There’s nothing like the best swag Australia 2023 for getting up close and personal with the outdoors in Australia, and in this guide to the best swag reviews and swags out there, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you choose a swag.
In case you’re new to the concept of a swag and are wondering what it is, this iconic Australian camping invention is the ultimate solution for sleeping under the stars with minimum hassle and kit. Once you buy swag, you’ll be able to set up camp and enjoy sleeping under the stars pretty much anywhere free camping is allowed.
Click here to see the best swag Australia has now!
Put simply, the best camping swag is a small tent-like shelter, with an inbuilt mattress, designed to be put up with minimum effort and keep you dry, warm and creepy-crawly free. You can choose from the best single swags Australia has, or if you’re travelling with a partner, you’ll want to look up the best double swag 2023 reviews. But, which one to choose?
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what goes into choosing one of the best swags for camping, what features to look out for and how to decide which best swag to buy. From the best Australian made swags to the best cheap swag, I’ve got you covered!
Contents
Compare Top 10 Of The Best Swag Australia 2023
| Name | Mattress Thickness | Size | Weight | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price | Features | Rating |
| Adventure Kings Swag Kwiky | 50mm | Single | 6.7 kg | 210 x 75 x 55 cm | Check | Lightweight, sandfly-proof, compact | 4.5 |
| Adventure Kings Double Swag Big Daddy Deluxe | 70mm | Double | 16.9 kg | 215 x 155 x 100 cm | Check | Double swag, weatherproof, dual entry | 5.0 |
| Darche Swag Dusk To Dawn Dome | 70mm | Single | 12.8 kg | 215 x 90 x 81 cm | Check | Compact double swag, solid, lightweight | 4.5 |
| Burke and Wills Swag Coolabah Dome Canvas on eBay | 75mm | Single | 14 kg | 215 x 110 x 80 cm | Check | Extra large, tough, thicker mattress | 4.0 |
| Oztrail Mitchell Swag King Single Canvas | 60mm | King Single | 8 kg | 210 x 90 x 70 cm | Check | Sturdy, lightweight, great for stargazing | 4.5 |
| Weisshorn King Single Camping Swag | 40mm | King Single | 9.8 kg | 215 x 95 x 70 cm | Check | King size, dual entry, very portable | 4.0 |
| Darche Air-Volution Canvas Camping Swag | 50mm | Single | 11.9 kg | 215 x 90 x 80 cm | Check | Air swag, stormproof, pump included | 4.5 |
| Dune 4WD Tracker Swag on eBay | 50mm | Single | 6 kg | 210 x 80 x 67 cm | Check | Lightweight, sandfly proof, generous headroom | 4.5 |
| AOS Bushman Deluxe Apex Swag | 70mm | King Single | 8.9 kg | 214 x 85 x 80 cm | Check | Longer swag, rot proof, thick mattress | 4.0 |
| BlackWolf Bushranger Double Canvas Swag | 70mm | Double | 13 kg | 280 x 185 x 105 cm | Check | Large double swag, porch, thick mattress | 4.0 |
Top 10 Best Swags Australia 2023
Handy reference list of the best Australian swags offers – see all full best swag 2023 reviews below!
- Adventure Kings Swag Kwiky, Single, weighs 6.7 kg
- Adventure Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Swag, Double, weighs 16.9 kg
- Darche Swag Dusk To Dawn Dome, Single, weighs 12.8 kg
- Burke and Wills Swag Coolabah Dome Canvas, Single, weighs 14 kg
- Oztrail Mitchell Swag Canvas, King Single, weighs 8 kg
- Weisshorn Camping Swag, King Single, weighs 9.8 kg
- Darche Air-Volution Canvas Camping Swag, Single, weighs 16.5 kg
- Dune 4WD Tracker Swag, Single, weighs 6 kg
- AOS Bushman Deluxe Apex Swag, King Single, weighs 8.9 kg
- BlackWolf Bushranger Canvas Swag, Double, weighs 13 kg
Why Buy A Swag Over A Tent?
Being much smaller than a tent, a swag is a traditional canvas bedroll that you can think of as a sort of fortified sleeping bag. Available in different shapes, the best swag setup will keep you dry and protected from the elements in a mummy-like cocoon.
Here are some of the reasons to go for one of the best swag tent options over a conventional tent:
- Small and compact – are smaller to carry around than larger tents
- Easy setup – less time to set up than a regular tent
- Fitted mattress – get a comfy night’s sleep with the ready-fitted mattress, and no need to buy separate camping mats.
Choosing The Best Australian Swag 2023
To choose which top swag is right for you, it’s important to understand the different types of swag available, the different shapes they come in, and the different models on the market which I cover below.
Type
One of the biggest differences between one best swag for camping and another is their shape. With multiple different shapes and styles available, make sure you understand the differences and which shape is most likely to meet your camping needs.
