How to season a swag

Are you heading into the bush with a new swag? Before you get too excited about your outback adventure, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip—seasoning your swag. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s essential for ensuring your swag is fully waterproof and ready to face the unpredictable Aussie weather.

In this article, we’ll explain how to waterproof a swag, why seasoning matters and answer some common questions about swag maintenance.

What features to look for in a waterproof swag?

A swag’s ability to keep water out relies on the following:

Material: Most modern swags are made from high-density canvas or polyester with a water-resistant coating that repels water rather than absorbing it. The tightness of the weave and the thickness of the material also play significant roles in preventing water penetration. Our range of swags feature 400GSM Ripstop canvas and heavy-duty PVC bucket floor bases for extra peace of mind in wet weather.
Seams: Many swags come with sealed seams. These are often double-stitched and then sealed with a waterproof sealant to prevent water from seeping through stitch holes.
Ventilation features: Condensation can be another reason you may experience wetness in your swag. Look for swags that maximise ventilation without undermining weatherproofing. For instance, our Kings Deluxe Single Swag offers the option of pegging out storm flaps at both ends of the swag to increase overall air flow whilst also protecting you from the elements.
Design: Features such as sloped roofs and awnings help to channel water away from the sleeping area, ensuring that the interior remains dry even during heavy downpours.

Kings offers a wide range of swags and swag accessories to enhance your camping comfort and keep you dry.

What does seasoning a swag mean?

Seasoning a swag refers to the process of preparing a swag’s canvas material to enhance its water-resistant properties. The process generally entails wetting the swag and allowing it to dry completely. This causes the fibres in the swag’s canvas to expand and fill in any tiny stitching holes, greatly improving the fabric’s ability to repel water.

Why is it important to season your swag?

Many modern canvas swags come with a degree of water resistance. Our range of swags boasts 400GSM Ripstop canvas and a heavy-duty PVC bucket floor base for extra peace of mind in wet weather.

Even with improvements in waterproofing fabric, seasoning your swag is the important final step to ensuring your wet weather protection is complete. The primary reason for seasoning is to ensure that all seams and stitching holes are completely sealed. This protection not only keeps you dry but also prolongs the life of your swag by guarding against water damage and mould. Properly seasoning your swag is an important maintenance step and ensures it remains durable and reliable for many years to come.

Step-by-step guide to how to season your swag

Now that you understand the importance of seasoning your swag, let’s take a look at how it’s done.

1. Set up your swag:

Erect your swag in a clean, dry space - just like you would if you were out camping. Remember to remove your mattress so it does not become wet.

2. Wet your swag:

Use a hose to evenly soak the entire outer surface of the swag, paying extra attention to the seams, stitching and any other areas prone to leaking. If you are in an area with water restrictions in place you can use a bucket rather than a hose to wet your swag.

3. Let it dry:

Leave the swag out to dry completely under the sun. This part is crucial as the canvas needs to dry out fully to tighten up and seal those stitch holes. It’s best to season your swag when no rain is forecast, to ensure it can dry adequately.

4. Repeat the process:

For best results, go through the soaking and drying process up to three times. This ensures the swag is thoroughly seasoned and ready to repel water effectively.

5. Inspect for leaks:

After the final drying, inspect your swag carefully for any signs of moisture getting through, especially along the seams. If you spot even a trace of water leakage, consider using a seam sealer to fully waterproof the area. It is important to fully dry your swag before storage to avoid mould and moisture damage.

If you're more of a visual learner, we’ve prepared this helpful video tutorial on how to season a Kings swag.

FAQs

Q. Are swags waterproof?

Swags are designed to be water-resistant, offering protection against light to moderate rain when properly seasoned. However, for heavy downpours or prolonged exposure to wet conditions, additional waterproofing measures such as seasoning and seam sealing are necessary to ensure complete water resistance.

Q. What does season your swag mean?

To season your swag means to wet the canvas thoroughly and allow it to dry completely, enhancing the fabric’s waterproof properties. The process can also be referred to as weathering your swag.

Q. How long does it take to season a swag?

Seasoning a swag typically involves soaking and drying the canvas three times, which can take several hours depending on weather conditions. Allow at least a full day of sunny weather to ensure the canvas has ample time to dry completely between soakings.

Q. Do you need to season a new swag?

Yes, even new swags benefit greatly from seasoning. It ensures the fabric and seams are optimally waterproof before you take it out into the field.

Q. Should you weather a swag?

Definitely. Weathering, or seasoning, your swag helps maintain its waterproof integrity, especially if it’s regularly exposed to wet conditions.

Q. How do you season a swag?

To season a swag, set it up fully and soak the canvas thoroughly with water, ensuring all parts, especially seams, are wet. Allow it to dry completely in the sun before repeating the process two to three times to ensure optimal waterproofing.

Q. How often should you season a swag?

Ideally, re-season your swag every year if you use it frequently, or after any long stints of storage. It’s also wise to re-season after particularly wet camping trips.

Q. Can seasoning a swag reduce its breathability?

No, seasoning won’t compromise the breathability of your swag. It simply seals the tiny holes in the canvas, without affecting the fabric’s ability to let air pass through.

Q. Is it necessary to season a Kings swag?

Yes, even Kings swags with their waterproof 400gsm canvas can benefit from seasoning. This will ensure the best possible water resistance and durability over time.

Q. What's the best way to dry a swag after seasoning?

The best way to dry a swag after seasoning is to let it air dry naturally in a sunny area. Sunlight not only helps the canvas dry but also contributes to the tightening of the fabric’s weave, critical for effective waterproofing.

Seasoning your swag is an essential step in preparing for a successful (and dry) camping trip. This simple process ensures your swag is waterproof and durable, providing comfort and protection from the elements.

Looking for a reliable swag for your next outing? Check out our comprehensive range of high-quality swags, ideal for any Australian camper.