Real Review - Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Blanket - Sleeping Bag - Poncho - UnderQuilt

[@jpisme9082]

My huge pumpkin head that would be an expensive hat. Lol

[@DemonChicken316]

same

[@southernlonghorn4507]

a big head and a small hole can be a problem....that’s what she said 🤣😂 just can’t help it...that kinda stuff has cracked me up for 50 years and will most likely continue my entire life

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

They have newer versions where it seems they increased the head hole and hood size that was always my biggest issue with it. I see the idea of having a smaller hood as when combined with a wet weather poncho you don't want it being larger then the poncho hood.

[@DjornNorthfield]

Going to piggyback off the pinned comment. That front pouch can double as a stuff sack for a more compact pack.

[@andrewmcgleish61]

I think the Thirty degrees was a misunderstanding. The reviewer was reading the laundry instructions but didn't realise it, ie it should be washed at 30°c which is a cool wash in a washing machine in Europe. Not joking.

[@redrooster1961]

Luke, I have 2 of the Swagman rolls.... they are super value due to the fact they are multi use item. I use one of mine as an under-quilt for my hammock, I didn't see a demonstration of that. I added about 4 foot of shock cord and a small carabiner, between the built in cinch cords, on each end for quick deployment as a under-quilt. The other one is for multi function use - quilt, poncho liner, blanket, sleeping bag liner, cool morning or evening fireside wrap. I could still use them both for all purposes, but kind of dedicated one for the under-quilt, for ease. Really good piece of kit!

[@hiltonfritsch3939]

I completely agree on temp rating. I used a queen size Alpaca blanket and slept comfortably in a two man tent in 13 F weather. I used it I quilt mode with zipped three quarters up. Next time I try this I will pin up the blanket though.

[@jordanbarnes6657]

Just got mine and found something I hadnt seen in the reviews the pouch pocket zipper handle goes all the way around which means you can stuff the entire roll into the insideout pocket and zip it up making a smaller stuff sack for it!

[@ChrisC30]

That looks really nice. I just got a delivery this morning from Amazon, a Snugpak Jungle Blanket XL. My new 'woobie'. I can use it as an underquilt for my hammock with tarp clips. The Swagman Roll makes me wish it could have a poncho mode, too.

[@Dreoilin]

I have both and often use them together, works real well.

[@HDvroom10]

You can also buckle it up first behind you and then in front of you which will give you a ”tighter” poncho.

[@Legionnaire7777]

Ponchos are great for when you're hiking with a pack and getting a sweat on in foul weather as they're much more breathable that having a gortex jacket on especially if you run hot. Nice review Sir, and you're correct in saying the neck and head space needs to be a lot bigger, Helikon Tex take note.

[@alexanderweaver4838]

Great review, Luke. I love Helikon Tex products and the Swagman Roll is without a doubt my favorite. This and the HT Poncho, in a camo pattern, have replaced my aged and beloved military poncho and woobie. I cowboy camp a lot (stealth camping) and using a 5X7ft camo tarp as my shelter; total weight at 3.7lbs. My mattress is a debris stuffed 55gl contractor bag. When the temperatures dropped into the low 40's I would take a SnugPak jungle blanket or my woobie to supplement my bedroll. At times the set up was a little too warm and had to shed the blanket. I am a large framed guy and weigh 225 and cannot use the roll as a sleeping bag but just pull the poncho and Swagman (as I lay on one side of it) over me like a blanket. The poncho helps to keep the moisture or morning dew from dampening the roll and to keep the "hawk" or wind from penetrating the bedroll. That was cool learning that this material was used in horse blankets...thanks! I ordered a Helikon Tex Patriot fleece jacket and some of their clothing to replace my old LAPG stuff; HT quality is incredible. Walmart should take note!

[@christophermontroy642]

I love mine. I have 1/4 zipped mine and used it as a top quit in my hammock.