Standard/Traditional Swag
A standard or traditional swag is the most basic swag model with no solid structure or poles apart from a head pole to provide additional room around your head. Small and compact, these are one of the best swags to buy if you’re looking to save space and have something that’s light and smaller to pack, however they’re not for those who want space inside their swag.
Here are some of the pros and cons of a traditional swag:
- Smaller and compact – perfect if you need a small swag
- Easy to just roll up and go
- Not recommended for those with claustrophobia as there’s very little space
- The only internal space is around the head, with the headpole – in the rest of the swag the fit is fairly close to your body – think mummy-style.
Apex Swag
An Apex swag is a popular type of swag and a good option to consider if you’re wondering what is the best swag and you’re buying your first one. The Apex swag comes in a triangular shape, similar to a traditional bushcraft shelter, so there’s plenty of headroom and more space than the traditional swag, yet with fewer poles than a dome swag.
- Still relatively small and compact
- More head room and air than a traditional swag
- Easy side opening for entry/exit
Dome Or Tunnel Swag
One of the most common best swags on the market that you’ll see are dome or tunnel swags. With circular poles at either end, this type of swag takes longer to assemble but provides considerably more space inside at both the head and foot end throughout the swag so you won’t feel claustrophobic.
- More spacious than other types of swag and allow good ventilation
- Some models can be lifted off the ground
- Take longer to assemble given the poles
- Some models have transparent mesh rooftops if you want to stargaze in dry weather but still get insect protection.
Air Swag
A more recent option when it comes to the best quality swags are air swags. These remove the need for messing around with poles and frames, and instead have an inflatable construction to keep the swag in shape. Do check if a foot pump is included for inflation, or if you need to purchase separately.
- Simple and easy to setup – inflation only takes a few seconds, making these possibly the best swag ever
- Lightweight and compact to carry
- Stable and still has all the other benefits of a dome swag
Biker Swag
Last but not least, the best motorcycle swag is designed especially for motorbike tourers and is similar to a dome swag, but often with shorter poles at the feet, making it more lightweight and compact than a regular dome swag, the tradeoff being less ventilation around the feet of this swag type.
- Especially designed for motorbike touring
- Light and compact to carry
- The best biker swag still has all the other benefits of a dome swag such as good ventilation and comfort
Size And Capacity
When choosing one of the best swag brands Australia and the model you want to buy, make sure you know who is going to use it and how many people you want it to be suitable for.
Swags do not come with any extra space, really, so you do need to factor capacity and size in when looking at the best swags for sale. Make sure you take into account your height and weight before deciding whether you need to buy double swag or perhaps the best single swag Australia has.
Swags usually come in standard sizes, which are:
- Single – 180-230cm (L) x 60-90cm (W)
- King Single – 180-230cm (L) x 90-110cm (W)
- Double – 190-230cm (L) x 110-130cm (W)
Weight And Portability
Seeing as one of the main advantages of the best Australian made swag over a regular tent is the smaller size and increased portability, make sure you check what the weight is of your best swag tent is before you click ‘buy’.
Swags can vary dramatically in weight between 5kg up to 20kg and above depending on the fabric and design, so make sure you pick one that’s going to work for your style of camping trip.
Mattress Thickness & Comfort
Another benefit of buying a swag is the already fitted mattress that it comes with – meaning you don’t have to go to the hassle of buying a camping sleeping mat or mattress separately.
When researching what are the best swags, you’ll also want to factor in mattress thickness – the thicker the more comfortable night’s sleep you’ll get (but it’ll add weight on the flip side). Typically the best swags for sale come with mattresses between 50mm and 75mm thick. If after using it you find that’s not thick enough, you could always add a small air mat or mattress for additional support.
Material, Durability & Overall Setup
In order for a swag to keep you dry and warm, you’ll need one of the best camping swags Australia has when it comes to use of quality fabric for protection from the elements as well as durability.
Originally, all of the top 10 swags would have been made out of canvas – and this is still the best fabric as it’s naturally water resistant and breathable without the need for chemical treatments and coatings. The only downside to canvas is its weight, so if you’re after a lighter swag, some of these are made from nylon or polyester.
Check the waterproofing of your swag – 1000mm should be the minimum, with 2000 or 3000 being better for camping in different weathers. Also check for ripstop nylon or polyester, taped seams and anti-mould treatments as it’s not always possible to leave your swag out to dry before folding it up again.
Other Great Features
You’ll see from reading the best swags reviews below that many of them come with heaps of extra features. As usual you don’t need them all, but here are a few handy things to keep an eye out for:
- Inner storage pockets – super helpful for storing electronics, your torch, or anything else you may need in the night
- Carry bag – most of the best swags listed come with a good sturdy carry bag
- Awnings are well worth having if you’re not watching the weight, especially if you’re getting one of the best double swags Australia options so you can sit out and have your coffee/beer in the shade.
