ULTIMATE 5-WAY SWAG REVIEW! Kulkyne Kampers v Darche v ARB v Burke & Wills v Oztrail

[@stevej.6674]

Great reviews guys....after many reviews, I ended up buying the 23zero Outbreak 1550....I was looking at a single swag & then before I know it, I bought one of the biggest. Lol.....after getting stuck in the rain for a week and an area infested with mosquitoes, I ended up choosing something I could literally be in all day & all night if I have to. Even though this is a double swag, if I’m going by myself, I’ll swap it out for a 1m wide mattress & roll it up half the size. The extra room in the 1550, I’ll be able to have all my gear inside & cook in it too (if conditions call for it).

[@CJFranciss]

I have the same swag. The smaller mattress when camping on my own is a really good idea to roll it up smaller. It is by far the best swag I've ever had, totally free standing and with the rain fly it has been through some miserable weather with no issues what so ever Only issue is it's size and weight

[@PadmaDorjee]

That was a really fantastic review, thank you. Will you do a review of any of the 23zero swags? They have a "Bandit" swag which is a copy of the Darche, top of the range, "Ringdome" Swag. They also have a copy of the Darche "dusk till dawn" called a "Dual Swag". They are slightly cheaper but would like to see comparisons in quality and features if possible compared with other popular brands like the ARB etc.

[@RogerCampillo]

Nice comparative review guys!! Direct, quick and pointing the key points of each one. I would like to watch something similar with the big boys, Darche nebula, Kulkyne Mega 1500 & Igloo 1600, 23zero Duke 1600 & Outbrak 1550… Thanks!

[@puma1304]

great comparison, very instructive, it is funny how different countries follow a completely distinct logic when it comes to camping... I guess we would never feel comfortable in a swag and would always prefer a good quality freestanding tent, or a roof-tent... I think the aussie concept of a bootbag is a great idea! also to mount your swag on a cot! (we tend to use hammock+sleeping bag), Good job guys, we enjoy your show, greetings from wild, wet, windy and wonderful chilean Patagonia (so similar to tassie & NZ)

[@pipr5070]

Thank you for the review guys. It looks like the Kalkyne has won me over with its combination of stretcher, poles, fly, and massive ventilation.

[@Ian-le3bu]

Hi, i really enjoyed watching your review. I would like to see a review of double swag plus stretchers if possible. As one gets older the ground seems further away, plus it's good if you don't setup on an ants nest if you get to camp after dark. Anyway thanks again. Cheers

[@mikeyb6737]

^ 650 GSM or 15oz canvas swags are what you need. The 420 gsm ones tend to be Chinese knock offs. 70mm mattress egg shell also is essential or you will wake with pain. vents at both ends are a must and side access is also must (both sides) in my eyes. I find it hard crawling in when you have had a big day. D rings don't break so anything with plastic will break and you should avoid them. Australian made canvas is regarded as the best and Australian fully made is always desirable. I own a Mr Swagman ultimate king and had no failures in 7 years. Proper swags poles don't break and should free standing with no sag. You pay no more than $500 AU for a 650 gsm free standing swag with bag and the little extras. good luck. I think these are all Chinese

[@justdowntheroad4218]

I like it how you didnt cut out the dump run at 0:35 :P

[@SIDETRACKED]

Hahaha we have to have some fun, was waiting for someone to notice.

[@MaxT80]

I didn't even notice, went back and watched it and fucking cracked up lol! :P

[@robertmillar2037]

Need to add country of origin aka where is each swag made.

[@wallofmarshalls3133]

Gandalf & his bog roll staff 30 seconds in, hahahahaha. Thanks fellas. Darche looks the goods.

[@ADayInTheLifeOfJames]

Darche almost perfect…

[@bushandbeachaustralia]

We love our Kulkyne swag! Had it for 8 years with no issues

[@joelfrancis5391]

Just spent 5wks in 2 x kings big daddy swags doing cape york. For $140 they are killer value. The first gen one did leak in heavy rain, the newer one however is fully waterproof. They have as much ventilation as the kulkyne, clip over centre pole like the darche, and a big as swag bag. Tonnes of internal stirage pockets. Rate em.

[@rhysholden2395]

yeah i bought one in the start of november and went away with a few mates, spent 3 months in it and didnt have any problem, was GREAT for value but was a pain to get back into the bag

[@darrenc4096]

The ULTIMATE review. You guys really do great reviews. Thanks heaps and keep up the good work. 🍻

[@MrDarkMasterZzz]

Hey mate, just wanna add to your ARB skydome review. If you buy the ARB stretcher it comes with a boot bag, there’s no real point to it if your on the ground imo.

