What is a Swag? Overnight in the Bandit 900 Swag with Survival Expert Dave Canterbury

When it comes to bushcraft and outdoor survival, Dave Canterbury is a name that carries serious weight. As the founder of Pathfinder School and a globally recognized survival expert, his gear reviews and field tests go beyond opinion — they’re trusted evaluations rooted in decades of real-world experience. In this feature, he helps explain what a swag is and why this uniquely rugged canvas shelter has become a staple for serious overlanders.

So when Dave decided to take the Bandit 900 Swag into the field for a full overnight test, we knew his insights would be worth listening to. This wasn’t a studio review or a backyard demo — this was a real night out at the Pathfinder School, surrounded by students learning the fundamentals of outdoor wilderness survival.

Setting the Scene

It’s the final night of Pathfinder’s basic survival class. Students sleep in minimalist shelters they’ve built from scratch — no frills, no comfort, just the basics. Instructors, meanwhile, stay nearby to keep watch, rotating fire duty to ensure everyone stays safe through the night.

This time, Dave brought along something new: a Bandit 900 Swag, the same rugged, canvas-bodied shelter he discovered and picked up at Overland East. His mission was simple — see how the Bandit holds up in authentic conditions, and find out whether this Australian-inspired bedroll lives up to its reputation as the ultimate overlander’s shelter.

What Is a Swag?

If you’re new to overlanding or vehicle-based camping, you might be asking — what exactly is a swag?

A swag is a compact, all-in-one sleeping system that combines a tent, mattress, and shelter into a single roll. Originating in Australia, swags were historically used by bush workers and overland travelers who needed something quick, durable, and weatherproof — essentially a modern cowboy bedroll.

When rolled out, a swag forms a sturdy, weather-resistant mini-tent with built-in support hoops and ventilation flaps for airflow and comfort. Optional rain flies can be added to extend the covered space, creating a small awning-like area to shield gear or belongings from the elements. When it’s time to move, the swag rolls up neatly for easy strapping to a roof rack, trailer, or cargo bed. Unlike traditional nylon tents, swags are built from heavy-duty canvas, delivering superior insulation, breathability, and long-term durability.

In short:

• Easy to set up and take down

• Built for vehicle camping, not backpacking

• Exceptionally durable and comfortable

• Compact enough to store in your overland rig

The Bandit 900 takes this timeless design and elevates it with thoughtful modern refinements — a thicker foam mattress for comfort, improved airflow for all-season usability, and premium canvas engineered specifically for North American conditions. Like every 23Zero product, it’s built under our MADE BETTER principles — stronger materials, smarter design, and a relentless focus on lasting quality.

Setting Up the Bandit 900 Swag

Right off the bat, Dave notes that this is not your ultralight hiker’s tent — and that’s a good thing. At about 32–35 pounds, the Bandit 900 is built for vehicle-based camping and overlanding, not long-distance backpacking. Noting that it’s not meant to be carried. Think of it as a modern take on the old cowboy bedroll — roll it up, strap it to your rig, and you’re ready for the next leg of the journey.

“They roll these things up and put them on top of the vehicle to take them overland. It’s like the old chuck-wagon bedroll. You’re not carrying it on your back — you’re traveling with it.” — Dave Canterbury

Setup is intuitive and sturdy:

• Dome-style poles and snap-in clips make it familiar for anyone who’s ever pitched a tent.

• Two center spreader bars create the signature “swag” arch, giving it that roomy internal feel.

• The integrated canvas shell and heavy-duty steel stakes ensure the structure holds firm in wind and weather.

• Side vents unzip to create awnings for airflow and condensation control.

It’s the kind of design that trades a few extra pounds for lasting durability — and Dave immediately appreciates that balance.

Built for Comfort — and Built to Last

Once set up, Dave is immediately struck by the comfort and craftsmanship that 23Zero is known for.

“This thing has got an absolute ton of room in it. Got an awesome mattress… this is going to be a real comfortable night’s sleep without a doubt.”

