For the adventurous soul, there's an irresistible attraction to the Australian outback – the blanket of stars overhead, the quiet hum of nature, and a serene night's sleep in the heart of it all. Swags present the ideal combination of cosiness, adaptability, and affordability for such escapades.
That's precisely why we have compiled a handpicked selection of the finest swags available for careful evaluation, considering factors such as size, mattress quality, weight when packed and set up, materials used, overall comfort, and value for your money. Ready? Let's delve right in.
Our Top Picks
For a quick purchase, here are the top three swags in Australia evaluated in this guide:
Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag
Best single swag built from 420gsm ripstop polycotton canvas, with 70 mm mattress, PU 800mm water rating, and 3-year warranty.
Kings Deluxe Single Swag
Best value single swag made of double-stitched ripstop polycotton of 400 gsm with 50 mm mattress, good room space, and a 1-year warranty.
Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag
Best double swag made from 400gsm Ripstop Polycotton with good room space, 70 mm mattress, weatherproof flooring, and a 1-year warranty.
Top 7 Swags for Aussie Adventurers
We’ll review the best single swags in Australia before the top double swags. Our handpicked options below are compact, comfortable, and offer good value for money with unique features and appeals.
1. Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag
Best Overall Single Swag
The Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag is known for its quality and innovation. It's made with great care using high-quality materials, such as a strong polycotton canvas with a water rating of PU 800mm. It also has a superior PVC bucket floor, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable, even in heavy rain. The swag's mattress, which is 70 mm high, keeps you near the ground. It has a removable cover, and its underside is water-resistant.
Darche's has handy interior pockets for personal items, and light hanging loops contribute to a seamless camping experience. It has a hub fitted at one end of the swag to keep your gear safe. You can reach the hub when outside or snuggled up inside your swag. With an enlarged mesh area, the Dusk to Dawn swag guarantees ample ventilation. On purchase, the swag comes with a 3-year warranty and 600 gsm PVC flooring.
Pros
- Available in various sizes
- Built with 420gsm ripstop polycotton canvas
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Features a thick (70mm) mattress
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- A bit heavy
2. Kings Deluxe Single Swag
Best Value Single Swag
The Kings Deluxe Single Swag by Adventure Kings is easy to set up and a great choice if you want a more affordable option. Despite being compact and light, the swag provides plenty of space, measuring 210 cm long and 90 cm wide. And while it's a freestanding swag, you can make it more stable in windy weather by using pegs to secure the storm flaps at both ends.
The Kings Deluxe Single Swag is made of 400 gsm ripstop polycotton, slightly below the Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag. It is double-stitched to enhance its durability, and mesh coverings are on both ends and sides to prevent unwanted bug invasions while maintaining smooth airflow. While its foam mattress is slightly thinner at 50mm, it offers enough comfort and cosiness for a restful night under the Australian sky.
Pros
- Comparatively affordable
- Boasts head height of 80cm
- Mattress caters well to taller individuals (2.1m long)
- It is made from 400gsm cotton canvas
- Easy to set up
Cons
- The mattress is a bit thin at 50mm
- Only 1-year warranty
3. 23Zero Bandit Swag 900
Best Single Sawg for Good Airflow
The 23Zero Bandit Swag 900 has a 4-way entry for easy access from any direction and two windows at the opposite ends of the swag for excellent ventilation. Like the Darche, its mattress is comfortable at 70mm high and has a roomy interior for an enhanced sleeping area. For added convenience, an extra-large carry bag is included for easy storage and transportation.
23Zero's Bandit Swag 900 is fully seam-sealed and constructed from a 400gsm proofed plain weave polycotton canvas. The build material ensures you stay dry and comfortable during unexpected showers or windy conditions. It also prioritises insect control with its PVC-coated poly super-fine insect mesh. The feature effectively keeps pesky bugs at bay, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of nature without any unwelcome visitors.
Pros
- Superior build quality
- Fully seam-sealed, negating the need for seasoning
- Easily accessible with four doors/windows
- Comfortable 70mm thick mattress
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Heavy
4. OZtrail Biker Expedition Single Swag
Best Cheap Single Swag
The Oztrail Biker Expedition can withstand diverse locales, from the outback to forests and beaches. Despite its triple-pole dome-style construction and generous height, it's one of the most affordable swags in Australia.
The swag also features high-tensile Durallium 7001 alloy poles to ensure durability and stability. It also includes a 50mm high-density open-cell foam mattress for a comfortable sleeping experience.
Oztrail's budget-friendly swag has an easy-access full-length top opening, allowing you to enter and exit the swag without hassle. You also get No-See-Um mesh panels that protect against insects, large mesh panels for excellent ventilation, and two inner storage pockets.
Pros
- Good durability
- Protection from insects
- Well-designed mesh layer
- Compact and lightweight (6.3kg)
Cons
- 1-year warranty
5. AOS Bushman Deluxe Single Swag
Best Traditional Single Swag
Aussie Outback Supplies (AOS) is an Australian-made swag manufacturing company. Their Bushman Deluxe Apex swags are made of top-quality canvas and come with a durable swag carry bag, four steel pegs, and two sand pegs. You also get a mattress that is 70 mm thick.
Though a traditional swag, the Bushman Deluxe's head height is lower than the previously mentioned swags. On the bright side, AOS offers a certified 10-year guarantee, a testament to its excellent quality. On purchase, you choose from different size variations, including single, king single, double, and queen swag. The king single has the most room.
