Air Tents vs. Poled Tents: Which Should You Choose?

Jan 2, 2026

Vango Savannah 600xl poled tent in a shaded campsite, emphasizing traditional camping setups with durable materials.

Air Tents vs Poled Tents: What’s the Difference?

Trying to decide which tent is right for your next trip? One of the biggest choices you’ll face is between an inflatable tent and a pole tent. Both have their benefits, and the right option will depend on your camping style and needs. Here’s a guide to the key differences to help you choose.

Poled Tents

Poled tents, sometimes referred to as traditional or frame tents - use rigid poles made from materials like aluminium, fibreglass, or steel. These poles form the structure of the tent, supporting the fabric and giving it shape.

Benefits of Poled Tents

Compact Pack Size: Generally, poled tents pack down smaller than air tents, which can make them easier to fit in your car boot or store away at home.
More Affordable: If you’re working to a budget, a pole tent is usually cheaper than an air tent.
Spacious Design: Many pole tents can offer more interior height and space thanks to their frame structure, especially models with taller centre poles.

Things to Consider

Longer Setup: Poled tents usually take more time to pitch. Assembly involves connecting poles and threading them through sleeves or clips.
Challenging for Solo Campers: Setting up a pole tent on your own can be tricky, particularly with larger models.

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Inflatable Tents

Air tents - or inflatable tents - replace traditional poles with inflatable beams. Using a pump, these beams are inflated to create a stable, rigid frame. The materials used, such as durable PVC or TPU, are designed to withstand outdoor conditions.

Benefits of Air Tents

Quick to Pitch: Air tents are much faster to put up. With a hand pump (included with all our air tents), you can inflate the beams in a matter of minutes. Some campers also use an electric pump for even quicker pitching.
No Poles to Break: Without rigid poles, air tents avoid the risk of snapped poles — a common issue in stormy conditions — and offer strong stability against the wind.

Things to Consider

Heavier: Air tents tend to weigh more because of the tougher materials needed for the beams.
Higher Cost: Air tents are generally more expensive, so they might not be the best choice if you’re looking for the lowest upfront cost.

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Which Tent Should You Choose?

Choosing between an air tent and a pole tent really comes down to what matters most for your camping plans. Here are a few things to think about:

Budget and Frequency: If you’re camping regularly or heading off on longer trips, the speed and ease of an air tent could be worth the extra investment. If you camp less often, a pole tent is a cost-effective choice.
Portability vs. Strength: Air tents are heavier, so if you need to carry your tent any distance or pack light, a smaller poled tent might be better. Both types are durable, but always choose a good quality tent from a trusted brand to ensure it holds up well.
Ease of Setup: Air tents are quicker and simpler to pitch, especially useful after a long drive or in bad weather. If you’re used to a traditional setup and prefer the familiarity, a poled tent may suit you better.

Whether you’re looking for the easy pitching of an air tent or the compact pack size of a poled tent, WM Camping has a wide selection to suit all kinds of campers. Shop Camping Equipment or browse our tents range to find the right one for your next trip.

For more camping advice and inspiration, head over to our Knowledge Centre.