@@imaresifreak i've been using this "poncho"/ liner fore few months now and got to say that although its not "mil spec" it does the job just as good if not better than mil spec one. in some cases even better :) .
The more gear I buy the happier I am about being 5'10 165-175 lb, seriously. Most of the gear seems to max out around that height and weight, things like sleeping pads, sleeping bags, ponchos, etc. The tear away emergency zipper is absolutely genius. The biggest problem I have with sleeping in a bag is vulnerability, but that's basically non existent with this
@@tribe_of_trees I have a problems with some things being too small for me, which if find really weird because I'm really short compared to you guys. I'm about 5'6, 170lbs.
It's not that warm, for autumn you need a second bag to keep warm. However it's quite nice to use when you get up in the morning so you don't have to leave bed to get dressed if it's cold outside.
PBR was my dad's favorite beverage, that and Crown Royal. As a kid I liked the blue bags to put my gear in...great possibles pouches. I own several sleeping bags but never zip them closed unless I'm striking camp to leave the site. Claustrophobia is my downfall so they are used like quilts including the Swagman Roll. On really cold nights I will add either my woobie or a Snugpak Jungle Blanket. I bought my Swagman Roll right after Shawn Kelly did his review several months ago.
Okay.....here's the deal....I bought helikon swagman on your recommendation.....I am a "wool user" for many years..... at first I didn't think swagman was warm as wool(it isn't) .....BUT.... I have grown to love the damn thing..... yup.....BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE just last week....yup.....changed my mind.....I now say "yes, it is worth the money".....(juat thought I would let you know).....big difference in the warmth after I sprayed outside of it with waterproofing.....I use it as insert inside my jungle bag too.....I still do like wool though..... but the swagman is pretty handy and very light....yup.... and I do agree the zipper is really good.
Thanks for the review. I just picked up one along with the Helikon-Tex Poncho. Would love to see a review of the two together. Also, as far as the size goes, I am 6'4", 240, and it fits me pretty well. Definitely tight as a sleeping bag but still manageable. I see this as an improvised sleeping bag for emergency situations, not something I would use for general camping/backpacking, so I am not expecting comfort.
Awesome video! I have had mine for about a month! It works well as a draft proof version of a poncho liner. ( I will layer Swagman with my poncho-liner and poncho) Double thumbs up on the gear testing!
First off congrats on the rapid channel growth. Each time I check on here you've gone up another 1,000 subs this week. I'm very impressed with how well this gear stood up to the testing. A bit of a bummer that the bag is a bit snug. I'm about the same height as you but over 230lbs.... man I weighed myself with my work gear on the other day, 256lbs. Time for me to shape up. Anyhow, great to see another product earn the Grunt Proof seal of approval.
Thanks for the Grunt Proof test, I had considered the Helikon Tex. Good to know that it's not that big. I'm 5'-11" so it probably wouldn't do a good job keeping me warm. Appreciate your videos.👍
I am 6'2". The length of the bag is fine, where some might have a problem is how wide it is when zipped into bag configuration. But I am about 100kg/220lb, and it works for me.
At 6'3" it's great to hear you say to pass this up. I've got enough short "long sleeve" base and mid-weights, don't need to stick out when I sleep, too.
@@GruntProof A pleasure mate. Admittedly most of my weight is around the middle at the moment so that might be why it isn't so problematic. Maybe if my weight was where it should be, around the chest and shoulders, it might be a different matter. Also, I watched your review before purchasing (Thanks for the work), so I came in with low expectations. But for me it is doable.
nice gear. you are right, i also have one in use, as a universal tool outdoors canoeing aso. and the most problem, is the width, my chest circumference is aprox. 54 in with t-shirt..no muscels, pure fat :-) it doesnt work as a sleepingbag, but if i pull it up only till my chest, and pull over a light synthetic jacket, that works fine!!! As a underquilt i hove no experience...not yet...during the next month i will try it. Sorry vor my bad english, take your Stein, Prost Kamerad! :-)
I like a little more length in a sleeping bag…. Room for boots,jacket and a bottle of hot water in the winter. I think I’ll stick with my grunt setup. Good stuff,Randall.
👍cool review, subscribed! I own and love the Swagman Role. I've carried it as 'emergency blanket/jacket/quilt' for close to two years (>20months). Is it perfect? Of course not. It is also a bit on the expensive side. Hopefully they will come out with an XL version (210cm * 180cm) some day, but since it is supposed to be compatible with a rain poncho I'm not holding my breath.
