Real Review - Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Blanket - Sleeping Bag - Poncho - UnderQuilt
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- This is the Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll;
Blanket, Sleeping Bag, UnderQuilt, Poncho Liner and in this episode Luke is giving his Agenda Free Review!
Pros and Cons after 6+ months of use!
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Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Review
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Agenda Free Link : www.helikon-te...
Price : $126.
Colors : 3 shades of Green, Black, Coyote, Flecktarn, Wildwood,
Claimed Weight : 1.64lbs
Actual Weight : 1lbs 11.4oz with storage bag
Storage Bag weight : 1oz
Bag weight : 1lb 10.4oz
Included : Blanket, Stuff bag
Measurements Blanket Mode :
55” wide
79” long
Measure Meants Sleeping Bag Mode :
27.5” Wide
79” long
Measurements when stuffed :
6.5”
12” long
Materials : Dupont Teflon fabric protector and extra warm liner filled with Climashield Apex insulating material , YKK zippers,
Insulation : Climashield Insulation - Proven performance in side-by-side comparisons of warmth-to-weight ratio and durability is the reason Climashield® has supplied the U.S. Armed Forces for over 30 years.
Review Pros :
Excellent insulation for temps down to around $50. This is of course subjective for everyone but once the temps went into the 40’s, I was getting cold. I’ve heard from some viewers who were told by other youtubers that this would take them comfortably into the 30’s. That’s not true at all; I’ve confirmed this with my own testing and with the experiences of those viewers who I spoke it.
You might be able to push it down into the 30’s but you would have to be wearing some seriously warm layers. Realistically, 50f is the comfort zone.
Excellent quality.
Awesome design
Very functional
Easy to use as a blanket, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, poncho, great for hammock in warm weather
Is fully USGI poncho compatible
Hood is warm
Very good price.
Small form factor - larger than a woobie blanket but it is more versatile.
Sheds water thanks to a DWR coating
hood is adjustable
Review Cons :
My biggest con is size; for wider individual it could be an issue. Not height wise as it is 79” long, but it is rather narrow at 27.5” If you have wide shoulders or are just a big individual, it may be too small. For myself, length wise it fits fine but width wise, it is at the point of being uncomfortable.
I have a shoulder diameter of 48” and if you are any larger than that, it will be too tight.
Nylon material is what I would label as civilian grade; not military. While I haven’t had any issues and I don’t see any reason why I would, I have seen reports of some rips and tearing online with hard use. I’ve read that the outer and inner materials not not mil-spec.
Smallish head hole size; big heads or wearing a hat it may be snug if not impossible.
Also, small face hole.
Summary :
Do I recommend this product? Absolutely! This is another product from Helikon that is absolutely top notch. The quality is excellent, very versatile, price is reasonable, warm for what it is, great form factor and it is everything that the Woobie blanket isn’t and I have no problem recommending it.
Again, for wide individuals using this in sleeping bag mode may be impossible. For myself, it’s right at the point of being uncomfortable. I can make it work but I wish there was more space. Keep that in mind before purchasing and also, keep in mind the temp range. Realistically, 50f comfort. Don’t listen to nonsense; commonsense will tell you that this won’t keep you warm at 30f unless you have VERY warm clothing layers….if you do, that makes you wider and it may not fit.
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![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #1 НАЧАЛО ПУТЕШЕСТВИЯ [Новый сезон] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/380Q7gLWGvk/mqdefault.jpg)
My huge pumpkin head that would be an expensive hat.
Lol
same
a big head and a small hole can be a problem....that’s what she said 🤣😂 just can’t help it...that kinda stuff has cracked me up for 50 years and will most likely continue my entire life
They have newer versions where it seems they increased the head hole and hood size that was always my biggest issue with it. I see the idea of having a smaller hood as when combined with a wet weather poncho you don't want it being larger then the poncho hood.
Going to piggyback off the pinned comment. That front pouch can double as a stuff sack for a more compact pack.
Back in 1985 as an active duty Marine I fell in love the military poncho liner, aka "woobie" this thing is a woobie on steroids and has replaced my beloved woobie in my gear list. The price is a bit high for me but with the quality it's a "buy once, cry once" type of item, very durable in the use I have put it through.
I used the poncho liner as well but twenty year’s later, I also wish I had one of these when I served 😀. But it shows the simplest things stand the test of time.
The WOOBIE can't be replaced.
