I have to say , you ROCK!!!! I have not heard ANY other reviewer mention that us ladies might be interested in or participate in survival/ bushcrafting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
For Survival/military use: Hill People Gear Mountain Serape, for Hiking/Camping: Swagman Roll Also, I would choose Hill People Gear Mountain Serape for hard winter climates, and the Swagman Roll for hotter climate countries
Well, no. Exactly the opposite. Swagman is designed for military use along with USGI if you need anything more during work. Serape's elastic laces break and are far less comfy in use than clips on tapes, especially in gloves. Serape weights more and is bigger, packing it to MRE pouch is not an option. On the action, you don't sleep too much so carrying less is more.... I'd say if you're going some hiking, campfires, laying on the back for 6-8 hours and if you're big like a bear - choose Serape, it's designed for two; in all real military situations like patrolling/observing, choose Swagman, as you're not going to sleep to much anyways, you'll be hot because of moving and doing things even in winter, and you don't need to take a backpack for it. And no, my country is far from hotter climate.
@@bvcxgdsjsfdsiogfdug For actual operations though the fact that the HPG has a larger head opening with a zipper probably gives you the possibility to put it on or take it off while still wearing your helmet on with NVGs while the swagman will have you take your helmet off everytime, and in emergency situations it can be a problem
Hi, I’m looking to get the osni cloak and their poncho that goes with it to fit in my backpack. I’m just worried how the cloak will fit, if it’s small enough. I’m hoping that it packs down like these two but not sure. Can u help?
Another good review. You hit all the important points. It really helps when choosing a product. The more support for American workers the better. Bravo.
Thank You for the review. I have been getting out to go bags ready and I’m at the point of picking one of these. Thanks. Also thanks to all the people that have committed on this review. Your comments are also very helpful.
Great comparison. I've just started working with the Swagman. Will consider the Hill People gear for sure. Probably doesn't hurt to have both. As always, thanks for your work on those items.
The review I didn't know I needed! I have a Swagman Roll and love the versatility. But, like you, I find it doesn't keep me warm at lower temps, especially in my hammock. But, on the ground, paired with a escape bivy, it's toasty. I'm a smaller framed guy so the size works well for me. The Serape was what first caught my eye and the Swagman Roll was a budget alternative, but I still would like both. Thanks for the great overview!
So which SOL bivvy should I buy to pair with the swagman for winter Temps and I'm a noob at this but does the swagman go into the bivvy or does the bivvy go into the swagman?
Excellent review. I have both as well, and have noted the same things. I prefer my Serape to the Swagman (still like the Swagman, though). My main gripes with the Swagman were the hood and the size. At 6', 225lbs with fairly wide shoulders and chest, there is no way on Earth I could zip that thing up over my arms and shoulders without feeling like I'm being tied up with pallet wrap. The hood is also small for my big ol' head, and looks moderately goofy on me due to the David the Gnome cut. Love the features on it, though. I kinda wish there were a hybrid design of the two personally.
This video really inspired me buy an HPG Mountain Serape. I recently bought Helikon Tex Swagman Roll as well. I want to say from the month April 2022 I have recieved an updated design to the Helikon Tex Swagman roll. The hood is now flat and wider allow a fatter head to fit in more in line with Mountain Serape’s design. I’m a smaller man 5’8/140lbs I bought HPG’s Medium/Backpackers Mountain Serape in Ranger Green running around $230 with shipping. Helikon Tex’s Coyote Brown Swagman Roll ran me around $165-170. Mountain Serape’s shell feels more durable than the Swagman Rolls as it’s a ripstop nylon fabric, but I question it’s water resistance. The Swagman Roll’s outer shell is paper so you have to be more careful with it. The insulation from Mountain Serape is also noticeably warmer, but my issue the quality, price and practicality of the design. The stitching on the Mountain Serape is sticking out on every single seam and the practicality of the design in sleeping bag mode is just plane out just plain out bad on the Medium size because the zipper does not go all the up and in terms of sizing it’s 2 inches bigger on both ends. Which brings me to my point, if you are a big and tall man the Large Original Mountain Serape will be better fitted for you. If you are a smaller thinner man like me you will appreciate the quality, construction and design of the Helikon-Tex Swagman more. I am not entirely sold on the Mountain Serape costing considerably more while having an inferior design and construction. Even in terms of size it’s just not worth it because you can leave the Helikon tex unzipped and it would be the same. It’s not even compatible attachable to the poncho like a woobie. I like the a primaloft insulation and ripstop nylon fabric, but I am not sold, I would be if HPG updated their design with a full sleeping bag zipper, toggles to be attachable for a military poncho and if they had better quality control.