[@wally1166]

So true mate ARB for me everyday of the week

[@adzoutnabout888]

You need to do rain testing, apart from that good clip 👌

[@SIDETRACKED]

We had rain and plenty of wind every night of the testing period and no-one had any water inside. Did forget to mention this in the review, appreciate the feedback mate.

[@cerby86]

I have had an Oztrail Mitchell I think for more than 10 years. I paid about $250 for it. It never let me down and I'd get it out and use it again today without a second thought. BUT I hated the centre pole and only used it a couple of times over the years. Mine had an external flap at the head so you had to get halfway out of the swag to open or close it which sucked when it got really cold. The mattress was never great and after 10 years you can barely tell its there when you lay on it. I may sound like I hated the thing but in reality i NEVER got wet, the zips and poles were bullet proof and I was a bastard to them. I treated that swag pretty badly and it was a trooper. Recently I bought a Wanderer double swag from BCF. I bought it (in order of priority) for the internal flap at the head, the spreader bar, a better mattress, more space and at the time it was cheaper than any other name brand except another mitchell or a kings. It's been good so far. I can say that it is BY FAR a colder swag than the mitchell (i assume just more internal space), The zippers are shit compared to the oztrail but they haven't broken yet. The jury is still out on the PVC base. It seems like it would be better at keeping out moisture than than canvas oztrail but I never noticed moisture in the oztrail and I have in the Wanderer. I think the pvc causes condensation. Also it hurts my fingers rolling it up in the morning :P The mattress is nice and the poles seem good. I LOVE that its freestanding. Neither had boot bags or swag bags and I've always wanted both!

[@Joelmp88]

Can you do double swags? Dusk till Dawn vs big daddy vs crashpad. All similar styles which is best?

[@johnot1168]

Crashpad👌

[@harro9447]

Good idea but they should do the nebular 1550

[@mirin3181]

Crash pad are the best

[@mlcg1500]

I could never camp in something like this. Why? Because I'm Claustrophobic..They look cozy tho..

[@hilaryboyd8594]

I’ve never even heard of these. Camping in the US is so different. I wonder if you can get these here. Great concept and great review!

[@simonbrown9695]

it historically has come from the swag man. An australian or new zealand labourer,sheerer, miner, handyman who would seasonally move farm to farm literally carrying his home with him but no horse so his swag bag was his home

[@richnegs5828]

So much easier than a tent mate, check out adventure kings bid daddy deluxe too, queen size bed and a cracka that’s cheaper than any of these.👍

[@joshjameskiwibushman]

Get a small 12V fan from china, plug it into a charging unit and wire or cable tie it to the head of the swag, blows fresh air in when swag is zipped up and helps prevent condensation, CHEER Cheer

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

Wow... this was the best video... swags are sexy : )

[@966Mako]

The important thing for me is free standing & side entry. I hate hate hate wet or damp bedding. It's like having wet socks. I made my own weather proof boot bag & external storage.

[@Corps1e]

Love hearing that space bar smash on the voice recordings, ahahaha .love the quality videos lads keep them coming :D (Max tracks episode next? like the black not so expensive ones vs real ones?)

[@homeguy4]

Great video on some of the most popular ones. I've got a 2016 ARB dual swag. Very happy with it, other than no boot bag.

[@wally1166]

ARB men wear boots in swag incase they go riding lol

[@SIDETRACKED]

Gold.

[@undergroundblu]

Great work fellas. Thanks for sharing. I think i'd go with the Kulkyne Kamper; the extra awning it had was a winning improvement. I'd recommend sharing the sleeping experience in the different weather. I would have like to see how they stacked up after that night in the snow! Cheers and keep it up!

[@Peter-xtreme]

Very informative, thanks!

[@chrisandshazza01]

A plus I’m guessing with the Kulkyne is the ability to use it as your seat to. Also easier to put socks and footwear on whilst sitting down. Is kept clean if the weather is bad. They’re all great. Would have been good to talk about the mesh on each one. Cheers👍

[@Lukey_Games]

Is it just me or do these things look more complicated than most dome tents? I used to get bagged for having a single pole in my swag. Keep it simple i say!

[@brendo3142]

With you on this one mate you Mose well have a tent too many poles for me

[@nuelgenpardenilla8657]

Quite hard to find Kulkyn Swag reviews, thanks for including it in. Seems like the only real downside are just those plastic buckles.

