8 Best Inflatable Tent for Camping On Amazon (Review)

Best Inflatable Tent for Camping Review

You have decided to go camping in the countryside, in the mountains or in the forest. However, you have difficulty pitching your tent in bad weather, especially if you don’t know how to pitch it. To make your life easier, why not use an inflatable tent? There are various models of inflatable tents on the market. Because of this, choosing the one that suits your needs becomes difficult. But, thanks to our guide, you will know the specificities of an inflatable tent as well as the criteria to consider to make the right choice.

Why Use An Inflatable Tent?

To get the most out of your camping trip, you need to have the right equipment. This of course includes a tent, which is the centerpiece of a camping trip. Since there are many different camping tents, you have a very good choice in front of you. It’s important that your new 4-person or 10-person tent offers good protection and is easy to pitch, which inflatable tents can do.

You can avoid using pegs and drastically cut assembly time, leaving you more time and energy to do things you really love. When they first appeared, a lot of people were hesitant to give them a chance. an inflatable tent. Since, they have made significant progress and have reached a level where they are reliable in all situations.

As with other tents, you can choose the size, design, build quality and many other features. We have featured different types of inflatables in our list, so you can easily choose the best inflatable tent for your intended purpose. Also, check out the buying guide and get detailed information on what to look for, to be sure you’re getting a long-lasting product that you’ll be happy with.

8 Best Inflatable Tents for Camping To Buy on Amazon

How To Choose The Best Inflatable Tent for Camping?

As a tent has a great influence on the quality of your trip, you should think about the selection. Inflatable tents were made to save you time (and also trouble) over regular tents. You can set up your tent without anyone’s help, which is not always the case with traditional tents, especially if they are larger. This is a great solution when camping with children for example, as one adult can pitch the tent while another takes care of them. On the other hand, depending on the size, some inflatables can also be used for hiking. However, these inflatable tents can be a bit pricey, so it’s important to learn as much as you can about their features so you don’t regret your purchase later.

Design

The biggest advantage of self-inflating tents is that they don’t require poles. The frame supports itself through a system of beams that are filled with air and placed in protective casings. This way everything is prefixed and you just have to inflate it. Your new tent should have quality valves that keep the air inside. Some have double hoods, allowing you to inflate and deflate the tent quickly. This type of tent is usually very stable, although it comes in different shapes. Perhaps the best choice is the geodesic shape if you plan on exposing it to more extreme conditions. However, these tents should all work just fine if you anchor them properly using tent pegs and guy lines, just like you would with any other tent. Damage is not very common and does not occur more often than with any other type of tent. The best inflatable tents come with a repair kit so you can fix the problem on the go. It is also a great advantage if the manufacturer sells spare parts in case something should happen to your tent.

Inflation and Deflation

One of the most important things to consider when buying your new tent is how long it takes to inflate and deflate it. Quick pitching is one of the main selling points of this type of tent, so be sure you can do it much faster than pitching a regular tent. Also, the deflation process often takes a bit longer because you have to remove (almost all) the air inside to condition it and put it back in the bag. The air beams require a certain amount of pressure to be able to support the tent. This pressure varies from one product to another, but it is generally around 6 or 7 psi. It’s something we can’t do with our lungs, so it takes a pump to do it. A manual pump will do just fine. and some tents come with a pump which is a plus. You can also use an electric pump (provided you have the correct adapter), but this is not necessary as manual pumps are much more economical.

Size

As with other types of tents, there is a great choice in terms of size, as you may have seen in our reviews of inflatable tents. Manufacturers usually specify the number of occupants the tent can accommodate, as well as its dimensions, whether packed or fully erected. If you want better comfort, for example, consider buying a four-person tent for two or three users. This will give you room for gear inside the tent, as well as extra room to move around.

There are also products like the Odyssey Air 800, which can accommodate larger groups, as it’s not just floor space that matters, but also the height of the tent, giving you ample room for the head. Some are very tall and allow you to stand up inside. Even though inflatable tents are often lighter than traditional tents (if they are the same size), they are by no means light as a feather. Consider the total weight of the tent when deflated, especially if you need to transport it to the campsite.

Layout

A smart layout can make things better, especially if it’s a large tent for six or eight people. Some compact tents only have one living space and don’t have a vestibule to leave your shoes and backpacks outside the tent. Others, on the other hand, have multiple living and sleeping areas as well as a vestibule (or more, if your tent has multiple doors), which is a big plus if you’re sharing the tent with your kids or family. other adults. So you can enjoy some privacy and quiet, without other people waking you up. Remember to think about it before buying. Even if it means buying a little bigger tent, you won’t regret it.

Doors and Windows

Proper positioning and an adequate number of doors and windows increase the functionality of your tent. Some tents (especially larger ones) have more than one door, making it easier to get in and out while other occupants are sleeping in the tent. Door shapes also vary from product to product, and while a T-door gives you easier access, other designs may offer better protection.

Windows are present in almost all tents, but they are somewhat different when it comes to inflatable tents. Many products are equipped with PVC windows, which prevent water and insects from entering, but do not allow air circulation. That’s why you should always check the breathability of your tent and whether it has air vents. It is certainly an advantage if the windows have a mosquito net, which allows air to pass through but prevents insects from entering outside. Some windows have fabric shutters that you put up to protect you from the weather and to have less light inside, and you can then roll them up to let more sunshine and a breath of fresh air into the tent.