Muchas gracias por tus explicaciones 👌. Sin duda por la climatología donde vivo mi opinión es el Swagman roll. De nuevo te doy las gracias. Un gran abrazo desde España 👍
Thanks for the comparison! And for acknowledging that different people are different sizes and temperatures. And the props to made in USA. All the detail makes it easy for your diverse users to make educated guesses about where and how my mileage may vary. Thanks!
Thank you for being true and honest. I'm 5'8", 169lbs. I would probably go swagman, just me. You seem very honest about the products, and appreciate that.
Awesome review. I was about to make the jump on he swagman but wasn’t set on it. The fit just didn’t seem to work. All the reviews are of smaller dome people. I need that hood opening just bigger. The fact the overall size is bigger is a plus so I’ll be gettin this one now.
Good video Paul. I like my Swagman roll, but I agree that it's a bit small. I wish they would come out with a "Swagman XL" that would be 6-10" wider and have a slightly larger head hole. MIght be just about perfect then.
I have one of the HPG Recon chest pouches, I wear it hiking and hunting, they rock. Might need to take a closer look at the mountain serape but I do use a poncho in the bush so I do like that integration. I suppose if you are pushing those lower temps you could always just bring another poncho liner or a wool blanket too. I've had good success using a wool blanket inside my USMC issued poncho liner which has the zipper, I'm a little taller and a bit more lean than you so I reckon it wouldn't be a bad system for me.
Thanks Paul, I am waiting for HPG to come back into stock. BTW looks like the classes are filling out this year. I was hoping to do Bushcraft, knotts and the advanced course this year. Hopefully I see you again at the gathering!
Good luck man. Those things are always out of stock. Been trying for quite a bit to get one. They must sell out instantly when posted online. I periodically look on the HPG website and can't seem to purchase one. The hood on the Swagman is my stumbling block, otherwise I would've went with one of those.
I had the serape. Ended up selling it because of the 40% zipper and lacking any tie / clip points. I kept my Swagman roll because it is more multifunctional.
I've been looking for a new Swag Man woobie! They make great for great sleeping, as well as keep us warm! Now all I need is the outer poncho! OUCH at the Price!! I'm going to keep hunting the Army Navy stores!
Good video and helps me make a decision I have been think about a long time. I have a very old poncho liner that has 3M Thinsulate in it and it is amazingly warm - not sure if it is genuine surplus. I have hunted high and low for a backup for this and have failed to find one. The Mountain Serape looks the closest to it.
Thanks for this. I've had the HPG Serape for years and I like it very well. Have been curious about the Swagman, and it seems like a quality product, but I don't see any obvious reason to get it having the Serape already. Really enjoyed the overview & comparison!
Been looking at the Swagman for a while. Seen several reviews by many including a counterpart of yours at Pathfinder. Most of the the customer reviews mention the size of the opening for the head and overall size for body height. Is the other as waterproof as the Swagman ? Thanks for the review. Have a great evening
neither is waterproof and both require an application of dwr products to maintain the beading effect of water in a light misting, driving rain will go straight through the fabric even when freshly applied.
Great review Paul, thanks for sharing your input on these products. I also have both pieces of gear and personally prefer the serape. Nothing wrong with the swagman, it's just too small for me. My head barely fits into the hood and zipping it up fully over me as a sleeping bag is impossible. I can bring it up to my chest, but no way my arms and shoulders will fit into it. My girlfriend has found use for it though, as both a camp blanket and sleeping bag liner. She fits in it just fine with plenty of wiggle room. Her only complaint is that both products come in ugly colors lol.