[@SIDETRACKED]

Yeah it's a good swag for sure, buckles are a small thing.

[@lamo4723]

Why not review the kings when that’s what a lot of people buy? I have three and want to upgrade so really need to see whether it’s worth spending an extra $150 each for me and my three kids.

[@wally1166]

People buy Kings because its cheap shit that has no rating of quality or its products lol

[@SwampySi]

Great review, but would love to see a Kings Big Daddy Deluxe as there so common, there everywhere.

[@mountainconstructions]

What is the point, you'll buy one on price, you won't care about anything else

[@Nightlifeimages]

@@mountainconstructions big daddy is meh It's a prick to put back in the travel bag. Id pay more for quality

[@timothycurnock9162]

There will be reviews of the big daddy online. I have read a few, it seems ok. Personally swampysi I think I am going to get me a kwiky hard pop top tent and throw it in the ute for short trips. It will fit, looks more comfortable. I have a slide on camper but it is 600kg a top hardtop tent is only 75kg. Price is about $1000. Just some info for you. Enjoy.⛰🏞🌞

[@jameslovespizza]

I've got the older style of the king's swags (5 years when they came standard with canvas bag). I've seen a new one the other weekend and the standards dropped significantly. I'm looking for a second swag and here I am looking at reviews.... That should say enough

[@garyhankinson5695]

I have a queen size kulkyne for the last 4 years or so and can’t fault it apart from those plastic clips. I’m buying a king single swag soon for when I travel on my own and looking at the AOS tracker king single. Expensive but gives a 10 year warranty and easy to set up with metal clips on the straps. It’s made in AUS and I’m happy to pay extra for the quality.

[@the.magnus]

I think it does matter which u guys thought was best, you have real world experience with these swags and I your opinion is valuable to us, the viewers.

[@SIDETRACKED]

Valid point, we'll take that on board.

[@lukebryce5097]

Great vid! A fridge compare would make a good vid 👍

[@SIDETRACKED]

Could work for long term review. cheers mate.

[@jamieshields9521]

Really awesome vid👍I brought Darche swag 20 years ago, one head hoop n big half opening with zip fly screen, PVC base is must have which a lot cheap swags that don’t have. Interesting my swag has plastic clips but hasn’t busted one yet🤞My brother brought ARB which is light but zippers bugger up after a year. Wouldn’t mind Bourke n Wills, liking features👍

[@tomosullivanmpbulls]

I’ve got a Burke wills red gum double which I have had for over ten years. First one leaked and was replaced under warranty but no issues since. It’s massive though and overkill for one person only annoying thing is the middle hoop is inside the canvas which isn’t the best design but apart from that it’s great

[@znate6730]

Excellent vid👌 1 more sub 👍

[@mazdamedia5995]

A mention of mattress thickness would have been good, still enjoyed it though.

[@kevinseng4553]

Mazda_Media that might have been the mattress comfort rating at the end.

[@SIDETRACKED]

We left out the mattress thickness and replaced it with a comfort rating because a thick mattress doesn't always mean a better mattress. Different quality materials ect ect. Thanks for watching buddy.

[@mazdamedia5995]

@@SIDETRACKED ok thanks guys

[@JarradDRS]

Thanks for the video guys. I went with the ARB Skydome single. Took it out last week on an overnighter and was really impressed with it.

[@joelwhite270]

I have the burke & wills, great swag but dissapointed with the quality of the flyscreen. Only used half dozin times and starting to crack and get holes.

[@Solarlube]

Great but how did they all go in the snow? I bought the KULKYNE with steel frame before they changed hands. It is a bit hard to tread at first but has never come apart. But I do like the stretcher style better, it would be much lighter. I did have to replace all the aluminium hoops cost another $150 through another company. Back then the swag cost $700 plus $150 for the poles, but not long after that all swags started dropping in price. except ARB. Great review thank you

[@KaizenOz]

wow I found the dirty dee mattress absolutely terrible, fitted an exped megamat

[@LongStraightLines]

Same here. The megamat is a perfect fit for the D.

[@MortifiedU]

I bought the Burke and Wills sleeping bag.. Perfect, cooked in summer and freezing in winter. Seriously it is colder inside the bag than outside the bag in cold climates, which made me think it was some miracle AC bag. nope, in summer it cooked me.. Maybe it needs new batteries or the thermostat is broken.

