Are you planning to get a tent soon? If you’re torn between a pole tent and an air tent that only needs to be inflated to support the entire tent, this guide might help.
In recent years, air tents have become more popular than ever before. They're now almost as popular as the regular pole tent or even the usual dome tent people opt for whenever the need for a temporary shelter comes up.
Air tents are similar to the regular types of tents we've come to know and love. They come in different sizes to suit different needs, different colors, and a variety of styles. Of course, some things distinguish them from pole tents and air tents.
If you plan on getting a tent soon and you're torn between an air tent and the other types of tent you know, this comparison guide might help you make the best decision.
What Is An Air Tent?
Some people also refer to an air tent as an inflatable tent. Not to be confused with a bounce house or an inflatable castle, an air tent doesn't have inflated walls or floors. It merely got its name from how the tent was set up by inflating it with air. However, the only parts that inflate in an air tent are the beams that support the main structure. Imagine a pole tent, but the poles are inflatable beams -- that's basically what an air tent is and how it works. It does not have regular poles or any metal bits and parts you'd need to connect for the whole thing to hold up.
To blow up an air tent, you must plug it into an air pump and wait for the air to fill its beams so it can stand. Some air tents use a continuous airflow system, meaning it's pretty "plug-n-play," if you will. Others have a cell structure kind of pattern going on, which means you'd have to pump air into one compartment, seal it up, pump air into the next compartment, seal it up, and continue doing so until all compartments have been filled with air.
You can find many different styles and designs for air tents. There are A-frame air tents, multi-room air tents, and even backpacker air tents, which are smaller in size and price, perfect for those looking for a convenient yet budget-friendly inflatable tent option. Most recently, transparent bubble-style air tents have been developed because of the rise in COVID-19 cases worldwide and people wanting to experience the outdoors again. These are slightly different from the usual air tent because they need constant airflow inside the bubble to stay inflated.
What's great about air tents is that they can be used for just about anything, from backyard camping/glamping with the little ones to full-blown campouts and hiking adventures somewhere far away with family and friends. They can also be used for outdoor parties and other events and as temporary shelters in case of calamities. Awesome, right?
Air Tent Vs. Pole Tent: Which One Is Better?
Now, let's talk about air tents vs. pole tents. Is one better than the other? If so, which one would win if they were side by side? Let's find out.
Installation and ease of use
- General installation and ease of use - air tents win installation. As mentioned earlier, all you need to do to get one set up is plug it into an air pump and wait until the beams are filled with air. Pole tents, however, can be challenging and overwhelming to install/assemble, especially if it's your first time. Those jokes on TV shows and movies showing helpless campers beside their pole tents, waiting for someone more experienced to help them, aren't far from what happens in real life.
- Installation time - you're inexperienced with setting up a pole tent, it can take you as long as half a day to figure the whole thing out. Experienced campers, on the other hand, can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour to set up a pole tent. On the other hand, an inflatable tent can take 10 to 20 minutes to set up, depending on how big the tent is.
- Risk of damage - most first-time campers will poke a hole or two through the fabric trying to set up their pole tent. It has become so common that some consider it a rite of passage for camping newbies. In this regard, inflatable tents for camping are ideal since the chances of overinflating the beams are pretty low.
Durability and stability
The tent is one's temporary shelter away from home, so the tent you choose must be strong and stable enough to endure unpleasant weather conditions like extreme heat, windiness, heavy rains, and even heavy snow.
- Excessive heat - pole tents often come with a fabric coated with an anti-UV layer to protect you from the heat when you're inside. As for the air tent, there is a small tendency for the beams to deflate or explode due to extreme heat. Luckily, you can avoid this by letting out a bit of air when the temperatures rise to alarming levels and then inflating it again when it returns to normal.
- Heavy rain and strong winds - both the pole tent and the camping air tent are made with water-proof materials that will keep you dry when it rains during your camping trip. However, if you're expecting the heavy rain to be accompanied by strong winds, opting for a pole tent might be better. When installed properly, pole tents will be staked to the ground, making them more likely to stay in place than the air tent that isn't staked to the ground and is more likely to move around with strong winds.
- Snow - Both pole tents and air tents do well in the snow. As long as you're set up in a nice, safe place, you should have no worries about getting snowed in or anything like that.
Price
In general, pole tents are cheaper than air tents. A pole tent will do if you're on a budget and looking for something basic to put a roof over while camping. However, an air tent is your best bet if you're looking for something more luxurious and something that will make your whole camping trip feel easier and more comfortable.
Thankfully, finding an air tent that suits your needs is easier. Check out websites like the Homful Group that are well-known in this niche, and you're sure to find leads on where to get a good air tent for your camping needs. They have a wide array of outdoor products, including air tents big enough to fit 8 to 12 (adult) people with plenty more space for kids and 'indoor' activities like games and a bit of dancing. Perfect for family camping trips!
This inflatable tent is wear-resistant and puncture-resistant, so you can get the most bang for your buck. The tent's main body is made of high-tech T/C polyester cotton, which means it's water-resistant as well. It can also help keep you cool inside, even when scorching hot out. It even has a UV50+ sunscreen coating, so you don't have to worry about developing sun-related skin illnesses while on your trip.
This tent is more than just a tent. It's a home for outdoorsy people and families who love spending time in the wild. It is well-built, easy to install, and even easier to store and pack for your next camping trip. Ready to get your hands on your very own air tent? Visit the Homful Group to see this tent and its wonderful features, or check out other tents, outdoor products, and gear on the website!
https://www.homfulgroup.com/camping/inflatable-tent/air-tent-60i27f.asp
Publication Date: 10/3/2022
Category:
Inflatable Tent