Hey Paul thanks for the vid do you know if the serape is acceptable substitute for swagman roll for the basic class the swagman roll is just to tight for sleeping bag option for me thanks again for all the great information you share with us each and every video
Something I forgot to hit on. The Mountain Serape doesn't have the snap to line up. Personally I don't use a poncho very often so not a deal breaker for me.
Nice review, this problem with the Mt Serape, is that it is never in stock. It seems like it's constantly sold out. Maybe because of it's quality? I've been trying the last 2 1/2 years to get one and no dice.
@@adaptablesurvival I signed up for the notification. Unfortunately, I haven't got one yet. I'll keep trying though. I'm sold on the quality and utility of the Mt. Serape.
Iam in uk. I have and likke milltech poncho, whitch is german flectairn dpm , with poncho liner. With sometimes a milltech single man tent. All pertty light with uk military smocks and trousers either dpm or mtp.
A slight correction-the Swagman Roll still comes in a stuff sack. The zip bag is the integral stuff sack on the poncho itself (the chest pocket turned inside-out).
I have the Swagman Roll in MC it's a great product. My build is nearly identical to yours( I have a few more Lbs. 260 at 63 years old). I also do find it to be a bit snug around my wide shoulders. Thanks for the video and for sharing your thoughts on the products.
@@adaptablesurvival well mine arrived. Ill probably be looking into tools to add grommets to at least be able to tie it up. Going to be putting it to the test soon in northern idaho
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I just forgot to put it in there because the place where I was uploading was closing. Being affiliated to SRO doesn't impact the gear review or links I provide. My goal is Gear education.
I have to say , you ROCK!!!! I have not heard ANY other reviewer mention that us ladies might be interested in or participate in survival/ bushcrafting. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ladies definitely get out there and get it after it! Love to see more getting out there!
If you know any ladies into camping/bushcraft. Please connect me with them. I'd love to meet a lady who like the outdoors, I'm 27 yo
Hear hear, Suzette!
@@choppy7593aaaaand you ruined it
I have a swagman roll but did not know about the hill people gear. Showing made in the USA gear is awesome thing. Keep up the great work.
For Survival/military use: Hill People Gear Mountain Serape, for Hiking/Camping: Swagman Roll
Also, I would choose Hill People Gear Mountain Serape for hard winter climates, and the Swagman Roll for hotter climate countries
Well, no. Exactly the opposite. Swagman is designed for military use along with USGI if you need anything more during work. Serape's elastic laces break and are far less comfy in use than clips on tapes, especially in gloves. Serape weights more and is bigger, packing it to MRE pouch is not an option. On the action, you don't sleep too much so carrying less is more.... I'd say if you're going some hiking, campfires, laying on the back for 6-8 hours and if you're big like a bear - choose Serape, it's designed for two; in all real military situations like patrolling/observing, choose Swagman, as you're not going to sleep to much anyways, you'll be hot because of moving and doing things even in winter, and you don't need to take a backpack for it. And no, my country is far from hotter climate.
@@bvcxgdsjsfdsiogfdug For actual operations though the fact that the HPG has a larger head opening with a zipper probably gives you the possibility to put it on or take it off while still wearing your helmet on with NVGs while the swagman will have you take your helmet off everytime, and in emergency situations it can be a problem
HPG. Hands down. Had one for nearly 10 years and I couldn't be happier.
Osni cloak from wilderness innervations is my favorite poncho liner it can be used as a under quilt or a top quilt with the poncho
Agreed, I have one almost two years now And it’s built like it’s made to last forever.
Hi, I’m looking to get the osni cloak and their poncho that goes with it to fit in my backpack. I’m just worried how the cloak will fit, if it’s small enough. I’m hoping that it packs down like these two but not sure. Can u help?