[@patricksweetsir9025]

I use mine in a ranger roll config as of now helikon poncho then a woobie then then the swagman roll an inside that a 40 degree rated sleeping bag. Works great nice and toasty down to 5 degree faherenheit in the north country

[@chrisgeorgatos491]

Hey Luke...love your channel! I have an alternate suggestion I believe as good and I'm not sure you have tested yet. It's the One Tigris ROC Poncho Sleeping Bag for $72.98 on Amazon. It seems to be almost the same. Not that many reviews on it.

[@kxd2591]

Thanks for posting. I hate to be swaddled in a sleeping bag. I want at least 30" and better yet 32" of width in my bag. Until they come out with a larger bag, deal me out.

[@bushlifeaholick790]

Man thanx for the straight up honest review them other guys iv seen trying to sell this give u the impression it’s good for cold winter Nice gear for fall weather or maybe a wool anorak under in winter

[@gamcinnis]

I agree the head hole/opening is a little tight. I have a thick neck. Otherwise, this is a great piece of kit. I use it most as an additional piece of insolation in my sleep system and as a poncho in the early mornings as I start the day.

[@GarryNichols]

After you wash it a few times it is just a little warmer.

[@thomasnugent3836]

Very good discussion. Thank you very much

[@meribast]

Not warm enough for sleeping, toggle in your actual poncho to the outside and see if that does better? I don't work for the company, not sponsored in any way. It just seems to make sense to use that if its a poncho liner. A bivy cover also seems a pairing. I'll probably either have the poncho and/or an emergency space blanket bag.

[@pauldavies9360]

I usually camp in front of the fire with a wool blanket, I think a product like this could take me into some of the colder months of the year with the same set up.

[@Utoobhero]

You sold them out! Went to the link provided, and they are completely sold out of each color!

[@azclaimjumper]

That says a lot about this "Agenda Free" channel.

[@michaelslisher4652]

I purchased a pair of Helikon-Tex shorts this summer and have been pleasantly impressed, although the velcro waist fastener instead of a button took some getting used to. I'm afraid that as far as the Swagman Roll is concerned, even if I lost weight it'd still be a NoGo for me as my chest is close to the max when it's used as a sleeping bag. Having said that, I have been looking at other H-T gear and there's some other stuff I'm considering.

[@netcomsaux]

mil tec version is about 30 dolars ist just a blanket tho, no additional features, quality is ok, prob not as good as this one, but i havent compared, a good cheaper option anyway, quite durable, and compatible with miltecs poncho as a jungle type sleep system

[@leeperola7023]

I've got pencott woodland, love it! Quick rip zip is very cool. 🇬🇧

[@easyyoushavedthatfastafter175]

Let me save my $$$ for this. I love it.

[@billyblastoff7027]

I have one for 1 year yea the good is right but such a great versatile product

[@rowdybroomstick1216]

I could see people wearing this instead of keeping the thermostat up where their house would stay warm. Sitting around in a cold house isn't my thing, but people think they're saving money.

[@bilgegnome9308]

My parents were like that. I would have given my eyeteeth to have this for snuggling in as a kid. It would have been an insulated dress on an 8 year old!

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

@@bilgegnome9308 It's a snuggy!

[@chadjlmxp]

Great review! What is the name of your Merrell coat? love to pick one up.

[@dustinatoms]

i got the helikon gear bag the waterbottle holder pack and i use it as a edc bag and its been excellent. i really wanted to see this swagman used as a underquilt tho! not much on that and thats really interests me as a bonus to this

[@GUNSLINGEROUTDOORS]

Great quality.. needs to come in mens sizes though..

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

nice review

[@davidjohnston9265]

Want it im getting it next

[@marjiecleveland]

I really like this!!

[@battenbergoutdoors1090]

Really good product

[@allantrafford6262]

Would love to see a review on the thermarest model to compare the 2

[@azclaimjumper]

Color MEeee skeptical that the Made in China Thermarest has the quality of the Swagman's roll.

[@A___Way]

Head size, my hat size is 58-59 what is your head size? Might i get my head thru? Sleeping bag mode wont work for my shoulders, regular sleepingbags have to be extra wide

[@TheWaggaBloke]

It you’re shoulders are too wide than use it in what I call (Pod Mod) that’s leaving the zipper open a bit

[@gkm65]

Back in 1985 as an active duty Marine I fell in love the military poncho liner, aka "woobie" this thing is a woobie on steroids and has replaced my beloved woobie in my gear list. The price is a bit high for me but with the quality it's a "buy once, cry once" type of item, very durable in the use I have put it through.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I used the poncho liner as well but twenty year’s later, I also wish I had one of these when I served 😀. But it shows the simplest things stand the test of time.

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

The WOOBIE can't be replaced. I had my mom sew a zipper on mine. It. Was perfect for them walk light freeze at night.

[@requiscatinpace7392]

I was watching a fantastic BBC documentary called “Once upon a time in Iraq “. I saw several middle aged men/veterans talking about their experiences! All of a sudden I realised I’m one of those middle aged guys ! I just can’t bring myself to call me a veteran! Surely I can’t have gotten that old so quickly ?

[@Hndsomdevl1]

I was in 1st. Mar Div C Co. 1/1 89'-91' I just recently heard the term "Woobie" referring to a Poncho Liner. I don't EVER remember hearing that word back then because I surely would remember it.

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

@@Hndsomdevl1 don't know if the the Marines call them that or not. In the Army I know we did. 1995-2008 11c high angle hell

[@TheRealWilliamShaw]

You can tuck the hood in the chest pocket for the sleeping bag configuration thats what the velcrobis for. You can also pack the entire bag into a zip chest pocket, making it self containing. I use the swagman roll myself into ~43°F and i am comfortable as long as I add a fleece hat, thermal base-layer and wool socks. I like sleeping feeling a little cool rather than warm. Edit: for fit i am 6'1", athletic build with a 43 inch chest and wider than average shoulders, i have enough room to sleep fine, but i think im at that "comfort limit". Just tested the head hole, you can make a fist and put your head and fist through the hole and still put it through without feeling like the hole is small. I wear a size 7 ¼ hat.

[@Druide-ie1pc]

I have a Swagman Roll, since Spring 2019. It´s one of the Best equiptment you can buy. BUT- I wish they produce a larger Version for bigger people, with wider shoulders. To use it as a sleeping bag, its a little bit to tight for me.

[@greekveteran2715]

Swagman roll is a piece of equipment for emergencies, it's not a deticated sleepimg bag which those aren't either as biig as our beds at home, it's a multitool that has to be easy to carry (lightweight and small). It's designed to perfection, that's why Luke said, that all people who knows love it and none has any issue with it!!

[@MrMigido]

@@greekveteran2715 bigger persons idea of small and light weight is a bit different from small dweebie people.

[@greekveteran2715]

@@MrMigido You're right Mr Migido! Have a nice evening!

[@azhomeboy2000]

Dave Canterbury is a brand ambassador for Helikon and he fully endorses the Swagman Roll along with some of his fellow instructors at the Pathfinder school, (Josh Enyart, Shawn Kelly). So if you're an owner of this bag you're in very good company.

[@NorbertPetrich]

Designed by Pawel Supernat - former polish special unit soldier (JWK), a survivalist and survival school owner. kzbin.info

[@frakismaximus3052]

@@NorbertPetrich Survival Tech designs some of Helikons very best stuff, chiefly in the Bushcraft Line

[@anthonygomez446]

Of course he is so buy it sucker 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Gutterfighting]

One, if not the best piece of equipment I've purchased in 2019, its always in my pack from fall to spring.

[@andrewb4984]

any other pieces of equipment you'd recommend?

[@andrewb4984]

@Norse Woodman appreciate your insight, but my question was actually for clint.

[@Gutterfighting]

I've spent well-over 6,000 grand on gear in the last 2 years. Tents, pack(s), clothing, knifes etc. Been a hunter, fisherman, camper, hiker, woodsman for most of my life. The swagman roll, for me at least, is a great piece of kit, for me. Once its cooler outside, I carry it and use it allot. I use it to replace a jacket, I've slept in it and under it, again, it works for me. I'm 6'1 225lbs, sure, as Luke said, it can be a little tight in sleeping bag mode, hood yes a bit tight, but I like it, i look at it as a backup to several items, for a what if....

[@Gutterfighting]

@Norse Woodman bro, if you don't like it, cool. I'm not gonna go back and forth over the swagman. Good lord.

[@darthkek1953]

@@Gutterfighting "I've spent well-over 6,000 grand on gear in the last 2 years." Was your expedition to the arctic, Antarctica, or Everest?

[@BruceNitroxpro]

When they make a larger bag, I'll consider one.

[@murasakiiro447]

Just get a bigger bag, Walmart has cheap waterproof ones

[@fyrfyter33]

Poncho mode... I think Obi Wan Kenobi wore one of those in Star Wars... 🤔😂

[@patrickdurham8393]

This is not the poncho you are looking for.......

[@jack-gf6jw]

3:40 dude looks like hes ready to pop a lightsaber..

[@matthewthorpe5742]

I don't see you using any outdoor research gear, do you not like them. What do you think about their wallcreeper poncho/bivy/shelter. I see you suffering through with instant coffee. Ever consider using a backpacking French press. Makes a good cup of coffee on a cold morning

[@LegionarHR]

Thank you for the review, I will not be able to use it like sleeping bag so I will skip this product, if anyone knows something simular to this product but wider in “sleeping bag mod” pls tell me :))

[@Earthpet711]

Now they cost 180 bucks. Still worth it? It looks like they've jacked up all of their prices. Pitty.

[@mchunley]

Man, prices have gone up a lot. Wish I had got this before Biden days …. $175 now.

[@timothyhines7845]

Tested mine about two weeks ago. It got down to freezing. I was wearing a pair of flannel lined pants and shirt. Watching the thermometer I was comfortable to around 39 degrees. I didn't set a fire and was using my poncho as a tarp with a Walmart blue mat as a ground pad. After 39 degrees I pulled out my GI wool blanket and slept the rest of the night, but as mentioned I was wearing flannel lined clothes. Walmart grade here folks. Just a set I wear at work NOT my good "go to the woods" clothes.

[@jasonmcintyre9426]

Just got my first swagman roll,I like the breathable aspect of it as I’m moving.Im a big guy,310 lbs,and it offers me a lot of mobility of movement.Good purchase.

[@NicholasBrule]

The zippered chest pocket is a storage option as well. With the face down, flatten out into Blanket Mode. Stow away the Hood into the Hood Pocket. Fold the Roll in on itself so it assumes the rough shape of the chest pocket. Flip over to face up. Reach inside the chest pocket to a deep corner and grip all of the layered material. Gently Pull the roll into the pocket, Close the Zipper. It takes some stuffing and adjusting but it saves a lot of space, compared to the normal storage bag. Could also be used as a pillow or seat cushion.

[@johnschneider788]

They call me “Too Tall”, so guess what I’d like to see before I’d get one.

[@trynsurviven2440]

As much as I would love to have one of them I have to pass. Some of us bigger fellas have to face the facts. Not every company makes gear for us.

[@azclaimjumper]

I've read all the replies B4 composing mine. I first heard about & saw Corporal's Corner use & review of The Swagman's Roll. In my opinion, this is a MUST HAVE for that just in case moment when in a vehicle. For myself, I would most likely use it as a very heavy Poncho, however, I already have an Arcturus Poncho that weighs only 11oz & comes down to the top of my ankles. I doubt I'd ever use it as something to sleep in.. I, too, have heard nothing but GOOD THINGS others have said about the Swagman's Roll

[@corey0133]

I’m a hammock camper. I would like to see and hear how it works as a under quilt. Really enjoy your channel.

[@campsitesweden]

Agree

[@mfish7]

You can cinch both sides and use the poncho loops to string it to your hammock. You'd need to buy some shock cord. Can't tell you how warm it would be though.

[@jarooverride]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJK8lJqAgJaagck Check out from 8:55

[@TheAkashicTraveller]

Seems to me it'd be more usefull as an extra layer to add to your existing underquilt when needed rather than relying on it on it's own. Though I guess it might be good in warmer climates.

[@wisemanoncesaid8363]

I have had make from it an envelope with holes on both sides and used it as coccon on my hammock. Worked very well.

[@hootsmeister]

I have two of these. Nice, but the hood comes to point, making me look like a garden gnome. Wilderness Innovation has a better hood on their Osni poncho liner. I don't use it as a sleeping bag, but as a quilt. Works well in Colorado down to 50deg or so, with adequate insulation underneath.

[@jayjenkins4721]

Thanks for the review! This is one item that's been on my radar but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. I wonder if used as an inner liner for a sleeping bag if it would help out the R rating on say a 40F bag. I've actually seen Corporal Kelly use this as a low shelter tarp too.

[@refutonefandus]

Everyone crowing "they're out of stock!" -- go look at Helikon-Tex's webstore. Not their USA webstore, their Polish one. It's in stock there and will ship from Poland, so it'll take a bit, but they have them in stock there. Took me maybe a week to get it.

[@bartwalker6093]

refutonefandus I bought mine from their Poland store too. It was a lot for shipping from Poland to the USA but I got the color I wanted and did not have to endure the agony of out of stock, out of stock, at every store I shopped at just trying to find a place that had the swagman in stock. They are good ponchos, sleeping bags, whatever you want to call it. I like mine a lot!

[@0311matt]

love my swagman, take it with me on all my camping trips.

[@tjohnson4062]

Jungle blanket.... same size insulated and you can get 3 for the price of one swagman

[@Your_Crafty_Critic]

where?

[@Lukas.Chludzinski]

Yea at 6 ft 3 and 220lbs with a huge head, maybe not.

[@gallente4TW]

Cheers mate, appreciate the honest heads-up. However, I just have to chuckle when you say wide shouldered. Bless your heart, you're just a wee man. 27 inches across the shoulders ain't wide by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, I'm 6ft 6" and this product won't suit me, but I really do appreciate the veracity of your reviews.

[@neemancallender9092]

Honestly Snugpac Jungle bag Zips open as a blanket Zips closed as a sleeping bag Same temp rating Wrap it round as a capot For a fraction of the price

[@michaelhermosillo1636]

Is it also as waterproof as the swagman, and can it be worn as a poncho?

[@neemancallender9092]

@@michaelhermosillo1636 I used for years an Army blanket to sleep in with a slit cut in the middle to wear as a poncho

[@Gymguy89]

P.S did you ever get the rain fly for the USMC catoma bed net? Would also love to see a review on that product 😁👍

[@mlsknnr]

A great Review! I Love my Swagman Roll. The dimensions are such that when used as a poncho liner the poncho covers it completely, thus if it was any wider the toggles wouldn't line up with the grommets on a poncho. I have wide shoulders so zipping it up is out of the question so I use it as a quilt, I create a foot box (using the zipper) and have used mine down to around 50 degrees comfortably (colder with a reflector fire and tarp). When the temperatures dip below 50 to in the upper 30's proper sleepwear and a wobbie to sleep on and I can stay comfortable. If you don't want to use the stuff sack, you can stuff it into it's kangaroo pocket. When hammock camping with an under quilt and this as an over quilt I stay comfortable into the 50s.

[@azclaimjumper]

Excellent comment about lining up with the grommets on a military poncho.

[@wesg103]

I picked one up in a giveaway on instagram from a tactical page last summer its a great piece and didnt cost a dime.

[@LukeShiras]

I'd love to see an XL version for us bigger dudes. 6'4" 300lbs I'd need something in a 40" bag (80" blanket). This would work better as a poncho and sleeping bag for me. Then the neck hole could be larger too.

[@GrumpyGrunt]

I've looked at this a few times over the past couple years. Still can't make myself pull the trigger and the price keeps going up. I do appreciate you taking a look at it for us. Thanks, Luke.

[@jpjohnbo]

This is a purchase you WILL NOT regret.

[@davidellis5312]

I'm with you. I like the idea of owning a swagman roll but it packs like a sleeping bag size anyway so why take a chance of having a cold night, and I already have the helikon poncho which packs small. Wearing the swagman roll as a poncho looks like a sweaty experience if you are on the move. I fear that it would do everything, but nothing well enough. Am I wrong?

[@Your_Crafty_Critic]

Thanks for your review! Appears this come with stuff sack. Would it compress well in a compression sack? How small could it get in a compression sack?

[@barryrosenlieb6092]

Check out Wilderness Innovations Osni Cloak, it takes this idea to a whole other level

[@kcjazz62]

I have several pieces of their gear & have yet to be disappointed by any of it the past 4 years!!! I really wish that this gear would get a fair shake & be compared to the commercial grades of gear. A mom & pop operation that does an outstanding job IMHO!

[@barryrosenlieb6092]

Thats why i mentioned it here, outstanding multi purpose gear.

[@mrwes100]

Love my swagman roll. Your review is spot on, including the Cons. When I go bivy and swagman, I just wear the swagman in poncho mode and then get into the bivy. Works best for me.

[@trailtrashoutdoors8173]

Helikon is the way to go thats forsure!!

[@elduendeoscuro]

My solution for the tightness of the swagman roll is to raise the zipper only halfway, leaving the upper half open and put the zipper under me (inside my bivy bag), that is, I use it as a quilt

[@norseman1137]

That's a great idea

[@wisenber]

Wiggy's insulated poncho for $95 is pretty similar. Lamilite\Climashield insulated poncho with a hood. I've had mine for years. Works great as a summer quilt. Also good to put on the top of down in the winter to move the frost to the Climashield and away from the down. Also good for an emergency ditch bag on paddle trips to warm up if you've taken an unplanned swim. For that matter, it works great on the couch. :) To get below 50 F, skip the zipper and use it as a quilt doubled on top of you. Your sleeping pad should be providing the insulation under you.

[@rst5nn]

Thank you for awesome review. Could you please answer a question. If use this SWAGMAN ROLL for slipping during the spiring/summer night, what is the temperature of comfort for sleeping Bag scenario? Thank you in advance!

[@ReasontoLiveAdventures]

I’ve been interested in this product ever since I saw Dave Canterbury use one. However, I decided to wait for you to do a review of it. With cold weather coming I will put it Spring gear wish list.

[@DustinRea]

I think I have enough Helicon Tex pants and jackets now. This is my next purchase from them. I have a 10% off discount saved up. It's over $230 Canadian right now. So that'll knock it down to $200. I wonder how this is in a downpour

[@Tux7.62]

Thank you Luke, I appreciate your honesty. I intended to buy one of these, but because it was out of stock I didn't have a chance, guess it was a boon instead. I have Enormous shoulders and a huge head, think human pitbull, lol. I also had planned on using it for cold weather hunting, around 30 degrees or lower, so I'm afraid it is not going to work for me. I think I will try to make a custom Cagoule instead. You kept me from regretting it Mr. Luke, I thank you.

[@chrisdecker3198]

I’ve seen them used as a shelter set up and you can fill them with leaves for a bedding it’s definitely versatile

[@lorkainenkingg8497]

I'm 5'9" and 160#. The swagman roll has proven to be excellent! I use it as the poncho (liner), blanket and sleeping bag. Have not used it as a hammock under quilt, but the corner toggles and the buckle straps seem they would make that use pretty easy. I operate in the desert, so the insulation is often adequate for my needs. I sometimes supplement the swagman roll with a woobie or wool blanket. All in all, a great piece of gear!

[@TomKirkman1]

This product would be nice in terms of doing double duty as your day coat and night-time sleeping bag. One item instead of two.

[@YoyoRob_cz]

Thank you for you reviews! I would be really interested in comparing the Swagman Roll with the more affordable version Swagman Roll basic :)

[@TheCraftyCrowShow]

Had my eye on this thing for a while, and glad to finally see your review of it. I knew a lot of the info already, but as usual you covered some of the things you just can’t know by looking at pics or certain videos. Excellent review as always, and this video helped me make up my mind on whether to purchase it or not. Keep up the great work

[@MG.50]

Love to see your test & review of Helikon-Tex's shoulder bag. Looks quite a bit bulkier, but I'm considering replacing my leather shoulder bag (haversack) with one. I was going back and forth on one of these rolls for Christmas. I will probably still get one ($168 to $189 these days), but only for poncho mode. I am a big guy, and there is no way I could use this as a sleeping bag. My shoulders could not fit a 32" wide Jungle Sleeping Bag from Snugpak. My chest was a bit snug but workable, but I couldn't even close it around my shoulders. Speaking of sleeping bags, have you ever looked at Wiggy's bags? Their FRSS system is a double bag. Inner bag is rated to -60°F (8.5 lbs) and the outer bag used alone is rated to +35°F (4.5 lbs). When used together, the rating is -80°F (13 lbs). They make serious gear, and even VERY compact vacuum packed units for USAF Arctic pilots and Alaskan bush pilots. I'd be interested to see where you would go to test it. ;^)} Wiggy's makes other gear, and they have lighter sleeping bags, too.

[@helvetiabushcraft]

I have one of these, and used it on a 10 day trip on the Jura here in Switzerland this past summer. I usually carry my poncho liner, or my Kifaru Woobie. But I liked it. I didn't zip it up. I cant fit inside of it. It's too slim for my body size. So I just zip up the feet, and cover myself with the rest. Over all, a great product.

[@hsaurid]

I’ve had one for the past year and it works well as a poncho, under blanket and quilt. It really needs to be wider in sleeping bag mode - I’d say 37 to 39 inches wide because of my broad shoulders and chest. Otherwise sleeping bag mode makes me feel like sausage meat in a casing and difficult to get out of quickly. It would also be nice if Helikon-Tex made it with 100 gram/square meter Climashield Apex rather than the 67 gram / square meter stuff. As it stands, the Swagman roll is adequate for 3 season use. For 4 season use I use Varusteleka’s Thermal Cloak, available in uninsulated, 67 gram/ square meter Climashield(what I have), and 100 gram/ square meter versions. It works better than the Swagman roll as a sleeping bag (more width) and as a overbag with a regular sleeping bag inside. It is pricey, but for me, worth it. The Thermal Cloak and Carinthia’s Defence 4 sleeping bag keep me comfortable to -30 C (-22 F) on a good R factor sleeping pad. Good review, Luke, thank you.

[@paulcrocker818]

I'M GOING IN ON THIS BECAUSE COMFORT😅 IS PREMIUM...THE HEAD HOLE IS LARGER NOW...WILL STUDY ADDING A CLOTH STRIP FOR MORE WIDTH & ELBOW ROOM.. & CONTINUE LOOSING WEIGHT. HIS 3 YEAR DURABILITY AND USEFUL EXPERIENCE ARE REASONS FOR ACTUALLY MAKING THE PURCHASE DECISION ....IT'S HERE IN 7 DAYS..ANOTHER OOP OOP SOUNDING OFF...

[@Vantarmy]

Interesting, 79 inches equals 2 meters. I thought you were a small guy. I ow you my apologies, you are of an okay height. Now all products you reviewed have a little bit more value. Thanks!

[@tannenherz]

High, if you can not find something better... I did, but that was more than 30 years ago. It was an Army-sleeping-bag from Goldeck, and you can wear it like a coat. Kindly Fiete

[@colmacjames8424]

Criky if the old Aussie swaggy's had a piece of kit like this they'd still be around and not have died out using just an old ex-army wool blanket under a canvas sheet.

