A swag is a canvas shelter with a mattress built in. It rolls out fast and shrugs off rough weather, which is why it’s still a favourite for off-grid camping in Australia.
We’ve reviewed two swags so far, both doubles: the Kings Big Daddy Deluxe and the XTM Double Swag. Here’s how they compare and who each one suits. We’ll add more as we test them.
Quick picks: the best swags comparedQuick picks
| Product | Score | Width | Head height | Mattress | Weight | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best overallKings Big Daddy Deluxe Swag (Double) | 9.1 | 155 cm | 96 cm | 70 mm | 14.0 kg | Check price at Amazon |
Best valueXTM Double Swag | 8.7 | 140 cm | 83 cm | 50 mm | 14.0 kg | Check price at BCF |
Best overall: Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Swag (Double)Best overall: Big Daddy
The Kings Big Daddy Deluxe is the roomier of the two: there’s space for two to sit up and get changed, and the high-density foam mattress is comfortable without a topper. The ripstop canvas is tough, and the free-standing twin pole design makes setup simple.
It’s heavy and bulky when rolled, so it needs proper space in the 4WD, and the canvas has to be seasoned before the first trip. For couples who put room and comfort first, it’s our pick.
Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Swag (Double)
Scored 9.1 out of 10Our take: This swag has a lot of room inside, with its 1550 mm width and high roof. The 400GSM canvas is tough and keeps the weather out, and the 70 mm mattress is comfortable on longer trips. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Wide at 1550 mm
- Huge 96 cm internal head height
- Comfortable 70 mm mattress
- Free-standing twin pole design
- Durable 400GSM ripstop canvas
What we don’t
- Heavy total weight of 14 kg
- Bulky when packed (as expected)
- Seasoning required before use
Best value: XTM Double SwagBest value: XTM Double
The XTM Double Swag has the same tough ripstop canvas, a heavy-duty PVC floor and full mesh panels for airflow, in a slightly narrower body.
The foam mattress is thinner, so for longer trips plan on adding a sleeping pad or topper, and the poles are thinner too. It also needs seasoning before first use. If you want a tough double swag for weekend trips, it’s good value.
XTM Double Swag
Scored 8.7 out of 10Our take: Good value and durable, with 400GSM canvas and a waterproof PVC floor. Setup was simple and the 140 cm width gave enough room for two. Read review
We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.What we like
- Tough 400GSM ripstop canvas
- Lightweight for double at 14 kg
- Heavy-duty 450GSM PVC floor
- Generous internal size 140 cm W
- Fully ventilated mesh panels
What we don’t
- Only 50 mm thick foam mattress
- Thinner 8 mm alloy poles
- Requires seasoning before use
How to choose a swagHow to choose
A swag is a tent and a bed in one: you roll it out, and the mattress and bedding are already inside. Start with who’s sleeping in it and where it travels. A double sleeps two, or gives one person room for a bag and boots, but a rolled double is as wide as the swag, so check it fits your roof rack or ute tray.
Then look at the canvas, the mattress and the head height, which decide how comfortable it is on a wet night. Swags come in three sizes:
- Single
about 80–90 cm wide
The smallest and lightest roll, for one person on a solo trip.
SleepsOne - King single
about 110–120 cm wide
Room for one to spread out, with space for a bag and boots inside.
SleepsOne, with room to spare - Double
140 cm+ wide
Sleeps two, but makes the biggest, heaviest roll on the rack.
SleepsTwo
Also check
- CanvasRipstop polycotton of around 400GSM is tough and breathes. Season it before the first trip.
- Mattress70 mm of foam is comfortable on its own; with 50 mm, add a pad on longer trips.
- Head heightMore head height makes it easier to sit up and get changed inside.
- FloorA heavy PVC floor keeps ground water out and stands up to rocks and sticks.
A new canvas swag has to be wet and dried before its first trip so the stitching seals: see how to season a swag. To finish your sleep setup, add one of the pillows from our camping pillows guide. One of the two swags here is from Adventure Kings. New to remote touring? Our beginner’s guide to 4WD touring helps you prepare before hitting the road.
How we test
We buy the gear ourselves and take it on camping trips around Australia to put it to the test in real outdoor conditions, in the 4WD and at camp, and to see how it holds up over a few trips. We weigh everything on our own scale and photograph it ourselves. If we haven’t used something, we say so, and if anything fails later on, we update the review.
Scored out of 10 on
- Ease of use
- Performance
- Portability
- Durability
- Value
