Spending nights in the great outdoors is both rewarding and fun. However, pitching a tent is not only time-consuming but is a ton of hard work. With inflatable tents, you no longer need to worry about tiresome ordeals anymore.
Instead of the regular metal or fiberglass poles, the inflatable tent uses an inflatable beam. When you begin to put up your tent, you’ll realize that all you’ll need to do is unfold it, inflate it, secure it and just like that, you’re done.
In essence, they’re a time saver and they’re treasured during family trips since they come in very big sizes.
Benefits of Inflatable Tents
Quick Set-Up
If you’ve always struggled with setting up a tent, then you’ll be pleased to know that with the inflatable tent, you’ll be done in a jiffy. When compared to a traditional tent the inflatables are big, blown up, and very easy to assemble. Within the shortest amount of time, you’ll be able to erect your tent. Remember, with an inflatable tent, size doesn’t matter because you’ll still get the job done in the least amount of time possible.
Wind Resistant
When it comes to camping, you’ll need to be prepared for just about any unexpected turn of events. Some of these include extremely heavy gusts of wind. With the all-new inflatable tent, you’ll be able to keep safe against the highest winds. These tents were made to battle the forces of nature to keep you and your family protected.
When compared to many other tents, regular poles are known for snapping. If your pole snaps, then you’ll be faced with a collapse. Inflatable tents were crafted to protect against all of the natural elements in the wild. If ever the poles bend, they return to their original shape in an instant so you’ll never need to worry about sudden collapses during wind attacks.
Holds Up Exceptionally Well Against Bad Weather
When the weather takes a turn for the worse, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your inflatable tent is strong enough to withstand anything that nature throws at it. Inflatable tents were created from durable material that leaves you and your family protected from torrential rains. A huge advantage of these tents is that they won’t even sustain any damages.
The poles attached to these tents are also known for being sturdy and surviving under extreme pressure. So, if you’re feeling to plan a camping trip, you’ll be protected from the weather.
Easy to Repair
Even though inflatable tents can withstand the toughest weather conditions, they may become slightly damaged at some point. If ever this happens, they’re very easy to repair. All you’ll need to do is walk with a repair kit and you’ll be able to repair it on the spot.
Best Inflatable Tents for Camping
- Heimplanet Original Cave Dome Tent
- Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Tent
- Tangkula Outdoor Inflatable Tent
- Ryno Tuff Camping Tent
1. Heimplanet Original Cave Dome Tent | Best Overall
- SET UP - With our tents you only need to connect the...
- ONE PUMP SYSTEM - The airchambers of the frame are...
- STABILITY - Thanks to the geodesic frame structure our tents...
- ROOF DESIGN - The tent's centre becomes an additional...
- FACTS - Packing Size: 16x13x9in, Weight: 10.6lbs, Ground...
When the word inflatable is used, it becomes very easy for people to doubt the capabilities of their tents. However, unlike many others, the design on this one is geodesic. This just simply means that there is an inflatable diamond design that provides even more support and the outside frame is responsible for holding the body securely.
The structure of an inflatable is similar to that of a bicycle tire. The contraptions inner bladder is constructed from thermoplastic polyurethane. The bladder is responsible for holding air while the outer layer is made from high-quality polyester. This prevents the air beams from becoming damaged.
If ever damages should occur, there’s no need to worry. Within the airframes, there are separate compartments that remain stable if one is ever damaged. Hence, your tent will never collapse and repairs can be done quickly. The dual function valves on the chambers allow quick deflation and inflation.
- Can be used all year round
- Sturdy and unique design
- It’s known for being too warm in hotter regions
2. Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Tent | Best for Hiker & Backpack
- SET UP - With our tents you only need to connect the...
- ONE PUMP SYSTEM - The airchambers of the frame are...
- STABILITY - Thanks to the geodesic frame structure our tents...
- FLEXIBILITY - Thanks to the light weight and small packing...
- FACTS - Packing Size: 15x8x8in, Weight: 5.5lbs, Ground Area:...
The Fistral comes from manufacturers Hemiplanet and is somewhat smaller. So, if you’re interested in something smaller, this is ideal and it comfortably supports two persons. Unlike many others, it is lightweight and compact for traveling.
However, don’t let its compatibility fool you because this bad boy features a whopping two entrances. These are ideal for providing extra comfort and convenience and it features the geodesic design. Hence, you’ll be able to experience extra stability while staying dry from harsh weather conditions.
The beams on this one is double supported to enhance the overall safety of the tent. However, it should be noted that if ever the ribs become damaged, your tent will not collapse as long as the others are properly inflated. Repairing is easy since there are different valves in each chamber and it can be done quickly with a repair kit.
