Swag advice/experience

[Andrew]

When fishing late at night to catch the tide I will sometimes miss the ferry back so am marooned. I need a quick to set up, totally mossie/damp/dew proof swag with plenty of shoulder room, thick mattress and use summer or winter. Canvas.

I've never used one, but when I tried a gortex type one in a shop I couldn't stand the claustrophobia - I hate to be trapped. The canvas one I've seen photos of look roomy and tough. They should be perfect. But there are so many types.

Any advice much appreciated, esp bad experiences and things to look out for. Thanks, Andrew

[Cremated_Reddog]

Andrew, there is a swag manufacturer out Toowoomba way who might be able to make a custom swag for you.
Mate not sure of their No. but if you look in the Queensland Country Life the do advertise in it. Can't seem to find a copy of it here at the moment....




Best of luck Reddog

[Andrew]

Thanks reddog,
I've got a bloke who I work with, who used to be an upholsturer, who said he does them for $150.00, that sounds like a good deal to me.

But yes, I'd say custom is the way to go.

thanks again, Andrew

[fisho]

I've got a single swag - made by Bob Power in Toowoomba -cost me about $130 five years ago and still going strong - have slept comfortably in it in the rain and remained dry. The contact number on the swag is 46 38 3800

[Muzzy]

Most car upulstry (sp?) places here in darwin make swags to suit, may be the same in your region. I dare say there would be more car lads than swag makers as such, this increase in comp some times lowers prices also gives more options.

Muz

[sav]

Hi ya Anrew
I got a swag from Bob Power at Toowoomba as well. Cost an arm an a leg (about $200) and has bits of canvas all over the place. It was finally put to the real test a few weeks ago on the Dawson River at Taroom where I copped mozzies early in the night followed by rain.
Came up trumps on both counts. Heaps of room to make "tent" and avoid the mozzies and not a drop of rain got in.
Only disadvantage is that it is bulky - maybe because I have a pretty thick mattress in it - but who cares ones you have settled down to an open sky.
Regards
Sav

[Luke]

Hi Andrew,
I have an double sided army tarp that I put some eyelets in with a few bits of parramatta rope tied on and an army mosquito net that can be draped over. Takes no time to set up and can guarantee you will not get wet unless pours down and a stream runs through where you are sleeping in which case you can wrap yourself up in the tarp and stay relatively dry. These things are absolutely waterproof when is rain is hitting from above and still gives an open air feeling.
Cheers Luke

[rick_k]

waiting for the barge. On a beach?? Make sure you don't get run over.

Swags seem like the ideal thing for the outback in the dry season. Consider a small tent and fly. Guaranteed waterproof. Room for some gear. Slightly longer to put up. Less claustrophobia.

In either case, if you are on sand, you could dispense with the mattress and save some bulk; just dig a hip hole.

Rick K

[dazza]

Andrew,
I would seriously consider a small dome tent. Ther are alot easier to lug around. I have a double swag and wouldn't swap it for anything, but it is a real pain to cart around. My tent only cost $50 bucks or so and copes with the wet season up here really well- no bities or water inside.
Regards
dazza

[Andrew]

Thanks for all the ideas. I've already got a dome tent, it works fine. Where I go your not allowed to camp. A tent set up would be too slow to pull down and the car is not that comfy. I could just fish all night, but when the tides pumping there's no point.

This place is an Island, River one side and breakwall n' beach the other.

thanks all, Andrew

[Cremated_Reddog]

Andrew, you will find swags at your local camping world, well the one near my place has em, and a good range at that..


Reddog