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One of the recurring questions we frequently get is what are the benefits of inflatable tents vs normal tents?

Being the new big thing this year in the camping world, more and more people are interested in inflatable tents and therefore ask lots of questions to compare usual pole tents and the new (and yes a bit more expensive) inflatable tents.

Typical questions we receive to compare both type of tents are often like

Are they worth the extra money for the convenience, are they stable, what happens if one bursts, gets a puncture, are they prone to leaks? Anything else I need to know???

Fast and easy to erect

First thing to know; inflatable tents are a lot quicker and easier to erect than conventional tents.
They can be built up by only one person, no matter how big the tent is. So if you’re looking for family tent, they are quite handy as one parent can look after the kids whilst the other one set the tent up. Check our best inflatable tent for families 2014.
Have a look at this video on YouTube showing how easy it is to setup inflatable tents like the Kelty Mach 6 AirPitch showcased in the video.

Sturdy and stable

Inflatable tents are VERY stable compared to normal tents. They usually come with inner tension beam that makes them sturdier than most tents. One inflatable tent user said:

We have one. It’s great. Very easy to put up, very strong in windy conditions. The fabric tends to be thicker as they’re a premium product.

What if they burst?

This one is probably the most common question we get asked when people start comparing inflatable tents vs normal tents. And it’s a fair one.
Most inflatable tents have a system so you can’t over pump them. They come with recommended pressure which is usually between 10-12 psi and most of them go through a lot more through testing, 20psi, sometimes even 25psi. So bursting shouldn’t really happen.
It’s not saying it can never happen, the same way a carbon fibre pole can sometimes break.
In the unlikely event that a air pole would burst, you will be able to return it and have it fixed. And it is a small puncture, which again are rare, most inflatable tents come with puncture repair kit.

Sooooo…

Inflatable tents vs normal tents?

The answer is quite simple, everybody seem to agree that if you can afford one, inflatable tents are much better than normal pole tents.

If you are looking for the best family inflatable tent 2014, look no further! The Vango Exodus V800 inflatable tent is currently on the top step of our Top 10 inflatable tents ranking. And it’s no surprise!

Best family inflatable tent 2014

This is why…

• Pack Size: L78.0 x H44.0 x W48.0cm
• Weight: 32.4kg
• Capacity: 8 Person Tent
• Pitching Time: 11min
• Flysheet and inner pitch together making it simple and quick to pitch and pack
• The Vango patented TBS ®II – Tension Band System ensures that your tent performs in adverse conditions, especially strong, changeable winds. In calm conditions the system can be disconnected if desired. When tensioned, the bands brace the pole and prevent sideways movement. The buckles should be adjusted so that slack is removed, but not over tensioned, as this may deform the poles.
• The Protex, 150 Denier polyester, flysheet is a highly waterproof, durable and reliable fabric that will keep you dry and comfortable, and at 150D it increases strength, life expectancy and improves feel when compared to lighter denier flysheets
• All flysheet and groundsheet seams are factory taped, giving a water tight seal
• Poled cover over the side door now has side wings to create a sheltered entry into the tent
• Luxury roller bag to take the burden out of moving the tent
• Breathable polyester inner tent- the fabric allows condensation to pass through, ensuring a comfortable nights sleep
• Lights Out Inner Tent – Darker fabric inner reduces the amount of early morning light
• Lightweight and low bulk inner tent ground sheet which is perfect for sleeping and packing
• The Beams in a Vango AirBeam create a strong and rigid tent structure combined with a very easy and quick pitch time
• Reflective webbing straps at the front and rear of the tent for secure guying.
• The guy lines are attached to the tent at optimum positions for stability and tension. Handy guy line holders make for easy packing and re-pitching
• Line Lok patented guyline runners lock securely, release simply and perform in all conditions
• Reflective guyline- woven with a reflective strip to pick up light, making them less of a trip hazard
• Conveniently positioned inner tent pockets store snacks, torches or electronics
• Duraflex buckles and zip pullers which are renowned for strength, quality and reliability
• Large Diamond Clear PVC windows for maximum light and great visibility
• Simple and quick to use Zip down curtains for varying levels of opening. Fit to the flysheet with no gaps and simply roll into a pocket. No more rolling your curtains up and down with this terrific feature
• All Vango tents use fully fire retardant fabrics that meet the European EN5912 safety standard which will give you and your family peace of mind
• Reflective webbing picks up torchlight so the pegging points are easily visible in darkness
• Vango AirZone- High and low level ventilation panels combine to create a comfortable flow of air through the tent
• All entrances have a mesh door that allows ventilation on warm days and nights while keeping flying insects outside.
• Door with eyelets allowing optional king poles to be used
• AirBeam Pump- A double action pump that will rapidly inflate your tent/awning. It comes with a pressure dial and a pressure release valve making it simple to get your AirBeam to the right pressure
• Offers greater privacy between inners when in place. Zips away when not required. No more fiddly rolling up and toggling
• Exclusive to Vango, the Pelmet provide additional storage space hides the inner tent attachment points and helps reduce drafts