When assembled, you’ll need an area of 45 ft squared. However, the inner area is much smaller and stands at 31 ft squared. The overall height of the tent on the inside is 44 inches while the outside is 52 inches. Due to its compactness, you’ll have no trouble securing it to your hiker or backpack.
Specification:
- Material: Polyester, Nylon
- Special Feature: Waterproof, Lightweight
- Item Weight: 2.5 Kilograms
- Made from high-quality materials
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Features two entrances
- Weather resistant
- Somewhat pricy
3. Tangkula Outdoor Inflatable Tent
- Quick and easy setup: This inflatable tent can be built with...
- Enough big space for 2-3 persons: This inflatable outdoor...
- High quality: The tent adopts the 190T polyester with PU...
- Easy for carrying: The tent is lightweight at about 11 lbs...
- Better space utilization : This tent has two rooms, the...
If you’re looking for a cheaper yet durable inflatable tent, this one from Tangkula is an ideal option. With its compact design, you’ll be able to comfortably fit up to three occupants and you don’t even need to worry about any assembly problems. The inflate frame is perfect for fast assembly.
While this one isn’t as big as the others, it makes it easier for you to set up and walk from the site to your car. The length on this one is 28 inches while the case is roughly 87 by 87 and the sleeping area is 59 inches. However, the center of the tent stands at just 41 inches. Due to its design, you’ll be able to transport this one with ease since it weighs 11 lbs.
If you’re looking for something strong, this one is made from 190T polyester and has a special PU coating. The coating is essential for weather protection whenever you’re faced with terrible weather. Additionally, the air pipes are crafted from TPU so they won’t become easily damaged.
Specification:
- Material: 190T polyester, B4 fine gauze, TPU inflatable pipe and 120G/M2 polyester
- Special Feature: Windproof, Waterproof, Lightweight
- Item Weight: 11 Pounds
- Shape: Round
- Closure Type: Zipper
- Reasonably priced
- Compact
- Lightweight
- The vestibule is very spacious
- Made from quality materials
- The pump attached is not convenient
4. Ryno Tuff Camping Tent | Best Value
- TOUGH, TOP-QUALITY, WATERPROOF MATERIALS - The breathable...
- ⛺ EASY TO SET UP, EASY TO PACK, AND EVEN EASIER TO ENJOY...
- 🏕️ LARGE TENT SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES – This family...
- 🏕️ UNIQUE INFLATABLE AIR TUBES – There are no rigid...
- 🌳 PLANT A TREE AND HELP US SAVE THE PLANET! Yes, we are...
Even though the denier rating isn’t listed, the Ryno Tuff is crafted from 170T taffeta polyester. Since the material is very retardant, you’ll be able to comfortably sleep in it while using a heater.
The product also has some additional features that allow you to add in a couple of accessories for even more comfort. There’s a lantern hook on the roof and the seams are taped to provide even more waterproofing. If you’re interested in storing a couple of small items, the mesh pockets work well for this. However, it should be noted that the pockets are small but they can still fit an item or two.
When packed, you’ll only need to transport 12 lbs and it fits into 16.5 x 14 x 8 inches. This makes it even more perfect for backpack camping. The high degree of compactness on this one should allow you to see that it is an excellent option.
Specification:
- Material: Polyester, Polyurethane, Steel
- Special Feature: Waterproof, Rainfly
- Item Weight: 12 Pounds
- Pole Material Type: Aluminum
- Built to last
- The rainfly is large and made to withstand anything
- The featured rainfly has a waterproof rating of 1000mm
Buying Guide
Air Beams
Inflatable tents either have multiple sections or continuous air beams. An inflatable tent is usually durable and won’t puncture easily. However, if a puncture does occur, the tents with multiple sections will mean that the structure won’t lose all its air at the same time. In some cases, the camping blow-up tents that have a single continuous air-beam will still allow you to section a part off if the tent is damaged and experiences a puncture.
Size
The inflatable tents are available in several sizes from small one-person tents to large, cabin-sized group tents. Choosing an inflatable-sized tent is the same as choosing a regular size tent. The manufacturer will indicate how many people will fit in the tent, but it is still recommended to choose a higher occupancy (at least 2 more people), than the actual number of people in the group, so that you have enough space when sleeping in the tent.
It is also important to consider the overall height of the tent. You must be able to stand inside the tent. The width of your tent is also important so that the tallest people in the group will be able to comfortably stretch out once laying down.
Weight
The inflatable tents are obviously easier to assemble since they come with inflatable beams. Unfortunately, these beams also take up space. As a result, inflatable tents tend to be heavier when compared to traditional tents.
