REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll

"Woobie," that's the endearing name for the classic US Army poncho liner. For many the best piece of equipment the Army has to offer. Not only soldiers love this versatile blanket. HELIKON-TEX has taken on this classic piece of equipment and improved it in collaboration with Survivaltech.pl a bit further.

The Swagman Roll is delivered in a practical storage bag, which also includes a complete instruction manual and care instructions. The packed size is actually smaller than a classic USGI Poncho Liner.

On the bottom of the storage bag, there is a practical loop, so you have everything under control. And the bottom is made of fine mesh material, allowing any moisture to escape.

Unpacking is simple. Release the drawstring, hold the loop at the bottom - and pull. "A Woobie is born..."

The Advanced Poncho Liner is 1.45 x 2.00 m in size and filled with fine Climashield® Apex™. This keeps its owner nice and warm. Our version is in Camogrom, which is very similar to Multicam.

To address a few uses, we are using the Swagman Roll here as a simple ground blanket. The inside is in Coyote Brown, and again, the "instructions" are printed in one corner (bottom right). Handy, you can always refer to it when needed.

Up to this point, the use is not so different from a regular poncho liner, but the Swagman Roll is equipped with a two-way zipper...

... so you can quickly zip together an improvised sleeping bag.

In each corner, there are elastic cords with cord stoppers. You can use them to close the opening in the sleeping bag or as attachments for an underquilt in a hammock. Very practical.

In order to use the Swagman Roll as a poncho liner, a toggle has been attached to each corner, which you simply slide through the large eyelets on a poncho.

The greatest benefit is the hood. Thanks to it, the Swagman Roll can even be worn as a wrap.

To prevent anything from slipping, elastic band with two pairs of buckles has been sewn on.

The hood can be tightened with an elastic drawstring to prevent any heat from escaping.

In the chest area, there is a large zippered pocket with loop. This is a great place to store small items, but it is intended to serve as a transport bag. The Woobie disappears into itself...

Here in comparison: the self-contained poncho liner and the pack sack.

CONCLUSION: A very functional and well-thought-out product from Helikon-Tex. Due to its versatile uses, it can be extensively used and should not be missing from any backpack on a tour. Those who have not yet fallen in love with the classic USGI Poncho Liner will be struck by Cupid's arrow here.

The Swagman Roll Basic in OD for 74.99 Euros is available directly at the SPARTANAT shop.

HELIKON-TEX online

Finally, a detailed video from Survivaltech.pl. They must know, since they designed it: