﻿{"id":242,"date":"2024-07-26T09:27:30","date_gmt":"2024-07-25T23:57:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=242"},"modified":"2024-07-26T09:27:32","modified_gmt":"2024-07-25T23:57:32","slug":"a-handy-guide-to-choosing-a-swag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/a-handy-guide-to-choosing-a-swag\/","title":{"rendered":"A Handy Guide to Choosing a Swag"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a new swag, you may be a little confused as to what the differences are and how to choose the right model for you.<\/p>\n<p>To save you the headache &#8211; in this blog, we&#8217;ve outlined the key points to look for when choosing a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/swags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">swag<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>For me, there&#8217;s no better way to sleep outdoors than in the cocoon that is my swag. In any location or temperature, in my swag, I feel warm and protected from bugs &#8211; meanwhile still experiencing that glorious feeling of being out in the elements.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re in the market for a new swag, it&#8217;s a daunting task to wade through all the brands and different types on offer to find the one that suits you. So, I hope the following tips help to make some sense of it all and equip you to make the best choice!<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-62926 size-full\" title=\"There's no better way to sleep outdoors than in a swag!\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-3-Recovered.png\" alt=\"OZtrail Sundowner Swag 900\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-3-Recovered.png 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-3-Recovered-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-3-Recovered-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-3-Recovered-10x7.png 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>There&#8217;s no better way to sleep outdoors than in a swag! Image: OZtrail<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>1. Traditional Vs Dome<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Traditional Swags<\/strong> are basically two layers of canvas with a mattress in between. They&#8217;re light in weight, compact when rolled up, easy to carry and transport, and are usually lower priced than dome swags.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/cooper-expedition-single-swag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-62920 size-full\" title=\"OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-2-Recovered.jpg\" alt=\"OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-2-Recovered.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-2-Recovered-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-2-Recovered-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-2-Recovered-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>This is a traditional, &#8216;envelope&#8217; style swag. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/cooper-expedition-single-swag\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">OZtrail Cooper Expedition<\/a> to be precise.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Dome Swags, <\/strong>due to their shape and height (60-70cm high), provide plenty of room inside while keeping the top canvas layer off your face. They offer easy side and\/or head access, are generally well ventilated, and will keep insects, vermin, and snakes out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>In recent years too, the debate surrounding the &#8216;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/podcast-swag-tent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">swent<\/a>&#8216; &#8211; a sleeping solution that boasts features of both a swag and a tent &#8211; has proven to be never-ending. For more on this, tune into Ben and Lauren&#8217;s conversation on the Snowys Camping Show:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ep 50 \u2013 Swag, Tent, or \u2018Swent\u2019?\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/iKFNw9UwMr8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2>2. Size<\/h2>\n<p>Swags are usually available in 3 main sizes:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Single<\/strong>: 60-90cm Wide x 180-230cm Long<\/li>\n<li><strong>King Single<\/strong>: 90-115cm Wide x 190-230cm Long<\/li>\n<li><strong>Double<\/strong>: 110-130cm Wide x 190-230cm Long<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>3. Material<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Quality canvas swags are made from a blend of cotton and polyester fibres. This creates a finished material that is breathable, rot-proof, and water-proof.<\/li>\n<li>&#8216;Heavy-duty ripstop&#8217; means that nylon has been integrated into the weave, creating an even better strength-to-weight ratio.<\/li>\n<li>The weight or grade of the canvas is generally expressed in &#8216;ounces per square yard&#8217; (oz), or &#8216;grams per square metre&#8217; (gsm). Most swags fall into the range of 14-16oz canvas, which is roughly the same as 320-360gsm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>4. Canvas Vs PVC Base<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A PVC base will generally keep the swag dryer in wet conditions than a canvas base. However, it will tend to be less breathable and prone to condensation in warm and humid conditions.<\/li>\n<li>A tarp works the same as a PVC base, if the swag you like doesn&#8217;t have the latter. An added benefit of a tarp is that you can use it as a clean surface to step on as you enter or leave your swag.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/dusk-to-dawn-swag-900-cp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-62921 size-full\" title=\"Darche Dusk to Dawn 900 CP\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-1-Recovered.jpg\" alt=\"Darche Dusk to Dawn 900 CP\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-1-Recovered.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-1-Recovered-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-1-Recovered-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-1-Recovered-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>A &#8216;dome&#8217; swag is almost like a little one-person tent.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>5. Mattress<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Swag mattresses are generally made from high-density open cell foam with a washable poly-cotton cover that can be removed for washing.<\/li>\n<li>Thicknesses range from 35mm for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/motorcycle-camping-swags-vs-tents\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">biker<\/a> and traditional swags, and up to 70mm for top-of-the-range dome swags. Thickness usually increases with the swag price.