XTM Double Swag Review

The green XTM double swag set up on the grass with its door open
Jump to

Many campers want a dependable, durable swag that doesn’t cost a fortune. The XTM Double Swag aims to be that. It’s built for the Aussie bush with heavy-duty 400GSM canvas and a tough PVC floor, and it’s meant for quick weekend getaways or longer touring where you want to keep things simple.

Every double swag has trade-offs, and with this one it’s the 50 mm foam mattress. We rolled it out under the stars to see how comfortable and durable it is.

What’s in the box

A double swag (215 cm L x 140 cm W) with tough 400GSM ripstop canvas, a 450GSM PVC bucket floor and a basic 50 mm foam mattress, for touring and weekend trips.

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

Quick Specs

Spec Details
BrandXTM
Material400GSM Ripstop Polycotton450GSM heavy-duty PVC floor
Weight14 kg
Thickness5 cmFoam
Poles8 mm Alloy
Size set up215 × 140 × 83 cm

First look

Pulling the XTM Double Swag out of its bag, the first thing you notice is the quality of the canvas. The 400GSM fabric feels substantial and tough, clearly built to take a beating on the trail. For a double it’s also manageable to carry at 14 kg. The alloy pole set looks slender but keeps the weight down.

Setting it up for the first time was straightforward, thanks to the simple two-pole design and the clip loops. Standing, the 140 cm width and 83 cm height give a good amount of room inside. The superfine insect mesh is welcome on humid nights. The one thing that could be better is the 50 mm foam mattress. It’s quite thin, and it makes you think about changing it or adding a sleeping pad for comfort on longer camping trips.

The green XTM double swag from the side, showing the alloy pole arch
The alloy poles look slender but keep the weight down

Materials & Build Quality

The XTM Double Swag uses proven materials. The main body is 400GSM ripstop polycotton canvas. It’s a good weight of canvas: tough enough to resist snags, and it keeps out wind and water well, provided you season it before its first use. Underneath, the heavy-duty 450GSM PVC floor forms a bathtub-style base. It stops moisture seeping up from wet ground, which a swag has to do.

The structure is held up by lightweight 8 mm alloy poles. 8 mm is on the thin side compared to some other models (like the XTM Mighty), but these poles are a big reason the swag weighs a manageable 14 kg. They’re adequate for holding up the canopy and easy to thread through the pole sleeves. All in all, the materials are rugged where it counts (canvas and floor), and the structure stays light and portable.

Close-up of the green canvas and PVC floor of the XTM double swag with the XTM badge
400 GSM ripstop polycotton canvas

Ergonomics & Weight

At 14 kg, the XTM double swag is a good weight for a double canvas swag. It’s light enough to move from your 4WD storage to the campsite without much effort, and heavy enough to feel solid and stable. The free-standing twin pole setup makes it quick to put up: you clip the poles in place and the swag is ready. That suits touring, where you may set up and pack down every day.

Comfort inside depends on the 50 mm foam mattress. It’s fine for a single night or a quick weekend, but for anything longer we recommend another solution. The good news is that there’s plenty of room inside (140 cm wide). You can put a good self-inflating sleeping pad on top of the existing mat, or replace the factory foam with something thicker and more comfortable.

The internal pockets are well placed for a phone or headlamp, a small but handy detail. The large ventilation panels at the hood, the foot and the top, all covered with superfine insect mesh, give good airflow on warm nights and make it much more comfortable inside.

The mesh utility pocket inside the XTM double swag
Pockets inside for a phone or a head torch
The hood of the XTM double swag with its mesh ventilation panel
Fine insect mesh over the vents

Performance & Features

What matters most with the XTM double swag is how it copes with the weather. The 400GSM canvas, tensioned by the top spreader bar, sheds wind and water well once it has been properly seasoned. With the heavy-duty PVC floor you don’t have to worry about damp ground when you pitch on a less-than-ideal spot.

The ventilation is a strong point. You can roll the canvas back completely and sleep under the superfine insect mesh, which is great for summer camping: you see the night sky and stay protected from mosquitos and midges. The 140 cm wide sleeping area is enough for two people and feels much roomier than two single swags.

The carry bag and the light 8 mm alloy poles make the whole kit easy to pack and stow. The XTM double swag is a dependable, weatherproof shelter and a good piece of tent equipment.

Close-up of the foam mattress inside the XTM double swag
The 50 mm foam mattress is on the thin side

Conclusion: XTM Double Swag

The XTM Double Swag is a good choice if you want a spacious, durable double swag at a good price. The 400GSM canvas and 450GSM PVC floor should last and keep the weather out, and at 14 kg with a simple setup it suits quick, no-fuss trips. The 50 mm mattress is thin, so for longer tours plan on a topper or a replacement, the alloy poles are a thinner 8 mm, and it needs seasoning before first use. With its 140 cm width and solid build, the XTM double swag is a strong swag option and good value for the space and durability you get.

8.7/10
The verdictField-tested rating

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. The 50 mm mattress is thin, but the swag itself is built for tough outdoor use.

Best for
  • Weekend trips
  • 4WD tourers
  • Couples
Worth the money?Value 8.8

Yes, as an entry-level double swag. Tough 400GSM canvas, a heavy-duty PVC floor and 140 cm of width are good for the price. The 50 mm mattress is thin, so add a pad.

We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.

Also consider

FAQ: XTM Double Swag Review

Is the 50 mm mattress in the XTM double swag comfortable enough for multiple nights?
The 50 mm mattress is adequate for short trips of one or two nights. For longer touring, we recommend buying a self-inflating mat or mattress topper to put under or on top of the factory foam, for better comfort at the hips and shoulders.
Does the XTM Double Swag require seasoning before I use it in the rain?
Yes. Like almost all canvas swags, the XTM double swag needs seasoning to be fully waterproof. Set it up, hose it down thoroughly and let it dry out completely. The canvas threads swell and seal the stitch holes, which keeps the water out.
How does the 14 kg weight affect the portability of the XTM double swag?
14 kg is quite light for a double swag with 400GSM canvas, so it’s easy to handle and lift onto a roof rack or in and out of the 4WD. It’s not for hiking, but it suits vehicle-based camping where easy transport and quick setup matter.

You might also like

8.7/10Check price at BCF