- Dual entry – another good feature to have if you’re buying one of the best double swags 2023 – it’ll save you climbing over each other to get out.
Best Swag In Australia Reviews 2023
Adventure Kings Swag Kwiky Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 50mm
- Size: Single
- Weight: 6.7 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 210 x 75 x 55 cm
When it comes to the best branded swag options, Adventure Kings is one of the top swag brands out there, and this Kings swag is a great option if you’re looking for a single swag.
Made from 260gsm ripstop canvas and a grid PVC base, the swag has been waterproof treated for extra protection and has ventilation windows to make sure plenty of fresh air can circulate within. There’s a protective sandfly proof mesh to keep the bugs out, too. Head height is 550mm and foot height 350mm, and this single swag comes with a 50mm mattress.
This dome single swag is compact and weighs just 6.7kg. It features a top entrance – meaning you crawl in or out and helping save space. This is one of the best dome swag options if you want something small and compact that makes it easy to escape the city at a moment’s notice.
What I Like:
- Well-ventilated swag
- Sandfly-proof mesh
- Lightweight and compact
What I Dislike:
- Thinner mattress than other products
>> Click here for the latest prices.
Adventure Kings Double Swag Big Daddy Deluxe Review
Rating: 5.0
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 70mm
- Size: Double
- Weight: 16.9 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 215 x 155 x 100 cm
If you’re in the market for a larger swag then this is one of the best double swag reviews that will not disappoint and is probably the best double swag Australia has.
This double dome swag is perfect for camping trips with your partner and features dual-sided exit/entry doors and a free-standing design that keeps plenty of space and ventilation throughout the swag. The heavy duty PVC bucket-style floor will keep the swag protected from damp, while waterproof 400gsm canvas fabric will keep you warm and dry in any weather. There are double storm flaps at either end to encourage rain to run off too. The included mattress is 70mm.
This Kings double swag is well worth the investment for a swag with plenty of space for two – or even for a solo trip when you want extra space. It comes with its own canvas carry bag and weighs 16.7kg.
What I Like:
- Spacious double swag
- Great weatherproofing
- Free-standing design with dual entry doors
What I Dislike:
- Heavier than other swags
- Bulky to carry
>> Click here for the latest prices.
Darche Swag Dusk To Dawn Dome Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 70mm
- Size: Single
- Weight: 12.8 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 215 x 90 x 81 cm
Similar to the Kings double swag above, this Darche swag is another great option if you’re after a top quality double swag.
Featuring a 70mm mattress, doors either side for entry/exit and a solid centre pole, this double dome swag is made from 420gsm canvas and a laminated 600gsm PVC bucket floor to keep you warm and dry throughout the year. It also features super fine anti-insect mesh, tapered walls to maximise space, and a canvas carry bag with handles.
There are also double storm flaps at either end with guylines to improve weather resistance. All in all this is another great double swag if you’re looking to invest in the best swag for 2023.
What I Like:
- Compact double swag
- Super solid design
- Lighter than other double swags
What I Dislike:
- Less inside space
>> Click here for the latest prices.
Burke and Wills Swag Coolabah Dome Canvas Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 75mm
- Size: Single
- Weight: 14 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 215 x 110 x 80 cm
This extra large swag from Burke and Wills is perfect if you’re looking for something with more space or extra headroom for the best king single swag (110cm width).
Made from 540gsm ripstop stormguard canvas, this is a tough swag. It includes super fine fly mesh, a high density 75mm foam mattress, and heavy duty zippers. The head height (at the head end) is 80cm, making it a good choice for when you want extra space. There are either front or top entry doors for more convenient use, too. It also includes 2 internal storage pockets and a side mat.
This Burke and Wills swag is a good option if you’re looking for a king single swag with good headroom made from sturdy canvas. It weighs 14kgs.
What I Like:
- Extra large swag
- Ultra tough design
- Thicker, high density mattress
What I Dislike:
- Heavier than other products
- Less compact to carry
>> Click here for the latest prices on eBay.
Oztrail Mitchell Swag King Single Canvas Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 60mm
- Size: King Single
- Weight: 8 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 210 x 90 x 70 cm
Another sturdy king single dome swag option is this Oztrail Mitchell swag. Slightly narrower than the previous option (90cm width), this is lighter, weighing 8kgs.
Features include 330 gsm ripstop canvas fabric, no-see-um mesh, storm flaps, and large mesh ventilation panels. There are two inner storage pockets, and top entry. The included mattress is 60mm thick, helping to ensure a good night’s sleep.
This is a comfy option for a single camper looking for a little more room to move about. We love the no-see-um mesh on this Oztrail swag for stargazing on warm and dry nights.
What I Like:
- Sturdy swag
- Lighter than other swags
- No-see-um mesh for stargazing
What I Dislike:
- Narrower than other swags
>> Click here for the latest prices.