I had my mom sew a zipper on mine. It. Was perfect for them walk light freeze at night.
I was watching a fantastic BBC documentary called “Once upon a time in Iraq “. I saw several middle aged men/veterans talking about their experiences! All of a sudden I realised I’m one of those middle aged guys ! I just can’t bring myself to call me a veteran! Surely I can’t have gotten that old so quickly ?
I was in 1st. Mar Div C Co. 1/1 89'-91' I just recently heard the term "Woobie" referring to a Poncho Liner. I don't EVER remember hearing that word back then because I surely would remember it.
@@Hndsomdevl1 don't know if the the Marines call them that or not. In the Army I know we did. 1995-2008 11c high angle hell
I think the Thirty degrees was a misunderstanding. The reviewer was reading the laundry instructions but didn't realise it, ie it should be washed at 30°c which is a cool wash in a washing machine in Europe.
Not joking.
Dave Canterbury is a brand ambassador for Helikon and he fully endorses the Swagman Roll along with some of his fellow instructors at the Pathfinder school, (Josh Enyart, Shawn Kelly). So if you're an owner of this bag you're in very good company.
Designed by Pawel Supernat - former polish special unit soldier (JWK), a survivalist and survival school owner. ua-cam.com/users/survivaltechtv
@@NorbertPetrich Survival Tech designs some of Helikons very best stuff, chiefly in the Bushcraft Line
Of course he is so buy it sucker 😂😂😂😂😂
You can tuck the hood in the chest pocket for the sleeping bag configuration thats what the velcrobis for. You can also pack the entire bag into a zip chest pocket, making it self containing.
I use the swagman roll myself into ~43°F and i am comfortable as long as I add a fleece hat, thermal base-layer and wool socks. I like sleeping feeling a little cool rather than warm.
Edit: for fit i am 6'1", athletic build with a 43 inch chest and wider than average shoulders, i have enough room to sleep fine, but i think im at that "comfort limit". Just tested the head hole, you can make a fist and put your head and fist through the hole and still put it through without feeling like the hole is small. I wear a size 7 ¼ hat.
One, if not the best piece of equipment I've purchased in 2019, its always in my pack from fall to spring.
any other pieces of equipment you'd recommend?
@Norse Woodman appreciate your insight, but my question was actually for clint.
I've spent well-over 6,000 grand on gear in the last 2 years. Tents, pack(s), clothing, knifes etc. Been a hunter, fisherman, camper, hiker, woodsman for most of my life. The swagman roll, for me at least, is a great piece of kit, for me. Once its cooler outside, I carry it and use it allot. I use it to replace a jacket, I've slept in it and under it, again, it works for me. I'm 6'1 225lbs, sure, as Luke said, it can be a little tight in sleeping bag mode, hood yes a bit tight, but I like it, i look at it as a backup to several items, for a what if....
@Norse Woodman bro, if you don't like it, cool. I'm not gonna go back and forth over the swagman. Good lord.
@@Gutterfighting "I've spent well-over 6,000 grand on gear in the last 2 years."
Was your expedition to the arctic, Antarctica, or Everest?
Just got my first swagman roll,I like the breathable aspect of it as I’m moving.Im a big guy,310 lbs,and it offers me a lot of mobility of movement.Good purchase.
Hi Luke. Hello Everyone. FYI For the Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll to keep a person warn below 50 degrees you need to use the military poncho WITH the Swagman Roll. I am slowly rebuilding my shelter kit and I bought a Swagman Roll and military poncho from Helikon-Tex back in 1999 after watching review from others and I was able to stay warm in the LOW 40's to the high 30's with the Swagman Roll and military poncho (USED TOGETHER.) Using the two together is the only way I have ever used the set. GREAT KIT AND GREAT VIDEO.
The zippered chest pocket is a storage option as well. With the face down, flatten out into Blanket Mode. Stow away the Hood into the Hood Pocket. Fold the Roll in on itself so it assumes the rough shape of the chest pocket. Flip over to face up. Reach inside the chest pocket to a deep corner and grip all of the layered material. Gently Pull the roll into the pocket, Close the Zipper. It takes some stuffing and adjusting but it saves a lot of space, compared to the normal storage bag. Could also be used as a pillow or seat cushion.
Tested mine about two weeks ago. It got down to freezing. I was wearing a pair of flannel lined pants and shirt. Watching the thermometer I was comfortable to around 39 degrees. I didn't set a fire and was using my poncho as a tarp with a Walmart blue mat as a ground pad.
