NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 16/01/04 02:32 PM |
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The Aussie swag in Africa?
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In my visits to Africa and across numerous countries - Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa (still working on the rest), plus watching a lot of videos and television programmes - I have never seen a decent bedroll yet in use.
Given most camps are for softies with feather mattresses, jacuzzies and hot and cold running maids (joking - I wish!), when I have seen guys sleeping under the stars usually they have some crappy thick foam mattress and a sleeping bag.
What about a decent Aussie swag? Does it exist over there?
The old basic swag was a rectangle of strong thick waterproof canvas, with sewn-in panels to fit a thin mattress in at the top and bottom. A pillow & sleeping bag is used. The two flaps (one wide and one narrow) of the swag can be put on top of you for protection from the dew, wind rain or elements. A simple bivi or hooch could be constructed by running a rope between two trees and the flap form an open ended A tent.
Modern swags have all sorts of refinements including mosquito mesh, poles, hoops even zips and sometimes are more like mini tents now. I think just use a tent ifyou want one of these.
I used a basic one for well over a month once, nothing else, sleeping under then stars. When I got home it was funny to sleep in a bed and have a roof!
They are so traditional here in Oz I would be amazed if they aren't used in Africa.
Or do they just lie in the dirt.
A more modern but still basic design.
| shakari |
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| 16/01/04 04:17 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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John,
I've never seen one over here, but they look like a great idea to me!!!
| Bakes |
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| 16/01/04 11:05 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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We don't have bloody lions/hyena's/leopard over here but John
My swag is a wedge. It has a large flap and mozzie netting and you tie the head bit to a tree or bull bar to keep it off your face. I've slept in the rain with this, didn't know it was raining till I woke up and looked out.
| Bigfive |
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| 17/01/04 12:00 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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I'll buy one of those NitroX,they look good.What will the price be on one of those.
Not to worry about the lions and stuff Bakes just make sure you get up every now and then to put wood on the fire.
| mickey |
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| 17/01/04 02:54 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Nothing against the Aussie swag, but they are heavy and bulky to carry around. You can get the same thing in a much lighter package from Mountaneering and Backpacking stores.
I've looked at swags for years but they all seem to weigh in at around 10 - 20 lbs and are 36" wide and 15 - 18" in diameter when rolled up.
| shakari |
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| 17/01/04 04:49 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Mickey....... isn't that why God created bearers?
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 17/01/04 08:07 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Mickey i have a lined swag that rolls up into about a few footballs size that i can carry on walk in hunts by its handle,pack on back, swag in one hand and rifle in other,no probs,now my other is over 20 years old and has a luxurious 5 inch foam matt in it and i have woken up in rain frost and snow and i love it,throw it down unroll and get in .........simple!I tried those tent type swags but too much fucking about hanging cords up to whatever for me!
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 17/01/04 05:41 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Mickey is right they are heavy. That is because the good ones use a high grade heavy canvas. Much better than these modern crappy lightweight synthetic mountaineering rubbish. But they aren't meant for backpacking. Rolled up the basic single ones aren't that big and are great for keeping in the Landcruiser for a night's sleep anywhere. Just undue the straps, unroll it, and climb in. When travelling in the NT once my mates and I did a lot of driving and often well after dark. Stopping off the road somewhere, a single gas burner out, a quick meal cooked and eaten straight out of a can, and we were in bed within a half hour. Sure beats setting up complex BBQs, tents, sleeping bags,bed rolls, cooking gear, plates, washing up .....
I'm looking for a new one as my current is too big. It seems pretty hard to find a simple one now as the plastic monkey market has taken over and they are now complex and approaching tents. Kind of defeats the purpose of them.
Even when using tents or shearers quarters I still use them. Just unroll the swag on the stretcher bed. Keeps you away from any bugs and also if it gets cold overnight, flip over the flaps and it is nice and snug.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 17/01/04 05:57 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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The swag is of course famous and infamous in Aussie folklore.
"Waltzing Matilda" describes an intinerant bum and thief who steals a 'jumbuck' - a sheep- stuffs it in his swag and when caught by a squatter and thief jumps into a 'billabong' - an "oxbow" lake or cut off bend in a river - and drowns himself.
A great tune but hardly a suitable song for a national anthem which some dickheads keep pushing.
Also "Waltzing Matilda" was bush slang for masturbating with your swag !!!
Those shepherds off with their flocks for 9 months by themselves kept themselves occupied, other than Fluffy the ewe. If he was abnormal I guess it was Bert the ram 
The word swag is derived from English and was used to describe a thief's bag or his stolen booty.
A bit of convict lore for you
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 17/01/04 06:08 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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BigFive
I thought about bringing one over with me in 2002 but didn't as I thought you might have them over there already. But it seems not.
In luxury safari camps, like the one you have, they aren't needed as these camps have bedroom suites and nice comfortable double mattresses, beds, lounges and showers.
