Self-inflatable tents make up a new category of dwelling facilities for campers. One thing that distinguishes them from traditional products with poles is that their frames consist of air beams. They do not feature metal or fiberglass frames. Air camps are taking up a decent niche in the market, mostly because they are very handy and easy to set up. Blowup huts are increasingly popular in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, NZ, etc.
These temporary houses are easy to pitch, and the inflatable beams are integrated into the whole structure. A pump is a must-have accessory that should accompany the tent during a trip. Besides, there should be a kit of pegs and guy ropes that should prevent it from bouncing to and fro on a windy day. Because these products do not use poles, they are more lightweight than traditional canopies with metal or fiberglass frames.
There are air camps of various shapes and sizes, and many of them are big enough to accommodate a group or family of 5 or 6 persons. They come in bags that can fit well in a car trunk without taking up too much room. For this reason, they are ideal for hiking and car camping and can be used in outdoor events. Besides, they can save a lot of time for hunters and fishermen, so they can get down to work without much fuss.
Manufacturers use sturdy materials that display durability and integrity. Frames are made of strong and water-resistant polyurethane. On the other hand, they require special care and must be stored properly. Many users say that they are easier to repair. Punctures, tear and wear are the biggest issue with air-beams. Camps from reputable brands are supplied with a repair kit that includes glue, patches, tapes, etc. It allows you to fix the canvas or beams right on the spot, so it will remain usable throughout the trip. Once you are back home, you should repair it properly.
As mentioned above, self-inflatable tents for camping are made of sturdy and durable materials. This makes them a little more expensive than those that use traditional frames.
So far, there is no standard pump for all air-beam huts: different manufacturers come up with their own specific valve types, which require a specific type of pump. You may have difficulty finding an appropriate pump if you lose it.
Once blown up, your portable home can stand solid for several days. However, you should keep track of the temperature outside. A sudden temperature drop will cause it to deflate, while a warming can cause overinflation. In the latter case, the consequences can be serious, because overpressure can cause the inflatable frame to burst beyond repair. For this reason, it is advisable to follow weather forecasts and depressurize the frame in case of a dramatic temperature increase.
Peg it properly, so it will remain standing in case the wind blows hard. Your kit should include high-quality stakes, pegs, and guy ropes to ensure stability in any weather.
Now that you know the strong and weak spots of a camping inflatable tent, it is time to narrow your search down to best-quality products that would fit all your needs and preferences.
There is just one big “don’t”, which you must be aware of: don’t scrimp on quality! There are a great deal of brands and stores (online) that display products and set prices. Not all of them are trustworthy, so it is absolutely imperative that you think twice before striking deals.
Look for a good quality product from a tried-and-true manufacturer, which has been around for a while. Be sure to check information about the manufacturer, its products, and user feedback: most users are very specific on product’s features, as well as strong and weak points. Reading reviews from experienced campers can help you build a clear picture of the product you are considering and make your final decision.
Waterproofing is one of the most important criteria of quality. Look for a properly insulated canopy with properly glued seams and a hydrostatic rainfly. Be sure that vents and electric hookup outlets are designed in such a way as not to let rainwater in.
Size and capacity are important too. See how many people you are going to camp with and use a +1 approach. For example, if you have a team or family of four, you’d better buy a 5-person shelter. It will make everyone feel comfortable inside and save a bit of space for your gear. Look for a camp with a vestibule and a sufficient number of pockets, so you can store your gear without cluttering the dwelling space.
Check the inflatable beams. Check with the manufacturer and user manuals to ensure that the self-inflatable frame is made of a high-quality material. Read guidelines on how to handle them properly to avoid premature wear and puncturing. Make sure that the package includes a repair kit.
You can buy a self-inflatable tent with separate bedroom areas and provide a bit of privacy for team/family members (especially children or teenagers). It is advisable to buy a shelter with two entrances/exits, so you can get in and out easily and without bothering each other.
When camping in summer, be sure to keep the inside ventilated. Some canopies have large and clear windows, vent holes with mosquito nets, and mesh ceilings. Proper ventilation will make your self-inflatable camping house tent more livable, and it will increase its life, as it will prevent the formation of moist and mildew.
Make sure there is a sufficient amount of headroom. Many high-quality self-inflatable cabin, tunnel, etc. tents can accommodate a medium-tall man, so he/she can walk inside without bending.
If you are planning winter hiking trips, you may want to heat it up with a wood stove. In this case, you should know how to use it properly and take precautions. Make sure the stove area is equipped with heat-resistant mats and follow safety instructions. Keep control over the pressure inside the air beams, as pressure may grow dramatically if it gets really hot.
Manufacturers strive to abide by accepted standards and meet preferences and come up with products catering to individual needs. For example, there are inflatable see-through cabin tents with transparent canopies. They are good for those who want to stay quiet and maybe display their joy of having a wonderful weekend to others. There are inflatable indoor tents for kids as well.
A floating inflatable tent is actually a blowup raft topped with a cabin. It is intended for the specific way of camping on water, which can be quite exciting. A floating inflatable cabin tent should be waterproof and strong, and it should come with high-quality ropes and anchors. Right now, floating camps are not very common, and they are definitely very expensive.