Equipment

Most manufacturers use polyester as their preferred material for making the bulk of these tents. The body, the floor as well as the protective casing of the air beams are generally made of this material. It is a synthetic material that performs very well in terms of resistance, durability and protection against the elements. Sometimes a layer of PU (polyurethane) is added to keep water out, so you stay completely dry inside your tent, even in heavy rain. Another material that often goes into the wetsuit is nylon, especially ripstop nylon. It is sometimes used for flooring because it is stronger and harder to tear. Air beams are usually made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or similar material. It’s important that they don’t puncture or tear quickly, while being completely airtight so your tent won’t deflate. The materials used are directly related to the overall quality of your tent, which makes sense. The best inflatable camping tents aren’t necessarily the most expensive, but always think about what you’re getting, even if you pay a little more, as it will pay off in the long run.

Accessories

It’s always nice when your tent has extra features that enhance your stay. The mesh pockets are a big plus, as they allow you to keep a few small things close at hand – a cell phone, a flashlight or your multi-tool.In addition to pockets, some tents come with gear loops, which are overhead compartments where you can place some of your gear and keep the floor more organized. The walls of some tents have special zippered holes through which you can pass an electrical cable (if you have one). As for the included extras, it’s much easier for you if the set comes with tent pegs and guy lines. That way, it’s all in one bag and you don’t have to worry about bringing extra gear from home (and possibly forgetting about it). As mentioned before, some products come with a pump included, while others require you to purchase it separately. It’s a plus if the pump also has a reversing function.

What Is An Inflatable Tent?

It is a specially designed tent, whose frame is made of inflatable beams that give it support, instead of the traditional aluminum or fiberglass tent poles. You use a pump to pitch the tent, which is very easy to do. You avoid assembly altogether, which is a huge plus for some people. In addition, the inflatable beams also give the tent excellent stability.

Why Use An Inflatable Tent?

There are many advantages to this. Most often, you can do the setup yourself, even if it’s a large 6-8 person tent. You won’t need anyone’s help to hold the pieces. The assembly is very fast: most inflatable tents are assembled in less than 10 minutes, you just have to deploy them and inflate them. In terms of practicality, it almost tops the list, along with pop-up tents.

Also, you don’t have to study the instruction manual thoroughly to successfully pitch the inflatable tent, which, depending on the material used, can perform remarkably well in harsh weather conditions. And if something does happen, you can often fix it yourself on the spot, something you couldn’t do if a pole broke on your conventional tent. These tents often come in oversized bags, which makes them quite easy to pack. However, it should be noted that due to all these features and their unconventional design, inflatable tents tend to cost more than other types of tents.

How Stable Are Inflatable Tents?

As we said above, although some parts are filled with air, these tents have a certain weight that keeps them on the ground. When you add poles and guy lines to this combo, you get a product that’s nothing short of a pole tent, so you really don’t have to worry. Additionally, inflatable beams are very flexible and cannot be damaged by the wind, while metal or fiberglass poles can permanently twist if the wind gets too strong.

Are Inflatable Tents Reliable?

Yes, it certainly is. There are high quality products in this category, which are definitely made to last. They can withstand a good deal of wear and tear and are no more susceptible to damage than any other solution. However, make sure you are familiar with the product in question so you know what to expect. As mentioned, spare parts are available for inflatables just like any other tent.

How To Set Up An Inflatable Tent?

It’s very similar to setting up a regular tent, without the complicated assembly of course. First you need to clean the area where you plan to put the tent. Remove sharp objects like rocks on branches that could puncture the tent floor or cause discomfort when inside. Next, lay out the footprint of the tent, if you have one. This is very useful as it serves as extra protection for the floor, and also helps keep the tent dry and clean from below. If you don’t have a footprint, you can use a tarp instead, then open the base of the tent and position it correctly. Then open the base of the tent and position it correctly. Secure it with the pegs so it won’t move when you inflate it later. Connect the pump to the valve and start inflating it.

Some tents can be inflated using a single valve, while others have beams with separate valves. In this case, it’s easier to start somewhere in the middle and work your way out to the sides. Independent beams are probably a better solution, because if one of them is punctured, the tent remains upright. Be sure to insert the remaining pegs as well as connect and anchor the guy lines, so that the tent is perfectly stable. 

What Are The Most Common Problems with Inflatable Tents?

As you can imagine, the most common problem you may encounter is having a puncture in one of the air bundles. Fortunately, this problem is not that common. Remove the air bundle from the protective sheath and if you cannot locate the hole by sound or with your fingers, you can put it in a bucket of water, where the small air bubbles will be visible. Then use the repair kit as instructed, put a patch on it, put it back in place and re-inflate it. The air inside your tent can change volume depending on the outside temperature. This can create problems, as in cold weather the tent can be flimsy, while the pressure inside the beams can become too much when exposed to the sun.

Final Verdict

Having one of the best inflatable camping tents is a great choice for anyone who wants to save time and try something a little different. The design of this tent has come a long way over the years. In addition to reliable manufacturers like Vango, many others now make excellent tents in this category. If you decide to buy one, you’ll be making a smart investment that will last for years and put a smile on your face every time you go camping. You now have the knowledge to choose the best inflatable tent from our list above, and we’re sure you’ll be happy with it.