Forums.NitroExpress.com

I find it hard to use my sleeping bag from the 1980's. It feels too small. It must hab0ve shrunk ... Today I usually use my semi older pattern swag.

Original Aussie, eg Fleming and Sandford Swags made in Hahndorf, now gone. We're the classic pattern. Waterproof canvas bedroll. Taller than a person, the base had flaps for a cloth covered foam mattress to be inserted into. It was wide enough to fold more than double underneath, or pull the flap over on top as a dew protector. Or run a cord and an inverted V against rain.

Classic and wonderful. I still have one of these. And a double person one, Curl used in the NT.

Does not prevent mosquitos. First trip to the NT one night of no sleep we quickly sourced mosquito nets. That trip I had an pseudo swag. Synthetic tarp, a thin foam backpacking pad, sleeping bag, sleeping bag protector cotton bag, mosquito net, and bungee cords, to tighten it into a roll.

Now I have a slightly modern version. Not one of these so called swags which are really little canvas tents. Mine has the usual base but also low sides which heighten a little to the head. Cords can be used to tie up and hold the head section higher. The top has a mosquito mesh zip top. And a second canvas zip top. Can be used as a bed on a camp bed. Or on the ground. Tied up or flat. In warm weather completely open. If mosquitoes with the mesh zipped up. If rain. Canvas top zipped up.

Inside I usually use two foam cloth covered mattresses if the width is not a problem when transporting. Two is better than one. One is ok. Now I use a quilt inside, either a double, lying on top and pulled over me. Or ususuallg a single quilt with opened sleeping bag underneath. Blankets as required. In the swag box, comfortable, convenient and easy to roll up.

These enclosed swags with zips, keep the bedding cleaner, more together, easy to transport and can be zipped up to keep snakes out. I suggested Curl roll his up a little in the morning, or check for snakes in the evening.

I spent 40 days once in my original swag always out under the stars. Big winds can be interesting. Cows walking through your camp? Didn't even know. Would a bull attack a sleeping person? Swags are no deterrent to land attacking saltie crocs. Sleep with a mate to the left and right if close to the water.

. I was shocked once to read of a saltie coming out of the sea, 200 metres !!! inland to a camp. And try to drag a man back to the sea. Luckily a target shooting guy had his handgun in a nearby camp. And brain shot the croc. Amazingly the police did not charge him for having his handgun there.

Staying in an NT fuel stop, restaurant, motel, cabins, caravan park, camping ground. The rooms and cabins were all booked. Enjoyed a steak and beer at the pub restaurant. Then the ONLY person in the camp ground. Most have caravans or elaborate camper tent trailers. Setup in the far corner. My swag tied to my LandCruiser. Luxuries such as power from the vehicle. Lighting. Comfortable camp chair. A smoke. Listen to an audiobook and a smoke. Comfortable bed. Shower in the morning. Camping likd an 18nyearvold, but comfortable Like a 50 plus year old!

Another time, similar, at same place BUT not in the same campground but another section. Hundreds of Army camo trucks, 4WDs, tanks transporters etc. Hu dress of guys and girls in Little tents or camping shelters. Smart army staff buy a nice pop up mosquito shelter or swag tent shelter. No hootchie taro ground sheet shelters any more (?). I still like an inverse V hootchie taro shelter for ad hoc use.

The Army vehicles would stagger dispersalsvin groups of ten to thirty vehicles. Asked one guy and they were heading to Port Augusta. About 1500 to over 2000 KMs away.

Swags really require a vehicle as they are too bulky. Especially the modern swag mini tents. Far bigger than most mini tents.

African safari outfitters could benefit from Aussie swags. They are far better than anything in have seen in Africa. One of mine was supposed to be shipped as a gift to an African PH. Never sent it. Guy never kept in touch. But they should be there. Especially as labour to make them is cheap in Africa. If quality is often missing.

I do like the classic swags, if they can still be found. Or a near classic similar to mine.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"