[@danbeard1168]

You've got it inside out mate 😂

[@ike8236]

-5 in the Burke and Wills sleeping bad with wool blanket over the top and was warm all night.

[@greatsouthernoverland]

That was a great review fellas!!!! How about Nissan v Toyota:D:D

[@SIDETRACKED]

Haha that one might come under the "Ultimate Debate" title.

[@brianrollins3245]

Setup and access are important factors for those with mobility issues. The centre hoop models make it hard to swing legs in and top entry hard to get boots off. Hence why I went Kulkyne Homestead with the fitted sleeping bag.

[@daveellis3182]

great review, My only comment & negative is that both Burke & Wills Coolabah & Oztrail Mitchell swags was probably the wrong swags to review against these swags. With Burke & Wills, I would have compared the Grampian & Oztrail, either the Ridge Back or the Pioneer range. My 2 bobs worth.

[@Mosesk1988]

Quality review mate 5 stars 🤙

[@aussiegruber86]

Oztrail Mitchell swags are like $199 delivered

[@leithal1546]

I have a darche ‘dusk till dawn’ similar to kulkyne style but with adjustable locking centre pole and the metal D rings.

[@mitchjackson3830]

I live in England and have a British made swag from a company called Outhaus mines a Rockhampton and it's a great bit of kit. D rings instead of buckles too !

[@mikeyb6737]

I saw a Wingman Toucan swag tent for adventure riders. I recon its better than all these

[@mandyperkins2510]

Great review! I loved how you summarised at the end including the prices. Hope you do more soon

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

I've got a few swags. Maybe like 5 now as you said there's pros and cons to all of them. Currently ive been using the Oztent Bunker i like them, bought the cheaper oztrail version and have since gone the bunker. The kulkyne on stretcher looks like a solid setup. The amount of stuff to carry seems like a downside but i do the same with te bunker a good self inflating mattress makes a huge difference to them

[@JimmyStewpot]

Everyone knows that a 3.5t caravan is the perfect swag (troll)

[@rubiconned]

Really good review!

[@DougieL]

Why will 'the girls' appreciate storage? Far out!?

[@wafive]

Darche spreader poles a new idea?.... My Kings big daddy had them years ago, also has D rings on the straps, and a decent bag.. Reckon you need to include Kings gear for us Tightarses.

[@KaizenOz]

You can leave the dirty dee poles threaded in the swag, just pull out the ends and fold them in.. makes set up super quick

[@andymurray9315]

This is a great tip which I've started using

[@gibbethoskins8621]

Would have been good to also include the Kings deluxe single swag as a more budget option

[@muzzgit]

As with most things, you seek more comfort as you get older and to that end I ALWAYS set up my swag on a stretcher now.

[@Markom3D]

Hey guys, really good video. Although I hate camping, I watched the whole thing. If you need anything 3D printed, please feel free to reach out.

[@samfanfulla5425]

You had the spreader bars setup wrong on the arb swag, there different lengths, the longer one goes from the foot end to the middle and shorter from middle to head end

[@royphelps8084]

I'm disabled, I'm curious about the 1 on the cot frame, I took a screen shot of the sales .

[@kaidensummerell7657]

Where is the kings big daddy swag?

[@psychoskippy4126]

I’d still buy the darche I have the darche nebula and I love it it’s huge I have a self inflatable mattress and the standard mattress and I sleep amazing in it

[@carforumwanker]

shit... they roll up as big as a four man tent and look stupid heavy

[@alishabab3]

It's good your not like every idiot that buys kings swags

[@leewihongi9102]

whats wrong with kings swags?

[@getzboost5666]

@@leewihongi9102 its shit. Might be okay for first use then you will see things break or sag. Never buying kings product again. POOR MAN PAYS TWICE

[@PeteDonohue]

Bloody great review guys!

[@antonioarchuleta9268]

Like a little snack in a bag for a bear

[@Jaasper.S]

Thank you for finally doing this

[@rwolf9943]

Kodiak Canvas 1-Person Canvas Swag Tent

[@matthutch5919]

Seriously good review thanks for uploaded it

[@PossiblyLuca]

Great review guys keep it up!!

[@TyFenwick]

AWESOME VIDEO BOYS 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🔥🔥🔥

[@drivingparadox]

Great genuine real world review. Thanks. New sub.

[@spartanptbungendore8627]

Fantastic overview guys!

[@StarletGTTowner]

What's the soundtrack guys? Good reviews, never understood why we don't use these more in the UK!

[@SIDETRACKED]

We get our music from a stock music site that we subscribe to. Cheers for watching.

