.
Water proof, good leg room/ feet room due to larger gusset at the foot.
2. something long 1.3 ish wide, I can stretch out and not touch the sides.
Inside key/ torch etc pocket, outer cover zipped both sides, inside loops to tie up the top cover, or mossie screen.
Double and tripple stitched, and reinforced at all stress points, means it will last a very long time, the base material is a glass matt covered in a pvc vinal ish stuff that is amazingly strong, if you cut it with a knife, and then try to enlarge the hole, you simply cant by hand. Same with the mossie netting, its amazingly durable stuff.

Only thing I think I could have done better, is to make a screen section that is coverd by some canvas in the foot gusset to allow more ventilation, however I havnt needed it, but when I made a few more, I incorporated that into the design.

Still rate it at a 5/5 even without the screen in the foot gusset.
just what I want, versitile, cheap, very rugged materials and construction, and if its damaged, I can easily fix it with the sewing machine.
Field tested and very happy with the results.........good nights sleep.



Original post from another thread.

I originally liked the idea of the twin hooped ones with insect mesh from the largest hoop, to halfway down, and the mesh at the large end, but didnt like the idea of how they worked if it rained, ie, swag full of water, then came across some with the hoop 1/3 along, and self supporting.
Decided to make my own, and can use it either hooped, or without (often leave it hooped during the day to let it air out, and have it flat at night.
I made it large enough for 2 at a friendly squeeze, but spacious for one, plus any gear next to you over night.
Wifey had some old wool laying around unused due to its high vegetable matter content, so I used this stuff to make a woolen quilt with some cotton material. Used a matteress overlay as the base, and again coverd it with some older cotton sheets made up like a large pillowcase so it can be easily removed.

Love it.

Trains


__________________
My Wife cant shear But you should see her crutch!

Save the Whales......Collect the whole set!

Fight Crime.......Shoot Back !

[Humvee]

Has anyone had experience with the SSAA Swags?

[ST391GQ]

Has anyone had experience with the SSAA Swags?


X 2...please.


Cheers Keith

[Walt]

My swag was made by Swain's Canvas (a local upholsterer). Cost me about $200 i think. Its only the typical plain jane swag. Glad i paid extra for it though, it is 100% water proof, made from very heavy canvas, which is also alot warmer. It doesnt have any zips, it uses those push button type clips, which i like cause alot of my camping is in sand, which only buggars up zips. Has eyelets in either end to prop it up with a rope/poles if required. Only complaint? I got the thin mattress type, but ill soon be fixing that. But normally im so blind anyway i dont care, infact iv woken up beside my swag on several occassions.

[wesdabeersat]

mine is mad dog? i think. very similar to that top one.
poles that go over your waist aswell as your head
cost me $220 7 years ago i think,. bloody warm in winter
very comfy 4/5 she is a bit old and worn now i think i will retire it later this year
haha walt me too but waking up under the cruiser and smashing my head on the muffler wen i freaked out was the funniest one

[crusher]

Had a Blueys XL but have just bought myself a Jolly Swag Sundowner Dome Swag was $249 on special from Camping World (25% off). Not as simple to use as the Blueys (as you just rolled it out and jumped in), but it is more comfortable as has 10mm thicker mattress.

Also bought my son a new Brumby XL dome swag today to replace his Blueys. Cost $202 from Camping World also 25% off

[window]

Have a Burke and Wills Redgum Swag.
Paid $420
4/5
Likes: first swag, build quality, aussie made, pockets inside, fully opening, mesh as well as canvas

Dislikes: Not enough room around the hips for me as i sleep on my side.

Am looking at one of the southern cross canvas swags, as i'd like the swag to be off me when i sleep. When i get that, my missus can have my other swag.

Beats using an old hootchie any day!

[318 cruiser]

I have a single burke and wills redgum great swag as per the bloke above 4/5. It losses a point cos after only 4 years the seam between canvas and zipper abover my head is starting to pull apart.

At christmas we brought a double Roman BNS swag traditional type swag (no poles) fly creen head pvc base. 3/5 losses point for cheaper matirial and thin mattress.