Thanks for this product review Paul, I've always wondered about these liner products, so seeing you actually demo them was very helpful for me!
Another good review. You hit all the important points. It really helps when choosing a product. The more support for American workers the better. Bravo.
Love love how you keep sharing good stuffs. Thanks!
I have the swagman roll and love it. Keep up the great videos
Thank You for the review. I have been getting out to go bags ready and I’m at the point of picking one of these. Thanks. Also thanks to all the people that have committed on this review. Your comments are also very helpful.
Great comparison. I've just started working with the Swagman. Will consider the Hill People gear for sure. Probably doesn't hurt to have both. As always, thanks for your work on those items.
The review I didn't know I needed! I have a Swagman Roll and love the versatility. But, like you, I find it doesn't keep me warm at lower temps, especially in my hammock. But, on the ground, paired with a escape bivy, it's toasty. I'm a smaller framed guy so the size works well for me. The Serape was what first caught my eye and the Swagman Roll was a budget alternative, but I still would like both. Thanks for the great overview!
So which SOL bivvy should I buy to pair with the swagman for winter Temps and I'm a noob at this but does the swagman go into the bivvy or does the bivvy go into the swagman?
Excellent review. I have both as well, and have noted the same things. I prefer my Serape to the Swagman (still like the Swagman, though). My main gripes with the Swagman were the hood and the size. At 6', 225lbs with fairly wide shoulders and chest, there is no way on Earth I could zip that thing up over my arms and shoulders without feeling like I'm being tied up with pallet wrap. The hood is also small for my big ol' head, and looks moderately goofy on me due to the David the Gnome cut. Love the features on it, though. I kinda wish there were a hybrid design of the two personally.
Man I remember watching David the gnome as a kid. Forgot all about it until I read this comment
This video really inspired me buy an HPG Mountain Serape. I recently bought Helikon Tex Swagman Roll as well. I want to say from the month April 2022 I have recieved an updated design to the Helikon Tex Swagman roll. The hood is now flat and wider allow a fatter head to fit in more in line with Mountain Serape’s design. I’m a smaller man 5’8/140lbs I bought HPG’s Medium/Backpackers Mountain Serape in Ranger Green running around $230 with shipping. Helikon Tex’s Coyote Brown Swagman Roll ran me around $165-170. Mountain Serape’s shell feels more durable than the Swagman Rolls as it’s a ripstop nylon fabric, but I question it’s water resistance. The Swagman Roll’s outer shell is paper so you have to be more careful with it. The insulation from Mountain Serape is also noticeably warmer, but my issue the quality, price and practicality of the design. The stitching on the Mountain Serape is sticking out on every single seam and the practicality of the design in sleeping bag mode is just plane out just plain out bad on the Medium size because the zipper does not go all the up and in terms of sizing it’s 2 inches bigger on both ends. Which brings me to my point, if you are a big and tall man the Large Original Mountain Serape will be better fitted for you. If you are a smaller thinner man like me you will appreciate the quality, construction and design of the Helikon-Tex Swagman more. I am not entirely sold on the Mountain Serape costing considerably more while having an inferior design and construction. Even in terms of size it’s just not worth it because you can leave the Helikon tex unzipped and it would be the same. It’s not even compatible attachable to the poncho like a woobie. I like the a primaloft insulation and ripstop nylon fabric, but I am not sold, I would be if HPG updated their design with a full sleeping bag zipper, toggles to be attachable for a military poncho and if they had better quality control.
Great Video man. I loved it. It had everything I wanted to see.
Thought about getting a swag man but like you I am not the smallest guy so now as soon as I can will buy a hill people gear. Awesome video my friend
Muchas gracias por tus explicaciones 👌. Sin duda por la climatología donde vivo mi opinión es el Swagman roll. De nuevo te doy las gracias. Un gran abrazo desde España 👍
Thanks for the comparison! And for acknowledging that different people are different sizes and temperatures. And the props to made in USA. All the detail makes it easy for your diverse users to make educated guesses about where and how my mileage may vary. Thanks!
