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NEWS
Swags for survival
The Backpack Bed has taken the humble Aussie swag and turned it into a life saverCOMMENT
As you snuggle up over the Easter break in your sleeping bag under a canvas roof or, if you’re lucky enough, beneath the doona on your caravan’s inner-spring mattress, spare a thought for those less fortunate forced to sleep out in the ‘great outdoors’, not for fun but just to survive.
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, more than 40,000 Aussies could be forced to sleep on the streets this year, with up to 80 per cent of homeless people turned away from temporary accommodation or shelters each night.
It’s a common misconception that most homeless people are ‘drunk old men’, but homelessness can afflict all types of people, as a result of unemployment, mental and physical issues, domestic violence or just bad luck.
Rather than wait for politicians to come up with a solution, an Australian charity reinvented the humble Aussie swag as a way of addressing this growing problem.
Swags for Homeless founder Tony Clark and his wife Lisa created the Backpack Bed to give homeless people some dignity, as well as much needed protection and shelter when forced to sleep in public.
Unlike most quality built camping swags, which are made from heavy-duty canvas and weigh a tonne, the Backpack Bed weighs just 2.9kg, thanks to the use of a mildew resistant, fire retardant, waterproof and windproof fabric called Litetrex.
Despite its portability it packs many features including mosquito netting, a built-in mattress, storage pockets and a silver foil emergency blanket, for extremely cold conditions.
The swag also converts into a sun shelter using built-in ropes, and is built to last with non-rust fittings, heavy-duty zips and double stitchings – all things appreciated on any swag, but most important when you can’t just pack up and go home, or take it back to the shop, if something fails.
Perhaps the most practical aspect when you’re without transport is that it all rolls up neatly into a backpack that is easily slung over the shoulder and carried.
The non-profit organisation has won numerous design and humanitarian awards, and the Backpack Bed has been rolled out to other countries and distributed by more than 400 welfare agencies.
With no government help they rely on private and corporate donations, with $95 enough to provide an emergency shelter. But even better you can buy your very own Backpack Bed from $220, with all profits going to the homeless.
If you don’t already own a swag I reckon it’s a great opportunity, as it looks like a good option for throwing in the car for a quick overnighter, catering for that extra family member or friend on the family holiday, or as a bit of fun for the kids in the backyard.
As well as owning a pretty cool product, you might even sleep a bit better knowing you’ve contributed in a small way to helping those less fortunate get a good night’s rest, something most of us take for granted.
I’m going to buy one. Will you?
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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