[Tri_Lon]

i have a single burke and wills, i cant remember what its called but looks similar to the one in the first post but the flyscreen comes right to the ground so air flow is great. and the head has a flap that can be tied off to block the rain yet give ventilation

[Paul100]

I have a Bushwakka Traveller Swag .

It's been a great swag , i've had it for apox 8 years now & it's always done the job , it has a lot of KM's on it :p :D
Been in very heavy rain & snow & i've never been cold , but i do get hot in it sometimes .
It's got a top & front crawl in entry . Good flaps that overlap well - unlike some brands where they just meet-up .
If i wanted another swag then i'll be most happy to get another one !

I either take my swag or my Southern Cross Touring Tent , just depends on the type of trip .

Paul100

[BIGADS]

I have a Bourke n Wills Waratah Swag

Its been fantastic and swear by it but im buyiest cause i sell the range of bourke n wils swags so will leave it at that.

Cheers Ad's

[luxa]

Beats using an old hootchie any day!

Spent many a dry night under a Hootchie - when all the tent and swag goers were soaking wet !!!!

I still use the Hootchie over the swag when its pissing rain or I'm expecting a heavy frost !!!!!

For those who don't know what a hootchie is...... I'm not gonna tell ya ;)

Do something for your country and find out for yourself :)

Luxa

[window]

Spent many a dry night under a Hootchie - when all the tent and swag goers were soaking wet !!!!

I still use the Hootchie over the swag when its pissing rain or I'm expecting a heavy frost !!!!!

For those who don't know what a hootchie is...... I'm not gonna tell ya ;)

Do something for your country and find out for yourself :)

Luxa


I still have a few hootchies floating around. make great temp shelters!

do you know where the word hootchie comes from?

[trains]

Spent many a dry night under a Hootchie - when all the tent and swag goers were soaking wet !!!!

I still use the Hootchie over the swag when its pissing rain or I'm expecting a heavy frost !!!!!

For those who don't know what a hootchie is...... I'm not gonna tell ya ;)

Do something for your country and find out for yourself :)

Luxa

Hehe.
Also find out what a FRED is too.

T

No I dont want to do Camp Crusty!

[Zam]

Yeah the good ole hootchie setup correctly is fantanstic, if it is looking like pissing down with rain or going to be a heavy frost I will setup the hootchie over the swag.

But as an added precausion and for extra warmth I have a bivvy bad as well which i have inside the swag.

works a treat.

[junior80]

Mr swagman delux double swag

400 or something

great for snuggling up with the missus and heaps of room when she's not there.

havent had it in rain yet but maybe over apec weekend up at armidale.

[Richard_]

Have a Burke and Wills Redgum Swag.
Paid $420
4/5
Likes: first swag, build quality, aussie made, pockets inside, fully opening, mesh as well as canvas

Dislikes: Not enough room around the hips for me as i sleep on my side.

Am looking at one of the southern cross canvas swags, as i'd like the swag to be off me when i sleep. When i get that, my missus can have my other swag.

Beats using an old hootchie any day!

You have wider hips than your missus? :)

[jonamaphone]

does anyone use the mr swagman premium classic swag?

Premium Classic Swag - Aussie Swag by Mr Swagman - Camping Gear Australia - Bush Swags Bed rolls - Camping Bed - Campout Products (http://www.mrswagman.com.au/premium-classic.shtml)

it LOOKS like a nice swag, real easy to put up, no poles (mayaswell be a tent), waterproof.

i just want an opinion from someone who uses one first hand.

[PJ.zook]

I got the good Darche swag, no complaints, is a bloody good swag.
As with all swags, moisture is annoying, but what can ya do...

[mac25]

ive had my sar major for 10 years and has been used heaps, everything still works perfectly 10/10 from me, I only have basic one ( cant be bothered with fly screens and pegs etc )

[trains]

Sar major is not far from me, and Im more than impressed with their service, and products, couldnt rate them highly enough.

Trains

[window]

You have wider hips than your missus? :)


yep!

[Humvee]

Ive been thinking about getting a new swag, have been tossing up between ethier a Mr Swagman or one of these

https://www.ssaa.org.au/merchandise/ssaa.html

[LC70]

I have a Bourke & Wills Redgum XL cost $530 (with PVC base). i used it for 2 months when travelling around Oz by myself earlier this year.

