To gain the maximum value and service from your Burke & Wills swag (or any brand swag!) please follow the below guidelines.

Conditioning your swag.

If using the swag “straight out of the bag” allow the canvas to be conditioned. This allows the canvas naturally to take up a small percentage of water which causes the cotton fibres to swell filling up the needle holes etc, allowing the fabric to assume its renowned water resistant qualities. Leaving the swag unrolled for 24 hrs when relative humidity is above 75% is normally sufficient otherwise the process can be hastened by lightly spraying or brushing some water on the canvas.

Setting up the swag.

Firstly ensure the swag is positioned on level ground with the swag opening on the sheltered side.

Using light cord (supplied with some models) tie both ends to a secure item, e.g. Bull Bar of a four wheel drive vehicle. Make sure that the top of the swag is kept taut so that water can run off without pooling.

Caution!

Do not set up under trees where heavy branches may fall causing injury or death, this is particularly important during high winds. Avoid creek beds where flash flooding could occur.

Condensation.

During the night an average person will lose through perspiration and transpiration 500mls of water. Although the top quality canvas used by Burke & Wills will breathe and allow much of this water through, in certain weather conditions e.g. a still cold night, some of this water will condensate inside the swag. Even if only 25% of the water vapour given off by the body during the night condensates, this still means around 125mls or almost a cup of water, or two cups in the case of a double swag can be found inside the swag.

The problem is often more noticeable in the domed swags (Waratah, Coolabah, Stringy Bark etc) because of the opportunity to tightly close them up. The problem is further exacerbated if the swag has a PVC base.

This can lead to the mistaken conclusion that the swag is leaking.

It is important to allow for as much ventilation as possible.

In the case of domed swags leave the end windows open this can be done safely if swag is correctly positioned with the head facing away from the wind and rain.

The importance of adequate ventilation is critical to keeping your swag dry & comfortable.