From Historic Bedroll to Heavy-Duty Camp Gear: How Swags Stand Out Among Tents for Sale in NZ

1. May 30, 2017 As you browse tents for sale in outdoor equipment shops, you’re bound to encounter swags. Far from being regular tents, these portable sleeping units are one-of-a-kind cocoons – and should intrigue anyone seriously interested in camping around NZ. Shelter for sheep shearers The term “swag” originated in Australia in the late 1800s. It referred to the bedroll carried by swagmen – rural workers, like sheep shearers and miners, who walked incredible distances Page | 1

2. overland to find seasonal work. Swags then were usually just a blanket rolled up with spare clothing inside a piece of canvas, which swagmen unrolled when they set up camp. As times have changed and camping has become a recreational activity, the modern swag has emerged. Gear for the recreational camper Today’s swag typically consists of a foam mattress under a layer of canvas and supported with an aluminium hoop framework. Heavy duty floor linings and openings of fine mesh further enhance the structure, providing security and views of the wild. The modern swag is designed as a personal tent over a bed, for one person, or two, only to lay down and sleep in. The swag looks something like a cocoon; long and at most a domed swag tends to be 70 centimetres high. The modern swag has also now gone beyond the bush. Familiar to many Aussies and Kiwis, it was recently introduced to the American camping market. Pros and cons: Perfect for the car camper and off-roader The features of modern swags no longer make them suitable for carrying on one’s back, as swagmen did. They do, however, make sleeping outdoors considerably more comfortable. High-quality ones are made of a blend of cotton and polyester canvas with ripstop weaving for greater strength. The overall material enables campers to spend the night in a shelter that is waterproof, rot-resistant, and impenetrable by bugs and pests. For all the toughness of their canvas, swags are breathable with outer layers that can also be unzipped and opened up, giving way to fine mesh screens and helping improve ventilation without letting pests in. Inside the swag a heavy duty PVC floor sits under a high density foam mattress that makes for a very comfortable night’s sleep. Setting up modern swags is faster and less complex than pitching tents. There are even inflatable swags, the canvas fly supported by a durable, puncture proof air poles system that can be easily inflated in seconds. Simply unroll the swag, inflate the poles and watch as the swag takes shape with minimal effort. Campers can set up these free standing swags without worrying about stakes – making them perfect for trips to hard ground. Page | 2

3. The only thing to be aware of is that their packed size makes swags a good fit for car campers, utes and off road vehicles –they’re not designed for hikers. Canvas also need to be “seasoned” or “weathered” to make them completely waterproof. You can’t pick one among tents for sale then head off to the mountains –you’ll need to soak the canvas and let it dry two or three times to ensure the threads and seams have expanded and that its waterproof properties are triggered. Overall, swags are a tough yet comfortable and convenient camping option. The swag’s ease of set-up, versatility, and durability in all kinds of weather, make it ideal for car campers and off- roaders who rest wherever their drives (and the “freedom camping” rules) take them. Are swags suitable for camping in NZ? The answer to that is a resounding yes. As said, swags are heavy-duty and designed for all conditions –something you’re likely to experience thanks to the country’s diverse landscapes and unpredictable weather. A swag’s mattress, linings and small dimensions will maintain your body heat and keep you warm through winters and chilly nights. The breathable material and mesh openings will likewise let you cool off on warm days and summers. The tested waterproof walls will keep you dry even when a sudden downpours arrive. The swag will also be your perfect companion in the back of a 4x4 or a ute as you venture to the country’s gorgeous but remote terrains, often on scenic yet steep, twisting, and slippery roads and tracks. Once you reach your destination, you can unroll your swag much like the swagmen of old – and from the safety and comfort of your bed, gaze at the stars, and all the wonders of the wild. About Intent Outdoors Limited: Established in 2010, Intents Outdoors supplies New Zealand locals and visitors with camping tents that range from ultralight, to family-sized and vehicle rooftop models. We pride ourselves in delivering quality products at fair prices. We participate in designing and manufacturing our branded tents, source and import our own materials, and sell directly to the public. Page | 3

4. Sources: A Handy Guide to Choosing a Swag, Snowys.com.au Australian Swags Are Coming to America, Should You Get One?, OutsideOnline.com Why I Always Choose a Swag When I Go Camping, OutbackSwags.com Everything you need to know about backpacking New Zealand, RoughGuides.com Page | 4