Pros

Very comfortable
plenty of room for one
good ventilation
easy to set up
Aussie made.
Cons:

mattress was too thin after several weeks i purchased an additional mattress from a foam shop cost $40 for high density 20mm foam cut to size.
seam in main flap why they don't cut the main flap out of one piece of canvas is beyond me. Water pools in the seam which runs the length of the swag... when raining water pools in the seam and eventually seeps through and wets your bedding. I now use a small tarp with some 1200mm poles as per photo.
Velcro in end flap does not seal very well, especially when the instructions tell you to erect your swag with this end towards the diretion of the weather.
For the money the swag cost i would not buy another one for the above stated reasons.Cheers
Andrew

[window]

Hehe.
Also find out what a FRED is too.

T

No I dont want to do Camp Crusty!


Ahh, the FRED, or quadge.

And anyone worked out where hootchie comes from?

I know, but not telling!

[Coupland]

Ahh, the FRED, or quadge.

And anyone worked out where hootchie comes from?

I know, but not telling!

I know that you eager to tells us Window, where does hootchie come from??

[window]

From the Aussies serving in Korea after the Korean War. A small shelter was called a "oochie" by the koreans, and thats how the word "hootchi" came about.

And FRED stands for Friggin Ridiculous Eating Device (the can opener/spoon found in rat packs).

[Elmer]

And FRED stands for Friggin Ridiculous Eating Device (the can opener/spoon found in rat packs).

Or, Friggin Ripper Eating Device - when you head bush and forget the can opener - and find the FRED in the glovebox! - Beats a Bowie knife through the can - or hand!

[Chaddz79]

Got a burke and will ute swag, bout same with as a small double, Personally prefer these to swags with poles, prefer to just lay it out and crawl in. Lives with 2 pillows and a single doona in it and a sleeping bag at feet for the cold nights.

Best swag i ever seen was made by a mate while we loaded bike on the ute. He had left his else where so he pulled out a old cricket pitch tarp, cut it into shape with a pig knife, folded it over and tied up one side with bail twine, threw his sleeping bag and a pillow in and off we went! He still pulls it out every now and then.

In regards to the refective stripes for BnS's, I gave up on campin on the ground for this reason, I always park in front of the campsit at night and if theres heaps of hoons, Which at BnS's is normal, then I get in the back of the Ute... GooOOoo Sunny Cowgirls!!!

[window]

Or, Friggin Ripper Eating Device - when you head bush and forget the can opener - and find the FRED in the glovebox! - Beats a Bowie knife through the can - or hand!


everyone i know calles them ridiculous, but i would never go with out one. I have 1 in my 4bie, one in the missus car, 1 in my first aid kit, and a few floating around in my bags and even coats!

and below is a fred for those who dont know what one is.

[mimmo_gsr]

This is my Swag, its a True Blue Lasseter its around 230 x 95cm and is made out of 160oz canvas.

You can enter from one side or from the front, and both sides have full length zips and insect mesh inside.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1194/1426491785_30de3768cc_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1042/1427370602_da8566b9a2_o.jpg

Mimmo

[Yonk]

I still have a few hootchies floating around. make great temp shelters!

do you know where the word hootchie comes from?

Sure, it's derivative is from the Japanese word "uchi" which means
"home" ;the dwelling you live in or your house.
HTH Yonk.

[et4wd]

I have a Down Under swag,
A Brumby XL single, 3 feet wide and over 7 foot long.
Cost me $360 six years ago. Bought from Allingtons.

Heres a pic, not real good but you get the idea!....Oh and it was a bit cold so i found out when i woke up!!!

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h207/et4wd/swag.jpg

Have NEVER had a drama with this swag! i have owned it for 6 years and it has been to all states with me except WA and NT, and has clocked up a huge amount of k's
Ive had it in heat and it is a bit hot but all the mesh and 'shooters window' come in handy it is also sandfly and mozzie proof.
Ive had it in temps as low as ( this year!) -10 degrees and was in my 'reg grundies' and was thinking about pulling on the second quilt but i got sleepy thinking about it and went back to sleep nice and warm!

