Inflatable tents have come a long way since their first introduction as a convenient solution for solo campers who don’t have the skills or patience to assemble a traditional camping tent. The advancements in fabric technology and valve systems increased their weather resistance and overall reliability.
We’ve personally experienced how well-made the new models are—for example, the Vango inflatable tent that we have listed among the best family tents for 2022.
Despite all these remarkable developments, paying attention to common inflatable tent problems is critical. These might not be deal-breakers for you, but we hope you will bear them in mind before buying one. We will also address some questions campers typically have about these issues.
What are the main problems with inflatable tents?
In general, the following problems stem from the design and type of materials used for inflatable tents. Take note of each downside so you can manage your expectations better and avoid feeling disillusioned by a supposedly fantastic product. Remembering these potential issues will also help you better deal with them later when camping with an inflatable tent.
1) You’ll need to carry a pump with you
There’s not enough air in your lungs, and you can’t blow hard enough to form an inflatable tent. If you want to use it for the trip, you should never forget to pack the pump.
Tent pumps can be operated by hand or through electricity. Manual pumps are lighter and cheaper, but they can be exhausting, especially when you have a huge tent.
Electric pumps work faster and more efficiently. However, remember to check first if you will have access to electricity at the campsite. In case there is none, consider looking for a compatible electric pump that can be hooked to a car battery instead.
2) Inflatable tents tend to be heavier
When you compare a pole tent and an inflatable tent of similar sizes, the latter tend to weigh around 30% to 50% more than the other. That’s because of the pump and thicker fabric that maintains the air inside the tubes and minimizes the likelihood of punctures or tears.
Another factor that reduces the portability of inflatable tents is the packing requirements. With traditional tents, you can organize the parts into separate bags to distribute the weight evenly amongst yourselves. That makes them easier to carry around when backpacking. On the other hand, inflatable tents must be folded into a single bag. Therefore, if you’ve got a family-size model, you might use it only for camping trips.
3) Can be more expensive
All the special technologies applied to make inflatable tents more robust and convenient bump their prices to an average of 50% more than their conventional pole tents. That said, if you’re a regular camper, their features can justify the investment.
For example, an excellent inflatable tent is engineered to withstand hot days, strong winds, and heavy rain. You also won’t have to worry about tent poles snapping during a storm.
Remember that you’re also paying extra to save time and energy while camping. Instead of working up a sweat trying to pitch a tent, the pump can do all the heavy lifting for you.
4) Setting up can be difficult during rainfall
No matter how weather-resistant an inflatable tent is, the setup process can get complicated when it rains.
As explained earlier, manual pumps can be quite straining to your hands and arms. Now imagine doing this while you are sopping wet from the rain. While you will be subjecting yourself to a similar scenario if you pitch a traditional tent under poor weather conditions, the repetitive movements required when pumping by hand are more taxing than assembling the poles.
Taking a shortcut using an electric pump is not an option in most cases. Unless you can protect the pump and the outlet from getting wet, you’d be in danger of an electric shock.
5) Even harder to pack away after
Pumping air into an inflatable tent can be just as tricky as deflating it. Every pocket of air has to be removed before you can fold, roll and place it back into its carry bag. Otherwise, you won’t be able to zip it close, and if you force your way in, it might lead to torn seams or bursting.
To avoid this problem, look for an electric pump that can also suck out the air with a press of a button. Otherwise, you will have to do it by slowly and carefully flattening the entire tent until no more air is left inside.
6) They come in limited size options
Despite the numerous advancements in inflatable tent technology, manufacturers have yet to come up with a broader selection of sizes and forms. Surveying the current options in the market, we found that inflatable tents are shaped like domes or tunnels. That means you can’t find a model that can comfortably fit more than six occupants simultaneously.
Further, inflatable tents are a bit larger than many tents designed for solo campers. So, if you’re looking for a light and compact tent for your backpacking trip, you will have more luck finding one that fits such requirements in the standard pole tent listings.
7) They can be prone to punctures
As rare as they are, an inflatable tent can get punctured. Whether it’s by accident or due to negligence, the fabric is vulnerable to sharp rocks, metallic edges, and projectiles.
A small hole in a traditional tent might give you a problem controlling water leaks or keeping out cold draughts. In comparison, that same hole on an inflatable tent will not only allow moisture and the chill in—It will also cause the tent to deflate and lose its form. If you don’t have the repair kit or extra air tubes, you’d likely have to pack everything and head home earlier than planned.
FAQs about Inflatable Tent Problems:
It’s not as likely as you think because most inflatable tents are now made of more robust materials. However, an inflatable tent can burst under certain conditions. Some occur while using too much pressure to pump the tent full of air. During scorching days, the air beams might also expand to the point of popping.
Yes, an air tent can lose air immediately without you noticing. For example, if you fail to close the air valves properly, the air inside will escape through the opening. This can be detected by listening for whooshing or whistling sounds if you move around. You can also try squeezing the air beams to check their firmness and observe for any unusual sounds.
That depends on the damage. Repairing a puncture may be done through the provided kit by the manufacturers. The kit typically includes a waterproof self-adhesive tape or a tube of polyurethane glue and some patches of waterproof fabric. You’d also find a brief set of instructions detailing the preparation and steps required to fix the air tent.
Manufacturers design inflatable tents in a similar fashion because of their pole-free structure. It cannot be too small or too big because of the air tubes that support the entire tent. Moreover, certain tent forms, like the tepee or A-frame, that are more suitable for solo campers cannot be achieved yet with the current technologies on inflatables.
The two types of camping tents differ in terms of their respective supportive structures. Inflatable tents use air-filled tubes for the frame, while traditional designs rely on poles made of fibreglass, aluminium, or composite materials, to name a few. This primary difference spawns the different sets of pros and cons associated with each type.
Keeping pressurized air inside thick rubber tubes demands more care and attention during manufacturing. The fabric and other vital raw materials must also be of higher quality than most traditional tents. You will also have to factor in the extra cost of the pump—whether manual or electric—and the repair kit or replacement air tubes for the inflatable tent.
An inflatable tent can be a good investment for anyone who wants to skip wrangling with tent poles and does not mind the more expensive price tag and heavier packed weight. It can be a good choice for anyone who enjoys car camping with a few companions, like a family with a couple of small kids.
Overcome Common inflatable tent problems by investing in a high Quality Camping Tent
Camping has become much more accessible because of the significant developments in tent engineering. Inflatable tents are a product of combining technologies that made pitching a tent as simple as hooking the air valve with a pump and turning it on.
If you are looking for a high-quality tent that is built to last. Check out our guide on the best wild camping tents and upgrade your tent before your next camping journey.
While we appreciate its benefits, an inflatable tent has its merits and drawbacks. The same things we love about it can also be sources of our dissatisfaction. We hope that by explaining the seven potential problems you may encounter while using an air tent, you can avoid feeling disappointed when you first use one.
Remember, as excellent an inflatable tent is, it is better suited for particular scenarios and requirements—just like any other camping tent.