There’s so much beauty in nature, from the gorgeous and majestic mountains and canyons to the magnificent and serene rivers and lakes. At night and away from the busy city lights, you’ll surely admire the awesome and star-studded heavenly realm.
Indeed, nature has so much to offer and it is just waiting for us to explore. And there’s no better way to explore and enjoy these natural wonders than to go camping.
List of The Top Rated Inflatable Tents
- CORE 11 Person Family Cabin Tent
- MOOSE Outdoors Inflatable Tent
- Crua Core Dome Tent Base
- Heimplanet The Cave Inflatable Tent
- Berghaus Air 6 Inflatable Family Tent
- Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Geodesic Tent
- Vango Capri 400 Tent
- Vango AirBeam Celino Air 400
- Outwell Up+Away 500 Tent
- The Original AirFort Build A Fort
Camping is a great experience for stress-reduction, relationship-building and physical fitness among others. For kids, camping also offers numerous benefits. This type of getaway helps them develop a sense of adventure and love for the outdoors.
It also gives them an opportunity to explore and learn more about nature. You probably already feel the excitement of going out camping now. But before you do just that, make sure that you have a reliable tent.
Best Inflatable Tents – Comparison Table
| IMAGE | INFLATABLE TENT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price | |
 |
|
Check Price |
For the best camping experience, you may consider using an inflatable tent. Inflatable tents are gaining popularity for outdoor enthusiasts because they are robust and easy to set up.
Most of these tents are also built to provide optimum protection against bad weather. But not all of them are created equal with some offering better features worth your money.
To help you make the right decision, we have reviewed the best inflatable camping tents and here are our top 3 choices:
- CORE 11 Person Family Cabin Tent – This inflatable camping tent is our number one choice for big groups and families. Aside from its huge area, it also boasts of durable and stable construction. It performs well under harsh weather conditions.
- MOOSE Outdoors Inflatable Tent – If you are looking for a versatile tent for your small family, this tent works great. From its overall construction, it is evident that it performs well in the wilderness.
- Crua Core Dome Tent Base – This 6 person tent uses a water-resistant material and has a good ventilation system. It is one of the best when it comes to performance.
What are the inflatable tents?
Inflatable tents are just like any regular tent but with a significant difference. Instead of using traditional poles made of plastic, metal or fiberglass, these camping tents have inflatable beams. These beams are pumped up to provide structure to the tent.
5 Reasons why you should use an inflatable tent
In recent years, there have been vast improvements in the technologies used behind inflatable tents making them a strong competitor to conventional tents. Here are the reasons why you should get one:
- Easy to set-up. Many of these tents including the big ones are quick and easy to set up in just a few minutes using a pump. Taking it down is a lot easier as you just have to deflate it and pack it up.
- Wind-resistant. Inflatable tents can stand up to strong winds better than conventional tents. Unlike poles that can bend or break, the air beams will just bend in the wind and then return to their original shape.
- Very durable. Inflatable tents are durable and tough to withstand bad weather conditions.
- Easy to repair. Most inflatable tents come with a repair kit. In case of a puncture, you can easily mend it without replacing any part.
- No more poles to worry about. With conventional tents, your constant worry is having complete and undamaged poles to set up your tent. This will not be the case for inflatable tents.
Factors to Consider in choosing the best inflatable tents in 2020
Design
Inflatable tents come in a wide variety of designs but they all share one common feature. That is a system of beams that are pumped with air to support the structure. Everything is already pre-attached for easy set-up.
When comparing designs, look for one with quality valves as it works for holding the air inside. In some tents, the valves have dual caps so you can inflate and deflate them quickly. This is a great feature to consider.
Moreover, if you want an inflating tent that is highly resistant to extreme weather conditions, camping tents with a geodesic shape are your best choice. A geodesic shape is one where the poles are crisscrossed over the surface, intersecting each other to form triangles.
This design is stronger and it offers better structural stability. It can withstand strong breeze, snowfall, and rainfall. Due to its shape, you’ll get a good headroom and ample space inside the tent.
Size
Most manufacturers specify the number of occupants a tent can fit to make it easier for you to decide which one suits your needs. Aside from that, you can check the dimensions of the tent when fully set up.
It’s also a good idea to get a tent with a higher number of occupants than what you want. Say, if you want a tent for two users, consider getting a 4-person tent. That way you have extra room for your equipment and for comfortably moving inside.
Don’t forget to check the height of the tent too. It isn’t just the floor space that matters but also the headspace. Get a tent that is tall enough for you to stand up inside without hitting your head on the ceiling.
Layout
A smart layout can make a big difference in your overall experience, especially if it is a large tent for multiple people. Some camping tents have a basic single layout space with no vestibule for leaving your shoes outside the tent.
On the other hand, there are best inflatable tents with a more complex layout composed of several sleeping spaces, more than one door, and vestibules. If you are camping with your family or friends, having separate rooms is a good upside to give you some privacy.
Set-up and Take-down
Pump
The air beam of inflatable tents require a certain amount of pressure which may vary from one product to another. The required air pressure is something you can only achieve using a pump. Some inflatable tents already come with a pump so that is a plus since you don’t have to spend more on that.
Doors, Windows and Air Vents
The number and positioning of doors and windows matter as they increase the functionality of a tent. If you are getting a large tent that fits multiple occupants, it would be good to have more than one door so that you can have separate entry and exit points.
Moreover, you’ll notice that door shapes vary from across different models of tents. A T-shaped door is very common as it allows for easy access; however, it is not as strong as other designs.
As for windows, inflatable tents have somewhat different designs compared to conventional tents. Most inflatable tents have PVC windows that offer better protection against bugs and water. However, this type of window does not allow air circulation.
That is why it’s important to always check your tent if it has some air vents for better airflow. Moreover, it’s a plus if you can get a tent with a mesh screen on the windows for good ventilation and protection against insects.
Material
Most inflatable tents for camping use polyester for the body, floor and casing for air beams. Polyester is a good choice since it is durable and strong and offers excellent weather protection.
Nylon is highly resistant to tearing which makes it a great material for the floor. For the air beam, most tents use TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and other similar material because they don’t puncture easily.
Accessories
It’s always nice to have extra components and accessories incorporated in your tent. These features can greatly improve the quality of your stay. Some common accessories are mesh storage pockets for keeping your small things and gadgets so that you can easily access them.
Some tents also have gear lofts or overhead compartments where you can keep your equipment and other personal items. These compartments can help keep your floors more organized.
FAQs
Q: What’s the main difference of inflatable tents over conventional tents?
A: Inflatable tents replace the standard poles with inflatable beams. These beams are normally integrated into the tent itself for easy set-up.
Q: Why use an inflatable tent?
A: There are many advantages to using an inflatable tent. On top of the list is the ease of setting it up and taking it down even without any assistance. Inflatable tents are also highly durable and they do well under harsh weather conditions.
Q: Are inflatable tents stable?
A: You have nothing to worry about the stability of your tent as long as you follow the recommended air pressure (psi) in pumping the beams. Some models also come with additional stakes and guy lines for extra support.
Q: How to set up an inflatable tent?
A: The best thing about inflatable tents for camping is that you don’t have to deal with poles anymore and most of the parts are already incorporated into the tent. Also, most models do not require complicated assembly procedures.
Before setting the tent up, you need to ensure that the ground is clear from stones and sharp objects which might puncture the tent. The ground should be plain and flat as much as possible.
When the ground is ready, it’s recommended to spread a tent footprint or tarp on the ground as additional protection to the tent’s flooring. Doing so also helps keep the tent dry and clean underneath.
Make sure to achieve the recommended psi of the manufacturer. Your tent should be up in about 10-20 minutes depending on the size.
Q: What is the main drawback of inflatable tents for camping?
A: Since these tents work with air, even a small puncture can compromise the stability of the tent. While manufacturers ensure that the beams are almost puncture-resistant, in some instances, they can get punctured by sharp objects.
Fortunately, most inflatable tents are sold with a free repair kit so you can fix it yourself.
1. CORE 11 Person Family Cabin Tent
If you are an avid hiker and camper and love to organize camping events for your family or friends, the Core 11 Person Family Cabin Tent is the best choice for you. It is a huge cabin that can hold up to 11 adults without feeling overcrowded.
With its size, you can fit three queen air mattresses inside. Not only is it spacious but it also has an 86-inch center height (more than 7 feet) which allows you to walk and move around inside comfortably.
One of the best features of this air tent is its front screen room with window mesh panels and full tent floor coverage. This is a great feature especially if you are camping with kids and you want to have a private room to yourself.
Knowing that campers do carry a lot of stuff which can make the floor area a bit disorganized, this air tent has that problem sorted.
It has integrated multiple pockets and a gear loft with a lantern hook that you can use for keeping your valuables and making them easily accessible. You can tell that this best camping tent was designed with your comfort in mind.
With a generous interior space for up to 11 people
An all weather-tent
Comes with an electrical cord access port
Screen room keeps the bugs away while keeping the air to circulate
The main cabin has a panoramic mesh ceiling for stargazing
Easy to set up and disassemble
Water-resistant
Weighs 32.6 pounds which is a bit heavy
2. MOOSE Outdoors Inflatable Tent
This is another tent that will surely withstand bad weather conditions. The Moose Outdoors Inflatable Tent is a multi-purpose tent that is perfect for backpacking, family camping, and outdoor picnics.