After 39 degrees I pulled out my GI wool blanket and slept the rest of the night, but as mentioned I was wearing flannel lined clothes. Walmart grade here folks. Just a set I wear at work NOT my good "go to the woods" clothes.
A great Review! I Love my Swagman Roll. The dimensions are such that when used as a poncho liner the poncho covers it completely, thus if it was any wider the toggles wouldn't line up with the grommets on a poncho. I have wide shoulders so zipping it up is out of the question so I use it as a quilt, I create a foot box (using the zipper) and have used mine down to around 50 degrees comfortably (colder with a reflector fire and tarp). When the temperatures dip below 50 to in the upper 30's proper sleepwear and a wobbie to sleep on and I can stay comfortable. If you don't want to use the stuff sack, you can stuff it into it's kangaroo pocket. When hammock camping with an under quilt and this as an over quilt I stay comfortable into the 50s.
Excellent comment about lining up with the grommets on a military poncho.
I'm 5'9" and 160#. The swagman roll has proven to be excellent! I use it as the poncho (liner), blanket and sleeping bag. Have not used it as a hammock under quilt, but the corner toggles and the buckle straps seem they would make that use pretty easy. I operate in the desert, so the insulation is often adequate for my needs. I sometimes supplement the swagman roll with a woobie or wool blanket. All in all, a great piece of gear!
Love my swagman roll. Your review is spot on, including the Cons. When I go bivy and swagman, I just wear the swagman in poncho mode and then get into the bivy. Works best for me.
Enjoy your straight forward, fair, no BS reviews. Would like to see the Swagman deployed as an under quilt .
I've read all the replies B4 composing mine.
I first heard about & saw Corporal's Corner use & review of The Swagman's Roll. In my opinion, this is a MUST HAVE for that just in case moment when in a vehicle. For myself, I would most likely use it as a very heavy Poncho, however, I already have an Arcturus Poncho that weighs only 11oz & comes down to the top of my ankles. I doubt I'd ever use it as something to sleep in.. I, too, have heard nothing but GOOD THINGS others have said about the Swagman's Roll
I am impressed with the product description, but I am even MORE impressed with your objective review on this and other products. Thank you, for you are doing a legitimate service for camping enthusiasts, unlike too many other UA-cam.
I have a Swagman Roll, since Spring 2019. It´s one of the Best equiptment you can buy. BUT- I wish they produce a larger Version for bigger people, with wider shoulders. To use it as a sleeping bag, its a little bit to tight for me.
Swagman roll is a piece of equipment for emergencies, it's not a deticated sleepimg bag which those aren't either as biig as our beds at home, it's a multitool that has to be easy to carry (lightweight and small). It's designed to perfection, that's why Luke said, that all people who knows love it and none has any issue with it!!
@@greekveteran2715 bigger persons idea of small and light weight is a bit different from small dweebie people.
@@MrMigido You're right Mr Migido! Have a nice evening!
I've watched a lot of guys wearing/using it and swearing by it. But having it on or waking up under didn't help me much. This is the first in-depth review that I've seen. Thanks for the information. I'm definitely getting this now for my winter go bag.
I've looked at this a few times over the past couple years. Still can't make myself pull the trigger and the price keeps going up. I do appreciate you taking a look at it for us. Thanks, Luke.
This is a purchase you WILL NOT regret.
I'm with you. I like the idea of owning a swagman roll but it packs like a sleeping bag size anyway so why take a chance of having a cold night, and I already have the helikon poncho which packs small. Wearing the swagman roll as a poncho looks like a sweaty experience if you are on the move. I fear that it would do everything, but nothing well enough. Am I wrong?
This is the "Oh No she is snoring again" bag for the sofa. It works, had one since Jan 19 still looks new after numerous washes. Downside, the dog loves it too. Agree the real downside is the width but at 6'3'' its still works for me, just. I have also used it with my Snugpak Elite 3 to add a season last winter. Never feels damp, big bonus in Britain. Keep up the awesome reviews.
It reminds me a lot about the Jerven Fjellduken Hunter, that I've mentioned before, although that one is slightly different. It's 40 inches in sleeping bag mode, instead of the 29 inches. It also comes in King Size. These considerations also comes at a premium. However the differences, these tools are universally treasured and it's cool to see.
