Multitool-style multi-purpose poncho, designed for bushcraft and travel with minimal gear
The Swagman Roll® combines the features of several products:
• poncho liner,
• summer sleeping bag or sleeping bag insert,
• travel blanket,
• underquilt for hammocks.
That's five basic functions, but it can be used in many more ways. Rooted in history, the Swagman Roll is a modern product. Instead of carrying five items, you can just bring this one, saving a significant amount of space in your backpack.
| ✔ | What gear can the Swagman Roll® replace on a camping trip? |
| The Swagman replaces five items: a poncho liner, a lightweight sleeping bag, a sleeping bag insert, a travel blanket, and an underquilt for a hammock. That means less gear, more space in your pack – without sacrificing comfort. |
Swagman as a tourist poncho
The most obvious and straightforward use of the Swagman Roll® is as a poncho. It has elastic bands at the waist, which when fastened, make the poncho fit closer to the body, resembling an improvised anorak jacket with a large front pocket. It insulates against the cold thanks to the modern Climashield® Apex™ insulation weighing 67g/m², which retains heat even when wet. Combined with our U.S. Model Poncho, the Swagman creates a two-layer setup – the inner layer provides warmth, while the outer layer protects against rain.
| ✔ | Can the Swagman be used instead of a jacket? |
| Yes – once you fasten the elastic waist straps, the Swagman fits like an anorak, keeping close to the body. It insulates well thanks to Climashield® Apex™, which retains warmth even when wet. It forms an effective cold-and-wet weather layering system with a classic U.S. poncho. |
Swagman for sleeping outdoors:
Lightweight survival sleeping bag
Worn as a poncho, the Swagman is spread out, but by zipping up the zipper sewn into its three edges, it transforms into a sleeping bag. Pull the drawstring at the head opening to seal the interior, and you're ready to sleep comfortably. In the morning, unzip it completely and wear the still-warm Swagman. This quick conversion from a poncho to a sleeping bag is practical not only in a tent but also during longer stops in parking areas.
Additional sleeping bag liner
In truly cold conditions, the Swagman Roll® serves excellently as an insert for a thicker sleeping bag. With two insulating layers, users can easily adjust their warmth level to suit their needs and the weather. The Swagman also softens the temperature difference when exiting the sleeping bag, protecting against rapid cooling. Used this way, it provides additional insulation from the ground.
Swagman as a hammock underquilt
One of the Swagman's more interesting and less obvious uses is as an underquilt, providing an extra insulating layer for a hammock. Elastic bands on either side allow the poncho to be easily attached directly under the hammock, creating an insulating layer that shields the hammock's interior from the cold ground and air. Since the Swagman Roll® is very light, it easily stays in place, wrapping around the user from below and the sides.
| ✔ | How can I use the Swagman poncho for sleeping? |
| Just zip the edges and tighten the hood opening with the drawstring to turn it into a functional sleeping bag. It’s great for use in a tent or during spontaneous overnight stops. It also works perfectly as a warming liner inside your main sleeping bag or as an underquilt for your hammock, providing insulation from below. |
More than just bushcraft
Fully unzipped and spread out on the grass, the Swagman also serves as a blanket. It's just as large but much lighter and takes up much less space when packed. Whether it's taken on a traditional bushcraft trip or a picnic in the park, its internal Climashield® Apex™ insulation will provide protection and thermal comfort. The interior of the tent becomes cozier too after being lined with our poncho.
| ✔ | Is the Swagman only useful for bushcraft? |
| Not at all – fully spread out on the ground, it is a full-size blanket. It’s light, compact, and cozy, so it’s just as useful on a picnic, in the park, or inside your tent – wherever you need warmth and comfort. |
Swagman Roll: a tribute to travelers
In the past, trappers, soldiers, and so-called swagmen (slang in Australia for itinerant migrant workers) didn't carry sleeping bags but warmed themselves with woolen, rolled blankets. Over time, these were replaced by synthetic liners, which, along with a poncho, served as rainproof insulation. Our Swagman Roll® is a nod to the travelers who used to carry their belongings rolled up on their backs, a historical inspiration that resulted in a multifunctional, modern product.
