Gearing up for a camping trip with your partner or a mate and need a double swag to keep you out of the elements?
Well, you’re in the right place. In this article, I will be reviewing and comparing the best double swags in Australia to help you figure out which one suits you best!
Sound good? Let’s go!
| 23Zero Bandit 1400 | XTM 4x4 Double Swag | Coleman Instant Swagger 2P | AOS Bushman Deluxe Queen | Burke & Wills Grampian Double Dome | Darche Dirty Dee 1400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Pick  | Best Value  |  |  |  |  | |
$500 from Snowys | $240 from BCF | $189 from Snowys | $599 from Snowys | $485 from Snowys | $495 from Snowys | |
5 ★ (see 20 reviews on Snowys) | Cell | 4.9 ★ (see 11 reviews on Snowys) | Cell | 4.65 ★ (see 3 reviews on Snowys) | 4.6 ★ (see 18 reviews on Snowys) | |
205 (L) x 135 (W) mm | 215 (L) x 140 (W) mm | 240 (L) x 180 (W) mm | 214 (L) x 150 (W) mm | 205 (L) x 140 (W) mm | 215 (L) x 140 (W) mm | |
95 cm | 83 cm | 120 cm | 90 cm | 81 cm | 85 cm | |
19 kg | 14 kg | 9.1 kg | 17 kg | 17.8 kg | 15 kg | |
304 L | 190 L | 58 L | 388 L | 294 L | 232 L | |
400 GSM | 400 GSM | Polyester | 475 GSM | 540 GSM | 420 GSM | |
70 mm | 50 mm | None | 70 mm | 75 mm | 70 mm | |
2 years | 1 year | 1 year | 10 years | Lifetime | 2 years | |
One size |
Best Double Swags Australia
23Zero Bandit Swag 1400
Our Pick
This is it, folks! The 23Zero Bandit 1400 is, in my opinion, the best double swag in Australia. It is widely loved by swag users for it’s rock solid build quality that won’t let you down no matter the conditions.
It is constructed from thick 400 GSM canvas, but the really awesome part is that all of the seams in the swag are fully sealed from the inside. This means that the swag is fully waterproof even without seasoning.
Waterproofing can be a major headache for canvas swags and tents alike, so having this all sorted before you even buy it is a huge relief.
There’s 4 doors that also double as windows, plus 2 additional windows, 1 at each end of the swag. This makes access super easy and also means that you’ll have enough ventilation to keep you cool or prevent condensation buildup.
The 70mm mattress is nice and comfy. The whole thing is backed by 23Zero’s excellent 2 year warranty.
Just be aware that the swag is quite bulky when packed. Make sure that it fits comfortably in your car before locking in a purchase. Also bear in mind that 19kg is pretty heavy, so avoid parking far away from where you want to set up.
It comes in 900, 1100 and 1400 sizes (sleeping area width).
XTM 4x4 Double Swag
Best Budget Double Swag
If the 23Zero Bandit swags are out of your price range but you still need something decent, the XTM 4x4 double swag is a solid option.
It’s far cheaper than the other swags on this list (assuming you sign up for a free BCF membership) yet it is still built quite well.
The seams are solid, the waterproofing is decent and the swag on the whole feels good - not cheap or poorly made.
I would prefer it if the 50mm mattress was a little thicker and more comfortable, but it’s not terrible by any means.
It also has a head height of just 83cm, which is low but manageable.
Kings Big Daddy Deluxe Double Swag
Runner Up
The Adventure Kings Big Daddy Deluxe is a decent bit of kit that is probably best for those who usually head away for a weekend or a couple of days at a time.
It is a large, spacious swag with a nice wide mattress and plenty of head space. The swag can be accessed from either side.
Like the 23Zero Bandit, it is made from 400 GSM canvas. However, there have been a number of complaints about the quality of the waterproofing on this swag. Many people have found that this swag readily leaks water at the first sign of rain.
This may well be a seasoning issue, however, as this swag does need to be seasoned properly before it will be waterproof. Check out this article on how to season your swag.
Otherwise, the fast setup and low price make this a very popular choice.
Check out my full Kings Big Daddy Deluxe review!
Coleman Instant Swagger 2P Tent
Best Hybrid Option
Have you heard of this new range of hybrid tent-swags by Coleman? If you find swags a bit claustrophobic, but don’t want something as big as a regular tent, the 2P swagger tent might be perfect for you.