<\/li>\n<li>For added comfort, self-inflating mats make good additions or alternatives when it&#8217;s important for compact storage or transport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>6. Ventilation<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Dome swags provide good ventilation by fully or part-opening the zippered openings at the head or foot. The head window is sometimes referred to as the &#8216;shooter&#8217;s window&#8217;.<\/li>\n<li>Pegging out the overhanging canvas porticos will provide additional protection from the weather.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>7. Zips<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Reliable and good performing zips are essential in good-quality swags. No.10 Heavy Duty YKK spiral or coil zips are the benchmark, although there are many of equal quality. Look for chunky and solid pull-tabs and zips that are strong and robust.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-62923 size-full\" title=\"Dome swags provide good ventilation\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-4-Recovered.jpg\" alt=\"OZtrail Sundowner Swag 900\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-4-Recovered.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-4-Recovered-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-4-Recovered-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-4-Recovered-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Dome swags provide good ventilation by fully or part-opening the zippered openings at the head or foot. Image: OZtrail<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>8. Storage pockets<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Some swags offer internal nooks and pockets to store torches, phones, water bottles, and more.<\/li>\n<li>Good-quality swags have pockets to store poles and pegs when the swag is rolled up, making them easy to find when needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>9. Add-Ons<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Consider a <a title=\"Moondyne Swag Carry Bag\" href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/swag-bag-king-single\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">swag bag <\/a>or swag protection system to store your swag when transporting or storage. It will protect against damage and keep your swag clean of dust and dirt.<\/li>\n<li>Many sleeping bag brands offer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/sleeping-bags\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sleeping bags<\/a> that are ideal for use with swags. Suitable bags are generally 80-100cm wide, have no hood, and are not so bulky that they can&#8217;t be rolled up and left in the swag.<\/li>\n<li>As mentioned above, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/camp-sleeping-mats#?pagenumber=1&amp;orderBy=0&amp;type=2152\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">self-inflating mats<\/a> make great swag mattresses, as they are lightweight and compact when rolled up. A self-inflating pillow is ideal for the same reason.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/search?w=spreader%20poles\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spreader pole<\/a> atop your swag will keep your swag taut and stable. It will do the same job as pegging out with rope and pegs when this isn&#8217;t possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-62929 size-full\" title=\"We'll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that's right for you!\" src=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-6-Recovered.jpg\" alt=\"Darche Outbreak 1550 \" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-6-Recovered.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-6-Recovered-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-6-Recovered-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/12\/Body-6-Recovered-10x7.jpg 10w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>We&#8217;ll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that&#8217;s right for you! Image: 23ZERO<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Hopefully you now feel comfortable choosing a swag that suits your requirements. However, if you need further assistance, feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call; we&#8217;ll be glad to point you in the right direction to ensure you find a swag that&#8217;s right for you!<\/p>\n<p><strong>In the meantime, check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/best-swags-for-camping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best-selling swags for this year<\/a> &#8211; or, our huge range of <a title=\"Snowys Swags\" href=\"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/Sleepgear\/Swags.aspx?c=3&amp;sc=23\">swags<\/a> to get you started on your next camping adventure!<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class='watch-action'><div class='watch-position align-left'><div class='action-like'><a class='lbg-style1 like-242 jlk' href='javascript:void(0)' data-task='like' data-post_id='242' data-nonce='0eecf0df39' rel='nofollow'><img class='wti-pixel' src='https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/plugins\/wti-like-post\/images\/pixel.gif' title='Liked it' \/><span class='lc-242 lc'>23<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div> <div class='status-242 status align-left'><\/div><\/div><div class='wti-clear'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a new swag, you may be a little confused as to what the differences are and how to choose the right model for you. To save you the headache &#8211; in this blog, we&#8217;ve outlined the key points to look for when choosing a swag!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":62934,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1582,1583],"tags":[683,196,276,1994,284,1995,11,300,13],"class_list":["post-242","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gear","category-gear-tents-shelters","tag-23zero","tag-camping","tag-camping-tips","tag-choosing-a-swag","tag-darche","tag-guide-to-choosing-a-swah","tag-sleeping-gear","tag-sleeping-tips","tag-swags"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=242"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":62946,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242\/revisions\/62946"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62934"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=242"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=242"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=242"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}