What is an air tent? It is a revolutionary type of tent that uses inflatable poles to support the structure. Instead of traditional poles, inflatable air-filled beams or tubes keep the tent up. Also called inflatable tents, the tents are made from durable PVC or polyester materials and are inflated using a pump or air compressor. From the outside, air tents resemble traditional tents.
The increasing popularity of air tents is due to several reasons.
- Inflating an air tent is quicker and easier than setting up traditional tents.
- There are no heavy tent poles to assemble, minimizing the time and effort needed to set up the inflatable tent.
- Technological advances mean air tents are more durable and lighter than their previous counterparts.
- There is no chance of the inflatable poles breaking, bending, or getting damaged in the wind or during storage.
So you may wonder: “Is an air tent for me on my next camping trip?” This article will help you decide between buying an air tent or sticking with a traditional tent with a network of poles for support.
What is an Air Tent?
An air tent is a type of tent that utilizes air tubes or beams instead of traditional tent poles for structure and support. Air tents typically have an electric or manual pump with a valve system to inflate the air tubes and keep air in the tent structure. These tents are usually made from strong waterproof material, making them ideal for camping adventures in all types of weather conditions.
One of the main advantages of air tents is their easy setup and take-down process. As they do not require traditional tent poles, you can erect the tent in a matter of minutes, saving time and energy. Additionally, air tents tend to be more stable in windy conditions because the air beams flex and bend rather than break like traditional tent poles.
There are two main types of air tents — inflatable and semi-inflatable.
- Inflatable air tents don’t need poles; you inflate the beams using an air pump. These types of inflatable tents can be single inflation, using one valve. Or they can have multiple inflation points
- Semi-inflatable tents use a combination of air tubes and traditional poles.
Another consideration when buying an air tent is the type of inflation. The two types of inflatable air tents are single-point and multiple-inflation points. Here are the factors to consider:
- Single-point inflation tent: The valve is on one beam, and all the beams are interconnected. This fact makes it easy to inflate the tent and pitch it faster. However, these air tents tend to be less rigid, harder to repair, and take longer to deflate.
- Multiple-point inflation tent: These air tents have multiple points to inflate the beams. They are more rigid than single inflation tents and won’t collapse if one beam gets punctured. However, they can take longer to inflate and deflate due to the separate air tubes.
The Best Air Tents for Sale
Air tents are relatively new on the market. Therefore, knowing which is the best to buy may be challenging. Here are some of the best air tents currently for sale online:
SOLAISK Large Glamping Tent: A huge six-person air tent with an inflatable self-supporting structure. Ideal for a family tent or a luxurious glamping experience, the blow-up tent has a large floor and takes ten minutes to assemble.
SAN HIMA Inflatable Air Tent Camping Tent: This four-person inflatable tent has ample space and is ideal for camping trips. It’s made from Oxford fabric and features SGF 50+ UV protection plus a 3,000mm waterproof rating.
Aerogogo One Button Automatic Inflatable Camping Tent: Ideal for two persons, this automatic air tent inflates at the push of a button. Its ultralight, portable design makes it popular for hiking and camping trips.
How Do Air Tents Work?
Air tents use air tubes or beams instead of traditional tent poles to support the tent’s structure. These air tubes are made from a strong and durable material. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is commonly used for inflatable beams as the material is flexible and airtight. You inflate the tent using an electric or manual pump. Air tents are an excellent option if you love camping but don’t want to hassle with pitching a traditional tent.
Setting up an air tent couldn’t be easier.
All you must do is unpack the tent and lay it out. Then, use the manual pump or an air compressor to inflate the air tubes. The stable, secure structure will be ready to use in a few minutes. It means that pitching a tent in the dark is straightforward.
Polyester is a popular material for air tents
It is lightweight, durable, and highly resistant to tearing. Also called Oxford cloth, the high-density material has excellent waterproof functions and protection from UV radiation.
The heavy-duty, lightweight material for the air beams also offers outstanding support. When fully inflated, air tents have the strength of a standard pole tent but with greater flexibility, increasing stability in windy conditions. Therefore, there is no chance of poles bending or breaking. Instead, the air beams flex in strong winds.
Ensuring the ground is free from sharp objects is vital when pitching an inflatable tent.
Sharp stones, pieces of glass, metal shards, and nails could puncture the material. With a single inflation tent (where all the beams are linked), this could mean that the entire tent fails to inflate, or it could collapse. An air tent with multiple inflation points may only partially fail if one of the air beams is punctured.
When it’s time to pack up, simply deflate the air tubes and fold the tent down to its compact pack size.
What are the advantages of inflatable tents?
Air tents have several advantages compared to traditional tents with poles for support. Campers love how a large inflatable tent can be ready for inhabitation in ten minutes rather than an hour or more.