It works like a Poncho but is otherwise too small even if you are not particularly tall. I don't think it can be said that it has multifunction, other than for small people. Can't you test it near a fire or cooking equipment. It is suggested that you do not wear it during the test.
Helikon seems to make clothing type product with a runners build in mind. Bought a couple pair of SFU Next MkII pants and they fit great in length and waist size but are super tight on the glutes and thighs.
Thanks for this review and stress test. Love this piece of gear. So much so i had to get one for each of my bags. Blanket, sleeping bag, poncho... such a useful piece of gear ! Got yourself a new subscriber
I appreciate your take on the ultra light stuff, too many people are throwing away one thing for another to save literally a gram or two! It drives me nuts... 🤦
@@GruntProof That's true, on;y if you don't carry some more years on your back and a couple of army leg accidents... I hope this Swangman does the job, because it will replace at least 3 kg of sleeping,jacket and part of the shelter system gear on my backpack! I have to wait a couple of weeks, until it gets back in stock. Thanks for testing it!
What shirt are you wearing at 0:45? I've seen other people wearing it but I don't know the name. Also, what shirt are you wearing in the rest of the video? It looks nice.
dude - your reviews rock..period...I spent 3 years as a grunt in the 1/508 ABN INF...we had crude shite back then..but...some military gear is way more durable than civi shit..so I always look for military outdoor solutions first. Rock on! and hope you're enjoying Germany..auf wiedersehen
I have had my eye on these for years but being able to hand pick the USMC poncho liner from a local store for $40 CAD, even with less utility, Im too cheap!
Been eying these for a good while . Hesitant about them because of few issues. Seem a bit overpriced , I’m fairly tall and I’ve read several times that the opening for your head is tight. After watching your review they cost doesn’t seem too bad. I know the size is made to match a standard poncho so I’m just screwed on that end . Does the opening for a persons head seem small ? Thanks for all of your reviews
It's smaller than the poncho opening for sure, but I wouldn't wear it like that. I mainly use it as a light sleeping bag or hammock underblanket. I think the price mirrors the current popularity. Wait a bit and I bet you'll find a cheap one soon. Thanks
@@GruntProof Thanks for the help . Looking forward to your next one . Literally looking as well . Think I got one notification since I subbed . Have a good one
I am not happy with the swagman roll. It was too small for me and thus did not function the way it was intended. For me it was a waste of money. I froze. I also had dude's laughing at me in public as the swagman sticks out like a sore thumb and will get you noticed and ridiculed.
Most reviewers like this product. Too bad it doesn't come in man size. I have a 54" chest so there is no way I can get my arms inside it as a sleeping bag. That means it is just a very overpriced poncho liner. Fly ARMY!
As a modern-day hobo I love your Channel because it lets me know what to not waste my money on, however I'm really hoping that's just a dumb tattoo on your right arm and not an attempt to hide a swastika
I didn’t watch this full review, but I’ve seen some of your other stuff in the past. Overall, I think you do really good work. Stay true to your methods. You’ve earned a new subscriber today. 🫡
Raise your hand if you bought this product before seeing a true field test 😎
I did buy it before your review. But I have not put it through such a rugged field test. Thanks for your review of a great piece of gear.
Thought about it but am looking at Russian sleep kit or US MSS instead. £110 for a poncho that isn't Mil-Spec is too rich for my blood aha.
@@imaresifreak i've been using this "poncho"/ liner fore few months now and got to say that although its not "mil spec" it does the job just as good if not better than mil spec one. in some cases even better :) .
@@ApocGuy yeah but an MSS is definitely better for rugged use. Especially for the price
Still sitting pretty in my truck box, probably not even dusty..... Going to grab some vagisil and a cosmopolitan now... Damnit.
Thank you for the review. I just got this 3 weeks ago, relying on a few other youtubers opinions. I enjoy your format. Real hard use! Thanks again.
Thanks!
Wait......you live in Germany but you drink PBR ? Dude ! That’s like being married to Sophia Vegara and cheating on her with Oprah !
Mecklenburg region? )
German beer isn’t that great.
@@mdmace8690
I guess you’re a michelob ultra fan then ?
