Inflatable vs Poled Family Tents – Which Is Better for Family Camping?

Jan 1, 2026

Air Tents vs Poled Tents – Which Is Better for Family Camping?

If you’re choosing a family tent and deciding between an inflatable air tent and a traditional poled tent, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions families have when looking for a reliable tent for weekends away or longer camping holidays.

Both air tents and poled tents work well for family camping, but they each offer slightly different benefits. This guide explains the real differences so you can choose the type that suits how your family actually camps, not just what looks good on paper.

What is a Family Air Tent?

An air tent replaces traditional poles with inflatable beams. Instead of threading fibreglass or steel poles through the tent, you simply pump the beams up.

For families, this usually means:

much quicker pitching
easier to set up, even if only one adult is doing most of the work
stable structure when inflated correctly
fewer fiddly parts to deal with while keeping an eye on children

Modern air tents are strong, stable and widely used by families across the UK, especially for longer camping holidays.

What is a Family Poled Tent?

Poled tents use either:

fibreglass poles (common in mid-range tents), or
steel poles (often found in larger or heavier-duty models)

They have been the traditional style of tent for years.

For families, this usually means:

a slightly longer pitching process
cheaper price in many cases
strong, familiar design
fewer inflation points to think about

Many families still choose poled tents, particularly if budget is a key factor.

Inflatable Tents vs Poled Tents for Family Camping – The Real Differences

Let’s look at the areas that actually matter when camping with children.

Pitching Time and Ease

Inflatable Tents

This is where air tents really stand out for families.

Once pegged out, most air tents simply need each beam inflating, and the structure takes shape quickly.

Benefits for families:

quicker to get set up on site
less stressful when everyone just wants to get settled
easier if one adult is pitching while the other looks after the kids
fewer “arguments with poles” on windy days

Poled Tents

Poled tents usually take longer to pitch because poles need to be assembled and fed through sleeves.

They’re still manageable, but require:

more patience
more time
more attention to positioning poles correctly

Verdict:
For ease of pitching, air tents normally win for family camping.

Strength and Stability

Air Tents

Many people assume air tents are “weaker”, but this isn’t true with modern designs.

A good quality air tent:

flexes in wind rather than snapping
remains stable when pegged correctly
performs well in typical UK camping weather

If hit by strong gusts, the beams can flex and return to shape, rather than breaking like fibreglass poles sometimes can.

Poled Tents

Strength depends on the pole material.

Fibreglass poles can sometimes split in strong winds
Steel poles are very sturdy but add weight

A well-pitched poled tent is still very reliable, but if something does fail, it’s usually a pole.

Verdict:
Both are stable when good quality and pitched correctly.
Air tents are often more forgiving in strong winds.

Space and Layout

Most family air tents are designed as large camping tents intended for longer stays, holidays and “living camping”, rather than simple weekend shelters.

This often means:

bigger living areas
good standing height
better internal layouts
spacious bedrooms

Poled family tents can also be spacious, but air tents often feel more “home-like” because many are specifically designed with family camping in mind.

Verdict:
Air tents often offer more generous family-friendly layouts, but there are excellent spacious poled tents too.

Price

This is one of the biggest differences.

Inflatable Tents

You usually pay more because:

the technology costs more
design tends to be more advanced
most air tents are aimed at family holiday use

Poled Tents

Generally cheaper for the same size.

This makes them a good choice if:

you’re working to a tighter budget
you’re trying family camping for the first time
you don’t camp for long periods each year

Verdict:
Poled tents are normally cheaper.
Air tents cost more but many families feel the extra comfort and ease of pitching justify it.

Repairs and Maintenance

Air Tents

Modern air tents are much more reliable than early models.

If something ever does go wrong:

beams can usually be replaced
most systems let you remove and repair them
punctures are rare in normal use

Poled Tents

If a fibreglass pole snaps:

it can be replaced
but it can be inconvenient when camping

Steel poles are harder to damage, but heavier.

Verdict:
Both are repairable. Neither option is “high risk” if you choose a reputable brand.

Which Is Better for Family Camping?

Here’s a simple way to look at it.

Choose an Inflatable Tent If:

you want pitching to be as easy and stress-free as possible
you often camp for full holidays rather than just weekends
you want generous living space
you want a modern, comfortable “family base” feel

Many families love air tents because they simply make camping easier and feel more like a proper living space.

Choose a Poled Tent If:

you’re working to a lower budget
you don’t mind taking a little longer pitching
you mainly camp for weekends or short breaks
you prefer a more traditional tent style

Poled tents are still widely used by families and remain a very sensible choice.

Our Honest View

Both air tents and poled tents work very well for family camping — it really comes down to how you camp.

If you want the easiest life on the campsite and more of a “holiday home” feel, most families lean towards air tents.

If budget is key or you’re happy with something simpler, a poled tent still does the job very well.

Need More Help Choosing?

If you’re unsure which type of family tent to go for, we’re always happy to help. We’ve helped families choose tents for years and understand what works in real-world UK camping, not just spec sheets.