Swag Assembly & Care Guide
To get the best performance and long-lasting use from your new swag, it’s important to follow the correct setup, seasoning, and care instructions. Proper preparation helps prevent leaks, improves durability, and keeps your swag in top condition for years to come.
How to Season Your Swag (Very Important!)
Seasoning your swag helps seal the stitching holes and improves water resistance. Here's how:
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Unpack the swag and remove the mattress, poles, and any other hardware.
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Thoroughly soak the entire canvas with a hose, paying extra attention to stitched areas. If needed, use a wet cloth to make sure every part is damp.
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Allow the swag to dry completely in a shaded, ventilated area.
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Repeat the process a second time for best results.
This process allows the canvas and seams to expand and contract, effectively sealing any pinholes left by the stitching.
Once your swag is fully dry after the second soak, you can place the mattress back inside — it's now ready to use.
Setting Up Your Swag
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Always set up your swag on flat, level ground, ideally in a sheltered area and facing away from prevailing wind and rain.
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Avoid placing your swag directly under trees or near water or open flames.
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If your swag has a three-pole system, the longest pole goes at the head, the second longest in the middle, and the shortest at the foot.
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Carefully flex the poles into the clips and the ring-and-pin system — avoid using excessive force.
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For models with a top spreader pole, fully extend and clip it down securely.
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Use the guy ropes provided to secure the swag to pegs, rocks, or your vehicle. Peg down each corner through the ring pins for extra stability.
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Keep the top canvas tight so rainwater runs off easily.
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Leave windows or vents slightly open (weather permitting) for airflow. Good ventilation helps prevent condensation build-up inside the swag, which can be mistaken for leaks.
Storing Your Swag
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Always ensure your swag is completely dry before packing it away.
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Roll it up tightly and store it in a cool, dry place.
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If you’ve packed it while still damp at camp, be sure to unpack and dry it fully once you get home or to your next destination to avoid mould and mildew.
Cleaning & Maintenance
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Clean the canvas and floor as needed using cold water and a soft microfibre cloth or soft bristle brush.
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Regularly clean the zippers and tracks to keep them moving freely and free from dust or grit.
Avoid using the following, as they can damage the swag fabric and accessories:
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Soaps or detergents
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Aerosol sprays
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Petrol, oils, or solvents
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Any harsh chemicals
Restoring Water Resistance
To restore or maintain your swag’s waterproofing, consider using a canvas reproofing spray. Some products also help repel insects and protect against mould and mildew. Reproofing sprays are usually available in 375ml and 1L bottles.
A Note on Mould
While canvas swags are treated to resist mould, improper storage or care (especially when packed away wet) can lead to mould damage. Unfortunately, returns cannot be accepted for swags affected by mould due to incorrect use or storage.