Are Inflatable Tents Good In Wind?
Share this article:
TopNotch Outdoor is independent – we research, test, and rate the top products to help you make the right buying choice. We sometimes use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on your purchase. Learn more…
As an avid camper, I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with different gear while camping. And over the years, I’ve seen inflatable tents become ever more popular.
Honestly, the first time I heard about them, I thought about bouncy castles and beach slippers. So, I didn’t expect much from them. But all that ended when I tried one out.
Are Inflatable Tents Good In Wind?
Actually, I doubted these air tents would withstand much in the way of strong winds. But that was a crazy assumption based only on my experience of pole tents.
Well, how about we find out together?
Surprisingly, the inflatable tent I tested took little effort to set up. Instead of using tent poles for support, the tent had air beams, which supported it quite well. But I also had to use guy lines to keep it in position.
Seeing this new technology made me wonder – are inflatable tents good in wind?
Related: 10 Best Inflatable Tents
How do you pitch an inflatable tent?
Now that you’re here…
We’ll start by showing you how to pitch an inflatable tent. The process is very simple; worry not. It’s not rocket science.
First, read the detailed instructions from the manufacturer. Why do I recommend this? Basically – because different manufacturers obviously design their products differently.
You’ll find some that have a valve for every inflatable beam, while others come with a single valve.
Read the instructions carefully to make sure you pitch your tent right.
After reading the instructions, you need to lay it out flat.
Next, find the valve(s), then attach the pump. You should either push the pump into the valve, click it in, or screw it in.
All this depends on the model you purchase.
Once the pump is in place, you can start inflating.
However, make sure you look at the pressure gauge to avoid pumping too much air in your air tent.
If you’re going family camping, your air tent will most likely be pretty large.
In this case, you can get inside it to push the inflatable beams into shape.
When you’ve made sure every beam is perfectly formed, you’ll need to peg out your tent.
By doing this, you’ll increase the stability so it can withstand a good degree of harsh weather, especially high winds.
After placing the pegs where advised get the guy lines, and tie them tightly.
Want to know the best part?
You’ll finish the entire set up process in just a few minutes flat.
In fact, you can probably do it alone if you need to.
How does an inflatable tent work?
Your next camping trip is around the corner, and you want to get an inflatable tent for your adventure.
But do you really know how the best inflatable tent works?
If you don’t, you’ve come to the right place – I’ll explain it all here.
But first, you need to know that like traditional models, an inflatable tent acts as an excellent outdoor shelter.
The main difference between the two is that air tents use inflatable beams instead of poles.
Is that really an advantage?
It is.
How so?
Well, for starters, you don’t have to stress yourself figuring out which pole goes where.
As if that’s not enough, you only need to put your pump into action and your shelter is ready to go.
However, the setup process mostly depends on the design and shape of your tent. Manufacturers produce air beam tents in different styles, shapes, and sizes.
Although inflatable beam tents come in a variety of sizes, most don’t have the size capacity of pole tents.
And that’s attributed to their build structure.
But that doesn’t make them any less effective because they do have very sturdy beams.
In fact…
…when you set it up correctly and peg it down, it’ll even withstand some very harsh winds.
Now, at the end of your camping trip, you’ll need to deflate and pack away your tent.
First, you need to open the doors to prevent air from getting stuck in there.
Next, open the valves to make sure it deflates.
When you confirm the tent is deflated completely, start folding it.
While you’re at it, make sure you fold it to the correct size. The folding size is determined by your stuff bag – just make sure it fits.
Roll it up while putting pressure on it to get rid of all the air.
And then pack your handy air tent snug into your bag.
Are inflatable tents any good?
The price tag on inflatables may be higher than that of traditional tents, but I can confidently tell you that they’re very very good.
And here’s why…
This kind of tent is incredibly easy to set up.
You won’t need any help to get the job done.
Also, no expertise necessary – these things are child’s play.
As if that’s not enough:
Airbeam tents are made of high-quality, durable material. In fact, when the weather’s harsh, it will bend with the wind.
You’ll not see that with regular pole tents.
You see, when there’s high winds, the poles will likely break, causing significant damage.
You’ll never see this happen to an air tent.
Do inflatable tents burst?
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the likelihood (or not) of an inflatable tent bursting.
Truth is, they don’t puncture nearly as easily as people think.
That’s because the tents are made of high-quality material.
But in case a tube does puncture, it’s unlikely your tent would collapse at all.
How so?
Well, because it’ll still be held up by the other beams and guy ropes.
Your tent will come with a puncture repair kit.
You can patch it up just like you would a bicycle inner tube.
Conclusion: Are Inflatable Tents Good In Wind?
A lot of people ask if airbeam tents are good in the wind.
The fact is, they are.
They come with sturdy beams, which give them all the support they need.
Moreover, you’ll have additional guy ropes to help keep your tent in position.
In case of heavy gusts, your tent will bend like a reed torquing in the wind. As a result, it’ll be much less likely to get damaged.
Additionally, being at the top end of the market, most manufacturers make their products from durable and weather resistant material.
Related: 10 Best Inflatable Tents 2024