Would highly recommend these swags as all my mates have them as well and i started with the first one.
Never had a leak, never been cold, and have never hit the ground on the mattress ( i weigh about 98kgs) and nothin has self destructed, just a good allround swag!!

Steve.

[Z()LTAN]

mimmo i have exact same one!

its the best, big enough for me ( 6"8 )

The canvas is rigid enough to stand up by itself and off your face most times.

Its only drawback is its rolled size, its massive expecially when i leave a pillow and sleeping bag in it at all times

[irish murphy]

I have two swags,well the cook has a new one which i am using until she needs it.the first is a clancy double and the second is a mitchel extra double.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/wharf/Picture_0210.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/wharf/wharf2/michelago1038.jpg

[Z()LTAN]

thats almost a tent bro!

[Nicko_Chippy]

just to bring it back up, and save making a new thread, has anyone heard of a brand of swags called 'Campout Swags'

its my bday, and the parents got me a king single one of these, its got a 50mm high density foam mattress, just wanted to know what people thought of these. its got fairly heavy duty waterproof canvas on it. and mozzie and sandlfy proof netting at both ends.

[Byrnesy]

Have had my own basic swag that i made 12 years ago out of bradmill 14 oz canvas. Still in great nic but I have a Down Under Brumby XL on order as I expect to do more wet weather camping. The old one I will give to the old man.

Looked at alot but after getting 12 years, and still going strong, out of my old one I wanted one with at least 14oz australian made canvas.

[wrangler35]

quick question how do you guys water proof you swags?????

[khany454]

quick question how do you guys water proof you swags?????

i use either scotchguard or lanoline.

preferably lanoline...

[Byrnesy]

Wrangler I water proofed my old swag with a Joseph Lyddy canvas waterproofing compound. It is some sort of solvent with wax dissolved in it. Once aplied the solvent evaporates and leaves the wax behind.

Does goes soft in warm weather though.

[robe0455]

Go to any camping stores and buy some canvas re-proofer. Sometimes you apply it with a brush, othertimes its a spray. And if you find any seams leak buy a couple of seam-sealing kits. These are a brush-on silicon type of thing that will prevent leaking through the seams.

[shane1962]

I have a sagent major swag I brought in the NT 16yrs ago when i was working up there. I have used many times and cant find a fault with it. Most of my camping has being done in SA. I give it 10/10 for comfort and userfriendly set up. Just unroll it on the ground and climbe in easy after a hard day traveling or hard nights drinking.

[Brucey]

I have a very flash $450 something or other that my wife,daughter & son seem to think they have dibs on so if any of the family come I use the $50 swagman my mate sold me. I have grown to love it, made poles and ropes and a special mozzie screen for it so bugger them.

regards

[Big Boots]

Got myself a double one of these a couple of months back. Fits me more comfortably than my other one. Love the PVC base and easy pole set up. Waterproofed quite well from the factory too.
http://www.zenithcreations.com.au/files/traders/trader-100/front/26072007121344470.jpg

[ferremit]

I just bought an OzTrail Mitchell yesterday:D

http://ferrit.ozonejunkie.com/gallery/d/8323-2/CRW_9831pp.jpg

Not bad for $215 on sale!


Oh, and FRED actually stands for "Field Ration Extraction Device";)

[Yonk]

Nice.
Mine is thirty years old, made of Aussie's finest heavy canvas.
No buttons or zippers or studs.
I drew what I wanted and went to a tentmaker, it is basically a box high enough to keep a mattress free from crawlies and water, it has a short flap top and tail flapsand a big rain flap which it big enough to fold over something rigged to keep the canvas off me while it rains.
I have pulled that thing over me and slept in a drumming downpour, woken in a flooded site and never missed any sleep.

[robe0455]

Anyone know anything about Candy Canvas swags? Been recomended by a mate. Im about to buy my first swag. What is worth looking for? The CC ones have 11.5 ounce polycotton canvas, and have a mosquito netting that can be setup on its own if its hot. What are your thoughts?

Cheers,
Mark

[hiluxornotrux]

Ferremit

That is exactly the one that I'm looking at getting. Would really appreciate any feedback you have.

