Swag

[nigelphoto]

This might be useful for folk to consider as an alternative to a tent. I have been a paddler for many years, starting in 1962 with the Sea Cadets, and I have found an Aussie swag ideal for canoe camping trips. The swag incorporates a mattress and is a lot more portable than tents/tent poles/mattress etc as it all rolls up and has carrying handles sewn onto the outside. I am planning some bike trips later this year and will take my swag with me and an 12'x8' plastic tarp for extra protection from heavy rain. The tarp can be fixed with two pegs at the corners which are on the ground, and tied over the bike to form a lean-to although the swag is completely waterproof. I got my current swag two years ago and it cost me £110. Its made from lightweight Goretex type material not canvas as I believe the current ones are, although if you want a lightweight one made up for you I am sure they would do it as they make everything here in the UK.

http://wildcanvas-outdoor.com/shop/tent ... g-bedroll/

 

[-XP-]

£50 XL Hunka Bivvy with a £10 Eurohike tarp would do a similar job.

Add a cheap matt and your laughing, still prefer a small lightweight tent though.

 

[Rubberchicken]

Hmm, I can see it has a certain charm, but 5.1 kg? I've got a 4 man tent with large porch area that's lighter than that...

 

[nigelphoto]

Hmm, I can see it has a certain charm, but 5.1 kg? I've got a 4 man tent with large porch area that's lighter than that...

Because mine is made of Goretex-like material its under 3kg, but the thing that might put me off buying one now is the price compared to what I paid just 2 or 3 years ago.
Nigel
PS It will keep brown snakes out . . .

 

[-XP-]

still prefer a small lightweight tent though.

Only because you travel with Stuart and he carries everything but the kitchen sink and more of a maisonette than a tent

That's true, I don't know how he fits it all on the bike, he's got some fekkin Sport Billy panniers going on!