The ARB SkyDome swag is a popular option amongst swag lovers in Australia. But, is this swag for you?
In this article, we will discuss the features of this swag in detail. We will also look at the pros and cons of the ARB SkyDome single and double swags.
| ARB Single Swag | ARB Double Swag |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
215 x 90 cm | 215 x 140 cm | |
80 cm | 80 cm | |
10.5 kg | 14 kg | |
75 mm | 75 mm | |
500GSM Canvas | 500GSM Canvas | |
2 years | 2 years |
Pros & Cons
Size
The ARB swag is generous when it comes to the sleeping area, but it isn’t outstanding compared to other swags in its category.
The ARB SkyDome single swag is 90cm wide, making it suitable for any person with wide shoulders to sleep and move around comfortably.
On the other hand, the ARB SkyDome double swag is 140cm which is pretty standard for most double swags.
Both models are 215cm long which is more than enough for even quite tall people to stretch their legs comfortably.
With its 80cm head height and skydome windows, the ARB SkyDome gives you the feeling of roominess, although it isn’t quite tall enough to sit up in.
Weatherproofing
When it comes to the quality of the swag itself, it’s definitely one of the better ones out there.
It’s made with 500GSM canvas and it is probably the thickest one we’ve seen so far. It also has a 970gsm PVC base able to resist tears from sharp objects on the ground and water from coming in.
They are waterproof and rotproof making them a great option for those people who like to travel a lot.
In addition, the zippers are high quality and they have so much overlapped fabric that water just can’t get through. Plenty of reviewers have commented on their effectiveness under heavy rain conditions.
Bedding
ARB SkyDome is equipped with a 75mm thick corrugated mattress, which is one of the thickest mattresses we’ve seen. Most other swags are in the 50-70mm range.
In addition, the mattress has anti-microbial properties which are exactly what an outdoor sleeping mat needs.
For those who are used to camping outdoors, a 75mm mattress is as comfortable as it gets. However, those who need even more comfort can look at adding another swag mattress or even putting the whole thing on a swag stretcher.
Setup
Setting up an ARB swag takes longer than most because it is a 5 pole set up. However, the process is simple and pretty straightforward.
First, pull the swag out of the bag and roll it out. Then, connect the poles.
As mentioned, there are 5 poles for this setup. 2 large curved poles for the head and the middle, 1 small curved pole for the foot, and 2 straight poles for expanding the swag.
Insert the curved poles into their respective pockets, then, insert the 2 straight poles perpendicular to the curved poles to expand the swag and give it its freestanding design.
The whole process can take less than 5 mins for an experienced individual.
Known Issues & Warranty
Known Issues
The ARB SkyDome swag is highly regarded as one of the highest quality swags on the market.
There are no major flaws associated with this swag. However, it is worth pointing out that it gets quite warm in these swags very easily. If I had to guess the reason, I’d say it’s probably because of the thickness of the canvas.
However, the ARB SkyDome features a large window with a mesh fly to allow the air to pass through and provide some ventilation.
Another thing to point out is its total weight and packed size. It's a lot heavier and bulkier than most swags making it harder to carry and harder to store.
Warranty
ARB SkyDome swag has a 2-year warranty which is quite standard for most swags on the market.
In terms of honouring claims, ARB is in good standing with its customers and there are no known issues about unreasonably denying claims as long as you adhere to their warranty policy.
Price
When it comes to price, the ARB SkyDome is one of the most expensive swags on the market. A single swag costs around $450 while a double swag is close to $700. And that doesn't even include the swag bag!
This is the main reason it lost marks from us. There are simply a lot of other excellent swags out there that offer similar quality to the SkyDome but are cheaper (the 23Zero Bandit Swag is generally my recommendation).
Despite the high price of the SkyDome swag, you’re paying for the superior quality that would probably last you more years than a cheaper option, as well as the assurance that it won’t fail you when you need it most.
This is something that you buy once and hopefully never have to worry about it again.
If you don’t go out camping often, it’s probably not worth buying such an expensive swag like this one. Check out this list of the best swags in Australia to see what else is out there.
However, if you’re someone who’s always outdoors and need a swag you can rely on, I think you could justify the cost of the ARB SkyDome swag.
ARB SkyDome Swag FAQ
Do you need to season the ARB Swag?
The ARB swag comes in pre-seasoned so technically you won’t have to. But it's never a bad idea to re-season it after purchase just to be sure.
Can you pack it with the mattress?
Yes, you can roll this swag with the mattress and the beddings inside. However, it does get a little bulky.
Does the price include the swag bag?
No, the bag is sold separately, and having the bag is a must to protect this investment. So that’s something that you have to consider when buying this swag.
Is the swag bag waterproof?
Yes, the swag bag is made with the same material as the swag, making it as weatherproof as the swag itself.
Where are arb swags manufactured?
ARB manufactures its products in Australia and Thailand.
Final Thoughts - ARB SkyDome Swag Review
The ARB SkyDome is pretty much just a regular swag in terms of design and size. In fact, it's very similar to a Darche Dirty Dee.
However, the ARB SkyDome is clearly superior in terms of build quality. It's a swag you can buy once and use for a lifetime.
Furthermore, it gives you an uninterrupted view of the skies. Perfect for couples or those who love stargazing.
Overall, we recommend this swag to those who go camping often. That way, you can justify the premium price.
Review Summary
Reviewer: Louis
Review Date: 2022-03-10
Reviewed Item: ARB SkyDome Swag
Author Rating: 4/5
Product Name: ARB SkyDome Swag
Price: AUD $469
Product Availability: Available in Stock
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Im on my 3rd set of replacement poles for one of these. Sounds common that the poles crack. No mistreatment from me, im actually paranoid about them breaking now.
My poles have broken twice and not mistreated either.