For an adventurous soul, there's an irresistible attraction to the Australian outback – the blanket of stars overhead, the quiet hum of nature, and a serene night's sleep nestled in the heart of it all. Swags present an ideal combination of cosiness, adaptability, and affordability for such escapades.

That's precisely why we have compiled a handpicked selection of the finest swags available for you. Our careful evaluation took into account factors such as size, mattress quality, weight when packed and set up, materials used, overall comfort, and value for your money. Ready? Let's delve right in.

Our Top Picks

For a quick purchase, here are the best swags in Australia evaluated in this guide:

1. Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag: Best Overall Swag
2. Kings Deluxe Single Swag: Best Value Single Swag
3. 23Zero Bandit Swag 900: Best Swag for Optimal Airflow
4. Adventure Kings Big Daddy Swag: Best Value Double Swag
5. OZtrail Mitchell Expedition Swag: Best Cheap Swag
6. AOS Bushman Deluxe Swag: Best Traditional Swag
7. Dune 4WD King Titan Swag: Best Cheap Double Swag

We do recommend reading the in-depth review and comparisons below to learn the full pros and cons before purchasing, also consider our guide to hiking tents.

Best 1-Person Swags

We’ll first spotlight the best single swags - a blend of compactness, comfort, and value. With a range of unique features and appeals, rest assured; there's a swag here for every individual outdoor adventurer.

1. Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag

Best Overall Swag

Earning our top spot is none other than the Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag, a premium range synonymous with quality and innovation. The Dusk to Dawn swag is an embodiment of craftsmanship, employing high-quality materials like 420gsm ripstop polycotton canvas with a water rating of PU 800mm. It also comes with a top-of-the-line PVC bucket floor, assuring you stay dry and snug, irrespective of torrential downpours.

What sets the Dusk to Dawn swag apart is its superb mattress. At a height of 70mm, you are kept at a reasonable distance from the ground. The mattress itself features a removable cover, and its underside is water-resistant. Handy interior pockets for personal items and light hanging loops contribute to a seamless camping experience.

The Dusk to Dawn model's most unique feature is a hub fitted at one end of the swag. This space can be used for many purposes, such as keeping your gear safe. You can reach into the hub whether you're outside or already snuggled up inside your swag. With an enlarged mesh area, the Dusk to Dawn swag guarantees ample ventilation. Simply put, if you're after a superior swag that promises top-of-the-range features, the Darche Dusk to Dawn swag is your best bet.

Pros

• Available in various sizes
• Built with 420gsm ripstop polycotton canvas
• Sturdy and long-lasting
• Features a thick (70mm) mattress
• Includes a 600 gsm PVC flooring
• 3-year warranty

Cons

• A bit heavy

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2. Kings Deluxe Single Swag

Best Value Single Swag

The Kings Deluxe Single Swag, manufactured by Adventure Kings, is a breeze to set up and a perfect pick for those hunting for a more budget-friendly model. This brand also presents the Big Daddy Deluxe double swag for duos. Compact and lightweight, the swag affords an ample space of 210 cm in length and 90 cm in width. And while it's a freestanding swag, you can stabilise it further by pegging out the storm flaps at both ends in gusty conditions.

For build material, the Kings Deluxe Single Swag is manufactured using ripstop polycotton of 400gsm, a little below the Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag. It is also double-stitched to enhance its durability, with mesh coverings on both ends and sides to prevent unwanted bug invasions whilst maintaining smooth airflow.

Although the foam mattress of the Kings Deluxe Single Swag is slightly thinner at 50mm, it offers enough comfort and cosiness for a restful night under the Australian sky.

Pros

• Comparatively affordable
• Boasts head height of 80cm
• Mattress caters well to taller individuals (2.1m long)
• It is made from 400gsm cotton canvas
• Easy to set up

Cons

• The mattress is a bit thin at 50mm
• Only 1-year warranty

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3. 23Zero Bandit Swag 900

Best Sawg for Optimal Airflow

The 23Zero Bandit Swag 900 is renowned for its robust and durable build. The swag has a 4-way entry, allowing easy access from any direction. This ensures hassle-free entry and exit. It also includes two extra windows, one at the opposite ends of the swag, for excellent ventilation. And like the Darche, the mattress is also comfortable at 70mm high.

The Bandit Swag 900 also offers a roomy interior, providing ample space for a comfortable sleeping area. Crafted with durability in mind, the swag is fully seam-sealed and constructed from a 400gsm proofed plain weave polycotton canvas. The build material ensures that you stay dry and comfortable during unexpected showers or windy conditions.

