Helikon Tex Reversible Swagman Better Bushcraft

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks for watching! Checkout the Reversible Swagman here betterbushcraft.com/products/helikon-tex-swagman-roll-reversible?_pos=1&_sid=6f96efaa7&_ss=r

[@nnwk7966]

Any idea about the infrared/thermal protection of it ?

[@EnduranceRoom]

@@nnwk7966 I think Särmä cloak or Jerven would be a better solution. I am doing video on Jerven Original soon. It is the most economic model and really quite good.

[@Tailored_Outside]

@@nnwk7966 The swagman does not have any infrared/thermal protection.

[@richardwysocki8300]

I suggested to Helikon Tex that they offer reversible/dual-camo tarps about 5 yrs ago. They should send me a few of these for free!

[@JimRodgers]

LOL, just a month or so ago I finally bought a Swagman Roll, but I didn't know they'd come out with a reversible one. Looks like I may end up with another Swagman roll. ;)

[@themodernminuteman2557]

Good stuff Jess. I have the basic model and it is a must have in my kit.

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks Jay! Really versatile piece of kit. One of these days, check out the jerven hunter. They are pricy, but well worth it.

[@jeffrichards5106]

That's cool, Jess. Didn't know they had the reversible Swagman's now. Thanks for sharing. 👍🏻

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks Jeff. 🤝

[@willemhenk]

Thanks for showing the underquilt setup as well!

[@bassinup5184]

I love your videos man, I’ve learned a lot from you and corporal Kelly, just watching KZbin videos. I can’t afford the quality gear so I’ve been rigging up a bushcraft style pack for my needs. Keep up the awesome content ! 🫡

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thank you very much. Honestly man, it’s not about the gear at all. I know I show a lot of stuff on here, but that is a large part of how I get compensated for my time. Before all that, I was doing this stuff for years with bargain bin surplus and things that I either made or modified myself. You can make the most useful kit imaginable with a speedy stitch. Just keep it up. Find what works for you and run it for all it’s worth. 🤝

[@bassinup5184]

@@EnduranceRoom yes sir! We have a family camp outside of newcomb just before long lake, and I must admit the mini head net is key! Check out BYE BYE BLACK fly my grandpa swears by it but I say there is nothing for those suckers except deal with em or get a head net lol! Safe camping brother

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍 Don't lose faith, mate. Price and so-called 'quality' are not joined at the hip. The pricing of high-end 'bespoke' gear is often set at 'what the market is prepared to tolerate'. More than a fair amount of my gear is 'budget', mil surplus .. even personal issue dating back to 1968, 'reclaimed' from the kitchen (🤫) or 'homemade' .. and it does the job. Ignore the hysterical marketing out there (some bordering on BS .. they are desperate that you drop what you have and buy their products .. and then later drop that in order to buy something even newer that they are trying to convince you, that you cannot do without). I tend to 'keep' (and use) gear. Any comments to the effect, "its old and 'heavy'" are met with, "yes, but has been paid for, long time now and I'm the one carrying it." Walk your own path and do what suits and is good for you.

[@BetterBushcraft1]

Another great video! I FOR REAL did not see you any of the times before you started moving ha ha! Well done!

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thank you! Sneaky camo stealth mode engaged! Can’t wait to see the other side in the snow.

[@mcteaser8927]

Duck hunter camo. Very nice.

[@slappy8941]

The official name is "frogskin".

[@jimcy1319]

Who wants to look like a duck 🦆.

[@sneakymediagroup]

A well thought out multi purpose product! Just got my first Helikon Tex product the otherday. A chest pack numbat. Looks like they make really solid stuff. // Nixe

[@EnduranceRoom]

Nice! The Numbat looks really interesting. I have only heard good things about it. I was actually checking them out before I got my ASKARE. KAHAKKA is coming soon.

[@journeyman7189]

Great product. I like the one with the 2 german camo patterns. A bit out of my price range at the moment unfortunately. Nate

[@EnduranceRoom]

The basic is really solid. Does all the important stuff, just doesn’t have the camo or chest pocket.

[@jameshayden5053]

👍👍 I'm Definitely going to look at one of those 👍👍

[@EnduranceRoom]

They are really nice. I love the multi-functionality of it. That being said, the basic model is well worth a look, too. Same function, half price.

[@jameshayden5053]

@@EnduranceRoom the multifunctional option is Definitely what has my interest. Off hand I can't think of anything I have that doesn't have or can't be used in at least two roles.

[@gjnezat]

I bought the Mitchell pattern version. I wish they would continue the line. #helikon #swagman

[@collin4716]

Would love to see a video of it, considering that pattern as well.,

[@bugoutbrad8395]

I have that camo. In the first addition bro. Great minds think alike. Lol. Thank you for your videos. Cheers 🍻

[@EnduranceRoom]

Nice! Pencott is excellent camo for sure. Cheers

[@Captain-Donut]

🙏❤️ love from Scotland ❤️🙏

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thank you! 🤝

[@ProtectAndPersevere]

Very cool! I got the regular us woodland one last year and it’s awesome

[@EnduranceRoom]

Nice! Woodland with is super cool.

[@sams568]

I like them but they're so expensive. I don't go out enough to justify buying one, but if any of my kids are watching Father's Day and birthday are coming up. Always enjoy "our" little talk Jess.

[@EnduranceRoom]

Oh yeah, I respect that. Personally, I think the Basic is really interesting and probably overlooked for the other two. It does all the stuff for about the price of a woobie. They need to do a basic xl, that would sell a ton. Happy early birthday and fathers day! 🤝

[@brucemattes5015]

Thanks for the video. In your opinion what are the various pros and cons of the *Helikon Tex Swagman Roll* versus the *Varusteleka Sarma TST Thermal Cloak* versus the *Jerven Fjellduken?* I know that you don't yet *(?)* own an insulated version of the Sarma TST Thermal Cloak, but I would still appreciate your honest assessment of all three because I can only afford one of the three, and the 60g Climashield version of the Thermal Cloak is currently at the top of my list of these three choices. Thanks for any reply. Bruce

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks Bruce. Between the 3, either the jerven hunter or 60gm Särmä cloak would be really nice. What is the area like where you plan to use it? I am planning a review video on the Jerven Original. It is really nice as well and a little more budget friendly. As a bonus, they also make tent ends that can be attached to make the original into a really nice pup tent/baker tent that would be good for 4 seasons. I think the cost of the original plus the tent ends is about as much as a hunter. Better Bushcraft has them in stock. Will do a video soon on it.

[@manfredneumann938]

I run a Helikon Gen 2 Swagman for all seasons. It's an integral part of my sleep system. The reversible thing is cool.

[@ifyoudontfailyouarenoteven6210]

May I ask what temperature have you encountered in winter? And how your system was set up for it? Thanks, G.

[@manfredneumann938]

Hey G - I'm in Canada so I've used it at -20C. We get to -40, but I don't sleep outside below -20. I use the Swagman in conjuction with a -15 rated sleeping bag, both as a blanket rather than a zipped up bag. I'm 6'2" so it can get a bit tight. Below that are a thermarest Ridge Rest and Base Camp matrices, and below that is a good old Plash Paltka.

[@ifyoudontfailyouarenoteven6210]

@@manfredneumann938 Thank you :)

[@EnduranceRoom]

Excellent. Glad to hear you run it 4 seasons. Flexible kit.

[@TheSplashey]

I love multipurpose gear. One thing that's stopped me buying a swagman is my assumption that: in warm weather it seems too hot to wear but good to sleep in and in cold weather good to wear but not warm enough to sleep in. I find it hard to imagine using it as a poncho and a sleeping bag in the same day.. at least while moving. I can imagine using it when more stationary. Would love to hear if this is the case or not.

[@EnduranceRoom]

In warm weather, primarily used as part of sleep system and as a warming layer in mornings. During colder months, it is a quick warming layer for breaks, and still used as part of sleep system in a layered modular setup, allowing for a lighter weight sleeping bag. Same use as woobie, just a bit more functional/easier to use.

[@TheSplashey]

@@EnduranceRoom Thanks for this perspective! I also wonder about dual use bedding/outer layer when it comes to wet/moisture. Normally I try and keep my sleep gear dry at all costs, an outer layer is the one exposed to the most elements.. I guess Helikon say if worn it can work with a GI/US poncho over the top. Very cool piece of kit for the load-out puzzle.

[@johnburgin7478]

I like the reversible idea . No use for a snow pattern down here in Hell’s Kitchen though . Been looking at them for a good while. Wish they made a tall and wide . Any issues with the opening for the head being tight ? I’ve seen that mentioned quite a few times . Have a good one brother

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks brother. It is solid. I think the basic is a really good option too. Very much a wearable woobie. Head hole hangs up on my hat if I try to put it on while wearing it. It would be an easy mod to widen it, one small cut and a couple stitches.

[@solobushcraft1]

I have my one with a few years use it as a coat around the camp fire 🔥 and as a summer sleeping bag

[@theclassicalhomeopath]

it's nylon and gonna melt around a fire

[@MrCastleJohnny]

Is that warmer than Jerven Hunter when used together with Särmä uninsulated thermal cloak? If you haven't tried , what would you guess?

[@EnduranceRoom]

@@MrCastleJohnny It would be comparable to Hunter.

[@travisquinney1739]

Curious what that would look like at night with night vision and thermal??

[@EnduranceRoom]

Probably looks like a giant day glow sticker. It is definitely a commercial/general public level item rather than tactical. For that consideration, something like Särmä cloak or Jerven would be a better option.

[@borntoolate1282]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@EnduranceRoom]

🤝

[@kanedgy4562]

Do you do martial arts?

[@EnduranceRoom]

I did for a long time.

[@kanedgy4562]

@@EnduranceRoom what type, if you don’t mind me asking

[@hangtough503]

Sveeeeeeeeeet🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks Brother! 🤝

[@hangtough503]

@@EnduranceRoom 🤗

[@thefucrew9865]

Weren't they always reversible ??? Keep up the great work !!!

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

I believe the pocket was only accessible from one side. Otherwise it was reversible...

[@thefucrew9865]

@@alexandergutfeldt1144 , wouldn't it still be accessible from the inside ??? Or is it just waterproof on the one side ??? Sorry, not sorry, just asking. As a former Infantryman, I use the basics and never saw the need to buy a Swagman Roll. (A bit pricey, for my blood) A poncho and "woobie" was always enough. If more was needed, plan accordingly, and it was in your ruck.

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

@@thefucrew9865 My Swagman role ( ~5 years old) has the same color ( 'Taiga Green' ) on both sides. The inside material is slightly softer than the outside. You could wear it reversed, but that wouldn't make much sense. The Swagman Role is expensive, agreed. It has some features the woobie doesn't.

[@kenmckittrick7876]

its NOT cloudy or raining, NO way this is Upstate NY :)

[@BushcraftAdventure]

↟↟Hey Jess🙌🏻 This stuff from Helikon looks pretty cool. I've never used such gear in my outdoor activities but l like its functionality 👍🏻 Thanks for the review Brother.. Cheers

[@EnduranceRoom]

Hey Alex! Thanks Brother. It is an interesting concept that has been around for awhile. A wool blanket with a head hole comes to mind. They did do a nice job with it though. Have a good one! 🤝

[@UniversalSovereignCitizen]

Ooooow... Filthy idea! Stuffing it loose in pack stops things rattling too. Nice if you like to shoot things... Camera! (What did you think I meant?) Legend mate, cheers! Universal Sovereign Citizen

[@EnduranceRoom]

Thanks Brother! Camera lol Keeping things quiet is a skill in and of itself for sure. Cheers my friend 🤝