@@savagecub, actually I like IPA. Crooked Pecker Brewery, Chagrin Falls, OH. BTW, I own two Swagman Roll. Taiga green and Tiger stripe.
@@mdmace8690
Chagrin Falls !!! I could never like anything from that close to Cleveland.
The more gear I buy the happier I am about being 5'10 165-175 lb, seriously. Most of the gear seems to max out around that height and weight, things like sleeping pads, sleeping bags, ponchos, etc. The tear away emergency zipper is absolutely genius. The biggest problem I have with sleeping in a bag is vulnerability, but that's basically non existent with this
bc it's the perfect height /weight 😌
i say that as a fellow 5'10" 170 lbs guy lol
It's hard being 6' 217lbs 😢
No European surplus fits either :(
@@tribe_of_trees I have a problems with some things being too small for me, which if find really weird because I'm really short compared to you guys.
I'm about 5'6, 170lbs.
It's not that warm, for autumn you need a second bag to keep warm. However it's quite nice to use when you get up in the morning so you don't have to leave bed to get dressed if it's cold outside.
It's 70gsm climashield, so basically a woobie. Great as a liner during the shoulder seasons.
H,9i69
That is useful info.Thanks!
PBR was my dad's favorite beverage, that and Crown Royal. As a kid I liked the blue bags to put my gear in...great possibles pouches. I own several sleeping bags but never zip them closed unless I'm striking camp to leave the site. Claustrophobia is my downfall so they are used like quilts including the Swagman Roll. On really cold nights I will add either my woobie or a Snugpak Jungle Blanket. I bought my Swagman Roll right after Shawn Kelly did his review several months ago.
Okay.....here's the deal....I bought helikon swagman on your recommendation.....I am a "wool user" for many years..... at first I didn't think swagman was warm as wool(it isn't) .....BUT.... I have grown to love the damn thing..... yup.....BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE just last week....yup.....changed my mind.....I now say "yes, it is worth the money".....(juat thought I would let you know).....big difference in the warmth after I sprayed outside of it with waterproofing.....I use it as insert inside my jungle bag too.....I still do like wool though..... but the swagman is pretty handy and very light....yup.... and I do agree the zipper is really good.
Thanks for the review. I just picked up one along with the Helikon-Tex Poncho. Would love to see a review of the two together. Also, as far as the size goes, I am 6'4", 240, and it fits me pretty well. Definitely tight as a sleeping bag but still manageable. I see this as an improvised sleeping bag for emergency situations, not something I would use for general camping/backpacking, so I am not expecting comfort.
Thanks!
just subbed...man...love your straight up no bs format! thanks a lot
Thanks!
Awesome video! I have had mine for about a month! It works well as a draft proof version of a poncho liner. ( I will layer Swagman with my poncho-liner and poncho) Double thumbs up on the gear testing!
Grunt Proof: destroying our stuff so you don’t have to! :) great stuff, keep em comin’
I agree that is too small to be used as a sleeping bag so I just zip the bottom into a footbox and use it as an overquilt.
I love mine. Those are some r7gged, but fair tests! Things wind proof, so warmer than an equivalent woobie in breezy conditions.
First off congrats on the rapid channel growth. Each time I check on here you've gone up another 1,000 subs this week.
I'm very impressed with how well this gear stood up to the testing. A bit of a bummer that the bag is a bit snug. I'm about the same height as you but over 230lbs.... man I weighed myself with my work gear on the other day, 256lbs. Time for me to shape up.
Anyhow, great to see another product earn the Grunt Proof seal of approval.
Thanks dude! Yea I don't understand the sudden growth at all.
Thanks for the Grunt Proof test, I had considered the Helikon Tex. Good to know that it's not that big. I'm 5'-11" so it probably wouldn't do a good job keeping me warm. Appreciate your videos.👍
Also 5'11'', fits me perfectly
I am 6'2". The length of the bag is fine, where some might have a problem is how wide it is when zipped into bag configuration. But I am about 100kg/220lb, and it works for me.
@@segrientboar5954 Thanks for the info 👍
At 6'3" it's great to hear you say to pass this up. I've got enough short "long sleeve" base and mid-weights, don't need to stick out when I sleep, too.
I am 6'2". The length is fine. For thicker set guys it might be a bit tight, but I am about 100kg/220lb and it works for me.
