An Outsider’s Take on an Aussie Classic: Swag Camping in the Outback

The Swag Awakening

Before I could even ask, Dan was already beaming. “I’ve been thinking we should sleep in a swag!”

That should have been my first red flag.

Dan had just finished walking me through the build of his off-road racing Gladiator—his rugged 4×4 designed to conquer Australia’s most remote landscapes. I admired the elaborate slide-out kitchen, the well-planned filtration system, and its undeniable desert racing truck capabilities. But something seemed… off.

“A swag?” I echoed, hesitant.

Dan nodded, the excitement clear on his face. And while I rolled the unfamiliar word around in my mouth, trying to make sense of it, I could already tell I was in for something uniquely Australian.

What is a Swag?

Turns out, the term “swag” has deep roots in Australia, dating back to the gold rush era when it referred to a person’s bounty—whether legally acquired or not.

A swag is an Australian-style bedroll: heavy canvas, a built-in mattress and bug screen, and a zip-up top that creates a snug, weatherproof sleeping cocoon – perfect for swag camping Australia and minimalist Outback trips.

Over time, it evolved to describe a traveler’s rolled-up bedroll, used by bushmen – Australia’s equivalent to cowboys and desert explorers.

“It’s what the old bushmen used,” Dan explained, eyes alight with nostalgia. “It’s like a bedroll, with everything you need inside.”

So, a sleeping bag? A bivvy? A tent?

Sort of. Not really.

And that’s when I knew I’d just have to experience it for myself.

Swag Life: The Reality Check

A few months later, after flying to the opposite side of the planet, Dan finally had his chance to educate me on Aussie culture—including a marathon of classic off-road racing in California and Outback adventure films.

Midway through a scene, a character rolled out a musty, dust-covered bedroll—something you’d expect to find in an old military surplus store.

Dan sat forward, thrilled. “That’s a swag!! See?”

I looked at him, trying to match his enthusiasm, but my attention was glued to the scene that followed: a massive tiger snake slithering across the heroine’s face as she slept.

“Of course, we’d get one with a cover,” Dan assured me.

He went on, explaining that safety in a swag was all about the zip. “You just zip it up tight, and nothing’s getting in—no snakes, no spiders, no unwanted visitors in the night.” Which, as I later learned, was especially comforting during winter in the Outback, when the cold keeps most creepy-crawlies sluggish and out of your bedroll ambitions.

Dan added that in the morning, rolling up your swag and strapping it down is non-negotiable. “You don’t want to come back after a hike and find someone else’s idea of ‘cozy’ inside,” he laughed, meaning anything from a curious gecko to a wayward snake. Campsites are busy enough that most creatures steer clear, but leaving your swag open is practically an invitation.

At that point, the prospect of zipping myself up like a human burrito felt marginally more appealing—at least compared to starring in my own Outback horror film.

Swag Safety: Keeping Nature at Bay

But inevitably, the question everyone asks are swags actually safe from Aussie wildlife and the elements, or are you just signing up for a night with eight-legged bedfellows?

The short answer: swags are designed with survival in mind. When zipped up properly, a good swag offers a snug, canvas fortress that keeps out most curious creatures.

Even in the wildest reaches of the Outback, the thick canvas and built-in bug screens create a barrier against everything from nosy insects to that infamous tiger snake slithering around in my nightmares.

During colder months, there’s a bonus—snakes, spiders, and other critters tend to retreat or slow down, leaving you blissfully undisturbed in your burrito cocoon. As for the weather, a decent swag is built tough, so you won’t wake up damp unless you left it flapping open in a monsoon.

That said, there’s an art to morning pack-up. The moment your feet hit the frosty campsite ground, rolling and strapping your swag is non-negotiable.

This isn’t just a bushman tradition—it’s insurance against any lizard or opportunistic critter deciding to claim squatter’s rights while you’re off brewing coffee. Leave it unzipped and, well, let’s say you might return to unexpected company.

On most busy campgrounds, the bustle keeps the bigger wildlife at bay. But as Dan grinned, “Zip it up, strap it down, and you’ll be the only thing calling your swag home.”

Is Sleeping in a Swag Scary?

Let’s address the question at the heart of every non-Aussie’s outback anxieties: is sleeping in a swag actually scary?

Honestly? Not really—at least, not once you get over the initial image of sharing pillow space with Australia’s most infamous critters.

I’ll admit I spent my first night cocooned within my canvas fortress, half-expecting to wake up nose-to-nose with a huntsman spider or worse. But the reality turned out far less chilling.