Cheers Daniel.

I have also been looking at these on ebay atm- they look pretty good for the price. About $200!!

http://www.wildearth.com.au/images/tents/onlanddckdomekit.jpghas anyone tried or seen these in action?

[1010011010]

I've got a swag made by H.N.S Canvas in Bathurst.
Best birthday present I have EVER recieved! It's travelled far and wide with me, survived a number balls (although the addition of reflective tape is needed!) and sleeps two people in comfort (you just have to choose wisely ;))
I've woken up with ice on it at North Star in July and didn't feel the cold.

It's extremely simple, a mattress and a piece of canvas with a zip! Nice big flap at the head, my only complaint is the foot of it is rubbish. it has pop fasteners which undo all the time and water and anything else can get in.

I was having a look at the Mr Swagman swags and they look great! I'm very keen on buying one as it'd save getting eaten by mozzies in some areas but I really don't like the idea of buying a swag without having a good look at it first!

Cheers

Mick

[ROBSKI]

Got my new swag today. Must say they have come along way from when I got my first swag over 20 yrs ago.
Not the cheapest on the market but I wanted comfort, roominess and quality rot proof stitching. Oh and to support local business.

Complete Canvas. Lonsdale S.A.

Pro's :-
Aussie Made, Rot proof stitching, huge swag, can be erected in less than 5 mins, ventilation, ventilation, ventilation and enough room for the missus should she want to ride the baloney pony under the stars...lol

Con's :-
None yet, haven't used it yet.

Here she is,
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/JBVESS/CLOSED.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/JBVESS/STAR.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd228/JBVESS/HUGE.jpg

Cost $600.00

Robski

[Davo1]

That's a good lookin' kid there Robski. Must be one of mine that you borrowed to see if you could get a discount at the canvas shop!

[ROBSKI]

That's a good lookin' kid there Robski. Must be one of mine that you borrowed to see if you could get a discount at the canvas shop!
Yep I got discount cos that kid of yours would not shut up...! I think the bloke wanted me to get the hell outa there..lol.
You should have another kid mate, then she would have someone else to annoy..I mean talk to. hehe.:D

[mr camping]

Wo bought the onland dome kit,with the bag for $179 online from Camping-r-us (http://www.camping-r-us.com.au) ------ Best price

[bpw74]

I recently bought the pictured swag from Grangers camping in Dandenong ($229.00) I have only slept in it once so far, so I cant comment on longevity. I'm really happy with it was a very comfy dry nights sleep in the drizzling rain.
cheers


Ferremit

That is exactly the one that I'm looking at getting. Would really appreciate any feedback you have.

Cheers Daniel.

I have also been looking at these on ebay atm- they look pretty good for the price. About $200!!

http://www.wildearth.com.au/images/tents/onlanddckdomekit.jpghas anyone tried or seen these in action?

[HJ60]

Dune 4WD - All Dune 4WD Products (http://dune4wd.com/Product.asp?p=7)
Picked up one of these the other day for $170.
Cheap option to use when i go camping without the handbrake, the double i have takes up so much room when i'm on my own.
So will see how long it lasts.

[mr camping]

you can buy them now for $169 at Camping-r-us (http://www.camping-r-us.com.au)

[sudso]

Anyone know anything about Candy Canvas swags? Been recomended by a mate. Im about to buy my first swag. What is worth looking for? The CC ones have 11.5 ounce polycotton canvas, and have a mosquito netting that can be setup on its own if its hot. What are your thoughts?

Cheers,
MarkYep, made in Tintinara about 200 clicks south east of Adelaide. I've only ever heard good reports about everything they make. Just about everyone aaround here buys their swags from them.

My missus bought me a swag for my birthday a few years ago made in Mt Gambier, its ok and has a good mattress but you wont go wrong with a Candys.

[rollypatrol]

What the best to way to look after a swag? Do you need to season them first any tips would be great.

[GQWILLO]

A barndnew swag should be setup and wet down with the hose to allow the stiching to swell. Once dry give a coat of bradmills canvas stuff. Works a treat protects and waterprofs the canvas. I've been using it for years.