But iimagine a lot of the local hunters could use them. When hunting do you often find yourselves hunting in the bush, camping around a campfire under the stars? Or do you still often use setup safari camps even when hunting without clients by yourself?
| Bakes |
| (.375 member) |
| 18/01/04 11:24 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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I fold mine out in the back of the Ute.....how bloody Australian is THAT
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 18/01/04 01:35 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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I bet you had a panel wagon sandman or something when you were younger too.
| 4seventy |
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| 19/01/04 12:04 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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I spend a fair amount of sleeping time in swags and the best basic style aussie swag that I own was made by Flemming and Sandford.
It's made from heavy duty canvas but is more flexible than some others which feel like they're made from hard cardboard.
The design of the flaps and fastners etc are very good and it does work well.
Not sure if they still make that style or even if they are still in business.
Beware of those mozzie proof designs if you ever hunt the top end in the heat.
Some use triangle shaped canvas side panels with a net roof that you have to tie up to something.
The canvas side panels do not allow any air or breeze through and can be as hot as hell if used in the tropics.
Much better to use a basic style swag and a lightweight net hung over it which will allow more air flow.
| Will |
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| 19/01/04 02:42 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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I don't know about Africa, but here in the US, actually out west, they are called "cowboy bedrolls."
But they don't have the little tent flap, just a canvas cover that you can put a matress and/or slepping bag in. That tent flap version in Aust. must be for sissies!
| gryphon |
| (.450 member) |
| 19/01/04 09:41 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Also "Waltzing Matilda" was bush slang for masturbating with your swag !!!
Haha trust you to know about that mate......shit i always got by without a swag hahaha and of course you know about the rabbit trappers delight dont you!
| Bigfive |
| (Sponsor) |
| 19/01/04 10:51 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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NitroX
When I'm out hunting with local friends of mine I sleep next to the fire in an ordinary sleeping bag.So the swag will come in handy for me.It is only when I hunt with clients that I sleep in luxury.By the way that camp we stayed in was upgraded extensively and apperantly it is very nice now.Even the watering hole was enlarged a bit and better lights put on to make the game viewing better at night.Johan is in the US at the moment but he invited me to come and check it out.He took over that consession and he also said that they are going ahead with their plans to buy the neighboring property.That will double his property(as if we didn't do enough walking after those hellbeasts)
Back to the swag.What are they priced at??With shipping?
I'l use it everytime I'm out hunting because when I hunt alone I don't alsways go back to camp as we did,I'll just sleep there where I am if it gets dark.(My tracker can carry the thing).
| Bakes |
| (.375 member) |
| 20/01/04 05:03 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Swag
Here's one Bigfive
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 20/01/04 07:41 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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From the same site - at last a "real" swag
http://www.gotyatackle.com.au/store/product.asp?ID=22
PS Hold off on buying anything. I want to see if Fleming & Sandford are still around in Hahndorf not far away. They are one of the originals and still the best.
Edited - but this model still has a zip. I like the old ones with two flaps that fold over each other and can be made into a hooch.
| Bigfive |
| (Sponsor) |
| 20/01/04 10:27 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Hell guys isnt that a bit expensive??I mean,I bought a 5 man tent with an extra canopy brand new here for +- US$100.
It is still a good idea and i'll really would like to have one.You say it is from real canvas material and not this nylon stuff.
| Bakes |
| (.375 member) |
| 21/01/04 12:44 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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If you can find someone that can sew canvas, get them to make one up. I'm having one made for my brother, by the guys on base. Its just a basic swag with two flaps. Have a look and find a design you like then get it copied.
| SafariHunt |
| (.333 member) |
| 22/01/04 01:20 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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NiroX,
They seem to look very nice and I can see myself using it quite a bit especially when fishing !!! I don't know why anyone haven't started those things in RSA yet ? Maybe the price.
Is the price I see from the link AUS dollar or US$ ?
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 22/01/04 02:52 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Frederik
The prices are all A$ and about 80:100 at the moment.
Good quality canvas is expensive.
| atkinson6 |
| (.375 member) |
| 29/01/04 09:14 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Although I have slept out on the ground wihtout benifit of any thing but the shirt on my back, in Africa (Tanzania) I do not relish the thought of it...Australia does not have Lions, Hyenas, elephants and Buffalo herds roaming about, not to mention Black Mambas, Hippos and a croc or two if your close to a water source. or I suspect that they would have abandoned the swag idea a century ago...Anyway thats why you don't see them I would guess..
We have some simuliar "bedrolls" and pop or pup tents in the USA...
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 28/01/21 04:10 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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The original Aussie swag a canvas bedroll with a cloth covered foam mattress, and a flap to cover is now something more. I have at least two of the originals, one a double swag for two. And one somewhat more modern version with a pull up top cover using a couple of ties, and a double zip top, one mosquito mesh. The mosquito mesh is more than useful in tropical coastal areas.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 01/04/24 08:44 PM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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The Aussie swag.