Pros
- Constructed from canvas
- 70 mm thick mattress
- Accessible from both sides
- Compact and light (8.7kg)
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Lower head height
- Sleeping area is 71 cm wide
6. Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag
Best Overall Double Swag
The Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag ships in a compact package with a foam mattress and poles, which you can set up in about five minutes. It is 1.5 m wide, 2.1 m long, and 1 m tall—ideal for duo or couple swag adventures. The swag also has big zippers, fly screens on both sides and windows at the head and foot, making it easy to control the temperature inside.
Adventure Kings' double swag is made from 400gsm Ripstop Polycotton, which provides substantial water resistance, especially after proper seasoning. However, if you're expecting a downpour, consider an additional cover to prevent any potential water pool. Likewise, though the swag's weatherproof flooring may render these unnecessary, it's a good investment if you want extra protection or an extra safe camping experience.
Pros
- Quick and easy setup
- Spacious and comfortable
- Great value for money
Cons
- Pole quality can be better
- Requires additional cover for heavy rainfall
7. Dune 4WD King Titan Deluxe Double Swag
Best Cheap Double Swag
The Dune 4WD King Titan double swag offers a 500gsm heavy-duty PVC floor and a 400gsm robust ripstop canvas. Its high-density foam mattress is 70mm thick, providing an excellent night's rest wherever you are. The swag is spacious, and the mesh windows provide good ventilation.
Dune's two-person swag also features a higher head clearance, which improves its space and comfort. Tall campers will appreciate the added comfort of its one-metre headspace. For added convenience, you get expansive mesh windows that provide adequate airflow during hot periods and tough canvas and PVC floor to protect you from the outside elements.
Pros
- Sturdy 400gsm ripstop canvas
- 70mm high-density foam mattress
- Comfortably accommodates two adults
- Good airflow and insect protection
- High head clearance for additional space
Cons
- Not very easy to roll up
- Doesn't include a swag bag
How Are Swags Different From Tents?
Whether you're exploring the wilderness alone or with a companion and don't require much space, swags offer a compact and breathable shelter option. They are particularly well-suited for mild and consistent weather conditions. While most swags are designed for breathability, water-resistant options are also available for those interested in added protection from the elements.
The major differences between swags and tents are:
- Swags are generally smaller and more compact than tents, making them easier to carry and haul.
- Compared to swags, tents are typically more expensive.
- Swags typically accommodate up to two people, whereas tents can house four or more.
- Swags are an Australian staple, whereas tents are more globally common.
- Tents, being larger, are more complex to set up than swags.
When selecting the best swag, consider essential features such as compactness, lightweight design, easy portability, quick setup, a comfortable mattress, durability to withstand varying weather conditions, insulation for both summer and winter seasons, and waterproof capabilities.
How We Reviewed the Best Swags
Unlike our competitors, we believe in going the extra mile. Thus, we prioritised various crucial factors to bring you more comprehensive, reliable, and unbiased insights on swags in Australia. Here's a glimpse into our meticulous review process:
- Size, weight, and portability: We measure and weigh each swag to ensure it matches listed specifications. We also evaluate its compactness when packed and ease of transport.
- Durability: Through rigorous real-world testing in varied conditions, we assess each swag's resilience, materials, and component quality to ensure long-lasting performance.
- Comfort and features: While relative, we examine how comfortable the swag is for sleeping and how easy it is to set up, considering features like ventilation, storage pockets, built-in mattresses, and mosquito nets.
- User feedback: We consider the manufacturer’s reputation, customer service, and user reviews, cross-referencing them with our hands-on testing to provide reliable, real-world insights.
- Value for money: A swag must strike the right balance between quality, features, and cost. We analyse whether each product delivers good value without compromising on performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the use and maintenance of swags.
What are some camping alternatives to swags?
In Australia, you can use any of the following on your camping trips: cabins, camper trailers, RVs, glamping tents, yurts, airstreams, and caravans. However, swags are your best bet in many ways because they’re relatively light, easy to set up, affordable, and offer premium comfort away from home.
What are some safety tips for camping with swag?
Here are a few safety tips for camping with a swag or tent in Australia:
- Look out for potential hazards in and around your chosen spot to set up your swag.
- Check the weather forecast to avoid surprises.
- Ensure you go along with lots of water and food.
- Make sure a first aid kit is on hand.
- Practice fire safety around campfires. Don't set up your swag downwind of the fire.
- Before you go, know what the closest emergency services are.
What are some maintenance tips to make the most of your swag?
Proper maintenance of your swag is essential if you want to get the most out of them. As with other products, a lack of regular care for your swag or tent can mean purchasing new ones sooner than necessary. The following are a few tips on how to keep them in the best condition:
- Limit exposure to direct heat or sunlight, which can cause degradation of nylon material and discomfort to occupants.
- Ensure you set up the swag on an even surface as much as possible.
- Always use a footprint, or ground sheet, to protect your swag from abrasion.
- Always store your swag dry to prevent mould growth.
Mark Thompson
Summary
Exploring the outdoors with a swag is one of the best experiences you can have, solo or with your partner. This is particularly true when you have the comfort of a fine shelter. We hope this article helps you shortlist and choose which swag suits your adventure and unique needs.
The main factors to consider are personal preference, a complete idea of what you'll do on the camping trip, the number of people going on the trip, and how much weight you're comfortable hauling around.
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