9 Best Swags for Camping and Overnight Hikes (2022 Australia Guide)

Last updated: April 18, 2022

There’s nothing more Australian than sleeping under the stars in a classic swag. Just in case you don’t know what a swag is, it’s essentially a portable shelter used for sleeping and camping.

Using a swag to sleep in may not be for everyone, but there are some really comfortable swags out there that deserve your consideration. While the traditional one-person swag is rather basic, some modern swags can even be called luxurious.

In this article we’re going to review 9 of the best swags in Australia that are great for overnight hikes and camping trips, considering criteria such as size, mattress, weight, comfort, materials used, and price.

Best 1-Person Swag: Kings Deluxe Single Swag	Best 2-Person Swag: Darche Nebula 1550 Swag
210 x 90 cm	225 x 150 cm
9.5 kg	22 kg
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Top 9 Swags:

Top rated swag on Amazon:

Kodiak Canvas 1-Person Swag Tent

• Roomy 6'8" long, and almost 3 feet wide
• Comfy 2-inch foam mattress pad with flannel cover included
• Zip-open windows at head and foot for air flow and...

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Here we go, nine high quality swags that you can use for your hiking and camping adventures. We have included traditional as well as dome swags, suitable for one person as well as for two persons.

1. Kings Deluxe Single Swag

Adventure Kings offers this high quality one-person swag that is not only incredibly easy to set up, it is also a very afforable option. It is basically the single version of the very popular Big Daddy Deluxe double swag that we have also included on this list.

This swag is small enough to be called a swag, but with 210 cm long, 90 cm wide and 80 cm high, it is quite spacious inside. It’s a free-standing swag but you do have the option to peg out the storm flaps at both ends to increase stability in windy circumstances.

Material wise, the Kings Deluxe Single Swag is made with waterproof 400 gsm (gram per sqm) rip-stop poly cotton and is double stitched for improved strength. Both sides and both ends of the swag have mesh covering to keep the flies out while also improving ariflow.

The 50 mm high-density foam mattress is perhaps a bit on the thin side but still more than comfortable enough to get you through the night in the Australian bush.

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2. Oztent RS-1 King Single Swag

The Oztent RS-1 King features a folding frame that lets you set this swag up and pack it down in literally 30 seconds or less. It also comes with an awning, which basically turns this swag into a miniature tent.

This swag is made from waterproof ripstop polyester material that is not only durable but also protects nicely against the elements when you’re inside resting and sleeping. The 350 gsm PVC mattress is with 40 mm quite thin but reasonably comfortable.

Do note though that because this swag is very spacious, it is also bigger and heavier (16.5 kg) when packed compared to other models. That is why this swag may not be the most suitable for hiking trips as it’s harder to carry around with you.

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3. Weisshorn Single Swag Tent

This Weisshorn swag tent is a water-repellent ripstop canvas 1-person swag with a waterproof floor, relatively easy to set up with aliminium poles.

The swag is fully enclosed with a full-length heavy-duty zip for easy access and closure. Mesh panels keep the insects out and help with ventilation. Also take note of the handy carry bag.

This swag is one of the more affordable ones that still meets the necessary quality and comfort standards. If you’re in need of a swag that you’re not going to use on a weekly basis, this Weisshorn model is worth considering.

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4. Kodiak Canvas Single Swag

This Kodiak single-sized swag is a bit on the pricier side, but what you will be investing in is a high quality, highly versatile and comfortable swag tent.

The premium grade “Hydra-Shield” cotton duck canvas will keep everything inside nice and dry, while also letting it breath all the way through.

The sturdy aluminium poles will keep the swag stable at night, and the unzip windows at the front and back help with airflow and ventilation.

Overall, this is a 1-person swag desinged to be convenient and comfortable, built to the highest quality standards.

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5. Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag 900

If you’re looking for a 1-person swag with a little more comfort and protection from the elements than the traditional OZtrail from above, this Darche Dusk to Dawn model is a fantastic option. It’s slightly bigger than the OZtrail, but also heavier to carry around.

The Dusk to Dawn swag comes in three different sizes (900, 1100 and 1400), depending on how much space you need and if you’re going to have someone sleeping next to you. We’ve included the 1400 version in this list of best swags in Australia as well, at number 9, as a swag for two persons.

As you can see from the photo, the Dusk to Dawn is a dome swag. A dome swag typically has more height so you get more room to move around and sit up. Dome swags also often have curved tent poles to help with stability.

This particular Darche Dusk to Dawn swag comes with two large entries, a thick 7 cm foam mattress, 2 internal storage pockets, a strong PVC bucket base, and a 420 gsm proofed ripstop polycotton canvas. Overall, this high quality swag provides both the comfort as well as the protection you need while sleeping outside in the bush.

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6. OZtrail Cooper Expedition Single Swag

This Oztrail Cooper Expedition model is perhaps the most traditional swag you can get your hands on right now. And for many, this is what a swag should really be like. Simply roll it out, and you’re ready to rest and fall asleep under the stars.

This super sturdy 1-person swag is made from tough 230 gsm ripstop canvas, making it stronger without the extra weight. The base is made with PVC vinyl, which helps to keep you dry should the surface you’re lying on get soggy.

The foam mattress is 5 cm thick and is comfortable enough. The best thing about this swag though is that setting up and packing up is as easy as it gets. And with a weight of only 4 kg, it’s great for overnight hiking adventures.

