Camping swags are some of the most preferred shelters today. Technically, these are bedrolls that could also function as camping shelters. They're believed to have originated in Australia when the swagmen—the traveling agricultural workers—used canvas and blankets for sleeping purposes decades ago.
Now, many campers choose them because of their ease of assembly and portability. Many swags already contain mattresses and could even be installed as tents in minutes. Also, swags can be compressed into easy-to-carry backpacks, making them more mobile and space-efficient.
While many types of swags are circulating in the market today, many campers still prefer Australian swags because of their qualities and design. If you're in the USA and love going on camping trips, you may be wondering if you could find Australian Swags in your place. To help you find where you could buy some, keep reading this article.
1. Online Stores
Like any camping gear, you may find a vast array of Australian swags, such as Darche swag, in major online selling platforms. You could purchase high-quality swags from popular e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Shopify. The good thing about these platforms is you'd know immediately if a product is available, or you may add it to your wish list for future purchases.
Online stores can also provide you with more brands, types of swags, and seller options from all over the world that carry Australian swags. You may even find different categories and sizes. Moreover, online stores offer various payment options, making your shopping experience faster and more convenient.
2. Camping Gear Physical Stores
Like in online stores, these options offer a lot of swags. If you already have a go-to brick-and-mortar store in your area, you'd probably find various selections of Australian swags there. If you're buying from a store for the first time, you may need to ask the previous buyers to know their take on the authenticity and quality of the products. Reading online reviews about these stores can also provide you with some valuable information. However, remember to take it with a grain of salt.
One downside of buying directly from a physical store is that you may not be able to pre-select or check product availability before you visit. To avoid these situations, you could choose the camping gear stores with active websites so you could check their stock availability before dropping by their stores. In addition, you may transact online purchases on these sites.
3. Outdoor Gear Websites
These websites may be direct to the Australian manufacturer or owned by a US distributor. They could also be managed by third parties offering different Australian swags. These websites may sell products already imported to the country or require pre-order transactions.
If you opt to buy your swag through this channel, you need to read the terms and conditions so you won't be surprised with any purchase policy that may seem off to you once applied. In many cases, the products bought in these options are generally higher than the other options because of the customs fees, import duties, and other charges issued by the government for the import of the goods.
Thus, before completing any transaction, make sure to go through the fine prints to avoid delivery delays.
4. Affiliate Websites
One of the newest spaces to find top-notch Australian swag are through affiliate websites. Generally, these platforms come in the form of listicles, product reviews, and curation of the leading swags in the market. While these sites aim to sell the products, they often do it less advertorial, making the selling look more informative and subtle rather than upfront.
Moreover, affiliate websites stress the strengths and weaknesses of the swags. The articles on the website often suggest the products most suitable to the usual preferences of campers, the types of seasons, and the price range, among others. Some also rank the Australian swags according to seasoned camper's selection and standards.
5. Online Communities
If you've been a camper for a long time, you're probably a member of an online community of campers. These are groups usually formed in Reddit, Quora, and similar platforms. In many cases, these options provide links to buy Australian swags and other camping gear.
Aside from that, these communities could also offer gear exchange and purchases among their members. However, to avoid buying from bogus sellers, you may need to verify the members' identities before transacting with them.
What To Consider In Buying Australian Swags?
Now that you have the ideas where to purchase the most-sought swags today, you may need to check the factors to consider in buying one. The following are the ones you may want to think about:
Size
Generally, Australian swags can hold one to two persons. You may consider the headspace and legroom for sleeping comfort. Keep in mind that the roomier a swag is, the heavier it could be. If you want to pack your backpack and bedroll more easily, consider smaller and lighter swag.
Materials
Most Australian swags are made from canvas, PVC, polyester, and polycotton. Each of these materials has its strengths and weaknesses. Canvas types are waterproof and breathable but are more prone to tearing and shrinkage. On the other hand, PVC and polyester types are more waterproof but less breathable. Polycotton types may be more tear-resistant, more wrinkle-resistant, more breathable, and lighter. However, they're generally expensive.
Swag Features
The swag's features typically depend on the brand. Generally, they differ in thickness, tear-resistance, and waterproof level. Some products have thicker materials providing them better waterproofing qualities, making them preferable during rainy seasons. Other swags have extra pockets and rope-like parts providing better airflow quality and ease of installation. The features which you may consider best for a swag will depend on your priorities and preferences.
Accessories
Some swags can be installed without much need for poles and strings. On the other hand, some swags have extra accessories, such as poles and hooks, providing additional features such as better stability, anti-snap properties, and better ventilation.
Final Thoughts
Aside from the Australian swags, buying other camping essentials is also important. You may consider purchasing a portable butane stove, gazebos and awnings for additional shelters, and camping fridges or cooler to keep food fresh, especially on long trips or if you’re camping with dogs.
Keep in mind to choose a versatile Australian swag spacious enough to hold you during resting and tight enough for portable backpacking. The insights and qualities provided in this article may give you ideas in choosing the most suitable swag you could benefit from on your next camping trip.