23Zeros' Bandit Swag 900 also prioritises insect control with its PVC-coated poly super-fine insect mesh. The feature effectively keeps pesky bugs at bay, allowing you to enjoy the serenity of nature without any unwelcome visitors. For added convenience, it comes with an extra-large carry bag, allowing for easy transportation and storage. You can pack up your swag effortlessly and hit the road on your next adventure.

Pros

• Superior build quality
• Fully seam-sealed, negating the need for seasoning
• Easily accessible with four doors/windows
• Incredible spacious: 85cm head height
• Comfortable 70mm thick mattress
• 2-year warranty

Cons

• Somewhat heavy

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4. OZtrail Mitchell Expedition Single Swag

Best Cheap Swag

The Oztrail Mitchell Expedition series is one of the most famous lines of swags on the Australian market. It is designed to withstand a diverse range of locales, from the outback to forests and beaches; it's as resilient and weather-resistant as swags come.

As one of the most affordable swags in Australia, this model promises excellent value for your money. The swag offers a triple pole dome-style construction with a generous height, providing ample space and comfort. Its high-tensile Durallium 7001 alloy poles ensure durability and stability. Plus, it includes a 50mm high-density open-cell foam mattress that ensures a cosy and comfortable sleeping experience.

With its easy access full-length top opening, you can also easily enter and exit the swag without hassle. The inclusion of No-See-Um mesh panels provides excellent protection against insects, allowing you to sleep peacefully. OZtrail also features large mesh panels that promote excellent ventilation, keeping you cool and comfortable. It includes two inner storage pockets for conveniently storing your essentials.

Pros

• Exceptional durability in Australian weather
• Best affordable swag
• Perfect protection from the elements in all conditions
• Well-designed mesh layer to ward off insects
• Highly compact and lightweight (6.3kg)

Cons

• 1-year warranty

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5. AOS Bushman Deluxe Single Swag

Best Traditional Swag

Aussie Outback Supplies (AOS) are renowned for producing some of the finest quality swags in Australia, all proudly Australian-made. With each AOS swag purchased, you not only gain a superior product but also support the Australian economy. The Bushman Deluxe Apex swags are manufactured using top-quality canvas. This model comes with a strong and durable swag carry bag, along with four steel pegs and two sand pegs to be used where the ground is soft.

The mattress boasts a thickness of 70mm, and its ingenious design allows for access from either side. Though a traditional swag, the Bushman Deluxe's head height is somewhat lower than the previously mentioned swags.

This deluxe swag offers the reassurance of a certified AOS 10-year guarantee, a testament to its excellent quality. A nifty bonus - it comes with an inbuilt bottle opener! The Bushman Deluxe model offers variations such as the single, king single, double, and queen swag, with the king single boasting the most room.

Pros

• Constructed entirely from canvas
• Includes a swag carry bag, four steel pegs, and two sand pegs
• 70mm thick mattress
• Accessible from both sides
• Compact and light (8.7kg)
• Impressive 10-year warranty

Cons

• Lower head height compared to dome swags
• The sleeping area is just 71cm wide
• At precisely 2 meters in length, it may not be suitable for tall individuals

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Best Double Swags

Up next, we present our curated reviews of the top double swags on the market to choose the right fit for your next journey with your partner or friend.

6. Adventure Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag

Best Value Double Swag

The Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag from Adventure Kings is a well-known name in the Australian camping gear market. The swag comes in a compact package, including a foam mattress and associated poles, and makes setup a breeze, with an assembly time of only about five minutes. A defining feature of this swag is its spaciousness, boasting dimensions of 1.5 meters wide, 2.1 meters long, and approximately 1 meter in height. For ease of use and comfort, there are large zips and fly screens on each side, as well as zip-down windows at the head and foot of the swag, offering a good deal of flexibility in temperature management.

One thing to bear in mind is that while it's competitively priced and provides excellent value for money, this could potentially be reflected in the quality of the swag, specifically the poles, which some users found lacking. However, many customers have happily used their Big Daddy swag for several years, suggesting that despite its low price, it can still offer durability.

The canvas of the swag is made from 400gsm Ripstop Polycotton, which should provide substantial water resistance, especially after proper seasoning. However, if you're expecting a downpour, you may want to consider an additional cover to prevent any potential water pooling. Adventure Kings also provides optional carry bags at an extra cost. Though the swag's weatherproof flooring may render these unnecessary for some users, those wanting extra protection might consider the investment.