It is larger than a swag, smaller than a tent and doesn't come with an included swag mattress (so make sure that you factor in the price of purchasing a mattress separately!).
It is also made from polyester rather than canvas. However, it still has a decent, 1,500mm waterproofing and is much lighter than a regular double swag. Many have commented that it holds up really well in wet and windy conditions.
Despite being lighter, it is actually much more spacious, with a 180cm wide (as wide as a king bed!) and a 240cm long sleeping area (good for tall people). With a 120cm head height, you won’t feel claustrophobic at all in one of these.
I really like the ability to convert the front door into an awning, which provides shade, ventilation and some room for storing extra camping gear.
It comes in 2 person and 3 person varieties.
AOS Bushman Deluxe Swag Queen
Best Traditional Option
Aussie Outback Supplies (AOS) are committed to making some of the best quality swags in Australia. Their Bushman range are all traditional style swags, meaning that they are simpler and narrower than more modern ‘dome’ swags.
All AOS swags are made in Australia, so by purchasing one of these, you are directly supporting Aussie jobs and the local economy.
The AOS Bushman range are all made with very thick 475 GSM poly cotton canvas, giving you outstanding waterproofing and protection from the elements. It comes with a 70mm mattress, and the unique design allows you to enter the swag from either side.
The best part about this unit is that it is covered by the AOS 10 year guarantee! If a manufacturer offers a 10 year guarantee on their product, especially something as hard-wearing as a swag, you know it must be good quality.
The only downside of this option is the relatively high price tag. However, if you do decide to get it, you can expect to get many, many years of life out of it.
It may work out cheaper in the long run to purchase a good quality swag now, than a new cheapie each year!
It is available in single, king single, double and queen sizes.
Burke & Wills Grampian Double Dome Swag
Runner Up
The Grampian double swag by Burke & Wills is a very high quality option. It is made from a combo of very thick 540 GSM canvas and 120 GSM sandfly mesh to keep you protected from the elements and insects!
Users of this swag have repeatedly commented on how impressed they are with the quality. Many have said that they expect to be able to use this swag ‘for life’. This might sound crazy at first, but it does actually come with a lifetime guarantee!
Feel free to read more about the Burke & Wills lifetime guarantee.
The included 75mm mattress is very comfortable and you won’t need to purchase any mattress toppers or similar to make it more comfortable.
It’s not quite as spacious as some of the other options, but it makes up for this with superior quality.
Darche Dirty Dee 1400 Swag
Runner Up
Another solid option in the double swag category is the Darche Dirty Dee.
Much like the others on this list, it is well-built polycotton canvas swag that you can expect to get plenty of use from. There isn’t a great deal that differentiates this one from the other options, other than the fact that it has lots of doors and windows for ventilation.
Many users have reported getting 5+ years of use out of this swag and say that their unit is still going strong.
Unfortunately, others have reported that the swag leaks water readily and is not particularly waterproof. This may be due to a lack of seasoning, it is difficult to say.
In any case, it is covered by the Darche 2 year warranty.
It comes in 900, 1100 and 1400 sizes.
What To Consider When Buying A Double Swag?
Double swags can cost a decent chunk of change, so it pays to be careful when thinking about which one you will buy.
Swag Dimensions
Are you getting a double swag because you want room for you and your partner? Or is it for the kids?
Most single swags are 900 wide and most doubles are about 1,400 wide, but many swags now come in an in-between 1,100 size. This might be perfect for 2 kids who don’t need the same space that 2 adults would need.
Also consider the head height. Swags are traditionally very short and can be quite claustrophobic, so having a decent internal head height will make it a much more enjoyable place to be.
If you are more than 190-195cm tall, also take a look at the length of your swag. On the shorter end, some are only 200cm long, which can make it quite a tight squeeze for you.
If you prefer a little more space than most swags offer, consider going with the Coleman Instant Swagger 2P, which is a hybrid swag-tent.
Packed Dimensions
Double swags can be quite bulky when packed up (1.6m long is not uncommon), so it is worth checking the packed dimensions to make sure that it can comfortably fit in your car.
You may wish to use a swag bag to make carrying/storing it easier.
Weight
If you will be lugging your swag quite a distance from your vehicle to where you eventually end up setting up for the night, make sure that you choose one that isn’t too heavy.
Canvas construction makes these swags quite heavy, with most of them weighing 15-20kg.
