Aussies Love Sleeping In Their Swag

 Source: ThisIsHowWeNailIt.tumblr.com

I went to see my friends from Bearded Gypsy Band play at The Old Bar in Melbourne last Sunday night.

After the show, I met up with the guys backstage to catch up on general goings-on. The lead violinist of the band, Tom Boehm, just so happens to be getting heavy into geography and has been spending much of his time adventuring through the outback. I was following along just fine, gaining insight into how it's quite safe to camp in the bush. His wildlife excursions sounded pretty legit... until he mentioned how cushy his swag is.

In the States, especially in Atlanta, swag is known as an attractive way someone might carry his or herself in order to gain respect, envy, or ladies (most women wouldn't use powers of swag for sex). Someone can turn their swag on (gain swag) by appearing more attractive, or "swag down" (lose swag) by looking frumpy or doing something that lessens their credibility among peers. Gaining swag might involve getting a new haircut, brushing your teeth, and slowly putting on your sunglasses as a door shuts behind you on a sunny day. Alternatively, you can lose swag through actions like tripping along a sidewalk, getting spinach in your teeth, or splattering piss on the bottom of your pant leg when you get distracted by someone way cooler than you walking past the urinals.

For clarification purposes, here's Atlanta native Soulja Boy's explanation on how one might gather swag for the coming day:

But, as my good friend Tom explained to me, "swag" in the States is not "swag" in Australia. In Aussie land, people can sleep in their swag. It keeps bugs out of your ears at night. You can get serious dome from it. And yes, it can be very cushy in the darkness of the bush.

Ladies, gentlemen, and other curious viewers, I present to you, the Aussie Swag:

Source: GrizzlyMike.com

This beautiful contraption, also known as a "bush roll," has been used since the 1800s by those who camp and travel through the Australian outback. The full-on dome provides space and ventilation, making it a lighter load to carry than a tent. Swags today can be purchased in different sizes and textures, including a 2-person swag and ones with leather reinforced corners. And for when you really need it, most all swags come with a swag bag, a 2 peg/2 rope erection, top entry, and a taller head.

For a good swag to strut in Australia, Mr. Swagman is known for being the swag expert, providing "the toughest swags known to man" with waterproof canvas covering, a soft 70 millimeter mattress, and all-around insect penetration resistance. 

Now go get some swag, you savvy bushranger.

Source: Tumblr.com/tagged/mr.-swagman