A new air pole technology or inflatable pole technology has drastically improved the efficiency of the rapid pitch tent, with the development of the inflatable tent. Here is our summary of everything you need to know about inflatable tents, with a collection of the best ones on the market at the moment. We also explore why air tents and inflatable tents for camping are proving to be so popular, and especially are considered to be the best tents for families.
Yes, we love camping and glamping, but we also love to put our feet up, relax and enjoy our holiday outdoors. Unfortunately, the very nature of camping means this doesn’t always happen as soon as we arrive at the campsite. We have to set up our shelter at the first, and anything that makes this easier and reduces the number of family arguments gets a big thumbs up from us.
I was intrigued by the pop-hiss-pop-hiss-pop-hiss noises coming from a camping neighbour on a recent trip to the campsite and I moved in closer to investigate. The owner claimed it was the best family tent he had ever owned. While I was getting the low down on the inflatable tent designs I realised I was surrounded by them. It seems turbo tents are proving to be very popular indeed.
The inflatable tent uses air rise technology to pitch the tent. Basically this means you hook the tent inlet valve to a pump, switch it on, and within minutes the inflatable poles have done all the work for you and pitched the tent, without a metal pole in sight. It is very rapid and straight forward leaving you to get on with your well deserved holiday, which is why it is one of the best tents for family camping available today.
Most inflatable camping tent models in use an interlinked frame, which means the tent can be fully pitched in seconds. Sometimes called air beam tents or air pitch tents, these models come in a number of designs to suit hikers, couples, families and those looking for something a little bit more glamorous. If you are looking for an inflatable tent for sale we have been doing our research and here is our summary of the best inflatable camping tents available at the moment.
The Best Family Camping Tents 2020: The Inflatable Tent
Outwell Inflatable Tent
Vango Airbeam Tents And Awnings
Vango has a huge selection of tents and awnings using air technology in their AirBeam tent designs, with a range of prices to suit every budget. It is claimed that these tents are so easy to pitch they can easily be assembled by one person within minutes, depending on the size you choose.
A few of our favourites are the:
Vango Odyssey Inflatable Family Tunnel Tent, Epsom Green, Airbeam 500SC
- Inflatable AirBeam structure – allows pole free pitching, ensuring your tent is erect within a matter of minutes (double action pump included); pre-attached sun canopy for additional outdoor space
- Protex 70 denier waterproof fire retardant flysheet (4,000 HH) with fully taped seams; durable and reliable fabric that will keep you warm and comfortable
- The Vango patented TBS II tension band system to ensure stability in windy conditions. Cable entry point with tidies – Zipped entry point for power cable, with touch fastener tidies
- Front and side entry – full mesh door on the front, canopy over side door; linked-in PE groundsheet in the living area.
- Lights out inner tent – darker fabric reduces the amount of early morning light
Vango Amalfi 500 AirBeam Sky Blue
- Vango AirBeam
- SkyTrack II
- Vango AirZone
- Front & Rear Storm Anchors
- Mesh Door
Vango Airbeam Portland Tent, Epsom Green, Size 500
- Inflatable AirBeam structure allows pole free pitching, ensuring tent is erect in a matter of minutes (double action pump included)
- Sentinel active is strong, light and with a 3,000 mm HH rating, ensuring high quality and performance coupled with compact pack sizes
- Linked-in groundsheet – groundsheet easily links to the tent to keep the weather and bugs out yet can be rolled away if required
- Diamond clear windows – maximise light and visibility
- Handled zipped carry bag – allows smooth, quick and easy packing and transportation
Berghaus Tents
These tents use inflatable beam design to provides a special camping experience and a super-quick pitching time. Roomy and practical with large windows and great ventilation for a relaxing family break, they come in a variety of sizes, which can be extended by a clever porch addition.
Berghaus Air 6XL Inflatable Luxurious 6-Person Family Tent, Blue, One Size
- High-performance inflatable beams – superior quality and strength unlike other beams on the market
- Quick-release air valves – spring-loaded valves deflate the poles at the touch of a button
- Airflow ventilation system – high- and low-level vents for improved airflow
- Flysheet, inner tent and groundsheet fully fire retardant – tested to the European EN 5912 safety standard
- Divider curtains give the option of a single 6-person bedroom, a 4- and 2-person bedroom, or 3 x 2 person bedrooms
Berghaus Air 8 Inflatable Tunnel Design 8 Person Family Tent, Bluemoon, One Size
- Quick-release air valves – spring-loaded valves deflate the poles at the touch of a button
- High-performance inflatable beams – superior quality and strength unlike other beams on the market
- Flysheet, inner tent and groundsheet fully fire retardant – tested to the European EN 5912 safety standard
- Airflow ventilation system – high- and low-level vents for improved airflow
- High-performance inflatable beams – superior quality and strength unlike other beams on the market
Green Hurricane Air Tent
This campervan and MPV inflatable tent use the Qwik frame design and claims you can inflate your tent within 120 seconds. Made from 100% polyester, making it lightweight and easy to move, it has been designed to withstand the most vigorous storms.
