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Tents have, for the longest time, served as outdoor shelters for our camping adventures.

And the latest advances in tent technology has brought along inflatable tents.

When I first heard of an inflatable tent, I thought they must be a gimmick.

But that was until I got to test the top 10 on the market with the rest of the TopNotch team.

So, what Is The Best Inflatable Tent?

Turns out, for the most part, they work perfectly…

Vango was among the first brands to make the best inflatable tent – more brands have emerged later.

Perhaps you’re wondering what all the hype is about – should an inflatable tent be on your shopping list? Right?

Luckily, that’s what I’m here for.

Inflatable tents have loads of advantages.

Read on to find out for yourself…

Related: 10 Best Inflatable Tents

Should I buy an inflatable tent?

Having used traditional tents in your previous camping trips – you might be wondering whether it’s wise to buy an inflatable tent.

I mean, they sound like they’re going to puncture super easy right? Then what?

Well, I can confidently say, they can be a great part of your camping kit for your next camping adventure.

And here’s why:

Inflatable tents, otherwise known as air or airbeam tents, are made of very high-quality material.

They have air beams, which you inflate using a pump.

Unlike their traditional counterparts, air tents don’t have poles for support.

What does this mean for you?

Inflatable tents are often incredibly easy to set up, and the process is also quicker than usual.

Actually, most take just a few minutes to go up.

And this applies equally to both small and large versions.

Besides the ease of set up, inflatable tents have so much more to offer though.

But I can guarantee your fellow campers will envy how fast you can set up and take down your inflatable tent.

Giving you more time to enjoy the Great Outdoors.

You’ll also be impressed by the reliability of inflatable designs. Their high-quality construction means they won’t be easily damaged.

They usually have a good waterproof rating too. So, you’ll stay warm and dry through the wettest storm.

Better yet, punctures are incredibly rare thanks to modern tent technology. However, that doesn’t mean that you can get reckless. Make sure you place it away from sharp objects.

What am I saying?

You need to clear the campsite before you pitch your tent. We also recommend that you set it up on level ground.

On the rare occasion it may puncture, just fix it up as soon as you can… most inflatable tents come with puncture repair kits.

Also, if you need to, you can always replace the tube and inner valve.

If you’re looking for a large tent, be aware that the design differs from regular tents.

How so?

Inflatable tents tend to be limited for width. Don’t expect to see the extra-large sizes available in regular tents.

Check out the height though – there are some options out there that allow adults to stand.

You can even get inside the tent to pitch it. Particularly, when you have a large camping group.

The downside…

Inflatable tents can be a little pricey – this is mostly attributed to air technology.

Also, they can be heavy – you may want to rule them out for backpacking for instance.

Are inflatable tents good in the wind?

“How can a tent without poles withstand strong wind on its own?”

As it happens, they’re super stable.

They may be lighter than some of the heavy-duty regular options because they lack pole systems.

But that doesn’t mean they’re going to get blown away by the wind.

Some inflatable tents have a central beam, improving their structural support.

So, they can withstand bad weather conditions, including high winds.

However, you’ll still need to peg your tent down, and secure it with guy lines.

What’s the coolest part?

Well, even during strong winds, an inflatable tent will flex, thus helping to avoid damage. On the other hand, regular tents could face serious damage during strong winds.

How?

The solid poles are more likely to bend and snap – they can often be fixed, but even so, it’s pretty inconvenient when it happens.

What is the most comfortable folding inflatable tent?

You need to make sure your tent is going to be comfortable.

But how do you determine that?

For starters, you need to look at the construction material. I recommend you opt for a tent that’s made of the best weather-resistant material.

Furthermore, you should look for a tent with high-quality air beams which will improve durability.

You need to check you have enough space in the tent you’re looking at. Think about the maximum group size you’ll be travelling with.

Finally, you need to get a tent with enough windows for proper ventilation.

We reviewed the best inflatable on the market for 2024 right here. You’ll also find pros and cons for each one as well as a comprehensive Buyers Guide