Nothing quite captures the freedom and nostalgia of sleeping outdoors like a swag.
For many of us, there’s no better way to sleep outside than in the cocoon of a swag – warm, comfortable, and connected to the outdoors no matter the location or temperature.
If you’re in the market for a new swag, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. The tips below will help cut through the noise and point you toward the right choice.
Let’s dive in >>
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How to choose a swag
First thing to consider is style and size – single, king single, and double. Test out different brands to see which feels more comfortable – the thickness of the mattress may matter to you, but you can always add a lightweight mattress topper if needed.
Depending on the type of camping you plan to do, the durability and thickness of the zips and canvas could be a deal-breaker. A feature worth prioritising is a full-length mesh panel – this means you can be fully zipped up and enclosed, but with the canvas outer rolled right back. This allows you to use your swag in virtually any weather, including hot desert nights in the middle of summer.
In this episode of the Snowys Camping Show Ben and Lauren compare everything from classic bed rolls, to compact canvas castles.
Traditional vs Dome
Traditional swags are essentially two layers of canvas with a mattress sandwiched in between. They’re lightweight, compact when rolled, easy to transport, and generally more affordable than dome swags.
Dome swags, thanks to their shape and height of 60-70cm, provide plenty of room inside while keeping the canvas off your face. They offer easy side and/or head access, good ventilation, and keep insects, vermin, and snakes out.
Consider the Configuration
Consider how you plan to use your swag and whether the door, window, and vent configuration suits your needs. If you want to sit side by side on the edge of the swag, a full-length door is the way to go – it also opens up better views of the night sky on warm evenings. If you’re mostly camping in cold weather or snow, you may need to trade the large doors for more pole structure and stability.
Determine Size
Swags are generally available in three standard sizes – 900, 1100, and 1400.
- 900 – Single: Best for individuals
- 1100 – King Single: Best for individuals wanting extra room for themselves, their gear, or a furry friend
- 1400 – Double: Best for couples – many models also have annex accessories available for extra storage
Replacement and upgraded sleeping mats and sleeping bags are now widely available in the same size options to match.
Know the Canvas
- Quality canvas swags are made from a blend of cotton and polyester fibres, creating a material that is breathable, rot-proof, and waterproof.
- “Heavy-duty ripstop” means synthetic fibre has been integrated into the weave, improving the strength-to-weight ratio and stopping small tears from spreading. You can identify it by the grid pattern visible in the fabric.
- Canvas weight is generally expressed in ounces per square yard (oz) or grams per square metre (gsm). Most swags fall in the 14-16oz range, which is roughly equivalent to 320-360gsm.
Canvas or PVC Base?
- A PVC base will generally keep your swag drier in wet conditions than a canvas base, though it tends to be less breathable and more prone to condensation.
- If your preferred swag doesn’t have a PVC base, a tarp works just as well. As a bonus, it also gives you a clean surface to step on when getting in and out.
Test the Mattress
- Swag mattresses are generally made from high-density open-cell foam with a removable poly-cotton cover for easy washing.
- Thickness ranges from 35mm in biker and traditional swags up to 70mm in top-of-the-range dome swags, and typically increases with price.
- For added comfort, self-inflating mats are a good addition or alternative when compact storage or transport is a priority.
Check the Ventilation
- Dome swags offer good ventilation through the zippered openings at the head and foot, which can be fully or partially opened as needed. The head window is sometimes referred to as the “shooter’s window.”
- Pegging out the canvas door and window covers enables ventilation whilst providing weather protection.
Look for Quality Zips
- Reliable, good-performing zips are essential in a quality swag. No.10 heavy-duty YKK spiral or coil zips are the benchmark, though many equivalents perform just as well. Look for chunky, solid pull-tabs and zips that feel strong and robust.
Do you Need Storage Pockets?
- Most swags offer internal nooks and pockets to store torches, phones, water bottles, and more.
