In Australia taking your truck to the outback for weeks of exploring and wheeling is a com-mon pastime, and if your 4x4 isn't a fully kitted-out Aussie tourer with rooftop campers and portable barbie then you'll most likely be sleeping in a swag. A swag is a one-man tent you throw out in the dirt, climb in, and zip shut so none of Australia's deadly critters (snakes, bugs, crocs, and such) can wiggle in and leave you sleeping forever. We recently got a hold of a deluxe swag from Mr. Swagman out of Australia and took it out for some backwoods testing (aka napping).
The first thing we noticed is the size of this tent when rolled up. Unlike your average camping tent designed for the backpacker and made out of some flammable lightweight petroleum fabric, this heavy-duty canvas piece is made for long-lasting use, but not small packaging. However, once rolled out, the deluxe model has a thick foam mattress inside to keep you warm and protected from the dirt. Above your head is premium 15-ounce rip-stop canvas that is rot- and mildew-resistant and waterproof. The deluxe model has enough room for one big fella comfortably without being too claustrophobic, but two people could squeeze in if they liked each other a whole lot and they were on the medium side of small, medium, large, or XL. We think the swag would make a good tent for truck or Jeep camping. It's too big for a backpacker to haul, but the little haven it gives you is great for year-round outdoor snoozing. The swag is built to last and if you're into that durable look of canvas and you're not bringing the whole family long, then a Swagman Swag may be the perfect inn for you while in the dirt.
A swag is a one-person canvas...
A swag is a one-person canvas tent designed to protect the occupant from foul weather as well as any creepy crawly critters looking for a warm bag to snuggle in. Perfect for the lone off-roader looking for a portable mountain cabin.
Our biggest issue with the...
Our biggest issue with the swag is the size when rolled up. If you're used to those flimsy tents that blow away at night but that also roll up into some tiny stuff sack, then the Swag will seem like a giant burrito. It's bigger than a rolled sleeping bag. However, this roll includes your complete tent and a thick mattress for a comfy night's rest.
If it's damp out you can climb...
If it's damp out you can climb in this front door, with a small plastic flap that gives you a place to stand when you step out of your boots. Then slide your boots under the flap to keep the morning dew out of them. If it's a sweltering hot night simply zip shut the screen, and leave the canvas flap up for ventilation. Note the thick foam mattress built into the floor of the swag.
If it's nice out, zip open...
If it's nice out, zip open the whole side for easy access. Again there is a screen for bug repellent. The outback hat isn't required, but it fits the image. Mr. Swagman is based in Australia, but ships worldwide.
The Deluxe swag that we tested...
The Deluxe swag that we tested uses two aluminum poles at the ends to support the roof panel as well as two small string lines that must be tied off to a rock, bumper, tree, or tent post to keep the top off your head while sleeping.