Swag vs Pop Up Tent | Which one would you choose?

The age-old question: Swag vs Pop-Up Tent
Which one do you use and prefer using? Let me know in the comments below if your opinion matches mine or why it differs.
In this video, I do a quick little comparison between a Quecha 2 Second Pop-Up Tent and Kings Swag. Yes, I know they are not evenly matched in regards to spec, but these are the two tents which I switched between while on trips.
The pop-up tent wins when you look at it on paper, but in practical usage, the swag really isn't as lumpy and small as I make it seem. You have to use them on a trip or two to really appreciate and see the difference yourself. This video was purely for a bit of education on the two different sleeping setups which I used over the last few months.
If you are claustrophobic, I would advise you to not make use of the swag, especially with the canvas completely closed!
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[@RichardBauer_]

Everything is fit for purpose and most often people just get caught up in hype and brand names to look a particular way. Pros and cons to both

[@elysian95]

Pop up tents are very underrated here in Australia...my vote goes to the pop up tent because there is more space to sit up.

[@DieterPey]

I wonder why? Perhaps just sticking with the tradition of using a swag. I agree, pop up tent has more space inside for living quarters.

[@NikolaiBogdanov69]

Cheers mate

[@mitchjackson3830]

I prefer a swag. Warmer, comfier a quieter sleep (no rustling like a tent) better quality, roll all my bedding up, darker, store clothes in it and just throw a tarp over the top of needed

[@xavierdhotman7100]

In my oppinion a traditional pop up is nice if you wanting more space like you say or wanting to live in the tent in the evenings. I have grown up using that style of temt but for me I prefer a swag. I use a oztrail mitchell double swag which i find comfortable and am able to keep my bedding inside which for me helps with not having extra bags inside the car plus a easier camp setup. A downside is definitely the size but for me its a compromise i think is worth it. Intreasting to hear a few other people use them here.

[@DieterPey]

Very true words. As you said, I like living out of my tent, so the extra space in the pop-up is handy for me. I've done a few multi night trips with the swag and it works great, but each person as their own preference. Do you store your swag on the outside of your vehicle? I hope the swag market gets a bit bigger here in SA to hopefully bring the pricing down a little.

[@xavierdhotman7100]

@@DieterPey @Dieter Pey if its just me on a short trip then there is often space in the cannopy for it but if there are a few of us and more stuff in the back I often will strap it to the roof which works, if it rains while it's on the roof it's not ideal but the inside of the tent stays dry I have had a canvas bag made for it so that helps. I definitely think having more avaliable on our market would be good option for some people. I find I would like to have a roof tent but until then I have been happy and get a good night's sleep in the swag.

[@DieterPey]

Rad, awesome to hear your setup! We have to make due with what we have until we slowly upgrade.

[@xavierdhotman7100]

@@DieterPey very much so, there are also so many ways to have a vehicle set up to be comfortable and there are many styles of tents that will still give you a warm night's sleep and keep you dry from the simple ground tent to the pricey hard shell rooftet. Found you opinion on the topic quite intreasting 👍🏻

[@DieterPey]

Thanks and yes it is always interesting to hear how others use and have their setups done.

[@bushlifeafrica]

Howzit! Why did you not roll up all your bedding in your swag? I have a double swag also from Auz same style as yours. I have a 100mm mattress 2 pillows and a duvet in mine. If you keep all your bedding in the swag definitely makes it roll up bigger but definitely much simpler to carry and set up.

[@DieterPey]

I've had my sleeping bag rolled up in there once. It works, but it is then a really tight fit to get back into the carry bag. I also use my sleeping bag for different uses as just camping, so when I have to remove it. I then have to fold open the entire swag, just to pull it out. Side note, forgetting something inside your swag, like car keys, is such a hassle to retrieve, so make sure you have everything out before rolling up the swag!🤣

[@bushlifeafrica]

@@DieterPey 100% yea I just bought dedicated sleeping gear for my swag as I have the Alu Cab camper now I also have a full ground set up too. I’ve always seen the double swag as a more traditional RTT the ones that found open, basically a double swag is a roll up version. It’s definitely like you say the age old comparison 😂 each to their own! Thankfully I’ve never forgotten anything in my swag before 🙈😂 but I did also make a bigger carry bag for my swag to accommodate the wax tea bedding packed in it. The main reason I started keeping everything in the swag is because it saves a huge amount of space and set up of quick and fast, like I said it pretty much a rolled up RTT and definitely sets up fast and takes up less space on your roof.

