There’s a lot to consider when choosing a camping tent, like how big the tent should be and what kind of shape it should hold. Well, something you can now also add to that list of considerations is whether to get an inflatable tent.
Inflatable tents, or air tents, are fun and convenient options for many campers. They’re a great solution for easy camping (perfect for beginner camping trips), and can be a great way to impress your friends.
Here’s everything you should know about air tents and whether they’re a good idea for you.
What are Inflatable Tents?
Inflatable tents, also known as air tents, are a modern type of tent that uses inflatable beams instead of traditional metal or fibreglass poles for support. These tents are quick and easy to set up by simply inflating the beams with a pump, making them convenient for campers.
Despite being filled with air, they’re sturdy and can withstand strong winds. They usually come with repair kits for punctures and are available in various sizes and styles to suit different camping needs.
Why Choose an Inflatable Tent Over a Regular Tent?
We love inflatable tents for their ease of setup and convenience. If you’ve ever lost your cool while trying to piece together annoying tent poles or figure out how the different parts of your tent fit together, then an inflatable tent might be for you.
Inflatable tents use air beams instead of poles, allowing for quick and simple pitching without the hassle of handling traditional poles. This makes them a great option for campers looking to save time and effort when setting up and taking down their tents.
All you do is blow it up and hey presto, your campsite is ready.
Benefits of Inflatable Tents
Inflatable tents offer several benefits that make them an attractive choice for campers. Here are some of the big advantages of using an air tent on your next camping adventure:
- Quick and easy to set up, saving time and effort.
- They’re made from sturdy and reliable air beams that can withstand strong winds. No need to worry about the tent blowing away.
- Integrated poles eliminate the hassle of traditional pole handling.
- User-friendly features like puncture repair kits and replacement air tubes for durability.
- Spacious interiors for added comfort.
- Weather-resistant materials for protection in various camping conditions.
Quite simply, air tents are designed to make camping easier by adding a simple inflatable element to your setup.
Are Inflatable Tents Strong and Reliable?
If you’re considering an air tent, your biggest concern is probably whether the tent will deflate or bounce away in the wind, right? Well, don’t worry, inflatable tents are strong and reliable.
Despite being filled with air, they’re designed to withstand strong winds and harsh weather conditions. They come with guy ropes and pegs to keep them securely anchored.
Punctures are rare, but most inflatable tents include a repair kit for emergencies and offer replacement air tubes if needed. This makes them just as dependable as traditional tents.
Plus, these tents are made using rugged materials, so you can pitch them on different types of terrain without worrying about punctures.
How Do You Pitch an Inflatable Tent?
If you want to make camping easy, then an inflatable tent is a great solution. Basically, all you need to do is pump the tent up like a pool toy and camp is ready.
To pitch an inflatable tent, start by spreading out the tent on a flat surface and ensuring all air valves are closed. Attach the provided pump to the valve and begin inflating the air beams.
Once the tent is fully inflated, double-check that all valves are tightly closed. Finally, secure the tent to the ground using the guy ropes and pegs included. This process is usually quick and straightforward, making setup much easier compared to traditional tents.
If you’re worried about the tent catching a puncture, you can always lay down a ground sheet first and pitch your tent on top of that.
Considerations for Inflatable Tents
Air tents are obviously very cool camping innovations with some great benefits. However, they’re not for everyone.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind before you buy an inflatable tent:
- Higher Cost: Inflatable tents often come with a higher price tag compared to traditional tents, which might be a significant factor for some campers.
- Bulk and Weight: These tents can be bulkier and heavier due to their design, making them less suitable for backpacking or solo camping where space and weight are crucial.
- Puncture Risks: While rare, punctures can occur and compromise the tent’s structure. This requires prompt repairs to avoid any issues during your trip. We can probably all agree that fixing a tent puncture is not something you want to do while out camping in the wilderness.
- Dependence on Pump: Inflatable tents need a pump for setup. If you lose or forget the pump, it can be challenging to pitch the tent. You also have to travel with a pump. However, if you use an inflatable mattress for camping, then you’ll probably have a pump anyway.
- Storage and Transport: The air beams and overall structure of inflatable tents can make them less compact, affecting their ease of storage and transport compared to traditional tents. These are not suitable for your ultralight gear list.
- Durability Concerns: Although generally robust, inflatable beams might be viewed as less durable than traditional metal or fibreglass poles, especially in very harsh conditions.
What Types of Inflatable Tents Exist?
You can get an inflatable tent to match basically any kind of camping need:
- Family Tents: Designed for larger groups or families, these tents offer ample space and multiple rooms. They often include features like separate sleeping areas and high ceilings.
- Weekend Tents: Ideal for shorter trips, these are typically smaller and quicker to set up, focusing on convenience and ease of use.
- Backpacking Tents: Though less common, some lightweight inflatable tents are designed for backpackers, offering a balance between weight and durability.
- Festival Tents: Built for ease of setup and durability in crowded settings, these tents are often spacious and feature quick inflation for hassle-free camping.
- Four-Season Tents: These are robustly designed to handle extreme weather conditions, including snow and strong winds, making them suitable for year-round use.
- Tunnel Tents: Featuring a tunnel-shaped design, these tents offer good headroom and stability, with multiple inflatable beams for support.
- Geodesic Tents: These tents have a more complex design with multiple intersecting beams, providing extra strength and stability for challenging environments.
As is the case when choosing any kind of tent for camping, inflatable tents come in options like 4-person, 8-person, two-person, and three-person. Consider how much size you need (and don’t forget to include space for your bags).
Summary
Going camping with an inflatable tent can be an awesome way to simplify your setup and spend more time relaxing. They’re fun, convenient, and innovative solutions for modern campers. However, they also come with their downsides and aren’t suitable for everyone.
Check out our guide on how to choose the right camping equipment for more details to help you build out the best possible camping setup for your needs.