7 Best Swags for Camping and Overnight Hikes (2023 Australia Guide)

Last updated: March 18, 2023

Reviews of seven of the best swags in Australia, traditional as well as dome swags, based on size, mattress, weight, comfort, price and more.

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

In this article, we’re going to review 7 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.

We are covering single and double swags, as well as traditional and dome swags, in different price categories.

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 7 Swags:

Top rated swag on Amazon:

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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
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Here we go, seven 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, but it is also a very affordable option. It is the single version of the 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 ends of the swag have a mesh covering to keep the flies out while also improving airflow.

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. OZtrail Biker Expedition Single Swag

This OZtrail Biker Expedition Single Swag is one of the most traditional swags 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 high-density open-cell foam mattress is 5 cm thick and is certainly very comfortable. The best thing about this swag is that setting up and packing up is as easy as it gets. And with a weight of just over 4 kg, it’s great for overnight hiking adventures.

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3. Darche Dusk to Dawn Swag 1100

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 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. The 900 and 1100 versions are excellent single-person swags, with the 1100 being slightly bigger.

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, two internal storage pockets, a strong PVC bucket floor, and a 420 gsm-proofed ripstop polycotton canvas. Overall, this high-quality swag provides the comfort and protection you need while sleeping outside in the bush.

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4. 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 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 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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5. Darche Nebula 1550 Swag

Based on the picture, you may be forgiven for thinking this is a tent. But really, it’s a swag. Or otherwise, a small 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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6. 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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7. 23Zero Dual Swag 1400

While not the largest of the double swags on this list, the 23Zero Dual Swag 1400 offers a sleeping area that is 215 by 140 cm, making it suitable for two people to sleep reasonably comfortably.

This swag is made with waterproof 400 gsm canvas with a polyurethane coating. The heavy-duty PVC welded floor provides comfort, and the steel ridge pole at the top with the two alloy loopholes on each end provide stability and strength.

With 17.3 kg, it’s a reasonably heavy swag to carry around, but if you’re going to use it for a camping trip with your car, the weight shouldn’t be that much of an issue. This swag does come with a heavy-duty carry bag to make carrying around just that little bit easier.

The 23Zero Dual Swag is available in three sizes; 900, 1100, and 1400. The 1100 is a spacious one-person swag, and the 1400 is designed for two people to sleep in. The 23Zero Dual Swag 1400 is reasonably priced and an excellent swag for camping and hiking trips.

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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 haven’t changed. If you are a solo traveller, or just prefer to travel light, a swag may be the perfect solution.

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 and easy to pack away and set up.

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 convenient if you are hiking and carrying all your 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 one 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, giving 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 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.