Are Air Tents Durable?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Rather than having solid tent poles, these tents inflate flexible tubes with pressurized air. This keeps them standing. While this might seem like it would cause issues with structural stability and weather resistance,

air beams are as reliable and durable as solid tent poles

.

Is an air tent worth it?

In my opinion, from the tent we tested,

absolutely yes

. I'm not saying I'd trust them for wild camping on top of a mountain in a hurricane, but once this air tent was inflated it felt as solid and durable as any of the big family tents we've tested in the past.

What is the advantage of an air tent?

The biggest advantage of an inflatable air tent is in the

ease of setting up

. No matter how bad you are at camping, you can never go wrong with an inflatable air tent! You can easily pitch the an inflatable air tent by yourself without experiencing major problems, even with a foot pump.

What wind speed can an air tent withstand?

The short answer is that tents can withstand wind speeds of

15-30 miles per hour

. There are other factors that influence the wind resistance of a good quality tent. For starters, tents are more than just a membrane, some guy lines, and a couple of tent stakes.

Do inflatable tents puncture?

Just like regular tents, can withstand a fair bit of battering but will get damaged if not cared for properly.

Punctures are incredibly rare in air tents

. You just need to be mindful of any particular sharp objects when you're pitching the tent.

Do air tents deflate?

All inflatable tents come with air valves, some bigger than others.

Open these air valves up and wait for your tent to deflate

. Take off your shoes and walk along the air tubes toward the valve. This gets the air out of the tubes.

Are inflatable tents durable?

Rather than having solid tent poles, these tents inflate flexible tubes with pressurized air. This keeps them standing. While this might seem like it would cause issues with structural stability and weather resistance,

air beams are as reliable and durable as solid tent poles

.

Are air tents easier to put up?

Air tents vs pole tents: the verdict


We really loved the ease of pitch that you get with an air tent

, which means one lucky person can set the entire thing up while everyone else explores the site. Taking the air tent down was similarly easy, but getting it into the bag was a bit more challenging.

Are air tents heavier?

Furthermore, though they don't have poles,

air tents tend to be quite heavy

. A lot of this extra weight comes from the fact that manufacturers must make these tents with extra-burly materials so they don't puncture and fail in foul weather.

What is an inflatable air tent?

An air tent, also known as an inflatable tent, is

a tent that is erected by pumping up inflatable beams

. Instead of using fibreglass poles, the air-filled beams form a strong but lightweight structure that acts like a normal tent, only easier to assemble. Air tents are ideal for all types of camping.

What's an air tent?

What are inflatable tents? Inflatable tents (or air tents as they're otherwise known) are just like any other tent, except for one significant difference.

Instead of having traditional poles made from metal, plastic or fibreglass, the tent uses inflatable beams, pumped up to provide a sturdy structure

.

What are inflatable tents made of?

Inflatable tents are made of the same types of fabric that traditional tents are made of. The most popular fabrics are

nylon, polyester, and cotton canvas

.

Will a tent survive 50 mph winds?


Most tents are designed to withstand a certain amount of wind

, however speeds over 30 mph can cause damage. Remember to take rain ponchos and lots of plastic bags. Pack your clothing and bedding in plastic bags before packing into rucksacks.

How do you sleep in a tent when it's windy?

In windy weather

pitch your tent facing in the direction that offers most protection and stability

– this usually means directing the lowest and narrowest parts towards the wind. Try pitching at an angle to the wind so the force of the gusts is spread more evenly over the tent.

How do you keep a tent up in the wind?

Do bubbles ruin tents?


Don't let children blow bubbles too close to your tent

. The detergent in the liquid can affect proofing, as can any soap, oil or grease.

How do you inflate an air tent?

How long should you air a tent for?

Most tent sealing products need

24 hours

to dry completely, so make sure you have a designated space free from debris where the tent can be spread out for a day to dry. Reseal leaky seams.

Do inflatable tents work?

Whether inflatable tents are better is entirely down to you, the camper.

If you're looking for a large family tent that can be pitched by one person, quickly, then an inflatable tent is ideal

. If you're a camper who's had a bad experience with snapping poles during a camping trip, then an inflatable tent is ideal.

What are air beam tents?


The innovation of AirBeam® technology by Vango, makes pitching even large tents, quick and easy

. AirBeam® Elite Tents offer the most luxurious camping experience featured with Diamond Pro windows, darkened Midnight Bedrooms and Easy Access Entrances with no stepover.

Are there inflatable tents?

Once people realised that air poles, which you could pump up in a few short minutes, could be every bit as effective and reliable as traditional poles,

inflatable tents started popping up on campsites here there and everywhere

. Technology has advanced such that today's best inflatable tents are incredibly durable.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.