Once what was the Aussie swag was a canvas covered foam mattress. The foam mattress fitted in at foot and head by a sewn flap or pocket. The canvas maybe two or three times as wide. The canvas could be folded over one for extra warmth or shelter. Or flipped over a rope to form a triangular tent shelter.
When I think of a swag, this is always what I think of.
I have a single and double version of one of these.
I also have a slightly more modern version. More box shaped. A zipped integral mosquito net top. And a canvas flap zipped on top for shelter. An aluminium tube is inserted into the top of the head area. And using rope is tied to create a raised top, Still a quite simple design.
The modern swag user probably has no idea what an original swag is. They are virtually mini tents now. I don't see why people don't use a real tent instead. Much bigger, more room than a swag. Often synthetic material now, not canvas. Way too complicated for my taste. And often can not be used without the full "roof", top all in place. No beautiful open skies sleeping under the stars in a modern "swag". And they are huge!
I much prefer the good old ones. Lying under the stars. Or covered if their are light rains, still very snug and comfortable. The thick foam mattress is what adds to the bulk, but also adds a lot of comfort. One can get used to sleeping in one for months. A mosquito net can be essential, either external or integral. I use my swag on the ground in the open, in a tent, or in outstation type quarters. Can be used on a camp bed too. I used to use a sleeping bag, but find them claustrophobic a bit now. Like lying in a body bag. Do so when needed. I used a single down quilt on top and the unzipped down sleeping bag in my swag. Comfortable. Unfortunately my swag gotbdamp, the quilt mouldy, washing it it dissolved in places. Needs to be replaced. I saw some large rectangular sleeping bags advertised online. If they are what they claim, look like a good replacement.
The Aussie swag was the standard for outback life once, and the real swags still work.
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NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 02/04/24 12:09 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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Quote:
Nothing against the Aussie swag, but they are heavy and bulky to carry around. You can get the same thing in a much lighter package from Mountaneering and Backpacking stores.
I've looked at swags for years but they all seem to weigh in at around 10 - 20 lbs and are 36" wide and 15 - 18" in diameter when rolled up.
Mickey, said this years ago. Hecwas right then. Doubly right now, with the rolled size of many now.
But they are comfortable. Warm or cool as needed. And when one sleeps in the open air for a month or three, good value.
My first was home made. For a 35 day trip to the NT and Kymbetley of Northern WA. I took a synthetic tarp, a solid syntheticc\ mattress roll. The lightweight backpacking sort. Good insulation. A sleeping bag and pillow. Rolled up, reasonably waterproof. Straps to hold the round package. It went on the roof rack under the boat. Worked fine in good weather. But couldn't fold over well for rain protection. Mosquitos were a nightmare. At Dunmarra camping in a camp ground, we left at 2 am as the clouds of mosquitos made sleeping impossible. We acquired some mosquito nets later in Kunnunarra.
Old style canvas swags/bed rolls need a mosquito net added.
New style swags usually have integral mosquito nets, or "windows".
A good combination to suspend a tarp above one as rain shelter. Inverse V, A mosquito net similarly can be strung up, usually a box shape. One needs suitably placed trees for all this.
I usually carry a pop up dome tent in the vehicle. Small "two" man dome tent, pops up in a minute. If rainy, easier than Being with a swag, mosquito net, tarp .... The basic swag can still go inside anyway. More roomy than this modern consulted "swag tents".
If rainy and trees available run arope between the trees and hang a medium sized tarp over. Allows an outside cooking, eating, dry gear, dry wood area,
I've noticed many guys just use one of these tarps and sleepmunder it. Even in colder weather areas. I like more comfort. If one has acvehicle, why not?
If backpacking, different story,
Quote:
You can get the same thing in a much lighter package from Mountaneering and Backpacking stores.
Not the same thing, and crap in comparison.
A backpacking setup, or a lighter weight smaller package for me, is to take a lighter weight synthetic waterproof tarp. A Goretex waterproof body bag. Good to stay dry and also for warmth. A down sleeping bag inside it. A closed cell insulation foam mattress under it above the tarp. A second lightweight tarp, poncho opened out, could be used as a V tent shelter on a rope above.
Alternatively forget the two tarps, carry a lightweight tent. Mattress, sleeping bag inside.
I like the Goretex "body bags". Made the whole setup a lot warmer. Dryer if exposed. If small enough to be carried when hunting, an emergency shelter against the cold and wet. Even without a sleeping bag. The trapped air warmed by body heat, means less body warmth is lost and as quickly.
A lightweight rain poncho opened out, with a cord, makes a good emergency shelter against the rain, perhaps wind. Lots of possible shelter design types.
| DarylS |
| (.700 member) |
| 02/04/24 02:24 AM |
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Re: The Aussie swag in Africa?
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I'm too old now, for that sort of foolishness. My swag today measures 22' inside and gets pulled around by my F350 6.7lt. diesel.