- Fits campers/vans with an attaching height of 180 to 205 cm
- Separate inflatable tubes with external inflation valves
- Drive-away awning with standing height
- Easy-to-attach to campervan and MPV
- Sewn-in groundsheet
Skandika Manhattan 5 Family Tent Air-Rise Technology/Inflatable Replacement Hose 636 cm, Sand, 1802
- Innovative air rise technology doesn’t include poles
- Quick and easy to put, comfortable and weatherproof to use
- Attractive design with generous space divisions are
- Sewn groundsheet
- Standing Height over 200 cm
The Best Small Inflatable Camping Tents
Hemiplanet Cave Tent
This tent design maker claims to have produced the first inflatable geodesic tent. You simply lay it out on the ground and inflate one inlet to achieve a rapid pitch. With a handheld pump, this could be ideal to create a quick shelter for hiking, even in bad weather (see the video above testing it between 40-60 mph gusts).
- SET UP – you only need to connect the airframe, inner tent, and outer tent once before your first use. After that, your tent can simply be rolled out like a sleeping bag, pumped up and fixed with pegs in case of strong winds. To pack up simply open one of the valves to deflate the airframe and roll up the tent to put it back in the packsack.
- ONE PUMP SYSTEM – The air chambers of the frame are connected. That way, the entire tent can be pitched using only one valve. After the tent is pumped up within a few seconds, disconnect the air chambers using the small clips attached so that the tent remains stable even if one air chamber is damaged (Multi-Chamber Safety System).
- STABILITY – Thanks to the geodesic frame structure this is extremely stable. Even the largest tent can withstand wind speeds up to 110mph.
- ROOF DESIGN – The tent’s centre becomes an additional supporting point. This allows the formation of a star-shaped roof. The result is a point-symmetrical slope that offers five run-offs for rain.
- FACTS – Packing Size: 16x13x9in, Weight: 10.6lbs, Ground Area: 54 square feet, Double-layer air struts, 5000mm water column, see Heimplanet Groundsheets for extra floor protection.
A Demonstration Of The Rapid Pitch Speed Of The Inflatable Tent
The Best Inflatable Tents For Glamping
The Inflatable Bubble Tent
To be true to the spirit of going glamping, you have to do something a bit different and unique.
This is where an inflatable bubble tent or dome tent can help you stand out from the rest of the crowd at a campsite near you in 2020.
- Material: The garden igloo is made of non-toxic and flame-retardant PVC material. It is durable and of good quality. It has a tunnel and is suitable for family camping for outdoor activities.
- Rainproof: The mobile inflatable bubble tent 210T is made of waterproof fabric + pressure-resistant waterproof layer, and the waterproof coefficient can reach 5000mm.
- Unique Design: Dual-channel ventilation design is convenient and firm, anti-privacy, easy to inflate and deflate. Easy to build. 2 blowers are required for inflation.
- Powerful: Perfect for mosquitoes and other pests. When you are on a barbecue or camping, you can invite your friends to rest in a bubble tent.
- Different Sizes Can Be Customized: Different sizes for all situations. Customization time takes 25-40 days. Inflatable camping tents are suitable for travel, business, culture, and other activities.
- UNIQUE DESIGN: bedroom 5 meters in diameter, 2 meters channel, bathroom 2m diameter, convenient and firm ventilation air outlet design, easy to inflate and build, bedroom and tunnel with a metal frame to fix on the floor, keep the whole room stable
- The blower needs to be connected all the time to keep the tent inflated, the air column keeps the tent stable and will not collapse when people come in and out.
- Material: 0.8mm Environmentally friendly transparent PVC, Windproof, insect-proof, moisture-proof. Your warm companion, an unforgettable experience for your family!
- Convenient To Use: You can fill up the tent in a very short time. When you don’t need it, you can fold it easily and carry it easily. When you travel, you can carry it easily, so that you can enjoy a comfortable and pleasant time.
- Whether you want to spend a long romantic night beneath the sky with full of stars or a chilled day with your children, this new version of the bubble house could be a perfect choice to enjoy quality time while camping or in your backyard.
- All of the fun gazing beauty at the world comes in a comforting way of your bubble tent, without any tension of insects and bugs.
- Unlike other models, this exquisitely designed tent stands out regarding quality and design. Its transparent walls provide an opportunity for clear & explicit views, allowing you to gaze at the moon and stars while camping.
Whether you want to spend a long romantic night beneath the sky full of stars or a chilled day with your children, this Bubble House could be a perfect choice to enjoy quality time while camping or in your backyard.
- Unlike other models, this exquisitely designed tent stand out regarding quality and design. Its transparent walls provide an opportunity for clear & explicit views, allowing you to gaze at the moon and stars while camping.
- You can either use it in the garden or patio or for camping to enjoy breakfast, dinner and even for playing games with your family & friends.
- These are made with high-quality materials that are very resilient and durable.
- BETTER BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Not Only Can be used to decorate the courtyard of your own home but also can be used for golf courses, travel homestays and a new glamping business.
Do you own an inflatable tent, or want to try one out?
Let us know what you think of them and if you agree they are the best family tents available at the moment, by giving us your comments below.