Waterproofing
Storms are unpredictable in Australia, with sudden, unexpected downpours very common. You don’t want to be woken up at night with water dripping on your face, so make sure that you choose a swag with a decent waterproof rating.
The 23Zero Bandit is widely praised for its excellent waterproofing.
Ventilation
We all know how brutal and unforgiving the Australian sun can be. Swags can act as greenhouses, trapping in hot air. Make sure that your chosen swag has some vents and windows to let the hot air escape, otherwise you’ll be in for a hot and sweaty evening.
Ventilation can also prevent condensation forming on the inside of your tent.
The 23Zero Bandit and the Darche Dirty Dee both have outstanding ventilation.
Setup Time
If you have been busy hiking, fishing or driving all day, the last thing you need is a long and arduous set up process when you reach your rest stop. Thankfully, the swags I have listed above are all very easy to set up, even if you are by yourself.
Warranty
A warranty gives you peace of mind knowing that your swag is covered if it is defective in any way. It is also a good sign that the manufacturer has faith in the quality of their product, and that they stand behind this quality.
The AOS Bushman Deluxe comes with a 10 year guarantee and the Burke & Wills Grampian comes with a lifetime guarantee!
Build Quality
Poor build quality means a painful tent setup experience, higher risk of accidental damage to the tent, as well as frustrating and flimsy pegs, poles or zippers. Cheaper tents naturally have poorer build quality, as the manufacturers save on material to keep costs low.
Double Swag FAQ
Still have questions? Here are some of the most common queries/concerns people have when it comes to double swags.
How much does a double swag cost?
Double swags typically range in cost from around $200 on the low end, to around $600 for a premium, high end swag.
As with everything, you tend to get what you pay for, so don’t go straight for the very cheapest ones out there.
Should you put a tarp under swag?
While not necessary by any means, putting a tarp under your swag can add an extra layer of thermal insulation (useful in winter) as well as protection from moisture or any rocks on the ground.
When it comes to tents, we typically refer to these tarps under your shelter as 'groundsheets'.
Are Weisshorn swags any good?
Not really. They are cheap, poor quality swags that aren’t designed for Australian conditions. Do yourself a favour and get something better that will actually last long enough for you to get some decent use out of it.
Are Mountview swags good?
Similar to the Weisshorn swags, the Mountview swags are not recommended. They are cheap and built rather poorly, meaning that they don’t last very long.
If you are on a super tight budget, by all means give them a go, just don’t expect to get much life out of them.
What is the biggest swag on the market?
The AOS Bushman Deluxe Queen is the largest double swag that I have seen. It has 3.21m² of sleeping area, plus 90cm of internal head height.
What sizes do swags come in?
Swags are often sized in one of two ways. The first way uses ‘single’, ‘king single’, ‘double’ and ‘queen’ sizes. The AOS and OZtrail swags, for example, use this system.
The Darche and 23Zero swags, on the other hand, denote the swag size in terms of width, using the standardised sizes ‘900’, ‘1100’ and ‘1400’, as in 1400mm of width.
How do you roll a double swag?
The technique varies from swag to swag, though it is generally quite similar to rolling a sleeping bag (albeit much larger)!
Start by rolling one end as tightly as possible (preferably with your partner) and then continuously using your weight to keep the roll as tight as possible as you progress along the length of the swag.
Most double swags come with straps to assist in rolling it up. As long as you keep the roll as tight as possible, it should fit in the bag. If you find it very difficult to get it back in the bag that it came with, consider getting a replacement swag bag that is one size up from your current swag size.
Summary
There are plenty of double swags out there on the market, so it can be difficult to choose the right one.
Personally, I think that the 23Zero Bandit 1400 is the best double swag Australia. It has outstanding build quality, is fully waterproof out of the box (thanks to internally sealed seams), has a comfy mattress and spacious interior, plus it is covered by a 2 year warranty.
If you are on a budget, a very popular option is the XTM Double Swag. It comes with good quality seams, is light and packs down to small volume.
The Coleman Instant Swagger 2P is an interesting option for those who want a little more room than what a traditional swag has to offer. On the other hand, if you do love a traditional swag, look no further than the AOS Bushman Deluxe Queen!
Lastly, the Burke & Wills Grampian and the Darche Dirty Dee 1400 swag are both high quality options that you could expect to use for many, many years.
I hope that you have enjoyed this roundup of the best double swags in Australia! Let me know which one you decided to go with in the comments below!
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