Greetings All,

Hoping for some good advice from the well experienced, I am in the search for a good overall swag that can be rolled up nicely so that it is bike friendly.Also what to look for as in comfort versus water proof versus size.

Thinking of getting something of the net but kinda would like to see with the two eyes b4 purchase.....

 

 

cheers

T1000

 

I've got one that I purchased many years ago, and dont know if it's still available.

Aptly named the "Biker" it is a little narrower than a standard swag, and only has a 3/4 mattress (head to thigh) instead of full length, which enables it to be rolled much smaller.

You dont need a mattress under your legs and feet, so if this type of thing isn't available anymore, just grab a sturdy single swag and either ask for a 3/4 length mattress, or alternatively cut the mattress down yourself, and forget the swags with all the poles and shit included, you don't need all that stuff.

For a quality swag look for 15oz canvas and a good sturdy zip...good canvas is also waterproof..

A little head flap can be a bonus to aid in dressing and undressing, providing you a clean area to stand on away from dirt/mud and grass seeds, but this is not essential.

An eyelet at the top/centre (above your head) will allow a piece of rope to tie the top of your swag up to a tree or your bike, allowing air circulation in warmer weather.

Mosquito netting or not is up to you, personally I go without, seeking only the bare basics....KISS (keep it simple stupid) for travel. Always the less complicated and less involved, the less trouble, always looking to reduce weight, size and uneccessary clutter or extraneious crap.

If you want a bit of extra comfort (especially if you sleep on your side) something that most never think to do is dig a small shallow "hip hole" under the swag where your hip bone will rest. It increases the comfort factor substantially when sleeping in the ground....something I remember from my service days.

NOTE: I've just done a search and apparently bike specific swags are still available.

Many thanks  for the detailed reply Ranger ....

 

 

Much appreciated

 

 

I am going through the same thing T. Fitting a swag on a bike is always going to be a compromise of comfort over practicality. I have a full size Bourke and Wills swag that I can fit on my bike at a push but I am thinking a small tent and a decent sleeping bag might be the go. I am going for a look at a bikers swag at Aussie Disposals tomorrow. Will let you know how I went.

I have a Dune boundary swag. It rolls up quite small and even better if you take out the mattress and use a self inflateable one. Anaconda have them on sale $129.00 (50% off).
Have a look at this. http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product-Listing/Camp-and-Hike/Tents-and-Shelter
The tracker is also pretty good.
Cheers.
Bucky

I used to have a bikers swag but it was way too small for me...I now have a dive bag that fit's a tent,sleeping bag,pillow and inflatable matress all water proof and it is way smaller than my normal swag...

If you are a big bloke forget about the biker swag they are not really make for us bigger guys as I found out when I bought one over the net.

I like Sparra's idea using a dive bag that fits all his camping gear but I still thing the best way to do a overnighter is a motel room, hot shower, warm comfortable bed, that's got to beat sleeping on the cold ground in the pissing down rain in a swag or tent cheers.

I bought mine a few years ago from Kazz Mazz over in WA...

http://kazzmazz.com.au/collections/luggage/products/swagsingle

 

I bought a 'bikers swag' a couple of years back and it was a total waste of money, it's about as big as a mummy sleeping bag and If I squeeze in and zip up the it's like being in a compression sack.

Not only that but it still takes up more space than a 2 man hiking tent, a self inflating mat and a compact sleeping bag rolled into a waterproof double ended bag (kayak style carry bag but Andy Strapz sell them as well).

i use a darche biker dome canvas swag  keep my sleeping bag inside isnt too bad to tie on my lowrider

went to the disposal shop today and came to the conclusion the tent/mattress/sleeping bag combo is smaller and probably more comfortable but slightly more expensive. (especially when you already own a decent swag). i got home and strapped on the big swag to the bike with two ratchet straps. it looks a bit big but there is a sleeping bag, pillow and a 50mm mattress in there and i can use it as a backrest. i will run around on the bike with this set up for the next couple of days to check it out before heading up to queensland next week. I think the tent combo will cost approx. $300 compared to fuck all for my current set up. hhmmm hhmmmm hhmmmmm . There is a good chance i will end up booking into pubs or motels with all this stormy weather but. Why is life so fukin complicated?

I run a king single swag with mattress sheets and a doona. Rolls up big but sits between the sissy bar and me as a backrest. I have a large backpack that hands off the sissy bar frame and a small shelter to set up if the weather is looking shit. Bulky but comfy. Anyone can do it hard but doing it smart is where it counts.

Thanks fella's  for all your great  responses...

 

I hear ya bout getting softer ...setup a tent once at night ...sleeping was crap ...only to find out in da morning should cleared the ground better....

and with this weather at the moment ...cheap motel running hot water might be the go.....still gonna have to look into the swag though.....for later...

 

 

Cheers

 

T

 

 

burk and wills make one mate size wise not to bad any camping shop will have em