Thanks for weighing in
@@GruntProof A pleasure mate. Admittedly most of my weight is around the middle at the moment so that might be why it isn't so problematic.
Maybe if my weight was where it should be, around the chest and shoulders, it might be a different matter.
Also, I watched your review before purchasing (Thanks for the work), so I came in with low expectations. But for me it is doable.
nice gear. you are right, i also have one in use, as a universal tool outdoors canoeing aso. and the most problem, is the width, my chest circumference is aprox. 54 in with t-shirt..no muscels, pure fat :-) it doesnt work as a sleepingbag, but if i pull it up only till my chest, and pull over a light synthetic jacket, that works fine!!! As a underquilt i hove no experience...not yet...during the next month i will try it. Sorry vor my bad english, take your Stein, Prost Kamerad! :-)
Former grunt here subscribing.
I tested mine in prolonged rain and also -6 f oklahoma winter overnight and it worked beautifully
I like a little more length in a sleeping bag…. Room for boots,jacket and a bottle of hot water in the winter. I think I’ll stick with my grunt setup. Good stuff,Randall.
I used one on a 3 night back backing trip and I loved it
Finally an honest real world review. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for the review! Been looking forward to this video.
Scouters would know this as a blanket-poncho, for wearing in camp and at the fire-side. A pair of slippers for your body and that's a good thing. 😊
You never had a zipper ice up so badly it couldn't be used? Big storm flap & snaps needed in winter to protect that.
👍cool review, subscribed!
I own and love the Swagman Role. I've carried it as 'emergency blanket/jacket/quilt' for close to two years (>20months).
Is it perfect? Of course not. It is also a bit on the expensive side. Hopefully they will come out with an XL version (210cm * 180cm) some day, but since it is supposed to be compatible with a rain poncho I'm not holding my breath.
Thanks! Yes, pricy, but a very cool piece of gear
Yes l have seen that on TH-cam before.
I got their CPU trousers haven't worn them yet but look nice.
It actually perttey nice it's a polish company
It works like a Poncho but is otherwise too small even if you are not particularly tall. I don't think it can be said that it has multifunction, other than for small people. Can't you test it near a fire or cooking equipment. It is suggested that you do not wear it during the test.
Great for still hunting.. sitting.. and chilling like a villain
Helikon seems to make clothing type product with a runners build in mind. Bought a couple pair of SFU Next MkII pants and they fit great in length and waist size but are super tight on the glutes and thighs.
Thanks for this review and stress test. Love this piece of gear. So much so i had to get one for each of my bags.
Blanket, sleeping bag, poncho... such a useful piece of gear !
Got yourself a new subscriber
Love the video, love things being stress tested. Awesome job. but just my 2 cents, the music is nauseating.
Thanks!
Good job! Keep your xstream test on gear
Dude you are my go to reviewer - base my final gear decisions on your testing lol.
awesome!
I appreciate your take on the ultra light stuff, too many people are throwing away one thing for another to save literally a gram or two! It drives me nuts... 🤦
When they could just get a little bit stronger, fitter, which is also FREE
Strong back for life 💪
@@GruntProof That's true, on;y if you don't carry some more years on your back and a couple of army leg accidents... I hope this Swangman does the job, because it will replace at least 3 kg of sleeping,jacket and part of the shelter system gear on my backpack! I have to wait a couple of weeks, until it gets back in stock. Thanks for testing it!
@@greekveteran2715 howd it end up performing for you ?
People going ultralight and mainly thruhikers hiking 20-30 miles a day for 6 months, not weekend warriors. 🤦🏻
If it had a backpack with pockets configuration it's the only thing I would ever need.
Have a look at the Carinthia Tactical Poncho, its the same design but has pockets and probably better quality.
LMAO. Now that's a rain test. That alone got me to subscribe. Looking forward to viewing more of your vids.
Come across your channel your videos are outstanding excellent work 👍👍
Just gone on to my crimbo kit list.
Great honest review..thanks..
What shirt are you wearing at 0:45? I've seen other people wearing it but I don't know the name. Also, what shirt are you wearing in the rest of the video? It looks nice.
th-cam.com/video/brQxqO_RqE0/w-d-xo.html
I really just watched to hear your conclusion......thanks....really enjoy your channel....I just want to mod my woobie.
