Just putting the feelers out for people's opinions & experiences with swags ( more an Australian thing I think as I hadn't heard of them til' I moved here ) against tents.
The main advantage of a swag as I can make out as I've never used one, is that it's an all in one thing as they have a built in mattress & don't need a sleeping bag? So less to carry overall. But a downside is you can't sit up in them if you just need shelter from insects or weather?

Mate...I bought a Oztrail Biker Swag a couple of years ago....Spent one night in it and I found it was a PITA. (Ended up giving it to my son).

The supplied mattress is just a bit of 50mm foam....It is bulky/heavy and next to useless comfort wise.

The only thing in a swags favour is they are relatively quick and easy to set up..It is all downhill from there.....They are cramped and difficult to get in a and out of...not to mention there is nowhere to stow any of your gear

I guess it all depends on what you intend doing. If you hanker to do multi day rides, and camp most nights I would recommend a tent and a good inflatable mattress (Exped).

My preferred tent for multi day rides is a Mannagum "Howqua" 2 man hiking tent. A quality unit at a reasonable price...especially when Wild earth have them on sale (Regularly).

http://www.wildearth.com.au/buy/mann...FQsQvQod3iADtA

Plenty of room for me and all my gear. Very easy to set up and take down. Packs down small

http://www.bikerbits.com.au/motorcyc...ey-p-1278.html

__________________
Attitude is the difference between an Ordeal and an ADVENTURE

Thanks for that Seahorse, that looks like the perfect balance with the convenience of a swag plus the roomy benefits of a tent. Great.

Im on the tent side, swags are just too cramped and no fun if its raining.
I have a oztrail outlimits 2 man hiking tent, I believe my tent setup to be more compact and lighter than most swag setups too.

Hmmm ... I'm fairly much in the same camp as Seahorse & Tougefc

Blackwolf Tent (2 man with vestibles), thickish tarp for groundsheet (full tent footprint), Exped inflatable mattress (synthetic fill), light weight good quality down sleeping bag, collapsible walkstool along with all the other stuff required including Spot, Garmin and First Aid Kit.

All carried in a set of Andy Strapz Expedition Pannierz and a waterproof roll bag. I normally just pack the spare clothes in a stuff bag for a pillow but in my old age I find I'm carrying a small synethic fill pillow for ultimate comfort !!!

Swags ... my spin is that maybe they could be great in a 4WD but are far too heavy and bulky for the bike :-)

__________________
Regards
Pete

expat Kiwi - now living in Melbourne - now riding a XT660R and a XT1200Z

Wow Tougefc, thats good going getting all that gear in that yellow bag. That has given me a better insight as to what fits in what size luggage. The Titanium spoon sounds flash too. Thanks for putting that post together I appreciate the effort.

Platty, your comments have put the last nail in the coffin for swags I think. Ta.