Thank you for being true and honest.
I'm 5'8", 169lbs.
I would probably go swagman, just me.
You seem very honest about the products, and appreciate that.
Sir, luv'n the vids please keep them coming!
Awesome review. I was about to make the jump on he swagman but wasn’t set on it. The fit just didn’t seem to work. All the reviews are of smaller dome people. I need that hood opening just bigger. The fact the overall size is bigger is a plus so I’ll be gettin this one now.
Good video Paul. I like my Swagman roll, but I agree that it's a bit small. I wish they would come out with a "Swagman XL" that would be 6-10" wider and have a slightly larger head hole. MIght be just about perfect then.
I agree 100%! I basically use it as a quilt mostly.
I have one of the HPG Recon chest pouches, I wear it hiking and hunting, they rock. Might need to take a closer look at the mountain serape but I do use a poncho in the bush so I do like that integration. I suppose if you are pushing those lower temps you could always just bring another poncho liner or a wool blanket too. I've had good success using a wool blanket inside my USMC issued poncho liner which has the zipper, I'm a little taller and a bit more lean than you so I reckon it wouldn't be a bad system for me.
Thanks Paul, I am waiting for HPG to come back into stock. BTW looks like the classes are filling out this year. I was hoping to do Bushcraft, knotts and the advanced course this year. Hopefully I see you again at the gathering!
Good luck man. Those things are always out of stock. Been trying for quite a bit to get one. They must sell out instantly when posted online. I periodically look on the HPG website and can't seem to purchase one. The hood on the Swagman is my stumbling block, otherwise I would've went with one of those.
They are back in stock! I ordered mine Wednesday & just got it today.
Love the video. About time someone did the comparison.
Question: is the swagman roll waterproof?
It's water resistant.
I had the serape. Ended up selling it because of the 40% zipper and lacking any tie / clip points. I kept my Swagman roll because it is more multifunctional.
Good video fair and honest. What more can I ask for
Great review, thank you 🤙
What do you think of the Onewind Quilt Paul?? I was thinking about getting one of those, wasn't sure about them though..
I've been looking for a new Swag Man woobie! They make great for great sleeping, as well as keep us warm! Now all I need is the outer poncho! OUCH at the Price!! I'm going to keep hunting the Army Navy stores!
The Helikon-Tex GI poncho is not that expensive (surely, less expensive than surplus) and it is made as exact fit for Swagman Roll (I have them both).
Nice review. Good info. Thank you!
Swagman hood would be looser if you got a haircut🤪
Cool vid. I’ll try em out. Keep n digging dude.
Thank you for this info. I too would prefer American made even if it cost a little more.
Thanks for the video!
Good video and helps me make a decision I have been think about a long time. I have a very old poncho liner that has 3M Thinsulate in it and it is amazingly warm - not sure if it is genuine surplus. I have hunted high and low for a backup for this and have failed to find one. The Mountain Serape looks the closest to it.
Great review! It would be awesome if you reviewed some kifaru items
I plan on getting some more Kifaru gear!
Thanks for this. I've had the HPG Serape for years and I like it very well. Have been curious about the Swagman, and it seems like a quality product, but I don't see any obvious reason to get it having the Serape already. Really enjoyed the overview & comparison!
Been looking at the Swagman for a while. Seen several reviews by many including a counterpart of yours at Pathfinder. Most of the the customer reviews mention the size of the opening for the head and overall size for body height. Is the other as waterproof as the Swagman ? Thanks for the review. Have a great evening
neither is waterproof and both require an application of dwr products to maintain the beading effect of water in a light misting, driving rain will go straight through the fabric even when freshly applied.
Great review Paul, thanks for sharing your input on these products. I also have both pieces of gear and personally prefer the serape. Nothing wrong with the swagman, it's just too small for me. My head barely fits into the hood and zipping it up fully over me as a sleeping bag is impossible. I can bring it up to my chest, but no way my arms and shoulders will fit into it. My girlfriend has found use for it though, as both a camp blanket and sleeping bag liner. She fits in it just fine with plenty of wiggle room. Her only complaint is that both products come in ugly colors lol.
Good stuff! Thankee!
Good luck getting the mtn serape. I live a few miles from their grand junction store and they are never in stock.
Great review , thanks for sharing ,God bless !
I have the swagman i did a review on it it’s absolutely amazing I’ll never go anywhere without it
Hey Paul thanks for the vid do you know if the serape is acceptable substitute for swagman roll for the basic class the swagman roll is just to tight for sleeping bag option for me thanks again for all the great information you share with us each and every video
I would say the Serape would work. It fits the same criteria for what you'd use the swagman for.
@@adaptablesurvival thanks Paul
0.47 Helikon-Tex is from Poland. Swagman Roll is designed in Poland and crafted in China.
I need a mountain serape now...thanks...
Does the Serape match up with a rain poncho like the swagman roll?
Something I forgot to hit on. The Mountain Serape doesn't have the snap to line up. Personally I don't use a poncho very often so not a deal breaker for me.
Made in America gives the Hill People Serape the win in my book. Nice review.
Nice review, this problem with the Mt Serape, is that it is never in stock. It seems like it's constantly sold out. Maybe because of it's quality? I've been trying the last 2 1/2 years to get one and no dice.
The quality of the one I have is top notch. Have you signed up for the notification or reach out to them directly?
@@adaptablesurvival I signed up for the notification. Unfortunately, I haven't got one yet. I'll keep trying though. I'm sold on the quality and utility of the Mt. Serape.
Iam in uk.
I have and likke milltech poncho, whitch is german flectairn dpm , with poncho liner.
With sometimes a milltech single man tent.
All pertty light with uk military smocks and trousers either dpm or mtp.
Might have to check one of those out.
A slight correction-the Swagman Roll still comes in a stuff sack. The zip bag is the integral stuff sack on the poncho itself (the chest pocket turned inside-out).
I have the Swagman Roll in MC it's a great product. My build is nearly identical to yours( I have a few more Lbs. 260 at 63 years old). I also do find it to be a bit snug around my wide shoulders. Thanks for the video and for sharing your thoughts on the products.
GREAT VIDEO. THANKS FOR INFO
Thanks for comparison! I´ve got a Swagman, it´s not worth the money in my opinion. Too small overall for adult men.
Great video. Thanks!
Hello, thanks. What about a Carinthia Tactical-Poncho comparison ?
Would the Swagman be big enough for me? Im 5’8 and about 155lb.
Doing great mate just make the tech spec on a cheat sheet in front of the camera
which one seems more durable?
Both materials seem plenty durable. I haven't had any issues with either and I have well over 20+ nights slept in both.
@@adaptablesurvival good to know, thanks for the reply
Hill People Gear make good gear, but they are ridiculously expensive.
I think the swagman is going to be way to small for me. I think I will go with the Trifecta XL and a Army rain poncho.
What’s the weight comparison?
Can you turn the sound down in the Intro?
So the hill people doesnt zip up all the way? That sucks
Yeah, personally it's not a big deal as I have broad shoulders. But would be a nice addition.
@@adaptablesurvival well mine arrived. Ill probably be looking into tools to add grommets to at least be able to tie it up.
Going to be putting it to the test soon in northern idaho
Use the poncho roll as a liner for the serape .
Disappointed there was no link to the Serape, but understandable due to SRO connection.
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. I just forgot to put it in there because the place where I was uploading was closing. Being affiliated to SRO doesn't impact the gear review or links I provide. My goal is Gear education.
Corporal sent me
I recently found out how annoyingly tight the swagman was as a sleeping bag
I used the swag roll at negative 6 F and it kept me survivably warm
Jerven Fjellduken
Ps cpl sent me
Sarape
Spanish word.
Both are too expensive for what they are.
If you lose some weight get in shape it’s a lot easier to stay warm in all conditions.
Are you a skin, you look like a skin to me.
Swagman is roughly half the price as well?