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7. Darche Nebula 1550 Swag

Based on the picture, you may be forgiven for thinking that this is a tent. But really, it’s a swag. Or otherwise a miniature tent, since it does have certain features that tents also have.

With a weight of 22 kg, this 2-person swag is the heaviest in this list of best swags. That’s no surprise though, because it’s also the roomiest one. The internal sleeping area is 225 cm long and 150 cm wide, which is more than enough room for two people to sleep comfortably.

Setting up and packing away the Darche Nebula 1550 swag is still easier and faster than a tent, using its sturdy 5-piece pole structure. What’s great about this swag is that it has windows or entries all around, which creates a nice cozy atmosphere inside, especially on warm sunny nights.

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8. Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag

One of the most popular swags in Australia in recent years has been the Kings Big Daddy Deluxe double swag, which is a swag that offers the perfect balance between simplicity, quality, and affordability.

The Big Daddy Deluxe is essentially the bigger version of the Kings Deluxe Single Swag further above on this list, which is our favourite 1-person swag right now. This 2-person swag is reasonably sized with 215 cm in length, 155 cm in width, and a very generous 100 cm in height. The high density open cell foam mattress is with a generous 70 mm also nice and thick.

The waterproof and ripstop 400 gsm polycotton canvas offers durability and protection throughout the seasons. The midge-proof mesh keeps out all the nasty mozzies and flies, while also offering essential ventilation and airflow.

Setting up and packing down is super easy too, with a simple pole free standing design and easy to attach and de-attach pole clip loops. Overall, the Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag is the best choice for those not wanting to spend top dollar for a decent quality swag.

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9. Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag 1400

The Dusk to Dawn 1400 has a significantly wider sleeping area than the 900 further above, which makes it suitable for two people to sleep in a reasonably comfortable manner.

With 15 kg, it’s a rather heavy swag though, just keep that in mind. However, if you’re going to use it for a camping trip with your car, the weight shouldn’t be that much of an issue at all.

Overall, this 1400 model offers the same set of features as the 900, it’s just a little bigger to make it a decent quality 2-person swag.

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Camping has come a long way since Banjo Patterson first wrote about a “jolly swagman” in the song Waltzing Matilda, but the practicality and freedom of a swag hasn’t changed. If you are a solo traveller, or just prefer to travel light, a swag may be the perfect solution for you.

Let’s dive a little deeper into the wonderful world of swags in Australia.

What Is a Swag?

If you want a real Aussie bush experience, you should think about getting a swag to sleep in.

If you’ve never heard of a swag before, you might be surprised to learn that it actually has quite a long history in Australia. A swag is basically a 1-person tent, but shaped like a sleeping bag with a mattress at the bottom. It is sometimes also called a bedroll.

The swag is believed to have originated in Australia in the early 19th century when it was used by solo travellers called “Swagmen”.

These were people who lived on the road, travelling from town to town looking for work in difficult economic times, sleeping in the bush in their swag when they couldn’t afford other accommodation.

Types of Swags

Lucky for you, swags are far more sophisticated these days, and there are plenty of different models to choose from depending on your needs and budget.

There are two main types of swag:

1. Traditional swag
2. Dome swag

Let’s have a closer look at these two types of swags.

1. Traditional Swag

A traditional swag looks very similar to a sleeping bag, it usually just has a top and bottom layer of material with a mattress sewn into the bottom.

The top piece usually has a long flap at the opening of the swag that acts as a little roof to protect your head from the rain and sun.

A traditional swag can be pretty basic, but the advantage is that it is lightweight, very easy to pack away, and to setup.

2. Dome Swag

A dome swag is the next evolution of a swag, which looks a lot more like a modern tent.

Dome swags usually have a higher roof to give you more space (around 60-70cm high), with curved tent poles at either end to hold the shape of the swag.

They often usually include fancier options, like ventilation windows for camping in warmer climates, and internal storage pockets for water bottles, and other accessories.

Swag or Tent?

You are probably wondering why you would invest in a swag when there are so many tent options available in the market.

Unlike a traditional tent, swags are often quicker and more intuitive to set up and pack away, leaving you more time to sleep or get started back on your hike.

Swags are ideal if you are camping by yourself, and they are really handy if you are hiking and carrying all your own gear. The biggest advantage of a swag is that it is more lightweight than a tent, and is designed to pack easily into a “swag bag” which is no bigger than your average gym bag.

Things to Look Out For

There are some key things to look out for when choosing a swag.

1. Size

Even though a traditional swag is designed for 1 person, they are usually available in two or three different sizes to suit your body shape.

You can also choose a 2-person or even a 3-person swag if you’d like to share with others.

2. Materials

Key elements of a good swag include good quality canvas, which should be made from a blend of cotton and polyester to make the swag breathable, but also to prevent mould growth and tears.

Some swags may be made from canvas with “heavy-duty ripstop”, which means that nylon has been woven into the material, and this will give it extra strength without adding weight.

High-quality zippers like YKK brand or coil zips are also important. They should be strong and robust, with large pull tabs to make them easy to open and close, especially when they get caked with dirt or salt.

3. Accessories and Features

Think about the climate or environment that you will be camping in, that will make a big difference to the options to look for in your swag.

For example, if you are camping in a hot climate, ventilation windows will make a big difference to your comfort, as will having a canvas base instead of a PVC base on your swag.

PVC is super waterproof, but it doesn’t breathe, so you might consider using a tarp under your swag instead to create a barrier from the moisture from the ground.

A swag bag is also an important accessory to make it easier for you to transport the swag, and protect it from dirt and water.