[@cameronsheridan5997]

Sounds like .micheal pizzino

[@wader5049]

Unreal review guys, so detailed ! Thanks 👍

[@SIDETRACKED]

Cheers Wade!

[@unknowuser1843]

Deffinatly differant gear than what I'm use to. I've always used your typical dome tent or tarp for shelter

[@UpDownUnder]

I got rid of my OzTrail for a Darche. The hoop in the middle of the swag is a nightmare when you are drunk and is just held there with poor quality velcro. Get a stretcher too. Best thing ever and worth the extra space it takes up.

[@Noeline999]

What stretcher do you use? I'm starting to research swags, all new to me.

[@ingramation1]

Newer Oztrails dropped the velcro now its the same style as poles on each end

[@mc4nathan336]

Great review ! New sub :)

[@ronanrogers4127]

The thumbnail says it all. I camp in the Victorian high country year round. Never been interested in a swag because I’ve slept in mates swags and (i) they’re way too bulky and heavy for what they deliver (I mainly motocamp, but even in my 4WD I don’t swag), (ii) I prefer an insulated inflatable mattress, currently my Exped MegaMat 12LXW...Superior and amazing comfort, light, small, rated to -20c, and inflates with 3 uses of pumpsack in 90 seconds, (iii) my freestanding true 4 season tents go up in 3 minutes, resist all wind & snow, weigh 20% of these, are double the size and roll up to nothing,

[@kurtbrayford6491]

I wonder why the yanks dont use swags?

[@gloomsouls]

Why does it take up so much space? May as well take a tent.

[@SIDETRACKED]

With a tent, you also need a mattress and bedding. Only a few good tents on the market too. But a tent doesn't come close to the ease of a swag.

[@robertschweppie5256]

OZTRAILS TENTS LEAK EVERY ONE OF THEM

[@Bazzbian]

Any Aussie made?

[@gokturksempireturkisharmy8322]

Body bag burke wills 😂

[@sirjolly81]

I have the oztrail large single. The matress is great for a short time. Does eventually sink enough that hips and elbows feel the hard ground. An extra foam mat underneath helps heaps.

[@apolloroka6485]

very good i like bro

[@alandavis9180]

Swags, the triumph of marketing over common sense.

So true. Swags are for guys who see themselves as outdoor heroes and not the toss pots they really are

[@RickActual]

Thanks for the review. Something I had not considered is just how much space swags will take when you bring along multiple passengers. The shot at 13:18 demonstrates it best. Cheers!

[@benroebuck3721]

Is a swag the same as a bivvy?

[@timphoto83ec]

A bivy is a lightweight version of a swag that you put your sleeping bag into and a Swag is an overweight canvas bag that you put a bed into. Swags look better strapped on your tray.

[@aussief5016]

I've got a kulkyne queen and its great. I was gutted to see the kings supacentre knock off for half the price I paid a couple years later but its missing a boot bag and a couple other handy things (a mate bought one). boot bag, free standing and quick setup are really appreciated. I replaced the stupid plastic clips with home made drings years ago and turfed the swag bag day 1. 70mm matress plus queen doona and pillows still rolls up but takes a tonne of space

[@leejohn4966]

where the Kings swag

[@johnny69rwood]

Hands down one of the best reviews

[@SIDETRACKED]

Appreciated.

[@nate4036]

ARB it is🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mowie1236]

Am I the only one who finds swags to be really pointless? I can fit a much larger tent, mattress and sleeping bag in half the space, for half the price, be way more comfortable and have more room to move around in

[@bigdonkeyballs6041]

Tents are for women

[@mowie1236]

@@bigdonkeyballs6041 okay so you need a swag to feel like a man? seems like a great reason

[@mitchham27]

I’d much rather roll a swag up rather then having to pack up a tent, put it in the bag, roll sleeping bag up put it in the bag, deflate a mattress pack it up, especially if your at a new campsite every day

[@mazdamedia5995]

I used to share that view, but you need to experience how warm a swag can be in winter due to the small amount of air space in them, it doesn't take long for your body heat to warm it up in there, also the thick canvas helps with warmth to and they don't collapse like tents can in the middle of the night. I experimented with a Kings single escape swag as my first one as I didn't want to spend too much and I'm still loving it, it has it's flaws but for around $150 it's pretty sweet and will eventually become a back up.

[@bigdonkeyballs6041]

@@mowie1236 no I feel like a man all the time but doesn't change the fact tents are for women.