Inflatable tents: description, pros and cons, installation tips

In the modern market of tourist accessories, tents are presented in a fairly wide range, which also includes inflatable models. Such designs are truly impressive with some of their characteristics, but many buyers do not know for which particular cases it is advisable to purchase such a product, how to install it and by what criteria to choose. All these nuances will be discussed in detail in this article.

Such a design as an inflatable tent differs from other models in that it is necessary to pump air into its walls, and in some cases the bottom. This is how the products can be brought into a ready-to-use position. The walls of such a dwelling consist of special chambers into which air is pumped when inflated.

The material for making these tents is for the most part similar to that of traditional models and includes nylon and polyester. And also polyurethane and other synthetic fibers are added to the fabric of the body of these structures, making the material more elastic. This quality is necessary because during the inflation process, the fibers of the fabric are stretched, and it is important that the tent does not lose its original shape.

According to the method of inflating products of this type are divided for automatic and semi-automatic.

The former have a pyrotechnic cartridge built into the body, which, when burned, releases gas that fills the compartments of the walls of the tent.

Semi-automatic models require the use of a pump, which is provided in the kit for some models. And also a way to pump air into such a design is to use a bicycle pump or battery.

The purpose of purchasing an inflatable tent is usually going out into nature or activities in which the level of risk is minimized. Due to the fact that the design is highly susceptible to mechanical damage, it is not suitable for professional camping, as well as recreation in the wild. But for outings to the country, fishing or even outdoor festivals, this unit is quite suitable.

Like any kind of "camping dwelling", inflatable tents have a number of positive and negative characteristics. The advantages of such structures include several factors.

• Fast disassembly speed. In just 5 minutes, the product is brought to full readiness with the help of air. There is no need to install the frame and other parts yourself.
• Such products are equipped with a multi-chamber system.
• The inflatable frame is a fairly stable structure.
• When assembled, the size of the device is very compact, and when disassembled, the internal space can be used to the maximum.
• Since such models are modern, an additional convenience in them is the presence of pockets on the inner walls, which allows you to maintain order inside.
• The weight of the structure is usually small.
• Products of this type are presented in a variety of forms, which increases the chances of finding the perfect model.
• The price of inflatable tents in comparison with other models is quite affordable.

However, before buying, you should pay attention to the negative aspects of these products.

• Before setting up this tent, you will have to perfectly clean the place, which is not always possible. Evenness, the absence of sticks and bumps near the body are necessary due to the low strength of the products. Even a branch can break through an inflatable frame.
• The need to carry a pump, which adds extra weight to the entire luggage.
• The strength of the material of such tents is inversely proportional to its elasticity. Since the elasticity is higher than other models, the strength of the product is at a lower level.
• The narrow range of use of inflatable tents makes them not as versatile as other models.

Some models of tents have gained particular popularity due to their convenient feature sets. These devices have already proven their quality during operation, so you should pay special attention to them.

The model was made by Heimplanet. During its creation were used the latest technology, its surface is a diamond structure, which is characterized by special strength. And also among the advantages of such a tent should be noted the stability of its frame as a whole, especially its resistance to gusts of wind.

A compact pump is included with the product, allowing you to pump up the structure in just a minute. As elements of additional fastening of the entire tent, there are pegs, as well as ropes.

Outside, polyester is used as the main material, and nylon is used inside. Thermoplastic polyurethane is used for the inner chamber. Outside, the height reaches 125 cm, and inside - 102 cm. The area is 5 m2, weight 5.2 kg, the optimal number of users is 2-3 people. The design is equipped with five windows and a mosquito net. It is noteworthy that this kit also comes with a set of tools for repairing the tent.

Rack-arc devices are made of two layers. The awning itself is opaque and dense, but at the same time it lets air through. Due to the multi-chamber structure of this model can be divided into 5 chambers.

The production of this company includes another notable model of an inflatable tent called Wedge. This device, unlike the previous one, is designed for two people. The kit also comes with a convenient pump that allows you to quickly pump up the product.

The peculiarity of this model is that the tent both from the inside and from the outside is made of nylon. Outside, the maximum height is 122 cm, and inside - 102 cm. The weight of the product is 3.2 kg, and the area is 4.4 m2.The design has a tambour compartment, as well as two ventilated window openings equipped with an insect net. The accessories include a brace, pegs, a bag and a repair kit.

The Russian company offers pneumoframe models, among which it is worth highlighting large-sized inflatable tents used as shelters for providing temporary housing, construction work, and various services. The main material for the manufacture of such models is PVC.

One of the most unusual and aesthetically pleasing inflatable tent models is the bubble tent. It most often has a round shape and is absolutely transparent, which attracts many lovers of spending the night outdoors. Durable material is not only resistant to gusts of wind and precipitation, but also fireproof, so you can safely build a fire near the structure.

Sometimes such tents are equipped with an additional tambour-type compartment. The advantage in use is the ability to feel under the open sky and admire the beauties of nature without leaving the shelter. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that such a unit should not be placed near trees or in forests, otherwise the leaves from the branches may block a full view. But also the prices of such models are very high - in the region of $ 2,000.

Inflatable models from the Fregat company are large tents that are used as hangars, points for victims of emergencies, field hospitals.

You need to choose an inflatable tent based on a number of criteria that allow you not only to navigate the assortment, but also to choose the most suitable option for you.

The purpose of the acquisition is a fundamental factor. If you plan to choose such a product for tourism, then special attention should be paid to indicators such as material strength, equipment with a heater. The tourist model should include a repair kit and be resistant to damage so that in the event of a breakthrough in one section, the tent does not become completely unusable.

And also camping models mean not very large dimensions. To create a motorhome, it is more appropriate to purchase a larger inflatable type awning. It is desirable that the design be pneumoframe. The exact size will also need to be calculated based on the dimensions of the machine itself.

For some, the aesthetic component in choosing such a tent is also important. Be sure to see how the model will look disassembled before buying. In some variants, there may be a transparent roof, the number of window openings also varies.

Before purchasing an inflatable tent, you should familiarize yourself with the features of its installation. Products with inflatable arcs, due to which the frame of the entire body is created, are laid out according to a certain principle.

• Carefully clear the place where the structure will stand. If the tent is frameless, then such a scrupulous choice of location is not necessary.
• Stretch the bottom of the tent on the ground and secure it around the edges with pegs. The floor fabric should be as even as possible.
• Then inflate the fixing arches with air using a pump or built-in element.
• Above the entrance of some models, a special detail is inserted - an arc made of fiberglass that forms a visor.

See the following video for an overview of the inflatable tent.