With its size and features, it makes an ideal choice for families who are always on the go. Designed for 4 occupants, it measures about 10.5 x 8.8 x 4.2 cubic feet.
If you are worried about its reliability which is understandable if you frequently go camping where strong wind is pretty normal, this tent will give you peace of mind.
It is windproof up at 33 mph and it also uses a tear-resistant and water-resistant ripstop fabric. Plus, it already comes with an attached groundsheet so you don’t have to worry about water sipping in when it’s raining. Setting up this tent takes about 3 minutes and you can deflate it even faster.
Set up and takedown in less than 5 minutes
Windproof, water-resistant and tear-resistant
Two riser vents allow for fresh air to circulate
Multiple pockets for storing your valuables
Not high enough for standing up
3. Crua Core Dome Tent Base
Another air tent designed with your outdoor comfort in mind is the Crua Core Dome Tent Base. With its 6 person capacity and versatility to adapt to different weather conditions, it’s an ideal tent for a wide range of outdoor activities including hiking, hunting, fishing, glamping, family camping and more.
Because of its versatility, it’s considered as one of the ultimate outdoor gears. One of the reasons why many outdoor enthusiasts love this tent is its durable materials and construction.
It uses a fire-retardant and breathable polyester material with a water-resistant outer layer to protect you from inclement weather. It also has good ventilation and reliable UV protection which makes it perfect for summer camping.
6 person can stay inside without feeling overcrowded. In spite of its size and quality construction, this tent is not heavy, weighing just about 33 lbs.
Excellent ventilation
Easy tracts zipper
Ideal for all types of terrain and harsh weather condition
Breathable, water-resistant and fire-resistant
A bit on the expensive size
4. Heimplanet The Cave Inflatable Tent
The Cave Inflatable Tent is the first air tent from Heimplanet. To this day, this brand has been known for manufacturing premium camp apparel and gear.
One of the noticeable features of this tent is its geodesic design. The unique shape of geodesic tents makes them very efficient, stable and easy to set-up. And that is true for this tent. The tent is supported by modular double-layer air beams, forming diamond-shaped grids.
The outer grid is what supports this tent against the strong wind, rain, and other harsh conditions. All parts of the diamond grid are easily replaceable and repairable.
Once the frame is inflated, you can then divide them into separate chambers. This is an excellent feature in the event that part of the tent is damaged because other parts of the tent will remain stable.
If you will use this tent in the summer, you’ll also appreciate its dependable ventilation system composed of 5 closable ventilation points. With these vents, you can get sufficient airflow to maintain breathability and cool temperature.
Stable geodesic design
Weather-proof
5 vents to keep the tent cool during summer
Multi-chamber design gives you peace of mind in case part of the tent gets damaged
A bit pricey for its size
5. Berghaus Air 6 Inflatable Family Tent
The Berghaus Air 6 Inflatable Family Tent doesn’t only look great but it also performs well under different weather conditions. If you often go family camping or if you need a reliable tent for picnics or the 4th of July fun activities, this tent is just for you.
What makes this tent perform well is the combination of quality materials and construction. With a waterproof sewn-in groundsheet, fully taped seams and a rain hood, you come in ready for the rainy days.
Moreover, it offers efficient ventilation through its high and low-level vents as well as meshed doors for better airflow. The vents help ensure that you stay cool and comfortable in the summer.
The whole structure is supported not by fiddly poles but by five quick inflating air beams for a quick set-up. It does come with a dual-action stirrup pump as well as a pressure gauge.
With multiple storage pockets for your valuables
With excellent headroom in the bedrooms and living area
Large windows with polycotton curtains offer privacy and ventilation
Two side doors for easy access
A bit heavy, weighing about 26.5 kg
6. Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Geodesic Tent
Heimplanet is undeniably one of the best brands when it comes to inflating tents. That’s why we feature another product from the same brand. This tent shares many similar features with the Heimplanet The Cave Inflatable Tent but it slightly differs in the overall layout.
The Heimplanet Fistral Inflatable Geodesic Tent has a 2-to-3-person capacity but it comes not just with one but two vestibules for keeping your personal gear and other camping equipment.
Just like The Cave Inflatable Tent, this one also has a geodesic structure, making it extremely stable. It also uses durable materials that are durable and waterproof and can handle a wind speed of up to 110 mph.
Since it is a small tent, it is a perfect choice for singles or couples who love to go hiking or camping trips.
