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Best Swag Australia [2023 Buyers Guide]

Is there anything quite as Australian as sleeping beneath the stars curled up in your swag? These specially designed, airy and portable shelters are the ideal camping and sleeping solution for camping in the bush, a dedicated camp site or just in your garden.

Whether you need a single, double or king double swag, finding the best swag in Australia is essential for a great night’s sleep and to make the most of your outdoor adventure. That’s where we can help. Read our great Australian swag reviews and learn everything you need to know.

Best Overall

OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag

The OZtrail Cooper Expedition single swag is great for campers on a budget. Designed for one person, it’s traditional in style and incredibly easy to set up. Just roll out the swag and you’re good to sleep!

How To Find The Best Swag In Australia?

Image Name Features
best on a budget best on a budget OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag
  • Sleeping capacity – 1
  • Sleeping area – 200cm x 75cm
  • Weight – 4kg
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Best Double Swag Best Double Swag Darche Dusk To Dawn Dome Swag – 1400
  • Sleeping capacity – 2
  • Sleeping area – 215cm x 140cm
  • Weight – 15kg
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best for luxury best for luxury Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Double Dome Swag Tent
  • Sleeping capacity – 2
  • Sleeping area – 215cm x 155cm
  • Weight – 16.9kg
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It can be hard to choose between the different swags for sale today. So, we’ve brought you some helpful swag reviews to make it easier. But first, check out our buyer’s guide so you know what to look for when you’re shopping.

Canvas

The best swag bags will be made from a high-quality canvas. This should be constructed from polyester and cotton blend. This will ensure it isn’t just breathable but also safe from tears and mould growth. You may want to look for a heavy-duty ripstop canvas (1). This is especially strong and robust since nylon is woven into the fabric. As a result, it’s super durable with no extra weight.

Zippers

Coil zips or YKK brand zippers are high-quality and durable. You need zippers which are robust and strong. They should also have large pull tabs so they can close and open easily.

Climate

Bear in mind the type of environment you’ll usually camp in. If you’ll be camping in very hot climates, you should look for ventilation windows for comfort. You should also choose a swag with a canvas base.

backpacking camping in australian countryside with trees

If you’ll be camping in wet or damp conditions, you may want to choose a PVC base (2) for your swag. Bear in mind though that, although PVC is waterproof, it isn’t breathable. Using a tarp beneath your swag may be best as a barrier from ground moisture.

Is Darche swag worth buying it? Check our brief article for more info.

Portability

You’ll also want a swag bag as a key accessory. It’ll enable you to transport your swag easily and keep it safe from water and dirt.

Read Our Best Australian Swag Reviews

Whether you’re looking for the best single swag or the best double swag in Australia, these reviews will help you choose.

1. OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag – Best On A Budget

Specifications

  • Sleeping capacity – 1 

  • Sleeping area – 200cm x 75cm
  • Weight – 4kg
  • Mattress thickness – 5cm

The OZtrail Cooper Expedition single swag is great for campers on a budget. Designed for one person, it’s traditional in style and incredibly easy to set up. Just roll out the swag and you’re good to sleep!

Sturdy and strong, this model is made out of 230 gsm tough ripstop canvas. This ensures it’s lightweight (at just 4kg) without losing any durability. PVC vinyl makes up the base for extra waterproofing against moisture and dampness.

The integrated foam mattress measures 5cm in thickness and is quite comfortable to sleep on. Perhaps the best feature of this model is how simple it is to set up and pack away. Since it’s also compact it’s a breeze to take on hikes.

2. Darche Dusk To Dawn Dome Swag – 1400 – Best Double Swag

Specifications

  • Sleeping capacity – 2 

  • Sleeping area – 215cm x 140cm
  • Weight – 15kg 
  • Mattress depth – 7cm

When you need a good quality double swag, this Darche swag review will convince you to choose this model.

Made by the reliable Darche brand, this model features a wide sleeping area ideal for two people. Its dome-style design allows for extra head room and a more spacious feel while camping.

Made from proofed polycotton ripstop canvas, this swag is heavy duty and features a PVC waterproof bucket floor. The integrated mattress is 7 cm in thickness and is made from high-density covered foam for extra comfort. 

Stable, comfortable and boasting impressive 180 degree views of the sky, this swag comes with handy storage pockets. It also has a zip storm cover to protect against inclement weather and a boot mat for extra cleanliness.

This swag weighs 15kg, making it heavy for hiking, but ideal for car users.

3. Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Double Dome Swag Tent – Best For Luxury

Specifications

  • Sleeping capacity – 2 

  • Sleeping area – 215cm x 155cm
  • Weight – 16.9kg 
  • Mattress depth – 7cm

The Adventure Kings brand is well-known for its high-quality camping gear. Their Big Daddy Deluxe Double Dome Swag tent won’t disappoint. 

If you want the most luxurious camping experience, this is the swag for you. A cross between a tent and a traditional swag, this is a spacious model ideal for couples. However, singles who want more space will love it too. 

The integrated 7cm deep mattress measures 2.1m in length and more than 1.5m wide. This ensures optimal space to stretch out and relax while camping! The height of this swag is 1m – much higher than most models for additional comfort. 

This swag is made from highly durable 400 GSM ripstop polycotton canvas. Meanwhile, the bucket base is made from a heavy-duty PVC for excellent waterproofing. 

Its end poles measure 10.2mm in diameter to ensure extra strength. Also, the spreader centre pole has a telescopic alloy rugged design.

This is a very simple swag to use. The easy attach clip loops for the pole ensure speedy packing up and setting up.

The Verdict – Which Are The Best Swags For Sale?

All three of the swags that we’ve reviewed here are great choices for campers in Australia. However, overall, we think that the Darche Dusk to Dawn Dome Swag 1400 is our top pick. Not only does it have an affordable price tag, it’s very versatile and robust. 

Both couples and singles will find this swag a great choice for use on the go. Although it’s a little heavy for hikers to use overnight, it’s ideal for car camping trips. It also comes with some excellent features that make it great value for money.

campsite near the beach in australia

Best Swags in Australia FAQs

Swags are a traditional camping solution for use in the Australian bush. Essentially a single—person tent, they have a similar shape to a sleeping bag. They also come with an integrated mattress. 

The history of swags dates back to the 1800s when solo travellers known as swagmen used them. Today, they come in a range of types and sizes suitable for one or two people.

Many different models of swag are on the market these days so you can find one that suits you. The two primary kinds of swag are traditional swags and dome swags.

Traditional swags have a similar appearance to sleeping bags. They usually have a bottom and a top layer of material and a mattress sewn in the bottom. A long flap across the swag’s opening acts like a roof to offer protection from the sun and rain. Traditional swags are basic but light and can be packed away and set up easily.

Dome swags are more upmarket. They look similar to modern tents. They have higher roofs for extra headspace. They also have curving tent poles. Often they come with features like storage pockets and ventilation windows.

You might wonder if a swag or a tent would be best for you. Tents are slower and less intuitive to pack away and set up. This means you have less time for sleeping or exploring.

A swag is perfect if you camp solo or as a couple. They’re particularly good for hikers and bikers carrying their gear on their backs.

  1. Propper – 3 August 2016 – What Exactly Is Ripstop?- Retrieved from https://www.propper.com/blog/ripstop
  2. Handy Guide To Choosing A Swag – Dec 2011 – retrieved from https://www.snowys.com.au/blog/a-handy-guide-to-choosing-a-swag/

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