When choosing your digs for off-road travel, our top rated roof tents aren’t your only options. Whether indulging in a spot of wild camping or pitching up at the side of a dusty desert trail, a good quality ground tent can offer a convenient and comfortable base to spend the night. Our range of ground tents is the best around, but you may have noticed a ground tent design that’s a little different from the rest…
Introducing the swag tent
Also known as a ‘bed roll’, a swag tent is a compact, simplistic and highly portable sleeping shelter that’s popular with camping and hiking enthusiasts. The design originates from Australia where they’ve long been used as practical bases for those on the move. Here Outward Spaces shares more about the history of the swag:
“Originally used by drovers (people who drive cattle or sheep to market), swag tents were portable shelters that could be easily transported on horseback or by foot as they moved livestock across the vast Australian outback. These early swag tents were typically made of canvas or other heavy-duty materials and provided a comfortable and protective sleeping space for drovers during their long journeys.”
The earliest swag tents were relied on during colonial times, with the people who used them affectionately referred to as ‘swagmen’ and later becoming cultural icons. Swag tents have remained a popular part of the outdoorsy scene ever since, with their features, designs and materials evolving with the times.
What makes a swag a swag?
The traditional design of the swag tent has evolved to become a domed design, with the materials also altering over the years to unlock yet more perks for the outdoor adventurer. Modern day swag tents also incorporate a thin yet lightweight and practical mattress to improve comfort and warmth when travelling far from home.
Why choose a swag tent?
When comparing swag tents and regular ground tents, the compact and convenient nature of the swag tent certainly stands out. They’re designed for quick setup, easy transportation and individual comfort, with some swag designs able to accommodate two people. Swag tents are also generally more affordable than one- or two-person ground tents.
While originally used in the Australian Outback, swag tents are renowned for their comfort in colder climates. Their ventilating features and ability to retain body heat make them particularly ideal at cooler temperatures. Swag tents are extremely durable too, providing a versatile camping accessory for traditional excursions and impromptu overlanding adventures.
For all the perks of the swag tent, it is important to note that space is at a premium. This means if you need to store extra gear under cover, camp for an extended period of time, feel uncomfortable in tight and enclosed spaces, or want to sit upright at any point, a swag tent may not be the best choice for you.
Where can I buy a quality swag tent?
We are proud to stock several, premium swag tent designs, with world-leading brands such as ARB and Outhaus all a part of our swag tent range. For protection from the elements when you need it most and a quick, convenient camping solution, choose a swag!