Weisshorn King Single Camping Swag Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 40mm
- Size: King Single
- Weight: 9.8 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 215 x 95 x 70 cm
If you’re after a compact single swag that’s portable and light, then you may love this Weisshorn king single swag.
This dome swag is made from 400gsm canvas which is water repellant, mould-resistant and UV resistant, while the bathtub floor is made from a 500gsm waterproof PVC base. Aluminium pre-curved poles are used for strength and durability as well as easy assembly, and the swag has a top or front entry for ease of use. The included mattress is 40mm which is a bit on the thin side, so you may wish to bring an inflatable pad with you for a bit of extra cushioning.
The swag includes a carry bag, and best of all it’s easy to take with you on any camping trip, weighing just under 10kg – pretty impressive!
What I Like:
- King size single swag
- Top or front entry
- Lightweight and portable
What I Dislike:
- Thin mattress
>> Click here for the latest prices.
Darche Air-Volution Canvas Camping Swag Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 50mm
- Size: Single
- Weight: 11.9 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 215 x 90 x 80 cm
If you’re looking for an air swag, then you’ll love this option from Darche.
Using a high capacity air pump, this air swag goes up in just 20 seconds, making it possibly the best swag in the world? This swag features everything you would expect from a high end swag, with the added bonus of the pole being inflatable for even easier set up. It has a reinforced 600gsm PVC bucket floor, 320 gsm ripstop canvas walls, and storm flaps at either end.
This single swag includes a 50mm mattress for comfort as well as storm flaps, high capacity pump (included) and a canvas swag bag with handles. Weighing 11.9kgs, this is a great option if you want a high quality swag with minimum fuss.
What I Like:
- Easy-to-inflate air swag
- Good stormproofing
- High capacity pump included
What I Dislike:
- Thinner mattress than some
- Heavier than other products
>> Click here for the latest prices.
Dune 4WD Tracker Swag Review
Rating: 4.5
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 50mm
- Size: Single
- Weight: 6 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 210 x 80 x 67 cm
Another iconic Aussie brand for swags, this Dune 4wd swag is a great choice for those looking for a good lightweight swag for 1 person.
Made from 320gsm ripstop canvas and a 470gsm polyester floor this is a sturdy swag with anti sandfly mesh that rolls up small and weighs just 5kg! The dome style includes a sturdy aluminium pole and there’s a 50mm mattress included. The swag also has a generous 60cm of headroom so you won’t feel claustrophobic in here.
If you’re looking for a good value Dune swag that you can carry with you on any camping trip, you’ll love this best swags review.
What I Like:
- Lightweight single swag
- Anti-sandfly mesh
- Lots of headroom
What I Dislike:
- Thinner mattress than some others
>> Click here for the latest prices on eBay.
AOS Bushman Deluxe Apex Swag Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 70mm
- Size: King Single
- Weight: 8.9 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 214 x 85 x 80 cm
This Apex swag by AOS Bushman is a popular biker swag review thanks to the fact that it rolls up nice and small, weighs 8.9kg and has a generous mattress length of 214cm.
Made from a fully waterproof and rot-proof canvas, this apex swag has some handy features, such as easy access from either side of the swag, fully removable zip off and machine washable mattress cover, as well as a 70mm thick Australian made solid cut foam mattress. There’s ultra fine mosquito and sandfly mesh to keep you bug-free as well as a 10 year AOS guarantee when you buy this swag.
Overall, this is a great swag for taller campers who want space but don’t want to carry too much extra weight on their camping trips.
What I Like:
- Ideal for taller people
- Waterproof, rot-proof and dual entry
- Thick, Australian-made mattress
What I Dislike:
- Higher price than other single swags
>> Click here for the latest prices.
BlackWolf Bushranger Double Canvas Swag Review
Rating: 4.0
Specifications:
- Mattress Thickness: 70mm
- Size: Double
- Weight: 13 kg
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 280 x 185 x 105 cm
Last but not least, this best double swag review is perfect for those who want a large swag and don’t want to compromise on space.
Like most other swags in these reviews, this model is made from 350gsm canvas and a 300 denier oxford polyester floor. It’s waterproofed to an impressive 5000mm, making this one of the best swags for winter or rainy weather. It comes with a generous 70mm thick mattress and best of all includes a porch / vestibule with polyester fly to keep your kit dry and sheltered.
This is one of the best double swag Australia options we’ve seen for those who want the space and don’t mind carrying a bit of extra weight (it weighs 13kg).
What I Like:
- Large double swag
- Porch/vestibule area
- Thick double mattress
What I Dislike:
- Less compact than other double swags
>> Click here for the latest prices.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to the best swag. Also check out our guide to the best sleeping bags or best camping mattress. Find all my best camping gear guides here.
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