I've had a few conversations in Australian camping shops over the years and they've always put me off bringing back a swag for the UK. The main advantages given by people that use them: tradition, animal-proof and can take abuse, chuck in the back of a Ute, chuck on the floor, job's a good'en. No pegging or faffing. Disadvantages, heavier, not completely waterproof in constant rain, dark inside. So not the best solution for our soggy island unfortunately.
They're evolving too, from a simple canvas body bag to something more like a hooped bivi with plastic groundsheets, bug nets sewn in etc.
They're evolving too, from a simple canvas body bag to something more like a hooped bivi with plastic groundsheets, bug nets sewn in etc.