Inflatable Tents
When you think of inflatable tents, do you think of punctures? That’s what I do. Being in a tent that is slowly collapsing on you. But that is a misplaced idea. These tents have been designed so leaks and punctures will not result in the tent lying on top of you in record time.
Its a concept that seemed bizarre and unlikely a few years ago, but I have noticed how many are on the market place, so we have compiled a selection for you, and where possible listed where you can get further information and stockists.
Please note: Whilst we have listed these tents, we do not sell them and if interested, you will need to contact the manufacturers/suppliers which we have listed for availability, prices and further information.
Heimplanet – The Cave
This is one tent that has always received a lot of coverage and has now been out for a while. I have yet to see anyone with it at any campsite.
To set up is apparently very easy - Assembling of parts is unnecessary. Inner tent, fly sheet and the inflatable frame, are all one. Just inflate and ready to go.
The pump is not included with the tent.
Full specifications can be found here but features include:
- Intuitive and extremely fast pitching (roll out, inflate, finished)
- One Pump System allows complete erection with only one inflation procedure
- Stable and robust air frame IDG with geodesic structure
- Double layer air struts.- Multi Chamber Safety System
- 5 closeable ventilation openings at the fly sheet
- Vestibule at the entrance area
- Round ground area offers enough space for 3 persons to sleep and baggage
- lots of storage space integrated to the inner tent
- gear loft (pocket under the inner tent roof)
A review of the tent featured in the Australian. Read it here.
Australian price $749
To set up is apparently very easy - Assembling of parts is unnecessary. Inner tent, fly sheet and the inflatable frame, are all one. Just inflate and ready to go.
The pump is not included with the tent.
Full specifications can be found here but features include:
- Intuitive and extremely fast pitching (roll out, inflate, finished)
- One Pump System allows complete erection with only one inflation procedure
- Stable and robust air frame IDG with geodesic structure
- Double layer air struts.- Multi Chamber Safety System
- 5 closeable ventilation openings at the fly sheet
- Vestibule at the entrance area
- Round ground area offers enough space for 3 persons to sleep and baggage
- lots of storage space integrated to the inner tent
- gear loft (pocket under the inner tent roof)
A review of the tent featured in the Australian. Read it here.
Australian price $749
NEMO Gogo
NEMO Gogo Elite
The NEMO Gogo LE and NEMO Gogo Elite are aimed at the person where lightweight shelter is paramount - such as those who hike, bike, or kayak.
The Elite is 9 feet long (2.74 metres) 3 feet wide (.91m) 27 inches tall, (68cm) takes less than 15 seconds to set up, packs to the size of a cantaloupe, and weighs only 1.4 lbs (635g).
The LE is a little heavier - around 300g more, larger when packed up and uses a different shell, vestibule, fly and floor fabric. So there is a difference in quality between the two - and in price.
Both tents are designed for only 1 person, you blow up the arches yourself (no pump required though you can purchase one separately) - these replace the tent poles, and use something called AisSupported Technology.
Full details and specs of this tent can be found at Nemo Equipment - a very good company for outdoor products.
In the USA the Elite retails for around $429 and the LE retails for $349 (at time of writing).
In Australia, expect to pay around $529 for the the LE. The Elite I have yet to see stocked here, but it would probably be an extra $200 on the LE.
A video on how the Nemo Gogo LE Tent works is below.
The Elite is 9 feet long (2.74 metres) 3 feet wide (.91m) 27 inches tall, (68cm) takes less than 15 seconds to set up, packs to the size of a cantaloupe, and weighs only 1.4 lbs (635g).
The LE is a little heavier - around 300g more, larger when packed up and uses a different shell, vestibule, fly and floor fabric. So there is a difference in quality between the two - and in price.
Both tents are designed for only 1 person, you blow up the arches yourself (no pump required though you can purchase one separately) - these replace the tent poles, and use something called AisSupported Technology.
Full details and specs of this tent can be found at Nemo Equipment - a very good company for outdoor products.
In the USA the Elite retails for around $429 and the LE retails for $349 (at time of writing).
In Australia, expect to pay around $529 for the the LE. The Elite I have yet to see stocked here, but it would probably be an extra $200 on the LE.
A video on how the Nemo Gogo LE Tent works is below.
Kampa Inflatable Tents
Kampa Tents (UK company) have brought out a whole range of inflatable tents - four models available, all utilizing the inflatable AirFrame that is always attached to the tent.
These tents seem to be aimed more at the casual camping family - not anyone who needs to worry about weight, space or extreme conditions.
An excerpt from their website describes the process:
The individual poles are linked together so that you can pump at just one single point and inflate the entire tent. The rigid AirFrame creates an exceptionally strong tent, probably stronger than a steel frame. It can be inflated using the supplied high volume manual pump or, for the ultimate in ease, with an optional electric pump. An AirFrame can be pumped up in less than 60 seconds using the manual pump.
The picture above is the 5 berth tent - so its a large one. To get these tents in Australia - it very pricey. They all seem to ship from UK, and will cost in Australian Dollars between $1500-$2000 (and thats not including shipping). If you are going to purchase, definitely shop around.
These tents seem to be aimed more at the casual camping family - not anyone who needs to worry about weight, space or extreme conditions.