[@RadekMacha]

How much more temperature tolerance does combining this with a Helikon-tex poncho into a ranger burrito bivvy add in your opinion/experience? So far I've been toasty, just wondering if that makes it a viable 3-season (Say down to 0 Celsius) replacement for a dedicated sleeping bag. I'm thinking 5 celsius should be fine, 0 will start to be quite uncomfortable, but I simply haven't tested it out yet. Any experience with that setup is welcome.

[@00xanawolf00]

Love the entire concept, but I’m out simply due to being a big man. I wear a fitted size EIGHT hat for my huge head, and I have extremely wide shoulders and a broad, deep chest. I was thinking I could still use this in quilt mode (zip the bottom for a foot box and then turn the bag around like a blanket/quilt)... but then you mentioned the tiny hole for my huuuuuuge noggin. Fantastic review!

[@johneckert1690]

Hi Luke. Hello Everyone. FYI For the Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll to keep a person warn below 50 degrees you need to use the military poncho WITH the Swagman Roll. I am slowly rebuilding my shelter kit and I bought a Swagman Roll and military poncho from Helikon-Tex back in 1999 after watching review from others and I was able to stay warm in the LOW 40's to the high 30's with the Swagman Roll and military poncho (USED TOGETHER.) Using the two together is the only way I have ever used the set. GREAT KIT AND GREAT VIDEO.

[@nvcn86]

i'm just a little confused... if it's not fully waterproof like a tarp poncho, just treated, what's the point..? wouldn't a hoody/jacket be better? it's a little too small to be a sleeping bag. and do you really need a blanket..? it seems to be the very definition of "jacket of all trade, master of none". i can have a better, lighter poncho, a better same weight sleeping bag. and wear normal, technical clothing that's way better. i agree it's very cool, esp the new two reversible version, i'm just now sure when i'd want to use it when hiking with a light load.

[@ericlaval9583]

Was interested by that product but as you mentioned maybe not OK for a 6´ tall wide shouldered guy like I am. That product is very similar to the Therm-a-rest HONCHO PONCHO that have a choice of colours. Perhaps should you do a comparison review . Thanks for your thorough reviews from a French Canadian

[@andrewvautour1795]

I have been looking around for something like this and this looks like the best I have seen. BUT, at over 200.00 CAD it is too pricey for y taste, the quest goes on but thanks for the review, as always, informative!

[@KimberlyGreen]

Sounds like Helikon-Tex could / should make an XL version for larger people.

[@azclaimjumper]

If a larger version is produced it won't fit inside a military type poncho.

[@KimberlyGreen]

@@azclaimjumper yes, I understood that when posting. Since a military poncho also probably doesn't fit big people very well, Helikon-Tex could create a companion poncho to offer a full system. (As a small woman, the regular is fine for me. Just trying to think about the big folks out there 😉)

[@ferebeefamily]

Kimberly G. . That would be me. Thanks Kimberly.

[@azclaimjumper]

@@KimberlyGreen I decided I'd never use the Swagmans Roll to sleep in or for shelter. I settled on the Arcturus Poncho, something I've already used several times to keep my dry when it rains & it comes down to the top of my ankles, has an adjustable hood, & in my opinion, is a quality product that will most likely outlast lil ole MEeee. arcturusgear.com/collections/rain-ponchos

[@donaldheine6243]

I have their poncho. It is smaller than a US GI poncho and poncho liner. I can fit a US GI size poncho liner with a zipper. I'm 71" 230 lbs. This would be too small. I found the size difference when I tried to connect a USMC poncho liner to their poncho and found that their poncho and swagman roll are smaller. I think they make some good quality stuff. But they should have made the poncho and liner a bit bigger.

[@NorbertPetrich]

This swagmann roll was designed for Helikon-Tex by Pawel "Super" Supernat - a former special unit soldier who runs a survival school in Poland. -> kzbin.info .

[@YeomanArcher]

I want this, but I wear 2XL hats and have broad shoulders...and a bit of a gut, so I suppose it won't work for me. Still, good to see a poncho that actually works, unlike the Hazard 4. I hear they improved it, but it's still not waterproof?