Here are 5 Main Advantages of Air Tents
1/ Easy and quick setup
Unlike traditional pole-supported tents, air tents use inflatable beams that you can inflate quickly. There is no need to determine which poles go where and how to position them correctly. Within minutes, you can have a fully functional shelter ready to use, saving valuable time and effort.
2/ Enhanced stability
Modern air tents are engineered to provide excellent stability and structural integrity. The inflatable beams used in these tents are designed to withstand strong winds and adverse weather conditions. The best air tents are as stable as traditional tents, ensuring a secure and safe camping experience.
Therefore, an air tent is perfect for camping trips in harsh weather conditions as they provide stable shelter against strong winds and rain.
3/ Excellent durability
Air tents are typically more durable than standard pole tents. Generally, inflatable beam tents are made of high-quality materials less prone to damage and wear and tear. This means that air tents require fewer repairs, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
If damage occurs, most air tents come with puncture repair kits that allow you to fix punctures or replace a tube easily. This fact makes air tents easier to repair than if a tent pole breaks.
4/ Comfortable and spacious
Air tents are becoming one of the most popular choices for family camping trips. Because there are no poles to worry about, a large inflatable tent is easy to set up and take down. Most air tents also incorporate features like built-in groundsheets, multiple entrances, and large windows to enhance ventilation and overall camping comfort.
5/ Lightweight and portable
Inflatable tents are lightweight and compact, making them highly portable. The absence of rigid poles reduces the overall weight and allows easy packing and transportation. Therefore a small two-person air tent is ideal for hiking or backpackers. Or a large inflatable tent has a small footprint for storage or transportation.
The Downside of Air Tents
Air tents have changed the camping game thanks to their quick and easy setup. However, they have some disadvantages compared to traditional tents or pop-up tents.
Here are some things to consider before buying an air tent.
- Cost: Air tents are generally more expensive than traditional tents. This is because they use extra-strong material, have specialized valves, and require a pump for inflation.
- Puncture risk: Air tents rely on inflatable beams for support, meaning there is a higher risk of punctures or leaks. Although the air beams are made from durable, strong material, sharp objects can puncture the material.
- Tricky repairs: Fixing damaged air tubes or beams can be expensive and challenging to repair or replace. This is especially true with a single-point inflation tent.
- Availability and selection: The limited range of air tents means fewer options for styles, sizes, designs, and features. Therefore, you may struggle to get exactly what you want. However, technology and increasing popularity mean that the choice range of air tents is constantly improving.
Air tent maintenance and repair
The challenges of camping with an air tent are repairs and maintenance. And keeping your air tent in good condition is essential to stay dry and out of the elements. The good news is that, although the beams can be punctured, punctures don’t happen often.
Here is a short guide about how to keep an air tent in good order and minimize repairs.
1/ Cleaning
A crucial aspect of maintaining an air tent is keeping it clean. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the tent’s exterior and interior surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that may damage the tent’s fabric or coating. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and any specific recommendations they provide.
2/ Dry the tent before packing
Always make sure your air tent is completely dry before packing it away. Moisture or dampness can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. If the tent gets wet during use, set it up in a well-ventilated area to air-dry before deflating and packing it.
If it’s impossible to pack a dry tent (for example, it’s raining when you leave), remember to unpack it and air-dry it as soon as possible. Avoid storing the tent when damp or wet, as this can cause damage and deterioration.
3/ Check for damage
Regularly inspect your air tent for any signs of damage, including punctures, tears, or leaks. Check the seams, inflatable beams, zippers, and fabric for any issues. Address any damage promptly to prevent it from worsening. Most air tents come with repair kits that include patches and adhesive for fixing small punctures.
4/ Store the tent properly
Always store tents and camping gear in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. It’s vitally important to avoid exposing tents to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures for extended periods. UV rays and temperature fluctuations can degrade the tent materials over time. Additionally, avoid folding or compressing the tent too tightly, as this can cause creases and damage to the inflatable beams.
5/ Inspect and maintain the pump and inflation system
Before your camping trip, inspect the manual or electric pump to ensure it’s working. Also, you should periodically inspect the valves for signs of wear or damage. The valves must close tightly after inflation to prevent air leakage.
By following these maintenance and repair tips, you can ensure that your air tent provides a comfortable home on your camping adventures for years to come.
Air Tents — In Conclusion
Air tents are becoming increasingly popular among camping enthusiasts. Using a system of inflatable beams or tubes, air tents are quick to set up and take down. They also provide superior stability in stormy conditions. They are usually easier to store and transport than traditional tents with poles.
Modern air tents are innovative and more durable ones designed to provide comfort, shelter, and convenience in all camping scenarios. Air tents are constructed from strong, durable materials up to three times stronger than standard tents. The material used for air tents is usually made from high-grade polyester called Oxford cloth.
Air tents are great for camping trips, especially for families or large groups. They offer superior stability, convenience, and comfort and can be pitched within minutes. Inflatable tents can provide years of enjoyable camping experiences with proper care and maintenance.