- Good-quality swags have pockets to store poles and pegs when the swag is rolled up, making them easy to find when needed.
Swags vs Tents
Sleeping in a swag isn’t claustrophobic – especially with the poles set up, where the result resembles a small tent. The real advantage over a tent is that everything is bundled into one package: sleeping bag, mattress, and shelter all in one.
With a tent, each component is carried and assembled separately. The trade-off is that a tent generally packs down smaller than a swag, so it does come down to your circumstances and how you travel. And, of course, how much of an old romantic you are.
If you are tossing up between a swag, tent, or rooftop tent, this conversation on the Snowys Camping Show may be of interest >>
Swag Accessories
- A swag bag, if not included with your swag, is worth considering for transport and storage – it protects against damage and keeps your swag clean. Shop Swag Bags >>
- Many brands now offer sleeping bags in swag-specific sizes. Not essential, but if you like things to match up neatly, look for options with 900, 1100, or 1400 in the name. Shop Size-Specific Sleeping Bags >>
- Self-inflating mats make great swag mattresses – lightweight and more compact when rolled. A self-inflating pillow works well for the same reason. Some brands make mats in swag-specific sizes, but anything that fits your swag, budget, and comfort needs will do the job. Shop Self-Inflating Mats >>
- A spreader pole keeps your swag taut and stable – useful when pegging out with rope and pegs isn’t possible. Shop Spreader Poles >>
Caring for your swag
Swags are easy to care for – the main thing is to keep your swag dry when storing it. For a more detailed guide, see our full article on looking after your swag.
23Zero vs Darche – Which Swag Is Better?
We stock both brands because when it comes to performance, quality, and range, they’re neck and neck with the best swag brands on the market. Both use carefully selected, high-quality canvas suited to the demands of swag life – so don’t get too caught up in an extra 20gsm of canvas here and there, or whether stainless steel poles are better than alloy, or which mesh offers marginally better insect protection.
What is worth focusing on is the mattress – how thick it is and what reviews say about comfort. Consider packed size and how you’ll transport it, the door and vent configuration and how it suits your intended use, and how straightforward the setup is day to day.
Beyond that, it really comes down to brand preference or whether a specific model’s features better suit what you’re after.
For some interesting listening, the debate surrounding the ‘swent‘ – a sleeping solution that boasts features of both a swag and a tent – has proven to be never-ending. Tune into Ben and Lauren’s conversation on the Snowys Camping Show:
Best Rated Camping Swag
A consistent crowd favourite, the 23ZERO Dual Swag 900mm earns its reputation through a solid combination of build quality, comfort, and versatility. The freestanding dome design sets up quickly without fuss, and the 400gsm polycotton canvas with fully seam-sealed construction holds up well in typical Aussie conditions.
Inside, the 70mm hi-density foam mattress is genuinely comfortable, and the roomy 90cm-wide sleeping area means you’re not fighting for space – making it our top pick for a single swag too. The stargazing door, two-way entry, and mesh windows at each end keep things pleasant in warmer weather, while the zip-down storm covers add protection when conditions turn. The HF welded PVC bucket floor rounds out the weatherproofing package nicely.
It works equally well on the ground or on a stretcher, suits a wide range of trips and conditions, and packs down into its own carry bag without drama. A dependable all-rounder that’s hard to fault.
Available in 900, 1100 and 1400 sizes.
Best for: Any swagging adventure
Best Double Camping Swag
For couples or anyone who refuses to compromise on space, the Darche Nebula+ 1550 is a serious double swag that goes well beyond just a wider sleeping area. The 150cm-wide hybrid design comfortably fits two, and the 420gsm ripstop polycotton canvas with 800mm waterhead rating and internal seam sealing means it’s built to handle whatever the outback throws at it.
What sets it apart is the unique Hutch® storage compartment – a dedicated space for camping gear accessible via two external doors, keeping clutter out of the sleeping area. Five entry points and fine insect mesh on every door and window keep airflow up and bugs out, while the storm covers double as an awning for extended hangouts outside.
The 70mm foam mattress comes with a removable, washable cover, and everything packs into a heavy-duty canvas swag bag. A genuinely capable setup for two.
Best for: Couples, especially if doggo is in tow.
Roomiest Camping Swag
If interior space is the priority, the 23ZERO Outbreak 1550 delivers it in spades. The large freestanding design is held up by strong 16mm black steel body poles – a noticeably more rigid frame than many competitors – which creates a stable, tent-like interior that genuinely fits two adults with room left over for gear.
The 150cm-wide sleeping area sits on a 70mm hi-density foam mattress, and the HF welded PVC bucket floor and fully seam-sealed 400gsm polycotton canvas keep moisture out from every angle. Four entry points make getting in and out easy from either side, and the panoramic 360-degree mesh windows are a standout feature – great for airflow and stargazing, with zip-down canvas walls ready when the weather closes in.
It’s a substantial setup at 22kg, so best suited to vehicle-based camping where weight isn’t a concern but comfort absolutely is.
Best for: Anyone wanting to be able to sit up inside of their swag
Best Motorcycle Touring Swag
When you’re travelling by bike, every kilogram and every centimetre of packed size counts. The Darche Ranger Solo+ is built with exactly that in mind – at just 6.5kg and packing down to a compact 50 x 35 x 35cm, it straps neatly to a pannier and doesn’t eat into your load capacity.
The 320gsm polycotton ripstop canvas and 600gsm welded PVC bucket floor punch above their weight for weather protection, and the aluminium alloy poles keep the overall weight down without sacrificing a stable setup. The Hutch™ storage compartment is a particularly handy feature for riders – stash your helmet, boots, or gloves out of the weather and access them from inside through the removable mesh panel.
The 50mm foam mattress is slimmer than bulkier swags, but it’s a sensible trade-off for the packability on offer. A smart, purpose-built choice for the solo traveller on the road.
Best for: Motorcycle tourers
Best Looking Camping Swag
Not every camping purchase is purely practical – sometimes you just want the best-looking setup at the campsite. The 23ZERO Onyx Dual 900 delivers that in spades, with a deep Onyx Black finish and signature feature stitching that stands out against the usual sea of beige canvas.
Underneath the good looks, it’s built on the proven Dual 900 platform with genuine substance. The segmental arch pole design uses 9.5mm black-coated stainless steel poles with precision-placed elbows – no fibreglass – creating a stronger, sag-free stance with solid internal headroom. The 410gsm polycotton canvas is fully seam-sealed, the 550gsm HF-welded PVC bucket floor handles whatever the ground throws at it, and the 70mm foam mattress means comfort isn’t sacrificed for style.
Two-way entry, zip-down storm covers, and PVC-coated insect mesh round out a swag that performs as well as it looks.
Best for: Campers with an eye for good looking camp gear
Best Budget Camping Swag
Not every camping trip calls for a premium dome swag, and the OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single is a refreshing reminder of that. At just 4kg and packing down to a slim 75 x 24 x 24cm, it’s one of the most compact and affordable swags on the market – and one of the simplest to use.
There’s no setup involved whatsoever. Roll it out, unzip, and you’re ready for bed. The 230gsm ripstop canvas and 460gsm PVC vinyl floor provide solid basic protection, and the head awning adds a little extra shelter when needed. The full-length zip running down one side and across the foot gives you ventilation control without any complexity.
The 5cm open-cell foam mattress is functional rather than luxurious, but for the price and packability on offer, that’s a fair trade. A great entry point for occasional campers or a lightweight backup swag to have on hand.
Best for: Price conscious campers
Best Four Season Camping Swag
For campers who don’t let the calendar dictate their trips, the 23ZERO Bandit Single 900 is built to handle whatever conditions you throw at it. The key difference from a standard dome swag is the additional centre hoop pole – it reinforces the frame structure, reduces flex in heavy wind or rain, and maintains internal space when the weather closes in.