Pros

• Quick and easy setup
• Spacious and comfortable
• Great value for money

Cons

• Pole quality can be better
• Might require additional cover during heavy rainfall

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7. Dune 4WD King Titan Deluxe Double Swag

Best Cheap Double Swag

For the seasoned camper, the Dune 4WD King Titan Deluxe Double Swag offers unrivalled durability and quality. Equipped with a 500gsm heavy-duty PVC floor and a 400gsm robust ripstop canvas, this model is built to last.

The high-density foam mattress is 70mm thick and will give you an excellent night's rest wherever you are. The Dune 4WD is spacious and can comfortably house two people. There is good ventilation courtesy of the mesh windows. This deluxe swag also features a higher head clearance, adding to its spacious appeal.

Taller campers will appreciate the added comfort that its one-meter headspace offers. It has a 7 cm thick mattress for a pleasant night's sleep and a cover that can be easily removed for washing. Expansive mesh windows provide adequate airflow during hot periods, while the tough canvas and PVC floor protect you from the elements.

Pros

• Sturdy 400gsm ripstop canvas
• Features 500gsm heavy-duty PVC flooring
• 70mm high-density foam mattress comes with a cover
• Comfortably accommodates two adults
• Mesh feature facilitates airflow and insect protection
• Lightweight alloy poles
• High head clearance for additional space

Cons

• Only available in one size
• Not very easy to roll up
• Doesn't include a swag bag

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How Are Swags Different From Tents?

Whether you're exploring the wilderness alone or with a companion and don't require much space, swags offer a compact and breathable shelter option. They are particularly well-suited for mild and consistent weather conditions. While most swags are designed for breathability, there are also water-resistant options available for those interested in added protection from the elements.

The major differences between swags and tents are:

• Swags are generally smaller and more compact than tents, making them easier to carry and haul.
• Compared to swags, tents are typically more expensive.
• Swags typically accommodate up to two people, whereas tents can house four or more.
• Swags are an Australian staple, whereas tents are more globally common.
• Tents, being larger, are more complex to set up than swags.

When selecting the best swag, consider important features such as compactness, lightweight design, easy portability, quick setup, a comfortable mattress, durability to withstand varying weather conditions, insulation for both summer and winter seasons, and waterproof capabilities.

How We Reviewed the Best Swags

Unlike our competitors, we believe in going the extra mile. Thus, we prioritised an array of crucial factors to bring you more comprehensive, reliable, and unbiased insights on swags in Australia. Here's a glimpse into our meticulous review process:

• Size and weight: We measure and weigh every swag under review to ensure they match up to their listed specifications. Besides, we also evaluate their compactness when packed and ease of transport, which can make or break your outdoor adventure.
• Durability: We are not just concerned about how a swag looks or feels but how long it lasts. Using real-world testing, including exposing the swags to various weather conditions and environments, we assess their resilience and overall build quality, right down to the smallest components.
• Unique features: After evaluating the essentials, we delve into the nitty-gritty details that set a product apart. We assess additional features such as ventilation systems, storage pockets, built-in mattresses, and mosquito nets, among others.
• Comfort and ease of use: Sleeping under the stars should be a pleasure, not a chore. Thus, we assess how comfortable the swag is and how easy it is to set up and pack away. Any product that requires a manual and a team of engineers to assemble does not make the cut.
• Brand reputation and customer service: We consider the reputation of the swag's manufacturer and their customer service. Brands with strong customer support and positive user feedback often indicate quality products.
• User reviews and field experience: We corroborate our findings with hundreds of user reviews, ensuring our recommendations align with the experiences of real users. Moreover, we draw from our team's extensive experience sleeping in swags, which adds a practical, hands-on dimension to our reviews.
• Pricing: A swag might tick all the boxes, but if it is exorbitantly priced, it loses its appeal. We perform a thorough analysis of the cost versus the quality and features offered to ensure the product provides good value for your money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the use and maintenance of swags.

Summary

Exploring the outdoors with a swag is one of the best experiences you can have, whether solo or with your loved ones, particularly when you have the comfort of a fine shelter. We hope this article has helped you greatly and you are now better equipped to decide which is perfect for your needs.

The main factors that should affect your decision are personal preference, a comprehensive idea of what you'll do on the camping trip, the number of people going on the trip, and how much weight you're comfortable with hauling around.