Super swags on a roll

Long the bushies’ favourite, the humble swag is experiencing a modern makeover, judging by a couple of new, upmarket versions recently unveiled at local RV shows.

More mini-tent than bare-boned swag, Travelander’s SwagIt is available in one or two person sizes and is described by the Queensland off-road camper specialist as a “long domed tent created with top quality canvas, making it a perfect swag for camping in all conditions”.

Unlike more traditional swags, it features a tent-like structure with front and rear dome frames and a middle aluminium support pole to help maximise headroom, assist rainwater drainage and keep the canvas walls from sagging.

“The bow in between at the centre at the top... actually supports the whole thing, and keeps it up off you (when sleeping),” explains Travelander’s Darren Hoger.

While it comes with pegs and ropes, Hoger says the SwagIt is self-supporting without them.

“Some places the ground is so hard you bend the pegs getting them into the ground, so if you can do it all without pegs it’s a lot better,” he says.

Made from 400g/square metre T/C waterproofed 600mm canvas, the SwagIt features a sheltered front entry and entrance mat with weatherproof shoe storage, inside pockets, and a front door and two window vents incorporating sandfly mesh.

“The end parts can be pegged out and then you can leave the windows open at either end to left the air pass through, for a bit of ventilation,” says Hoger.

The window vents are sealed with both velcro and zippers, while four eyelets on the top flap enable it to be rolled and tied up.

The built-in mattress is made of 70mm high density foam and the khaki-coloured SwagIt is stored in a compact canvas bag when travelling.

At 2150mm long, 1100m wide and 700mm high, the single SwagIt retails for $385. The two-person SwagIt is priced at $459 and has the same dimensions except it's 1500mm wide.

Meanwhile, the NSW company behind the original "30 second tent" has developed its own cot-style swag.

On display in prototype form at last month’s NSW Caravan, Camping, RV & Holiday Supershow, the OzTent Bunker swag uses the same waterproof, Rip-Stop polycotton canvas as OzTent’s lightweight Jet Tent range.

Combining a stretcher bed with a canvas tent-top, it sits about 15cm off the ground on a heavy-duty, cross-leg stretcher steel frame, capable of supporting up to 150kg.

When erected the Bunker is 126cm high at the main entrance end, tapering to 45cm high at the other end.  The single foam mattress is 80cm wide and 200cm long.

The Bunker comes with a protective fly, and has large side and rear entry doors/windows, protected by superfine insect mesh and flaps that zip open separately.

OzTent general manager Chris Mercieca says the production version, due to go on sale in June, will have a number of improvements including tougher flymesh, and bigger windows and flaps.

Like the rest of the OzTent range, the Bunker promises a quick, 30-second set up and packs down into a 25cm x 25cm x104cm waterproof carry bag for travelling.

Priced at $499, it comes with a two year warranty. At the Sydney Supershow OzTent was also offering a bonus Rivergum sleeping bag, valued at $169, for a “limited time”.

For more details visit the OzTent and Travelander
websites.