Everyone should own one of these. If not for emergency reasons in your truck, then at least for having a cheaper entry into the 4 season. Combine it with a 3 season bag, and you're ready for the wonder of cowboy camping in the snow. It's something completely different to wake up covered in white snow all around and no shelter. I hope everyone can experience that, at least once.
I own one of these, and they are great for some things. I primarily use it as a wind breaker and top layer while doing landscape photography at higher elevations. Also a travel blanket for warmer temperatures. At 6'2' and heavier set the sleeping bag config is useless for me, but as a underquilt on a hammock it does well. As something becomes more multi functional it has to sacrifice in places... I think they balanced it pretty well :D Thanks so much for all your hard work and amazing reviews!
I’m a hammock camper. I would like to see and hear how it works as a under quilt. Really enjoy your channel.
Agree
You can cinch both sides and use the poncho loops to string it to your hammock. You'd need to buy some shock cord. Can't tell you how warm it would be though.
ua-cam.com/video/6aYcgJK1gKg/v-deo.html Check out from 8:55
Seems to me it'd be more usefull as an extra layer to add to your existing underquilt when needed rather than relying on it on it's own. Though I guess it might be good in warmer climates.
I have had make from it an envelope with holes on both sides and used it as coccon on my hammock. Worked very well.
I’ve seen them used as a shelter set up and you can fill them with leaves for a bedding it’s definitely versatile
I know the other channel that took it down to around freezing, he did it with a tarp and fire not as a stand alone bit of gear. But your honest review is greatly appreciated.
Had my eye on this thing for a while, and glad to finally see your review of it. I knew a lot of the info already, but as usual you covered some of the things you just can’t know by looking at pics or certain videos. Excellent review as always, and this video helped me make up my mind on whether to purchase it or not. Keep up the great work
I have Helikon BDU pants made approx. 17 years ago. They've made tremendous progress through the years. Glad you like the Swagman Roll.
I have had mine for about 2 years now and love it works well as a blanket, poncho liner. I use it in the hammock in the summer and a blanket in the house in the winter it usually rides in my pack as an extra layer just in case.
When they make a larger bag, I'll consider one.
Just get a bigger bag, Walmart has cheap waterproof ones
Nothing better then waking up in the morning and chucking this on, it's great when sitting as it covers your legs. With a fire nearby and some warm clothes your golden. I agree for very cold weather it's not suitable as a standalone sleep system but I often find I can combine it fairly well with my current sleep system just by adding it ontop of my sleeping bag as a blanket for added insulation but I would not rely on it for extreme weather it's always an addon an extra comfort item it should not be seen as something to replace a dedicated piece of cold weather kit.
Luke, I have 2 of the Swagman rolls.... they are super value due to the fact they are multi use item. I use one of mine as an under-quilt for my hammock, I didn't see a demonstration of that. I added about 4 foot of shock cord and a small carabiner, between the built in cinch cords, on each end for quick deployment as a under-quilt. The other one is for multi function use - quilt, poncho liner, blanket, sleeping bag liner, cool morning or evening fireside wrap. I could still use them both for all purposes, but kind of dedicated one for the under-quilt, for ease. Really good piece of kit!
I’m a bigger bloke, so I don’t think that product would be good for me. I appreciate your honest reviews. Great video mate. Keep‘em coming.
Everyone crowing "they're out of stock!" -- go look at Helikon-Tex's webstore. Not their USA webstore, their Polish one. It's in stock there and will ship from Poland, so it'll take a bit, but they have them in stock there. Took me maybe a week to get it.
refutonefandus I bought mine from their Poland store too. It was a lot for shipping from Poland to the USA but I got the color I wanted and did not have to endure the agony of out of stock, out of stock, at every store I shopped at just trying to find a place that had the swagman in stock. They are good ponchos, sleeping bags, whatever you want to call it. I like mine a lot!
I love mine. Sleep with it at home too. The outer is also windproof and that makes a big difference for a cheeky afternoon outdoor nap. It's good at transferring out moisture so the dog likes to sleep under it when she's just had a bath. I'm a bit big to use it in sleep bag mode but it functions just fine as a top quilt zipped up with a foot box. I haven't tried it as a hammock underquilt. It does stuff down into the reversible front pocket and it makes an acceptable cushion in that config too. When the weather's a bit cold I use an old wobbie inside the swagman. I'd love it if somebody made a plus sized version with poncho - I'd buy that and give this one to my wife. I know outdoor innovations does something a bit similar in huge sizes, but them prices.