The 400gsm fully seam-sealed polycotton canvas and HF welded PVC bucket floor form a solid weatherproof foundation, while four all-weather awnings and full zip-down storm covers give you genuine protection across every season. When conditions are mild, the superfine insect mesh and 4-way entry keep airflow moving and bugs out.
The 70mm foam mattress keeps comfort consistent year-round, and the freestanding design works equally well on the ground or on a stretcher. At 14kg it’s a solid carry, but one that earns its weight when conditions get serious.
Available in 900, 1100 and 1400 sizes.
Best for: Campers needing a reliable swag throughout the year
Best Air Swag
For campers who want to spend less time setting up and more time relaxing, the Dometic Pico FTC 2×2 is a genuinely clever piece of kit. Air Frame Technology replaces traditional poles entirely – inflate the frame in minutes, stake out a few pegs, and you’re done. It packs down to a compact 68 x 29 x 29cm and comes with backpack-style carry straps, making it one of the most portable swag-style shelters available.
The Weathershield™ TC polycotton canvas is designed to reduce condensation – a common frustration in enclosed swags – while fully sealed doors and windows keep insects out. The integrated I-Beam inflatable mattress provides a decent 4.5cm of support without adding bulk, and the wet weather entrance is a handy touch for getting in and out without soaking the interior.
At 11.5kg it works comfortably as a two-person setup, or a very roomy single. A strong choice for campers who value speed and packability above all else.
Best for: Ease of setup and packability.
Best Dog Camping Swag
Because your dog deserves a decent night’s sleep too. The 23ZERO Woof-Den is a purpose-built dog swag that brings the same build quality as the human range – scaled down for four-legged campers weighing between 4 and 8kg.
The 320gsm polycotton canvas construction is fully seam-sealed, and the heavy-duty 550gsm HF welded PVC bucket floor keeps things dry from the ground up – handy when your dog has no regard for muddy paws. The large arched entry makes it easy for dogs to get in and out independently, and the PVC-coated superfine insect mesh provides ventilation without letting the bugs in.
Setup is straightforward with 19mm coated segment poles and an aluminium trigger-lock ridge pole, and the whole thing packs down to a compact 70 x 28 x 28cm – not much bigger than a day pack. A thoughtful addition to the kit list for campers who never leave the dog at home.
Best for: Your furry campsite friend.
Camping Swag FAQ’s
Australian-made swags are becoming hard to come by. There are still some small manufacturers that provide their own distribution, such as AOS and Murchison River Swags, but we at Snowys no longer carry any purely Australian-made swags in our range.
See our article for information on seasoning a swag here >>.
Most modern swags offer solid weather protection, and many are now fully seam-sealed straight from the factory. The brands we carry claim their swags don’t require seasoning, but we still recommend doing it in your backyard before a trip – it won’t do any harm, and it’s a good way to test for any potential leaks before you’re out in the field.
You get what you pay for. If you’re expecting a swag to last decades, then spending a little more upfront to ensure your swag is made from quality canvas will pay off in the long run. Anything in the Snowys range from 23Zero or Darche are of excellent quality.
Technically, no swag is 100% freestanding – you’ll almost always need a few pegs for the awnings or storm flaps. That said, any swag with ridge poles will stand largely on its own, and the more frame structure a swag has, the better it will hold its shape without pegs.
Absolutely – using a swag on a stretcher gets you off the ground and provides a handy ledge to sit on, which is a welcome bonus as we all get older. Match the stretcher’s sleeping area to the footprint of your swag and you’re most of the way there. A little overhang is fine – water will run off the swag and onto the ground rather than pooling underneath. If you plan to leave your swag on the stretcher unattended, it’s worth looking for a stretcher with fixing points at the corners to keep things in place.
Trekker, surfer, climber, mountain biker, runner, camper. Participator in most things… master of none.