What you pay for is what you get. In many circumstances, especially while you’re travelling, this rings true. After a hard day of driving, you deserve to look forward to a comfortable night’s sleep. The $100 stuff you picked up from a garbage disposal business isn’t going to keep you warm in the event of an emergency. It’s probably not going to happen.
- Style: Are you okay with roughing it, or would you like more privacy? You’ll sacrifice a bit of head and foot room for a shorter set-up time. Like dome tents, Dome swags have gained popularity recently since they provide more inside areas than regular swags. Inflatable swags are available from many companies. Another method is to utilise just one pole to hold the head end of the swag, which some people find claustrophobic. Alternatively, the swags can be strung from a tree using a classic method that features a single eyelet at the top.
- Size: In terms of importance, size does have a role. Is the stuff going to be all yours, or will you bring a special someone along with you? There are many options for the length of the swag and the width, but remember that you must transfer the swags if you’re going to use them for a couple. This can be a challenge at 1.9m in length, but a roof rack is necessary for most situations. It is easy to transport single swags (180-230cm long and 60-90cm broad). Lastly, there’s the King Single Swags (190-230cm long and 90-115cm wide). After that, think about how much headroom you have. More headroom helps you to be more organised while making you feel less constrained. A suitable height for the head is roughly 70 centimetres.
- Construction: Trying to compare the materials used to make swags might be challenging. The thicker canvas is heavier, but it provides superior insulation and water resistance and longer life, so it’s worth the extra weight. Another aspect of the swag is the flooring, which is mostly a matter of taste. A strong canvas or PVC are the two alternatives available, both of which are entirely watertight (will be waterproof to a point but last longer than PVC). When looking at swags, seek for 15-ounce Australian rip-stop cotton canvas. The decision between canvas and PVC flooring is mostly a matter of personal preference. YKK No. 10 heavy-duty spiral or coil zippers are the most acceptable options for zippers.
- Is this a million-star vacation in the works? There is nothing nicer than sleeping under a bright, starry sky without getting devoured by bugs of all kinds and sizes. It’s crucial to evaluate the layer organisation. Canvas covers the outside layer, while fly screen covers the inner layer. The most crucial component is how these are put together. When you’re desperate for a breath of fresh air in the night, there’s nothing worse than fumbling through a zillion zippers. Make the most of your time by experimenting with a few different models. For the most part, less is more.
Thickness: The standard thickness of a mattress is 50mm or 70mm. There is a direct correlation between how big your swags are after the roll-up and the quality of your sleep. Foam comes in various textures and colours, depending on the manufacturer. 70mm and ripple foam are essential for you; they are also fairly pleasant to work with. Swags with thinner foam at the feet end may also be an option to investigate. A smaller roll-up and virtually as much comfort are achieved this way.