ONCE A JOLLY IRONMAN

IRONMAN 4X4’S RIDGE POLE SWAG PROMISES QUALITY AND FUNCTIONALITY AT A GREAT PRICE. WE CHECKED IT OUT TO SEE IF IT DELIVERS

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

THE humble swag has come a long way since the thin roll of canvas that served as bedding for the pioneers, explorers and drovers of this country in the early years of the colony. The canvas is now waterproof, tear-resistant and is supplemented by a mattress, mozzie netting and support poles.

Nowhere is the latest generation of personal swags more epitomised than in the new Ridge Pole Swags from Ironman 4x4. Not only does it come with all the aforementioned features, but it has a veranda and a place to keep your boots dry and critter-free! The Ironman Ridge Pole Swags come in King Single and Double sizes for $439 and $479, making them great value for money. We got our hands on a King Single version and have used it on a couple of trips in the Victorian High Country.

Unpacking the Ironman swag for the first time, it was great to see it comes with a heavy-duty canvas bag which always come in handy to protect your swag from the elements if you're carrying it in the back of a ute or on the roof of your 4x4. Also in the bag are all the tent pegs and guy ropes you'll need, the ridge pole and awning poles, mattress and separate boot bag. I've since been using the boot bag as a place to store all these ancillaries when they go back in the big bag. And yes, it does all fit back in the bag at the end of the day.

RATED