[@DieterPey]

I was surprised to find out that the carry bag comes separate to the swag. Luckily they had a special to get a bag free with the swag. On my previous trip I forgot my sleeping bag at home so had to buy a second sleeping bag on the road. So I can leave that one inside my swag now. I do prefer my pop-up over the swag. A tiny bit more convenient, but a RTT will be the best for my setup. I'll keep the pop-up for my new series I'm working on! 😉

[@bushlifeafrica]

@@DieterPey nice man keep too see that! Yea and this is what there are so many options on the market 🙌🏻 everyone has different needs and wants 😁 lovely video man keep it up 💪🏻🤙🏻

[@DieterPey]

@@bushlifeafrica Agreed and thanks! 😎

[@Roman-nu1om]

A SWAG appears just to be a very small and heavy tent, what am I missing here? Not being able to put my stuff inside is kinda lame, what am I supposed to do when it rains outside??

[@DieterPey]

You are correct, it's become more a cultural item and pretty quick to setup compared to an traditional tent. With modern pop-ups the "quickness" isn't an added bonus anymore.

[@Roman-nu1om]

@@DieterPey I like the idea of a quickly rollable tent with an integrated bed however at least in europe, a pop up tent + air mattress is not only lighter but also way cheaper than any of these swags. For example the Dometic Pico FTC 2x2 weights 10kg alone, that's crazy heavy and only manageable if you sleep close to your car. That being said I still want to have it as it's way cooler than a pop up tent

[@DieterPey]

I agree, I bought the swag when I visited Australia, to test it out and there they are fairly cheap. If you have nothing else, or your current tent setup is an old large canvas tent, then the Swag does the job, but personally I preferred keeping my bags inaide the tent and also like to sit upright in my tent.

[@rhinoTube]

I make use of Airbnb 😂

[@DieterPey]

Definitely the best option out there! 😂

[@marquenjoubert]

And cost. 8k vs 1.2k for a popup.

[@DieterPey]

Agreed! The price difference is mainly because of the import costs (I think) and the rarity of the item in SA. In Australia if you do a straight currency conversion. This swag of mine cost me R2'500. Which I think is a fair price for it.

[@troopyinafrica]

Clearly these are not made for hiking, so you will have a car. Sorry never man, but a RTT wins all the way. Just push yourself a little and get a Roofpod😜

[@DieterPey]

I have taken my pop-up tent on an overnight hike. Bit of an akward size to carry, but very light! Yes yes, I'm working towards my RTT. I agree with you. A RTT is the best!

[@bushlifeafrica]

😂😂 if you take the swag on the hike might make the hike that much harder 😜😂 but after using a hardshell RTT I can definitely agree with you. Much better than the swag

[@pauljansen6650]

RTTs are so limiting, need to pack up everytime you want to drive anywhere! Going to bathroom is such a mission. Way overpriced and takes up a lot of space on the roof,much more space than the equivalent sized ground tent that takes 3 mins to erect. Smashes fuel efficiency too.

[@troopyinafrica]

@@pauljansen6650 Thanks Paul😀. yes these are valid points in some respects. But me personally, when the Lion sniffs your ear or a Cobra slides by i trend to be a little less sure about a ground tent.. WRT the roof space and drag - well I have a unique situation that my tent is an integral roof conversion which then still has load bars on top. So nothing lost, except the fact that the aerodynamics of the Troopy modified or not still remains that of a brick 🤣. Price we shall not speak of🙈

[@DieterPey]

It also depends on which RTT you choose. The classic Front-Runner style RTT's do take a lot more time to pack than the more modern clamshell designs. Clamshell designs you just take the bedding and bags out, close it, which takes a mere seconds and your good to go. Certain RTT's can even close with all your goodies inside. The fuel efficiency is also not that bad. The newest clamshell designs are becoming more and more slimline and streamline. The older gen RTT were very big and square. You do however pay a pretty penny for these more modern RTT's over a pop-up.