Used it in 10-20 degree weather as a blanket in a sleeping bag and poncho for morning coffee around the fire. Love it.
Bought one in the pencott camo. It is superb. Love the multi use. As poncho in the day/evening then as quilt in hammock. Have used it down to 0c in uk in hammock with Snugpak cocoon. And in bivy bag with snugpak jungle blanket. Again down to 0c. Plenty warm enough. The multi function combined with jungle bag small pack size and weight is great. Thanks for the detailed review. It’s what made me get one and so glad I did. I will never go out without it.
Thank you Luke, I appreciate your honesty. I intended to buy one of these, but because it was out of stock I didn't have a chance, guess it was a boon instead. I have Enormous shoulders and a huge head, think human pitbull, lol. I also had planned on using it for cold weather hunting, around 30 degrees or lower, so I'm afraid it is not going to work for me. I think I will try to make a custom Cagoule instead.
You kept me from regretting it Mr. Luke, I thank you.
Wiggy's insulated poncho for $95 is pretty similar. Lamilite\Climashield insulated poncho with a hood. I've had mine for years.
Works great as a summer quilt. Also good to put on the top of down in the winter to move the frost to the Climashield and away from the down. Also good for an emergency ditch bag on paddle trips to warm up if you've taken an unplanned swim.
For that matter, it works great on the couch. :)
To get below 50 F, skip the zipper and use it as a quilt doubled on top of you. Your sleeping pad should be providing the insulation under you.
Huge fan and follower from over the pond. Purchased this following your review. I have used it a lot. In all modes. Mostly poncho sitting around camp in the evening and morning. Great extra if temperature drops in the night over or in sleeping bag. Agree it is a little snug but great as blanket. As a summer/autumn under quilt for hammock it is superb. So versatile. I rarely go out out overnight without it. 👍🏼
I picked one up in a giveaway on instagram from a tactical page last summer its a great piece and didnt cost a dime.
Your channel is awesome Luke. I really appreciate you and the thorough reviews. Putting out great vibes man!
This is a review that I've been waiting for a long time. This product seems to be just as good if not even better than I was expecting it to be. Helikon-Tex is really upping their ante, kudos to them.
When it comes to your reviews the more information the better and while also utilizing real life scenarios, providing pros and cons, giving your body size for fitment are all huge details that make your channel so awesome, especially that it's agenda free!
🙏💪❤️✌️
Helikon-Tex certainly needs to make an XL or larger version of the Swagman Roll, this one is way to small for my 6'5" 235lb frame😒 Tried it last year and gave it to my grandson, it's too small for him also at 6'4" 180lbs🙄 This has some nice features, too bad we can't use it. So goes the luck with being in the "Tall" guys crowd🤔 Another honest and reliable review, thanks Luke👍
I'm using it for few years and I just love it. Absolutely no issues. And yes, it's tight as a sleeping bag, works great as an under blanket for the hammock. Very versatile. I totally recommend it.
Honestly the sleeping bag aspect is the least useful. If I was to use this as an impromptu shelter I would wear it as a poncho liner underneath a water proof poncho and sleep leaning against a tree so you have the least contact with the ground sapping away heat. It wouldn't be comfortable but would keep you more dry in rainy weather then lying on the wet ground.
I've been thinking about purchasing one.
Thanks Luke for helping me make the right decision.👍
I loved my Swagman, but at 6' and over 300lbs it was useless as a bag and barely covered me as a blanket. So I "upgraded" to the Hill People Gear Mountain Serape, but I miss the grommet toggles, chest pouch, and buckle system on the Swagman. If Helikon-Tex came out with an XL version, I'd definitely switch back. Great, comprehensive review as always!
I’ve had one for the past year and it works well as a poncho, under blanket and quilt. It really needs to be wider in sleeping bag mode - I’d say 37 to 39 inches wide because of my broad shoulders and chest. Otherwise sleeping bag mode makes me feel like sausage meat in a casing and difficult to get out of quickly. It would also be nice if Helikon-Tex made it with 100 gram/square meter Climashield Apex rather than the 67 gram / square meter stuff.
As it stands, the Swagman roll is adequate for 3 season use. For 4 season use I use Varusteleka’s Thermal Cloak, available in uninsulated, 67 gram/ square meter Climashield(what I have), and 100 gram/ square meter versions. It works better than the Swagman roll as a sleeping bag (more width) and as a overbag with a regular sleeping bag inside. It is pricey, but for me, worth it. The Thermal Cloak and Carinthia’s Defence 4 sleeping bag keep me comfortable to -30 C (-22 F) on a good R factor sleeping pad.
Good review, Luke, thank you.
That looks really nice. I just got a delivery this morning from Amazon, a Snugpak Jungle Blanket XL. My new 'woobie'. I can use it as an underquilt for my hammock with tarp clips. The Swagman Roll makes me wish it could have a poncho mode, too.
I have both and often use them together, works real well.
Cheers mate, appreciate the honest heads-up. However, I just have to chuckle when you say wide shouldered. Bless your heart, you're just a wee man. 27 inches across the shoulders ain't wide by any stretch of the imagination. Yes, I'm 6ft 6" and this product won't suit me, but I really do appreciate the veracity of your reviews.
6:45 Great review Luke, you don't miss a thing. God bless you and your family!
Helikon is one of those brands where you see the price tag and hesitate for ages to get it, but once you do you don't regret it.
Excellent show as always.Your honest reviews on products is such a good research site,and you tell it like it is Thanks!
My solution for the tightness of the swagman roll is to raise the zipper only halfway, leaving the upper half open and put the zipper under me (inside my bivy bag), that is, I use it as a quilt
That's a great idea
Ponchos are great for when you're hiking with a pack and getting a sweat on in foul weather as they're much more breathable that having a gortex jacket on especially if you run hot.
Nice review Sir, and you're correct in saying the neck and head space needs to be a lot bigger, Helikon Tex take note.
love my swagman, take it with me on all my camping trips.
I bought one and so far i like it. One thing i will say in the sleeping bag configuration you better not be a very broad feller. Its a tight fit for me its nice but about another inch or 2 of material would have been nice. In an emergency its better than nothing, but if your very wide in the shoulder area just a heads up just use it as a blanket . He is spot on innthe video about the sleeping bag mode.
I have had one for about a year and a half and agree with everything you said, have slept out in the hammock with this as a top quilt to about 50F and it was perfect as a poncho liner its great and I keep it in the car when we go to fall soccer or sports and the kids have used it while spectating to keep warm or as a ground cloth. I like to bring it on winter hikes as another layer , ground cloth or pto use with the ponch when it just a raw rainy day. I would definitely recommend it to other.s
I completely agree on temp rating. I used a queen size Alpaca blanket and slept comfortably in a two man tent in 13 F weather. I used it I quilt mode with zipped three quarters up. Next time I try this I will pin up the blanket though.
THANK YOU FOR SHOWING US / ME . BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR JOURNEYS ! ENJOYED !
Love mine. It’s great for the UK summer and I use mine in my hammock as a liner.
Great for my car in my bug out bag.
I have their poncho but it leaks. I have their rucksack to.
Good kit.
I’ve been interested in this product ever since I saw Dave Canterbury use one. However, I decided to wait for you to do a review of it. With cold weather coming I will put it Spring gear wish list.
Great review, as allways spot on! 👍
I've been using the Swagman Role for well over a year now.
It lives in the bottom of my backpack and comes along on all hikes.
At night I use it as a quilt in combination with an insulated sleeping pad since it is indeed too narrow to fit my shoulder.
The lowest I've tried sofar is 12c (54F) and it kept me nice and warm. At lower temps I bring a dedicated 20F down quilt, that weighs about the same, but is much less flexible!
Been trying to purchase a second Swagman Roll for the car winter emergency kit, but they are out of stock.
I wonder how much you can push its limits by just bringing an ultralight sleeping bag liner and a bivy. Silk liners and other liners usually are under 150g and they can keep you warmer. Ultralight bivys share the same caracteristics, in addition to bring waterproofness.
You could also wear thermal undreclothing. That's be so interesting to see. Bivy + liner + thermal clothing and add a head bugnet... You'd be able to put the liner and the bivy in your pocket. A whole sleep system without a bag.
@@greg5478 My experience is that the colder it gets, the less useful the 'multiuse' feature of the Swagman becomes, since you are likely to bring a dedicated warm Jacket anyway.
For emergencies in Spring/Fall you could combine the swagman with an energency mylar blanket.
I've splurged on a Jerven Bag Exclusive with a warm liner since. It has become my emergency companion for winter. The Swagman now spends much time in the trunk of my car.
