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Swag vs. tent and ExPed pad Swag vs. tent and ExPed pad
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Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
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Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia




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  #1  
Old 8 Jan 2013
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Swag vs. tent and ExPed pad
I had heard much about the ExPed that I bought one, and loved it. But now that I moved to Oz, I got introduced to a concept I had not seen before: the swag!

Being a bit of a gear junkie, I wondered if anyone had experience with those and how they compare to the traditional tent/blow up pad.

~CW
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  #2  
Old 8 Jan 2013
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Bedding n bikes
G'day CW, Welcome to Oz,

My choices are, when in the 4X4 I use the swag, a double which i set up in the back of the ute under a fly and mozzie net, it's way too big for the bike. When on the bike I use a tent, a self inflatable mattress and sleeping bag. A biker swag is available, having looked at one I find the tent senario better for keeping myself and all the gear dry.

Cheers Dave
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  #3  
Old 8 Jan 2013
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+1

Swags are too big for bikes
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  #4  
Old 10 Jan 2013
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Swag
Yes swags are to big for our bikes but they are not to big for the Harley Boys
ego as they would not be seen dead putting up a tent, notice they always have a swag strapped on there bikes !!!!
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  #6  
Old 15 Jan 2013
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I have one of the Burke and Wills Swags (think it's a waratah) and it's great on the whole, but very bulky so has only ever been taken with me if we're driving.

Reckon for the biker swags to be small they must have used much less in the mattress so it's probably not half as comfy either.
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  #7  
Old 16 Jan 2013
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A word of caution on the self inflating mattress...

Australia has lots of thorns that make many holes in your mattress. I use a thick foam mattress under any inflating mattress.

----------------
Swags are good for a quick free over night camp. They are not good for rainy days (waiting for the rain to stop).
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  #8  
Old 16 Jan 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Warin View Post
I use a thick foam mattress under any inflating mattress.
And I carry a patch kit, which has saved my bones any number of times.
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  #9  
Old 15 Feb 2013
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I did a 22000km lap around Oz and used a swag. I had one of those biker made ones which are a bit smaller.
My opinion is it was great up North (where it was the dry season so the weather was great) but when I got down to the bottom of WA and into Tasmania it was painful. As soon as i hit heavy rain and cold weather i realized how much i would of preferred a tent which can be set up easily enough even in the craziest weather and it becomes like a little home where you can retreat with your yourself and gear.
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Old 4 May 2013
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wet
If you have ever laid your swag out in the pissing rain ,climbed in it wet and wondered if it was ever going to stop because you are cold and wet. And despite what the guy in the store said they leak. Then you wish you had a tent
As for the Harley boys they don't ride in bad weather so a swag is ok
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  #11  
Old 4 May 2013
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Originally Posted by TravellingStrom View Post
+1

Swags are too big for bikes
Rubbish Richard.

I often use a swag. Key is to take out the original foam mattress and use an exped. Put your sleeping bag and deflated exped inside and mine rolls up heaps smaller than carrying a tent mattress and sleeping bag seperatly.

The new oz trail biker swags are even more compact as they use ripstop canvas rather than traditional canvas.

There are some excellant swag designs available these days.

Having said that I usually only use mine when I am on the move everyday and on my own. If setting up or more than a day or two or travelling with my wife I prefer a tent. ( or hotel room)
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  #12  
Old 9 May 2013
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Hey edge
You're an idiot saying Harley riders don't ride in the rain. Almost every trip I've been on I've gotten gaught in the rain and got along just fine. You should keep your mouth shut and quit letting everyone know what a toilet seat you are!
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  #13  
Old 9 May 2013
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The comments were quite obviously made in jest. If you can't figure that out, then perhaps you play into the Harley stereotype yourself..?



"Toilet seat"...? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use that as an insult before. Very original!
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Last edited by brclarke; 9 May 2013 at 23:25.
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  #14  
Old 9 May 2013
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I like my swag however i find it gets a little claustrophobic if i'm wanting to read or watch movie or something while in the swag and it's raining or the mosquitoes are biting and I have it closed up. Never have that issue with the tent.
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  #15  
Old 12 May 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wally22hd View Post
You're an idiot saying Harley riders don't ride in the rain. Almost every trip I've been on I've gotten gaught in the rain and got along just fine. You should keep your mouth shut and quit letting everyone know what a toilet seat you are!
I see I,ve upset a Harley rider I will try to be more careful in the future as they are such shy sensitive creatures,please accept my most sincerre appoligies and grow a brain and two more acc. down below ,I take the piss out of all as they do me
Oh and quite an original insult is that lid up or lid down
Last edited by EDGE; 13 May 2013 at 00:03. Reason: spelling
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