You will also need to invest in a reliable air pump, that will add even more weight to your camping gear. There are a few options that are lightweight (including some of the manual hand-pumps), but these are not as efficient or quick as the bulkier pumps.
This is why inflatable tents are more suited to car camping. When you go camping in your car, weight is usually not such an issue, since you are transporting your camping gear in your trunk. This allows you to bring along one of the high-powered air pumps, which means you can set up your tent in minutes.
Fabric Quality
Inflatable tents are typically made from the same fabric types as traditional tents.
The common fabrics include cotton canvas, polyester, and nylon. The thickness rating for tent fabrics is measured in deniers (D), and (T) for the thread count. The higher the numbers for these measurements, the heavier and more durable the fabric will be. It is also important to take note of the waterproof rating for tent fabric which is measured in (mm).
Each of these fabric types is linked to its own set of pros and cons. Here are some of the examples:
Nylon
Nylon is a lightweight fabric that does not absorb moisture or water, which makes it ideal for backpack camping and rainy weather. Nylon is also cheaper when compared to the other tent fabrics, helping you to save a bit of money if you choose this tent type.
However, nylon is vulnerable to damage from the sun, especially when it does not have a suitable coating. These coatings generally increase the price of the tent.
You should also look for tents that include ripstop nylon since this will help to prevent snags or runs in this fabric. Nylon tents also usually sag when exposed to heavy rain.
Polyester
Polyester is a heavy-duty and durable tent material. Similar to nylon, it won’t absorb water and moisture, but it is far more durable when compared to nylon. This fabric also won’t cause the fabric to sag during heavy rains and it is also not affected by UV rays like nylon is.
One of the drawbacks of polyester is that it is a heavier material than nylon. But it is still a great fabric for backpack-camping adventures.
When it comes to an inflatable tent, the fabric used for the air beam is usually the most crucial part. The best air beam fabrics include heavy-duty fabrics. These include extra-thick polyester, or a PU (polyurethane). Some of the air poles feature extra fabric layers across the top, similar to bicycle tires for added protection.
Inflation and Deflation
The most important aspect to keep in mind before you purchase a new tent will be how long it will take to deflate or inflate it. Quick setup is a primary selling point when it comes to this tent type, so you need to ensure it will take a lot faster to pitch your tent than the regular types.
Keep in mind, that deflation will usually take longer since all the air needs to be removed so that it can pack back down into a carry bag.
The air beams also need a certain level of pressure in order to support your tent. While this pressure may vary from one model or product to the next, this measurement is usually between 6 to 7psi. This measurement is not something you can achieve using your lungs, which is why a pump becomes necessary.
Air Pump
It is impossible to use your inflatable tent if you do not have an air pump. Some of the tents are sold with the air pump while others may mean you need to buy the air pump separately. Do not judge the quality of a tent on whether an air pump is included or not.
However, the tents that include this part are convenient since you won’t have to think about compatibility. Investing in an air pump adapter usually means you can use any type of air pump.
While an automatic air pump is extremely convenient, it can prove to be too much in some cases. You also might not find a spot to plug it in, especially when you visit remote locations. Manual air pumps work just as well with very little hassle.
Doors and Windows
The number of windows and doors and the correct positioning will increase how functional the tent is. Some of the tents (especially the bigger ones), will feature two or more doors, which can make exits and entry a lot easier, especially when other people are still sleeping inside the tent.
Just about every tent comes with windows, but the inflatable tents are somewhat different. Many of these products come with PVC windows that keep bugs and water out, while still allowing ventilation and airflow. This is why it is important to check on the “breathability” of the tent, and if it comes with air vents. If the tent does not include these features, condensation will form on the walls, which is not pleasant at all.
It is a definite advantage if you can find a tent that has mesh screens on the windows since this allows the air in while keeping bugs out. Some of the windows also come with fabric flaps for added weather protection or when you want to lower the light level inside. They also usually roll up so you can let fresh air and sunlight into your tent.
Accessories
A pump is the most important accessory you will need for your inflatable tent. When you buy one of these tents, look for the models that come with a pump included. Even when the tent comes with a pump, you may need something else to ensure the pump and tent valves match. If they don’t, buy a pump adapter.
You will also need a repair kit. Unlike the traditional tents, if there is a hole or rip in your inflatable tent, you can still fix it. This is why you should include the repair kit in your camping gear, and read over the instructions so you know what to do. If you have used the kit before, make sure you replace the glue or patches.
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Last update on 2022-05-30 / Rating by Author / Affiliate links, Images, Descriptions & Price from Amazon Product Advertising API