I love mine! I use it all the time when I can it is an awesome piece of kit when hiking in the PNW
Yes helikon Tex is a great company. I’ve been using there stuff for over 5 years now. Great quality great prices.
3:40 dude looks like hes ready to pop a lightsaber..
Poncho mode... I think Obi Wan Kenobi wore one of those in Star Wars... 🤔😂
This is not the poncho you are looking for.......
Thank you, Most honest review of this product.
I always appreciate your gear reviews. They are very thorough and informative. So thanks for your research and hard work. Ooogh Rah!
Great review, Luke. I love Helikon Tex products and the Swagman Roll is without a doubt my favorite. This and the HT Poncho, in a camo pattern, have replaced my aged and beloved military poncho and woobie. I cowboy camp a lot (stealth camping) and using a 5X7ft camo tarp as my shelter; total weight at 3.7lbs. My mattress is a debris stuffed 55gl contractor bag. When the temperatures dropped into the low 40's I would take a SnugPak jungle blanket or my woobie to supplement my bedroll. At times the set up was a little too warm and had to shed the blanket. I am a large framed guy and weigh 225 and cannot use the roll as a sleeping bag but just pull the poncho and Swagman (as I lay on one side of it) over me like a blanket. The poncho helps to keep the moisture or morning dew from dampening the roll and to keep the "hawk" or wind from penetrating the bedroll. That was cool learning that this material was used in horse blankets...thanks! I ordered a Helikon Tex Patriot fleece jacket and some of their clothing to replace my old LAPG stuff; HT quality is incredible. Walmart should take note!
Thanks for the review. I have seen this product on another channel and I'm glad to see your report! Keep up your reviews and adventures!
I purchased the swagman roll earlier this year, really happy with the performance. kept me warm on a breezy evening.
I have one of these, and used it on a 10 day trip on the Jura here in Switzerland this past summer. I usually carry my poncho liner, or my Kifaru Woobie. But I liked it. I didn't zip it up. I cant fit inside of it. It's too slim for my body size. So I just zip up the feet, and cover myself with the rest. Over all, a great product.
I have two of these. Nice, but the hood comes to point, making me look like a garden gnome. Wilderness Innovation has a better hood on their Osni poncho liner.
I don't use it as a sleeping bag, but as a quilt. Works well in Colorado down to 50deg or so, with adequate insulation underneath.
Bought one when they first came out. Versatile piece of kit. Great to have in my SAR pack. Helikon makes some very impressive gear.
You can also buckle it up first behind you and then in front of you which will give you a ”tighter” poncho.
So glad you like it. It is a bit small for me...my sleeping bags are 33 inches for me to be comfortable. But happy you think its a good product.
Helikon is the way to go thats forsure!!
Just got mine and found something I hadnt seen in the reviews the pouch pocket zipper handle goes all the way around which means you can stuff the entire roll into the insideout pocket and zip it up making a smaller stuff sack for it!
I just ordered my second one this time in US woodland. the old one is flecktarn and it works great with my main poncho the wilderness innovations hammock poncho.
I use mine as an over quilt. I love it.
Saw this on corporals corner. As a 6 foot broad shouldered 220 pound man it is definitly restrictive in sleeping bag mode. If I keep my arms out of it I am comfortable in any position. With my arms and shoulders in it it will work but barely. It is pretty darn tight but in a pinch if you need to stay warm it will do the trick
Hey Luke...love your channel! I have an alternate suggestion I believe as good and I'm not sure you have tested yet. It's the One Tigris ROC Poncho Sleeping Bag for $72.98 on Amazon. It seems to be almost the same. Not that many reviews on it.
Outstanding bought mine last week in flectarn. Helikon tex best bang for your buck for me. Love thier products.
I haven't tried the Swagman Roll, but I do have a number of different items from Helikon-Tex and all of them are outstanding...
Outstanding piece of equipment...thanks for the review...
You missed 2 important features: 1. You can fit the whole S Roll into its chest pocket - the packed product dimensions then are much smaller than in the bag. 2. This SR is fully compatible with POMUSPO Surplus poncho - the rain protector and a tarp in one. (also from Helikon-tex).
I've had one for almost a year and a half, indeed, it's too narrow for me, the head hole is small and the hood is tight on my head like a balaclava. It's quite a bit smaller than a usgi poncho/poncho liner, so it puckers up the poncho when toggled...and on that note, it only attaches on the corners, not the middle of the edges.