First off, the swag’s greatest party trick is its ability to zip up tighter than a vault at Fort Knox. Once you’re zipped in, you’re essentially untouchable—no spiders, snakes, or uninvited geckos making late-night cameo appearances. 

Dan’s mantra, “zip it tight or become local wildlife B&B,” is not just an Outback cliché; it’s solid, practiced wisdom.

And the fear?

It fades surprisingly fast. After just a few nights—especially during the brisk Outback winter when the cold has the resident fauna moving in slow motion—the swag started to feel less like a wilderness gamble and more like my own personal retreat.

I even grew to look forward to that nightly burrito-wrap ritual. There’s something oddly reassuring about knowing exactly what (and who) is in your bed.

All that said, the biggest “danger” you’ll encounter is forgetting to roll up and strap down your swag in the morning. Leave it open and you’re basically asking for a wayward possum or dusty lizard to claim squatters’ rights.

Pro tip: treat it like your hiking boots—shake it out before climbing back in, just in case.

In the end, the scariest thing about swag camping might just be realizing how much you enjoy it.

Swag 1.0: The First Test

Months later, Dan excitedly revealed our first swag—a secondhand purchase from GumTree, Australia’s Craigslist equivalent.

If you’re hunting for your own swag, there are plenty of options—each with its own quirks and level of comfort. Some look a bit like a solo tent, complete with a built-in bug screen and a top that zips open so you can stargaze from the comfort of your canvas cocoon.

You’ll spot these at outdoor retailers like Bunnings or Anaconda, and they’re popular with everyone from long-haul tour guides to families escaping the city for a dusty weekend.

On the other end of the spectrum, you can go full bushman and track down a classic bedroll—just canvas, mattress, and a healthy disregard for personal space.

For the budget-minded or vintage-inclined, secondhand options pop up at places like GumTree, Vinnie’s, or Salvo’s. There’s even a thriving market for swags designed for pets, if your dog is particularly keen on roughing it.

No matter where you get it, every swag comes with the promise of adventure—and, possibly, a few stubborn red dirt stains.

The plan was to take it on a test run with his brother’s family during a camping weekend at Wye River.

The plan was to take it on a test run with his brother’s family during a camping weekend at Wye River. With a dramatic kick, Dan unrolled it onto the dry dirt. It had poles, a roof, and a questionable bug screen. But at its core, it was still just a heavy-duty canvas sack laid out on the ground.

Trying to make it as cozy as possible, I added linen sheets (pink, to camouflage the inevitable Outback dust), a woven cotton duvet cover, and a thick wool blanket (or “doona” as Aussies call it). I was ready for our first night.

What to Look For When Choosing a Swag

Swag shopping, as it turns out, is a bit of an adventure on its own. There are a few critical factors to weigh up before committing yourself to a life inside canvas confines:

• Size and Shape: Swags range from classic single bedrolls—the true blue minimalist experience—to fancier setups large enough for two and, on occasion, a small mountain of camping gear. If you value being able to wiggle your toes (or share your sleeping space with a partner, child, or adventurous canine), check the dimensions. Some are built for bushman simplicity, others for the star-gazing romantics among us.
• Comfort Features: At its heart, a swag is just tough canvas, a mattress, and you. But comfort is customizable. Look for models with extra-thick mattresses, built-in bug screens (a must if you prefer less “crunch” in your sleep), and zippable tops for those late-night Outback stargazing sessions. If you hate feeling like a rolled-up sushi, opt for something a bit roomier.
• Durability and Weatherproofing: Canvas quality is everything. The best swags are water-resistant (or at least, as waterproof as a glorified burrito can be) and built to withstand everything from sideways rain to persistent cockatoos. Sturdy zippers make all the difference—no one wants to lose a wrestling match with a jammed zip at 2 a.m.
• Portability: Rolling up your swag in the morning should take less effort than assembling IKEA furniture. Think about weight and bulk. Some models are featherweights and practically disappear onto the roof rack; others will have you cursing your life choices at the end of a long hike.
• Budget vs. Nostalgia: Whether you’re browsing the outdoor section at Bunnings, eyeing a shiny new model at Anaconda, or digging through piles of dusty options at Vinnie’s or Salvo’s, there’s a swag for every price range and level of nostalgia. Vintage purists might even hunt down a secondhand gem that smells faintly of campfire and old adventures.

Most importantly, pick a swag that feels inviting—because nothing beats unrolling your home for the night, even if your “front door” zips shut tight against the world (and any opportunistic reptiles).

With those insider tips in mind, I was as ready as anyone could be for my first swag sleepout.