If you want a hoodie made out a woobie get the perseverance survival woobie hoodie there website is perseverance survival dot com
Hannibal's Surplus Reviews ....thanks for the tip !
dude - your reviews rock..period...I spent 3 years as a grunt in the 1/508 ABN INF...we had crude shite back then..but...some military gear is way more durable than civi shit..so I always look for military outdoor solutions first. Rock on! and hope you're enjoying Germany..auf wiedersehen
I have had my eye on these for years but being able to hand pick the USMC poncho liner from a local store for $40 CAD, even with less utility, Im too cheap!
I'm a year late but your an absolute champ for going the extra mile by getting blasted by a power wash sprayer to test rain resistance
SERIOUSLY get the perseverance survival woobie hoodie!!!
Great video! Like your attitude and your tests , will be watching more .
Thanks!
Your hood doesn't make you look like a garden gnome, while both of mine (Multicam & green) do when worn. What's your secret? 😢
I never noticed 😂 try cinching it down more
Wait. You can shrimp in this thang? Take my money.
How warm is it?
Helikon has the swagman basic for less, any thoughts?
great channel. thanks bud!
Been eying these for a good while . Hesitant about them because of few issues. Seem a bit overpriced , I’m fairly tall and I’ve read several times that the opening for your head is tight. After watching your review they cost doesn’t seem too bad. I know the size is made to match a standard poncho so I’m just screwed on that end . Does the opening for a persons head seem small ? Thanks for all of your reviews
It's smaller than the poncho opening for sure, but I wouldn't wear it like that. I mainly use it as a light sleeping bag or hammock underblanket. I think the price mirrors the current popularity. Wait a bit and I bet you'll find a cheap one soon. Thanks
@@GruntProof Thanks for the help . Looking forward to your next one . Literally looking as well . Think I got one notification since I subbed . Have a good one
Do you have to sing the Aussie Swagman Song?
Germany??? I hope you enjoy(ed) your time here :D ;)
thumb up for the water gun idea..
My light weight pack is 40Ibs, I'm a small person 120Ibs.
love the random german at 4:15.
Greetings from Germany :D
Prost!
Good review, man. Been eyeing this gear and your review is my final confirmation
It is good, but it sucks for big and tall size dudes.
truth
Dude, you know you just invented the cheap redneck massage.
damn so i about the first swagman roll and i think its not waterproof
Would be nice to have Swagman Roll XL😊
@grunt proof,
That was three years ago… how’s it now, update opportunity. :-) or did I miss the update video? LOL
It's fine but the current price is crazy
@@GruntProof yeah got one way back and used it a few times. So far gold.
Nice Review. Dankeschön
Bitte!
Great video
Dude Oprah is a big and beautiful woman that men desire.
Thk
Mine wasn’t dog proof. He ate the zip and buckles. The little sh....
I am not happy with the swagman roll. It was too small for me and thus did not function the way it was intended. For me it was a waste of money. I froze.
I also had dude's laughing at me in public as the swagman sticks out like a sore thumb and will get you noticed and ridiculed.
Not sure who told you it would keep you warm in freezing weather
Most reviewers like this product. Too bad it doesn't come in man size. I have a 54" chest so there is no way I can get my arms inside it as a sleeping bag. That means it is just a very overpriced poncho liner. Fly ARMY!
I thought I mentioned that it's tight
Thank God for the Air Wing.....USMC 70-74
So are you currently living in Germany?
Yup!
Got one great
Side benefit: You look like a forest druid.
As a former grunt I wouldn't use that POS if it were free.
Why is that?
As a modern-day hobo I love your Channel because it lets me know what to not waste my money on, however I'm really hoping that's just a dumb tattoo on your right arm and not an attempt to hide a swastika
Thanks. It's a Choctaw sun symbol 😂
@@GruntProof thank god, keep up the good work
He look like Jon Dough, ha ha.
Was your swagman made in China?
Pretty sure. Helikon-Tex is a Polish company but now outsources to China
what shirt you wear?
Something from Triple Aught Design. I forgot the model
..the Hill People Gear Mountain Serape is far superior to the Swagman.
Haven't heard of it. Thanks!
I didn’t watch this full review, but I’ve seen some of your other stuff in the past. Overall, I think you do really good work. Stay true to your methods. You’ve earned a new subscriber today. 🫡
Great for still hunting.. sitting.. and chilling like a villain
Trucking. No kidding. You want as many multi use stuff as possible.