A canvas swag will last for years of trips if you look after it. Most of that comes down to three habits: season it once before the first trip, never pack it away wet, and keep air moving through it. This guide covers every Mr Swagman swag, from the Ultimate King Single Swag Gen 2 to the Original King Single bedroll.
Quick checklist
- Season the canvas once before your first trip.
- Clean with a soft brush and cold water. No soap or detergent.
- Dry it fully, inside and out, before you store it.
- Air it out if it sits unused for more than 10 days.
- Leave some mesh open at night to cut condensation.
- Keep sand out of the zips.
Seasoning your swag before the first trip (once only)
New canvas needs one wetting before it does its best work in the rain. Water makes the canvas fibres and the stitching threads swell, which closes up the tiny holes left by the needle along every seam.
- Set your swag up outside. Pitch a dome swag on its poles; lay a bedroll swag out flat and zip it closed.
- Hose the canvas down on the outside until it's soaked, paying attention to the seams.
- Let it dry completely in the sun and breeze before you roll it up.
You only need to do this once. A few drops through the seams the first time it gets wet is normal; that's exactly what seasoning fixes.
Cleaning the canvas
- Let mud dry, then brush it off with a soft brush.
- For marks, use the soft brush and cold water.
- Don't use soap or detergent, and never put the canvas in a washing machine. Both strip the canvas's natural water resistance.
- Keep the canvas away from petrol, oils and harsh chemicals.
The floor and mattress
Every Mr Swagman swag has a PVC floor. Shake or brush the sand and grit out after each trip and wipe the floor with a damp cloth and cold water.
On the Ultimate King Single and Ultimate King Double, the mattress has a removable canvas cover that zips off for washing. Let the cover dry fully before you zip it back on.
Drying and storage
- Never store your swag wet. After every trip, unroll it and let it dry completely, inside and out, including the mattress.
- If you have to pack up wet on the road, unroll it to dry as soon as you can, ideally the same day.
- Store it rolled loosely in a cool, dry place, out of direct sun.
- If you won't use it for more than 10 days, unroll it now and then to air it out.
Condensation is not a leak
Cold nights after warm days create condensation inside any canvas swag, especially with your breath trapped inside. Damp patches on the inside of the canvas in the morning usually mean condensation, not a leak.
Keep some of the mesh windows open for airflow, even when it's cool. On the Ultimate swags, the head and foot windows sit under their own rain hoods, so you can leave them open in the rain.
If mould appears
Our canvas resists mould and mildew, but any canvas packed away damp can grow it. If you spot mould:
- Let the swag dry completely.
- Brush the surface mould off with a stiff bristle brush.
- Vacuum the area.
- Treat it with oil of clove spray. Buy it diluted, or add a few drops of oil of clove to a spray bottle of water.
Zips, mesh and poles
- Keep the zips free of sand and grit so they run smoothly. Brush them clean rather than forcing a stuck zip.
- Check the canvas, stitching and midge mesh for wear and tear after each trip, so small problems get fixed before they grow.
- Check the hoop poles and spreader bar for bends. The Ultimate swags come with a spare hoop pole in the bag.
Freeing a stuck zip with candle wax
If a zip still drags after you've brushed out the sand, a little candle wax will usually get it running again.
- Use a plain, unscented and uncoloured candle. Coloured wax can stain the canvas, and scented wax can attract insects.
- Rub the candle up and down the zip teeth on both sides, with extra attention on any spots where the slider feels tight.
- Gently run the slider up and down a few times to work the wax into the track.
- Wipe any leftover wax crumbs off the canvas with a soft, clean cloth.
Swag care FAQs
How often do I need to season my swag?
Once. Wet it down thoroughly before the first trip and let it dry completely. After that, normal use in the rain keeps it working.
Can I wash my swag in a washing machine?
No. Clean the canvas by hand with a soft brush and cold water, without soap or detergent.
Why is the inside of my swag wet in the morning?
Usually condensation from cold night air and your breath. Leave some mesh windows open to let the moisture out.
How do I fix a stuck zip on my swag?
Brush out any sand or grit first. If it still drags, rub a plain, unscented candle along the teeth on both sides and run the slider up and down a few times.
What does the warranty cover?
Every Mr Swagman swag has a 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects.
Need a hand?
If something isn't right with your swag, or you're not sure how to fix it, call us on +61 (0)7 5302 6954 or send us a message. Looking for a bag to keep your gear dry and organised? See our bags, tarps and storage, or browse all camping swags.