Swag Camping: A Cultural Shift

Over the next few weeks, I noticed a stark difference in the way Australians and Canadians approach off-road camping. Back home, sleeping on the ground without a tent would be unthinkable—between the bears, freezing nights, and relentless dew, nobody would dare. But in Australia, it’s a badge of honor.

At campgrounds, there were always sections reserved for swag campers, where people casually rolled out their bedrolls beside the fire, swapping Outback stories late into the night. No tent poles, no fuss—just a canvas cocoon under a billion-star sky.

To be fair, Australia’s climate makes it possible. Stable weather, clear nights, and warm temperatures mean dew isn’t an issue. And with the desert racing truck culture thriving, it made sense that people valued practicality over luxury.

Do Tour Companies Supply Swags?

If you’re eyeing an outback adventure but don’t feel like filling your checked baggage with a giant rolled-up canvas burrito, I’ve got good news. Most reputable tour operators—think AAT Kings, Intrepid, or Adventure Tours Australia—will provide swags for you.

In fact, on every group trip I joined that roamed from Darwin to Broome, or circled Uluru’s rust-red majesty, the swag itself was standard issue. All I had to pack was my trusty sleeping bag (and maybe a sense of humor).

Once you’re on the road, your guide will likely give your swag a bit of personal flair—the old “name on duct tape” trick—so you can claim your roll each night without a turf war.

It’s a simple system: just stash your sleeping bag inside and leave it there until it’s time to pack up for good. This means less faffing around assembling your sleep setup each evening, and more time for campfire yarns and stargazing.

Swag Camp Like a Pro: Comfort and Safety Tips

While the romance of rolling out a swag under the Milky Way is hard to beat, there are a few essentials (beyond sheer bravado) when it comes to using one safely and actually getting a decent night’s sleep—especially if your definition of “adventure” doesn’t involve surprise wildlife encounters or waking up in a puddle.

After countless nights perfecting the art of swag habitation, here’s what I wish someone had told me before my initiation:

1. Pick Your Plot Wisely

Your comfort starts with your campsite. Look for level ground free of rocks, roots, or surprise ant nests. A few extra minutes spent scouting for the “Goldilocks zone” will save your back and your mood come morning.

2. Air Out and Layer Up

That built-in foam mattress can be surprisingly supportive—think minimalist chic, not medieval torture device. To up your comfort, bring a fitted sheet or a lightweight sleeping bag liner (seafoam green, anyone?). For colder nights, layers are key: a wool doona and thermal pajamas beat shivering in your socks.

3. Master the Zippers

Swags are fortresses when zipped shut, keeping most critters out. Make a habit of fully closing all zippers before snoozing (and double-checking them in the morning). An unzipped swag is less “Aussie outback” and more “bed & breakfast for passing possums.”

4. In the Morning, Roll and Strap

Leaving your swag unrolled and open during the day is an open invitation for unwelcome guests—geckos, skinks, or that legendary huntsman spider. Roll it up and fasten those straps tight, or risk returning to an impromptu ecosystem.

5. Seasonal Smarts

Cool nights mean less snake and spider activity, but don’t get complacent. In warmer months, extra vigilance (and maybe a cursory shake-out) goes a long way. That said, the communal energy of a bustling campsite usually keeps most wildlife at bay.

Pro Tips Worth Packing:

• A foam kneeling pad (from Bunnings) does double duty: pillows your knees as you crawl in and makes a great doormat to minimize dirt.
• LED headlamps (Petzl, Black Diamond) for midnight bathroom runs without waking the whole campground.
• Dry bags for shoes and electronics—they will end up outside at some point.

Swag sleeping isn’t about luxury—it’s about embracing the rough edges (with just enough padding to make it through the night smiling).

Swag 2.0: The Upgrade

After enduring two months in our budget swag, we decided to upgrade to a Rainger double swag—one designed for actual long-term travel. From the moment we unrolled it, the difference was night and day.

This one had:

• A pole system that provided actual headroom
• A waterproof base (no more sponge mattress)
• Dual doors with zippers on both sides
• A built-in cover that acted as a rainfly
• Interior storage pockets that didn’t crush our feet
• And the ultimate luxury: an integrated solar-powered fairy light system

Swags these days really do come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from the most basic canvas rolls to high-tech, feature-packed mini-homes. Some are pure canvas, while others have a tougher polyethylene or rubber base to keep out moisture.

You’ll find versions with or without built-in mattresses—ours came with a foam mattress, but pillows are usually BYO (I just used a bundled-up sweater on my daypack for months and survived).

You can even get swags with built-in mosquito netting so you can sleep under the stars, or opt for classic bedroll styles for the minimalist at heart. Whether you buy from the local Bunnings, Anaconda, or snag a deal at a secondhand shop, there’s a swag for every kind of traveler, budget, and comfort preference.

Was it still big and heavy? Absolutely. But after sleeping in pre-runner trucks and off-road racing rigs, size and weight weren’t dealbreakers. And at this point, we were committed to doing things the “Aussie way.”

Should You Buy an Australian Swag for Your Camping Trip?

Short answer: it depends on your adventure style. If your itinerary is packed with organized tours—think Darwin to Broome with a trusty group and a legendary guide—odds are a swag will be waiting for you at each stop, already included in the deal (though BYO sleeping bag is still the golden rule).

Most Aussie operators have the process down to a fine art, right down to the ritual of duct-taping your name onto your temporary mobile bed—no “oh no, is that my drool?” confusion the next morning.

But what if you’re steering away from set tours, venturing out with mates, or plotting your own outback pilgrimage? Then, picking up your own swag suddenly starts to make sense.

The flexibility of tossing a swag in the back of the Troopy (or—let’s be honest—the Honda CR-V) unlocks some classic camp magic. Swags are your best mates for stargazing marathons under the Milky Way, quick roadside naps, or beach bivvies after a sunset fish and chips run.

Here’s the rub:

• Touring with a company: Booze, stories, and a swag generally provided—no need to lug one on the plane.
• DIY camping, road trips: Investing in your own gives you freedom to pop up camp anywhere with a slice of view.
• Comfort enthusiasts: Swags cater to all—from budget rolls at Anaconda or BCF to tricked-out setups with luminous fairy lights and memory-foam mattresses.

At the end of the day, what you choose will depend on your travel mood and your willingness to embrace a bit of bulk in exchange for ultimate “sleep anywhere” flexibility. If in doubt, beg, borrow, or test-run one before you commit.

Either way, once you’ve tried a night in a classic Aussie swag, tent camping will never quite hit the same.”

Final Verdict: Swag or Bust?

Over 500 nights later, I had to admit—swag life had its perks. Unlike traditional tents, it held up against the harsh Outback sun, shrugged off sharp vegetation, and created much-needed shade during the day. And once we left the roof open and embraced the night sky, the experience was unlike anything else.

But let’s be honest: swags aren’t for everyone. If you’re the type who can’t handle tight quarters or tends to feel claustrophobic, you might find yourself wishing for a little more headroom. For restless sleepers (like me), there’s a good chance you’ll wake up pressed against a canvas wall or in a completely new orientation, wondering how exactly you managed to migrate overnight. Swags can be snug, and if you toss and turn, you’ll notice.

That said, there’s real genius in the design. Unlike a regular tent, you can toss your swag right into the tray of a ute and sleep soundly above the red dirt, far from curious snakes, relentless ants, or the odd wandering critter. This simple elevation can make all the difference in the bush—especially when you’re trying to avoid becoming part of the local food chain.

Sure, we had our fair share of misadventures—battling curious dingos, playing tug-of-war with zippers, and cursing the sheer weight of it—but there was something undeniably special about sleeping the way bushmen and off-road racers had for generations.

Would I choose a swag over a rooftop tent? Not a chance.

But would I do it all again?

Well, maybe after a few nights in an actual bed first.

Join adventurers Katie Harris and Dan Grec on their expeditions around the world on YouTube and Instagram @TheRoadChoseMe.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a swag?

A swag is an Australian-style bedroll — a heavy canvas sleeping system with an integrated mattress and bug screen, originally used by bushmen. When zipped up it forms a snug, weatherproof sleeping cocoon ideal for Outback camping.

Are swags safe from snakes and spiders?

Yes, when fully zipped and maintained, swags keep most wildlife out thanks to thick canvas and bug screens. In cold months animals are less active, but always zip, roll and strap your swag each morning for safety.

Should I buy a swag or use a rooftop tent?

It depends. Swags are lighter, simpler and quicker to deploy — great for minimalist trips and true Outback experience. Rooftop tents offer more headroom and comfort for long trips. For couples or stupefying comfort, rooftop tents might win; for authenticity and portability, choose a swag.

Can tour companies provide swags?

Yes, many Australian tour operators (e.g., common providers on typical Darwin-to-Broome trips) supply swags, so you often only need to bring a sleeping bag.

How do I keep my swag dry in the rain?

Choose a swag with a waterproof base and rainfly. Use a cover/fly and make sure zippers and seams are sealed. If your foam mattress soaks, air-dry thoroughly to prevent mold.