All that said, this is very good quality materials and workmanship, it could've been an awesome next gen poncho liner, they just didn't quite make it to the finish line...not for full grown adults anyway.
I gave it to my daughter...she loves it.
Interesting: Years ago I bought a poncho liner from KitBag in Australia. I had the of turning it into a poncho/tabard for the mornings & using it to extend a sleeping bag. It took some years before I finally did the mods. I put a neck slit across near the middle, about 2 inches closer to the front than the back so the it hangs even front to back. Then I added some press studs to join the 2 long sided down the middle, This makes it 2 layers with a vertical neck slit in one layer and a horizontal slit in the other, so that it fits closely but comfortably around the neck hole In this narrow form, it is worn as a tabard with a belt around the waist, so that the sides overlap a little & the length is about the knee. Unlike poncho mode, the arm are mostly uncovered & have full free movement. So you would want to wear a fleece jacket under it to keep the arms warm. In practice though, the arms are not cold in this configuration & it allows full freedom of movement. I thought this would be light weight due to versatility, carrying fewer items. Well, that is only partially true, the bottom line is that down jackets are so light, your probably just better off going with that instead. So, I'm really interested if there is a light weight alternative to the poncho/tabard concept as versatility seem a good principle.
This thing weighs 750grams whereas snugpak jaket is 1134grams... for warmer summer ill be okay with this ting alone, but atm(spring) and autumn... i guess ill need something extra.
@@klavsvasilis There appears 2 versions of the Helicon product the basic version is 979g with polyester fill, while poncho version is750g with Climashield Apex insulation.
My Woobie poncho liner is 823g including the poncho/tabard mods I did. So, yes the Helicon poncho is a little lighter weight. It may be warmer in sleeping bag mode too, but my woobie worn as a tabard is double thickness & has completely unrestricted freedom of movement. If it's worn as the Helicon product is, it restricts arm movement. So, I think that's one negative for the Helicon.
My Aldi down jacket weighs 530g and packs into a fraction of the space by comparison & it's warmer costs less too.
So, while I think there are some pros to these poncho products, it does not seem all one way, especially if you want to travel light & with little bulk on foot. Your probably better off just with a down sleeping bag that you can also use as a blanket or wrap.
Thank you so much, I am 183cm tall and about 90kg. Was seriously looking at getting this and now I have realised I am going to be to claustrophobic in it. I also have a massive and I mean massive head, 59cm. I need a special ordered Kevlar helmet.
I have 2 of them and we love it. My wife took my first one and I had to get a second one. Awesome product. I agree a bit bigger would be great.
I like the fact it is multi functional. I was thinking on 30 degree weather that one could put this in a sleeping bag. Not only is it a poncho liner but it is also a sleeping bag liner.
Man thanx for the straight up honest review them other guys iv seen trying to sell this give u the impression it’s good for cold winter
Nice gear for fall weather or maybe a wool anorak under in winter
I have a big head(size 62) and had no problem fitting it trough the hold AND i have long hair which adds to the size of my head.
Thanks. I used this video and the comments to work out if my swagman roll would be suitable for the temps I would experience on a recent overnight hike and it worked out fine. Got down to 12C / 50F and I was warm in my hammock with a 20F underquilt and decent clothing (no puffy jacket).
Thanks for the review, I've been looking at these for some time!
great job!
We have thermarest Honcho Ponchos/blanket for when we camp in Autumn and early spring when weather can still be chilly, making it cold inside the tent. These are a brilliant idea. No doubt the Helikons are just as good.
Bonus feature... it packs down into the pocket on front so you dont have to have the carry bag. I keep this in my truck as a travel blanket.
Works super well as a warm season underquilt on my dutchware chameleon.
Awesome review Luke! I think this paired with the helikon tex rain poncho its perfect for summer time use or as a minimalist bugout bag sleep system. For the warmer months unless you have really good insulation layers. The weight and packability of both pieces is great! And you could buy a small compression sack for this piece to make it pack even smaller. Of course never leave it compressed for long periods of time. It can ruin the integrity of the piece. Same goes for any sleeping bag, blanket etc.. I think kifaru used to make a similar piece of gear? Not sure they still do?.. Helikon has always made quality gear. Hike on!
Thankyou for outstanding demonstration of swagman roll.