The integrated high-density foam mattress makes all the difference, turning a rugged overlanding shelter into a legitimate bed. Inside, storage pockets for keys, knives, or phones keep small essentials off the floor and easy to find.

The canvas body is another highlight. Unlike synthetic nylon tents, canvas naturally breathes — meaning less condensation, even when temperatures dip into the 40s. Dave skips the optional rainfly that night, confident that the Bandit’s water-resistant canvas would handle the dew.

Swag vs Rooftop Tent — Which Is Right for You?

Many overlanders eventually face this question: should I go with a swag or a rooftop tent? Both are top-tier camping and overlanding solutions — but they serve slightly different needs.

Key Feature	Swag	Rooftop Tent
Setup Time	Extremely quick (2–3 minutes) from roll-out to ready	Varies by style: hard shells can be up in 2–3 minutes, while soft shells take 8–10 minutes
Comfort	Thick built-in mattress, insulated canvas	Elevated sleeping platform, thinner mattress
Weight & Portability	Around 30–35 lbs, easily removable	Heavier (100–150+ lbs), semi-permanent mount
Use Case	Ground-based, perfect for quick stops or solo camping	Ideal for multi-day trips and group travel
Cost	More affordable	Higher investment, includes mounting hardware
Storage & Access	Stores compactly in rig or trailer	Always mounted, takes roof space

In short — if you love simplicity, quick setups, and that “roll out and rest” mentality, a swag is the way to go. For those running full overland rigs who camp night after night in remote regions, a rooftop tent offers convenience and elevation.

Either way, 23Zero has you covered. See our full line of Swags or Rooftop Tents to make your compare and make your decision.

The Overnight Test

After checking on his students’ fires and assignments, Dave finally turns in around 12:30 a.m. The night is cool, quiet, and clear. By 6:15 a.m., the instructors are back up making rounds — and Dave wakes to realize he never stirred once.

“I can guarantee you I did not wake up in between. That’s how well I was sleeping.”

He calls it a “king’s sleep” — a telling review from a man who’s spent thousands of nights in the field.

Packing It Down

Morning comes quickly at Pathfinder School. While students review their notes and firecraft, Dave breaks down the Bandit 900. Packing it up is as easy as rolling it tight and strapping it down.

He stores his Wiggy’s sleeping bag and pillow in a 30-liter dry bag alongside the swag — still leaving room for extra clothes. Within minutes, he’s ready to move out.

That’s the real charm of a swag system: quick to deploy, quick to stow, and built to ride shotgun on any adventure.

Dave’s Takeaway

The final verdict? The Bandit 900 Swag isn’t for everyone — but it’s perfect for the right adventurer.

• It’s not meant for backpacking, but ideal for vehicle camping and overlanding.

• It’s built tough, with canvas that breathes, steel hardware that lasts, and a mattress that lets you truly rest.

• It’s spacious and simple, made for one person (plus a dog, if you’ve got one).

• It’s old-school reliable, fitting perfectly with Dave’s love of white-gas lanterns, cast-iron pans, and classic outdoor gear.

He plans to keep using the Bandit 900 at upcoming events and trail gatherings — a strong endorsement from someone who lives what he teaches.

Why It Matters

In a world where lightweight gear often sacrifices comfort and longevity, the Bandit 900 Swag stands as a reminder of what outdoor living used to be — durable, practical, and built for the long haul.

It’s the ideal setup for weekend explorers, overlanders, and anyone who prefers a bedroll they can throw in the back of a truck and trust completely.

“Not everything is about survival or backpacking. Sometimes, it’s about old-school car camping — just you, your vehicle, and the open world.” — Dave Canterbury

For those who share that same spirit of adventure, the Bandit 900 delivers.

Final Thoughts: Experience the 23Zero Bandit 900 Swag

Ready to elevate your vehicle-camping setup? Discover what a swag is and why outdoor expert Dave Canterbury trusts 23Zero gear to stay comfortable and prepared wherever the trail leads. Like what you see? Explore more of Dave’s survival videos and outdoor tips to help you thrive in the wild.

See our full line of Swags here

Happy Camping!