AOS Tracker Swag Review – Is This the Best Australian Swag?
When it comes to camping in Australia, your swag isn’t just gear, it’s your home away from home. After using the AOS Tracker Swag for over 3½ years in every imaginable condition, I can confidently say this is one of the best investments for serious campers who value comfort, durability, and thoughtful design.
If you’re searching for the best Australian swag, this review will cover everything you need to know about the AOS Tracker Swag, its comfort, quality of materials, easy setup, warranty, and why it might be the perfect choice for your next adventure.
Why the AOS Tracker Swag Stands Out
The Tracker Swag is the flagship model from Aussie Outback Supplies (AOS), and it’s clear why. It’s not just another swag; it’s a premium product designed for Australian conditions, backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty and proudly made in Western Australia. Yes, it comes at a premium price, but if you’re looking for something that will last for years and deliver comfort every single night, this is it.
Comfort That Changes the Game
Comfort is where the AOS Tracker Swag truly shines. The standout feature is the Australian-made Dunlop foam mattress. At 70 mm thick, this ultra-high-density mattress is a game-changer, no joke, it 100% is. After countless nights in the swag, I’ve never woken up with sore hips or back pain, a common issue with thinner low-quality mattresses. The mattress also comes with a zip-off washable cover, making it easy to keep clean even after extended trips.
This level of comfort is what makes the Tracker Swag a contender for the best Australian swag title. It’s not just about sleeping outdoors, it’s about sleeping well outdoors.
Tested in Real Aussie Conditions
We’ve taken this swag everywhere:
- Freezing cold nights where it was covered in ice.
- Scorching 35°C+ summer days.
- Humid tropical conditions with relentless mozzies.
- Torrential summer rain.
In every scenario, the Tracker Swag performed flawlessly. The 14oz heavy-duty canvas keeps warmth in during cold nights, while its breathable design and mosquito-proof mesh allow airflow in hot weather. The ability to adjust the setup without leaving the swag, switching between full canvas, mesh, or open sky, is a huge advantage when conditions change overnight.
- Camping Somewhere Near Injune
- It Was a Cold Morning
- Camping On the Oodnadatta Track
- 70mm Mattress Extremely Comfortable
Setup & Design Features
Setting up the Tracker Swag is incredibly easy, around two minutes thanks to the patented Zip-In Pole System and pre-bent alloy hoops. The setup is slightly different from most swags, but once you’ve done it once, it’s intuitive and quick.
Like any other swag, the AOS Tracker Swag is rolled out. Then you fold the head end of the swag over slightly to get access to the integrated pole and peg storage. You then unzip the storage pocket and take out your pegs and three poles.
- Pole and Peg Storage Under Swag
- Poles x 3 Stored Here
- Standard and Sand Pegs Stored Here
- Pre-Bent Alloy Support Poles
Start by inserting the short, straight pole that supports the head rain cover. This pole is zipped into place to secure it.
Next, take the large pre-bent pole for the head end. Slide one end of the pole through the end of the zips, then insert it into the corner webbing. Repeat this process on the opposite side.
Once both ends are positioned, gently push the pole into place—it will almost “click” when correctly aligned. Then, slide the pole into the small zippered compartment designed to hold it. After the pole is fully inside, close the zip to lock it in position. All poles are secured this way using the patented Zip-In Pole System.
Refer to the pictures below for a visual guide to this process.
Repeat the same steps for the foot-end pole. Once both poles are installed, hammer a peg into the ground at each end of the swag. Use the guy ropes to tighten and tension the setup, giving the swag its full structure.
- Setting up Swag Support Pole
- Patented Zip-In Pole System
- Pole Inside Zippered Compartment
- Pole Inside Zippered Compartment
One of my favourite design features is the absence of a centre support pole. Very similar to a traditional style swag but with a bit more space. This makes getting in and out much easier and gives you an unobstructed view of the stars. If you love stargazing, this is a big deal. You do need two pegs, one on each side, to give the swag its structure. The small head-height window is another clever touch; it improves airflow but must be closed in poor weather.
- Mesh Window Behind Head Under Cover
- Star Gazing Window
- Very Easy to Get In and Out of Swag
Size & Portability
The Tracker Swag is more compact when setup than many common swag layouts. It is not as compact as a traditional style swag but falls in between the traditional and mordern style swags. It rolls up fairly large due to the thick and dense mattress, but integrated large adjustable straps with heavy duty buckles, make rolling it as small as possible much easier. Plus, it comes with a generous carry bag that fits the swag with your sleeping bag and pillow. This is great as many swag bags are small, and it can be tough to fit them rolled up with your bedding.
We have also replaced the standard bag with the AOS Swag Protection Bag that is even larger and transforms into a groundsheet. You can read our review on this bag here.
- Heavy Duty Buckles and Large Straps
- AOS Swag Protection Bag with Bedding
- Bag Unzips as Ground Sheet
- AOS Tracker Swag (King Single) vs Standard Single Swag
Build Quality That Lasts
This swag is built tough with 14oz Australian water and rot-proofed canvas. It’s breathable, dries quickly in the sun, and feels like it will last for years. Oversized zips, mosquito-proof mesh, and integrated storage pockets show the attention to detail. When you have sand pegs included as well, that is just a little bit of an extra touch that is noticed. There’s even a built-in bottle opener eyelet, because why not?
After 3½ years of heavy use, the canvas still looks great, the zips work perfectly, and the mattress hasn’t lost its shape. This is gear you can trust for the long haul.
Customer Service Experience
After years of use, we had an issue with one strap buckle. AOS immediately sent a replacement and even covered the cost of repair. That level of customer service reinforces the value of buying from an Australian company that stands behind its products. It’s rare to see this kind of support, and it makes the premium price feel justified.
Australian Made & Warranty
The Tracker Swag is designed and manufactured in Western Australia and comes with a 10-year workmanship warranty. This isn’t just marketing, it’s a promise backed by real-world performance and customer support. When you buy this swag, you’re investing in quality, durability, and peace of mind.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros
- Exceptional comfort with Australian-made Dunlop foam mattress.
- Quick and easy setup (around 2 minutes).
- No centre pole for better access and star gazing.
- Compact design with integrated pole and peg storage.
- Comes with both standard pegs and sand pegs.
- Heavy-duty canvas that’s strong and quick drying.
- Large straps with heavy duty buckles, make packing easier.
- Outstanding customer service and 10-year warranty.
- Australian-made quality.
Cons
- Premium price point.
- Rolls up fairly large (though not that much bigger than other single swags).
- Smaller when setup compared to most swags, but this is not an issue for us as there is still plenty of headroom.
Final Verdict – Is It the Best Australian Swag?
After 3½ years of use in extreme conditions, the AOS Tracker Swag has proven itself as one of the most comfortable, durable, and well-designed swags on the market. If you have the budget and want a high-quality, Australian-made swag that prioritises comfort and longevity, this is the one to get.
Overall Rating
Highly recommended for serious campers who value quality over cost.
Why We Think it’s the Best Australian Swag?
The combination of comfort, durability, and Australian craftsmanship makes the AOS Tracker Swag hard to beat. It’s not the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for a swag that will last for years and deliver a great night’s sleep in any condition, this is the one for you.
We paid for our AOS Tracker Swag and did not receive anything to write this review. We are just happy to support Australian made products that work.
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Thanks for reading.
The thoughts of Peter.
