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Swag. Any good? What type.
Hi All
I participated in a couple of the recent night/evening races recently & found my small tent a bit of a pain to put up, take down.
Some had swags that looked cool so I was wondering if a basic one would be a good alternative.
Talking to others some say go for a basic one, others say that they are useless, heavy, leaky, expensive encumbrances!
What's the verdict out there?
Cheers
Tony
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go for a good heavy canvis get a good mattress theres plenty to choose from basicly build your own pack a few blankets into it & a pillow.the heavy canvis should keep a light shower off you & get one that you can just roll out lie in or on top of after that hard day in the saddle,flap of canvis over both ends should keep the wind out there no good in a storm so check the weather or take both..
they seem pretty bulky to me. Tried to put 1 in my pannier but it didn't fit.
Swags are great for any event that you're not expecting heavy rain at, has limited bugs, and you can access with a car.
If any of these conditions aren't met, you're better off with a good quality tent. Keeps the bugs out, the weather out, and you nice and warm.
A good swag will cost you $200-$300. If you spent that much on a tent you'd get something pretty nice that should be fairly simple to put up, as long as the people sharing your tent don't mind a cuddle.
2 more cents.
ive got a moondyne swag 75mm mattress king size top of the range swag that cost about $400. for the 12 hr took that, an esky, small bag and my bike. Through the swag on the ground unrolled it and was done.
Best part was at the end when tired and sore just role it up and carry it to the car. Get a good swag and sleeping bag and you will keep warm and dry despite the elements - tents are for pussys!!!
spend the extra coin and go for as thick as mattress as you can afford.
Avoid a single size swag if portability isn't a big hassle (i.e. you're not lugging the thing for miles around the bush). Small = canvas coffin.
I used a camp stretcher with a sleeping bag inside a tent for the 12 hour. Best combo I've come across yet.
Hi Tony, Anaconda have just opened a new store at 50 William St, Beckenham/Cannington and have a huge sale on at the moment. A friend got a swag there last week normally $220 he paid $90. Better be quick I think the sales last day is tomorrow Sat 11th Dec.
Cheers for your info all.
That's odd, I was in Anaconda last weekend and they only had the heavy ones on offer for 30% off. The $220 one must be very basic though.
I don't like the idea of bugs, limited space & lack of comfort (I'm over 6 foot) but it's only going from the car so portability isn't an issue. I'll have a look at the beaut ones & maybe go for one if the price is right.
http://www.wildearth.com.au/moondyne-lite-arcus-dome-king-single-canvas-...
Im 6'6 and its all good
Tony
I have used swags in many different situations for a number of years.
I have a fairly basic, single swag with 50mm mattress and also a double tent-style swag with 70mm mattress.
I use the double whenever I have plenty of transport space (it is very big when rolled up), I will be out in the weather or I need it for more than one night. It is far more comfortable, useable and is very easy to erect - pretty much just a occy strap to my car's towball and one to a tree or similar and it's done!
I rarely use the single as it is quite uncomfortable to sleep "in" (the canvas coffin is correct). I do use it as a weatherproof mattress to sleep "on" though. At the 12hr I just laid in a bivvy bag on top of my single swag and it was perfect.
Both were made by AOS - Aussie Outback Supplies in Midvale and retailed through lots of stores. Have a look at their website for the range of styles. They are both very good quality, well made and have served me well for years in all extremes of weather.
I recommend you go the biggest with the thickest mattress you can handle / manage / transport /. afford.
Cheers AD