When it comes to organising your next major camping vacation, both novice and seasoned campers must consider this question: swag or tent? Go ahead and examine the benefits and drawbacks of portable lodging alternatives, stock up on the best product options for your specific travel needs, and go over some tactics for camping in swags and tips to guarantee you have convenience and comfort from twilight to dawn.
Swag
A swag serves as a shelter, a mattress, and a sleeping bag all in one. This cocoon-like sleeping unit spreads out into a small self-contained bush-bed and can simply be loaded into your 4WD and hit the road.
The appeal of the all-in-one swag goes beyond its simplicity. It’s simple to set up your tent when you arrive at your campsite. You won’t have to hammer tent pegs, assemble poles, or inflate air mattresses with swag, so you can spend more time appreciating the beautiful scenery and less time setting up camp.
Despite the fact that a modern swag is bigger and heavier than a traditional bedroll that can be tossed over your shoulder, it is built to survive the elements and last for years. Swags are well-made and long-lasting, and either carried in the back or installed on the roof of your 4×4, they take up very little space at your campground. Their waterproof and weather-proof fabric, as well as the heat retention and comfort of their built-in foam mattresses, keep them secure and comfortable.
This cosy cocooning may seem restrictive to some, or an issue on hot summer nights, but with more ventilation than tents, you may open the upper layer of canvas and windows with insect-proof mesh for fresh air and to sleep quietly under the stars.
Your swag may only have enough area for you to lay down, but with single and double sizes, as well as dome options, snug doesn’t have to imply cramped.
When it’s time to return home, simply load up the 4WD with your full living quarters and drive away. Because all good holidays and weekend trips should conclude as stress-free and pleasant as they began, there will be no rolling up sleeping bags, tying up guy ropes, or looking for that bag for the flysheet.
Tents
There’s still much to be said for tents if you’re taking the whole family, including the kids, Gran, and the dogs, for a fortnight’s camping vacation. Sure, they take longer to set up and require separate bedding and inflatable mattresses, and buying a good-quality tent can be costly, but having space to store all that extra gear, a wet-weather common area for card games or group meals, and indoor space to move on a rainy day can be a family-holiday lifesaver.
Although being less resilient than swag, tents have their advantages for long stays and large parties. They can be weatherproof, adaptable, light, and roomy. If the weather isn’t cooperating, even single-person tents allow you to sit up or crouch. But there’s always the 4×4 and the next campsite to visit, and travel time is a valuable commodity. While a tent might be a convenient family home away from home, if you’re looking for adventure and a true road trip, renting a swag might be the way to go.
Conclusion
Traditional tents are no longer the only solution for today’s camping needs. Camping with swag is a particularly Australian experience, though modern swag, which have grown greatly from a simple bedroll, are becoming increasingly popular internationally. Choosing a weatherproof, compact, robust, and comfortable portable shelter is key to a successful camping experience. So, to be merry swag men and women, compare swag camping to tent camping.