An excerpt from their website describes the process:
The individual poles are linked together so that you can pump at just one single point and inflate the entire tent. The rigid AirFrame creates an exceptionally strong tent, probably stronger than a steel frame. It can be inflated using the supplied high volume manual pump or, for the ultimate in ease, with an optional electric pump. An AirFrame can be pumped up in less than 60 seconds using the manual pump.
The picture above is the 5 berth tent - so its a large one. To get these tents in Australia - it very pricey. They all seem to ship from UK, and will cost in Australian Dollars between $1500-$2000 (and thats not including shipping). If you are going to purchase, definitely shop around.
Bushranger Blue Gum
Image taken from: www.bushranger.com.au
Bushranger is a supplier of offroad and 4WD gear and have entered the market into inflatable tents as well.
The Bushranger Bluegum is a dome style design and features two strong and sturdy integrated air poles, and with 8 tent pegs to replace guy ropes issues.
We use dome style tents a fair bit, so this one does appeal to me in terms of how it looks and practicality for a family (once again, like the Kampa, it is more for the recreational user as opposed to the NEMO Gogo, which is designed for individuals who have to carry their tents).
Specs of the Bluegum include:
Floor: 2.75m x 3.35m Height: 198cm Weight: 13kg Capacity: Family Fly Type: Full Coverage Fly Features Door: 2 Dutch 'D' Style Doors. Bag: Duffle Style Carry Bag Windows: PVC Windows with inside privacy flaps Quick Clips: Side-Release Buckles Intake Valve: Standard Automotive Pressure Valve: Prevents Over Inflation Extras: Gear Loft, Lantern Hook, 4 Pockets Materials Tent Body: Polyester Rip-stop Screen: Nylon No-See-Um Mesh Floor: Nylon Oxford 2000mm Coating with seam tape Fly: Polyester Rip-Stop 2000mm Coating with seam tape Supports: 2 Inflable Air Poles Pegs: Aluminium Zippers: YKK
To find out more including prices. visit Bushranger.com.au
The Bushranger Bluegum is a dome style design and features two strong and sturdy integrated air poles, and with 8 tent pegs to replace guy ropes issues.
We use dome style tents a fair bit, so this one does appeal to me in terms of how it looks and practicality for a family (once again, like the Kampa, it is more for the recreational user as opposed to the NEMO Gogo, which is designed for individuals who have to carry their tents).
Specs of the Bluegum include:
Floor: 2.75m x 3.35m Height: 198cm Weight: 13kg Capacity: Family Fly Type: Full Coverage Fly Features Door: 2 Dutch 'D' Style Doors. Bag: Duffle Style Carry Bag Windows: PVC Windows with inside privacy flaps Quick Clips: Side-Release Buckles Intake Valve: Standard Automotive Pressure Valve: Prevents Over Inflation Extras: Gear Loft, Lantern Hook, 4 Pockets Materials Tent Body: Polyester Rip-stop Screen: Nylon No-See-Um Mesh Floor: Nylon Oxford 2000mm Coating with seam tape Fly: Polyester Rip-Stop 2000mm Coating with seam tape Supports: 2 Inflable Air Poles Pegs: Aluminium Zippers: YKK
To find out more including prices. visit Bushranger.com.au
Outwell Smart Air Concorde L.
Outwell have produced a range of inflatable tents.
The full range, with prices are listed here - Cotswold Outdoors (in the UK, but ship to Australia).
As mentioned there is a range by Outwell known as Air Comfort.
From the first model, to the a variety of models, Outwell is one of the leading brands with this type of inflatable.
Video how it works below.
The full range, with prices are listed here - Cotswold Outdoors (in the UK, but ship to Australia).
As mentioned there is a range by Outwell known as Air Comfort.
From the first model, to the a variety of models, Outwell is one of the leading brands with this type of inflatable.
Video how it works below.
Kelty AirPitch
Kelty Mach 4
This was one of the first inflatables I came across.
Read our story on the Kelty Inflatable Tent. They come in a variety of sizes to suit different number of campers, and have the following specs for the 4 berth (which means 2-3 people maximum in the tent).
Dimensions:
From a weight perspective this is one of the lighter ones.
Pricing in the USA is around US$400 (for the Mach-4) though even their big 8 person tent, is similarly priced. For Australian consumers, I could find no retailer that stocks it.
Try the retailer Cotswold Outdoors (affiliate) listed below as they do sell these:
Read our story on the Kelty Inflatable Tent. They come in a variety of sizes to suit different number of campers, and have the following specs for the 4 berth (which means 2-3 people maximum in the tent).
Dimensions:
- Packaged weight: 20 lbs 1 oz / 9.1 kg
- Floor area: 50.25 ft2 / 4.67 m2
- Vestibule area: 50.5 ft2 / 4.69 m2
- Length: 164 in / 417 cm
- Width: 106 in / 269 cm
- Height: 72 in / 183 cm
- Packed diameter: 10 in / 25 cm
- Packed Length: 30 in / 76 cm
From a weight perspective this is one of the lighter ones.
Pricing in the USA is around US$400 (for the Mach-4) though even their big 8 person tent, is similarly priced. For Australian consumers, I could find no retailer that stocks it.
Try the retailer Cotswold Outdoors (affiliate) listed below as they do sell these:
