Although the Swagman Advanced from Helikon-Tex is an excellent piece of gear, it is often not quite enough to stay warm all by itself. While adding a Swagman basic can create a three-season top-quilt, that option might be too warm and too heavy. This article looks at how to tie in a standard military poncho liner (woobie) to create a warmer top quilt. Then, the result is lab tested.
This is what the finished top-quilt looks like. A Marine MARPAT woobie inside a Camogrom (Multi-cam-alike) Swagman. However, any USGI sized woobie with tie-outs will work.
Step One: bunch up one end of the woobie so that the corner tie-outs are accessible. I prefer to fan-fold the end to give an even foot box. Then, use the corner ties to secure the foot box end. Although any knot will do, I usually loop one side but wrap the loop around twice for extra holding power.
Step Two: Create the foot box on the Swagman by zipping up to the bottom buckles and using the fasteners to encourage the zip to stay in place. Put the hood inside the Swagman (or the hood pocket).
Step Three: shove the woobie foot box into the swagman foot box. You can turn the woobie inside out on the knot for a roomier foot box. Ensure that the woobie has not twisted inside the Swagman and that the top corners are aligned.
Step Four: Tie the top corner tie-outs of the woobie to hardware on the matching corner of the Swagman. I tie the woobie to the Swagman's poncho toggles - though anywhere is fine. You might leave one corner untied to help with heat regulation, but I don't bother.
DONE!
You now have a swagman and woobie top-quilt. Now for some lab testing.
And here is Momo the LABrador testing the Swagman and Woobie top quilt combination. It does well to trap in her heat and hold off a steady cold breeze - at least for a dog who already wears a double-layered fur coat. She much prefers the top-quilt to sleeping on her own bed.
I'm working on a post comparing this sleep system with other options. Until next time.