Requires a single pump for quick set-up
With two ventilation points for airflow from top to bottom
Two vestibules help prevent clutter in the main sleeping area
Can handle strong breeze
A bit pricey
7. Vango Capri 400 Tent
For those who are looking for a spacious family tent, the Vango Capri 400 is one of the best tents available. It has four air beams with a tunnel design that allows for an excellent division of spaces for sleeping and living areas and a huge front extension.
If you combine the living area and the extension, you will have enough space to sit and entertain the whole family. The living area of this inflatable tent has enormous windows on both sides which makes it bright and airy.
Now, that’s what you call a perfect outdoor entertainment room. In comparison to the bright entertainment area, the sleeping quarters use a darker fabric to soften the morning light, allowing you to sleep longer.
You can easily unclip the TBS when you don’t need it. Moreover, instead of having continuous arc, it incorporates pre-angled sections that keep the tent stable against strong side winds.
Comes with a 70 denier polyester flysheet that is waterproof and durable
With generous living space
Comes with diamond-clear PVC windows with privacy curtains that maximize airflow
Pitching takes about 10 minutes
Shipping weight is about 47.9 lbs which is a bit heavy
8. Vango AirBeam Celino Air 400
Check out this tent if you are looking for a versatile small family tent. Vango is a popular brand of air tent and it never fails to deliver quality and stable tents for all kinds of weather. This one works best for family camping trips and picnics.
This tent features some of the latest technologies that Vango is proud of. First, it uses their patented AirSpeed system which makes it extremely quick and easy to pitch the tent in less than 10 minutes.
It integrates the Vango AirZone ventilation system which lets you regulate the airflow and temperature. Moreover, it also has the patented Vango Tension Band System (TBS) which reduces the movement of the tent during strong winds. As a result, it prevents any serious damage to the structure of the tent.
The layout of this tent is also great. It features two double bedrooms at the back of the tent, a living area that can comfortably sit 4 people, and an airy front porch. It has a large front door as well as a side entrance which helps the tent cool down during warm weather.
The front porch doubles as a storage place for your equipment
With cable entry if you want to use electricity
With stowage pockets and SkyTrack hanging system for storing your valuables and personal effects
Reliable ventilation system
Side door has no rain flap
9. Outwell Up+Away 500 Tent
The Outwell Up+Away 500 Tent is another inflatable tent that you may want to check if you are looking for an air tent that is ideal for couples or smaller families. This tent has two bedrooms and it sleeps up to 5 people.
What’s great about this tent is that it has an optimal headroom height due to its use of three pre-curved air tubes. This in turn allows you to stand up and move easily.
It also has a generous amount of space in the living area which is a perfect place for kids to play. Alternatively, you can use the living area as your storage room for your camping equipment.
The front door also has a continuous net to prevent bugs from coming in. Even in the summer, the temperature inside the tent is cool, thanks to its heat-repellent coating.
Additionally, its rear ventilation system also helps regulate the temperature. During daytime, you can open the tinted windows so you can enjoy the surrounding views. The tint on the windows reduces sun glare which is a bonus feature.
Inflates quickly using a pump
Seam-sealed groundsheet ensures that you stay dry during rainy days
Comes with large windows with toggle-up curtain for privacy
Heat-repellent coating keeps the tent cool
Cable Entry points allow safe mains supply access
Full mesh doors to allow air flow
Some users are having issues for not having clear instructions on how the air valves work
10. The Original AirFort Build A Fort
Kids would love to have their own tent as a fort too and the Original AirFort Build A Fort can make that happen. This tent is huge, measuring about 6.5 feet in diameter and more than 4 feet tall.
It’s perfect for sharing with friends and siblings. It’s the perfect size to encourage hours of play and fun. The best thing about this air tent is that it inflates in seconds using the switch of a regular fan.
No floor for easy entrance and exit
Easy to set-up
With a large viewing window so that kids can see out
Child Safety tested and approved
Not for outdoor use
Conclusion
All the inflatable tents we listed above are undeniably some of the best camping tents available. But as they say, there is always that one product that stands out and for us, that is the CORE 11 Person Family Cabin Tent.
This tent is a complete package of durability, stability, and performance. It is the only tent on this list that can sleep more than 10 persons. At that size, it is also very stable due to its strong air beams.
On top of the top, it has features that make it useful for rainy and dry seasons. Core’s H20 Block Technology, as well as its use of a rain fly, keeps you dry. During the dry and hot season, its adjustable ground vents will keep you comfortable.
The CORE 11 Person Family Cabin Tent is your ultimate tent for family or big group camping.
Live Your Aloha Inflatable Tents Review
Inflatable Tents
Leave a Reply