At WM Camping, our range of inflatable tents includes models from trusted outdoor brands such as Vango, Outdoor Revolution and Easy Camp, who are known for their quality and reliability. These tents combine quick pitching times with durable materials, making them well-suited to the British weather. Whether you’re looking for a compact inflatable tent for weekend trips or a large inflatable family tent for longer holidays, you’ll find plenty of choice in our collection.
Inflatable tents are an excellent option for anyone who values ease and comfort on the campsite. With the right setup and a bit of care, they’ll provide many years of reliable usage, giving you more time to enjoy your camping trips.
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Inflatable Tents at WM Camping
Inflatable tents, also known as air tents, have become massively popular among campers looking for quick pitching times and strong, weather-resistant structures. Instead of using traditional poles, these tents rely on air beams that are inflated with a pump to create the frame. Once inflated and pegged out securely, inflatable tents are sturdy, reliable, and surprisingly easy to pitch, making them ideal for both families and weekend campers.
How Inflatable Tents Work
Inflatable tents use air beams in place of metal or fibreglass poles. Each beam is inflated using a manual or electric pump, which forms the structure of the tent within minutes. Most models feature individual beams that are inflated separately, while others have a single inflation point system that allows you to pump the entire tent up from one valve.
The process is easy: unfold the tent, peg the corners, connect the pump, and inflate the beams to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Once inflated, the tent should be pegged out with guy ropes to provide tension and stability, just as you would with a poled tent. Always remember to close each valve properly after inflation to prevent air from escaping.
Setting Up an Inflatable Tent
One of the main reasons campers choose inflatable tents is how quick and simple they are to pitch. Most tents can be set up in around ten to fifteen minutes, even for one person. A manual hand pump is usually included, but an electric pump can speed up the process further.
When inflating, it’s important not to exceed the recommended air pressure. A pump with a built-in pressure gauge is useful to ensure accuracy. Once inflated, peg the tent down and peg the guy ropes to secure the tent firmly, paying particular attention to the wind direction and ground conditions.
Performance in Wind and Weather
Despite the lack of solid poles, inflatable tents are very stable in strong winds. The flexible air beams bend slightly under pressure and then return to shape, reducing the risk of snapping or structural damage. When correctly pitched and fully pegged out, inflatable tents perform extremely well in windy and wet conditions.
Durability and Maintenance
High-quality inflatable tents are built to last. They are made from durable, polyester or similar fabrics designed to resist tearing and withstand outdoor use. The air beams themselves are constructed from strong, airtight materials protected by an outer sleeve, giving them extra resilience against wear and tear.
What to do if you get a puncture
While it’s very rare, air beams can occasionally lose pressure or suffer a puncture. Most inflatable tents come with a repair kit that includes patches and adhesive to fix small leaks. Some models allow you to isolate and replace individual beams, so carrying a spare beam can be a good idea for longer trips.
To avoid punctures in the first place, always check your pitch before setting up. Clear away sharp stones, sticks, or debris that could damage the tent floor. Using a groundsheet or footprint underneath provides another layer of protection and helps extend the life of your tent.
Managing Air Pressure
Over-inflation is one of the few ways inflatable tents can be damaged. Always inflate to the recommended pressure shown in the tent’s instructions. In very warm conditions, it’s best to stay at the lower end of the recommended range, as heat can increase internal air pressure throughout the day. Checking the beams each morning and adjusting as needed will help prevent strain on the seams.
Condensation and Ventilation
Like any fully sealed tent, inflatable tents can experience condensation, especially in cooler weather or when the tent is closed overnight. Good ventilation is key to managing this. Look for inflatable tents with mesh doors, roof vents, or panels that allow air to circulate. Keeping vents open as much as possible and avoiding cooking inside the tent will help reduce moisture build-up.
If condensation does occur, simply wipe down the inside of the flysheet in the morning with a clean cloth or towel before packing away it away completely dry.
Cleaning and Storage
Ensure the tent is completely clean and dry before storing it to prevent mould or mildew. Always pack the pump, repair kit, and pegs together so you’re ready for your next camping trip.
Weight and Transport
Inflatable tents can be slightly heavier than poled tents due to the additional material in the air beams. For families or campers travelling by car, the small increase in weight is usually worth it for the ease of setup and strong, stable design.
FAQs of Inflatable Tents
Inflatable tents use air beams instead of poles to create their frame. Once inflated with a hand or electric pump, the beams create a solid framework that’s just as stable as a traditional poled tent but much quicker to pitch.
All good camping brands that make inflatable tents include a hand pump as standard, but you can also use an electric pump for even quicker inflation.
All air tents come with reinforced beams that are highly resistant to punctures. Even if a small leak occurs, repair kits are available to fix them quickly. For a step-by-step guide on replacing an air tube, check out our blog on repairing inflatable tent beams.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, usually between 7 and 9 PSI. A pump with a gauge makes it easy to stay within range. In hot weather, aim for the lower end since air expands with heat.
Deflating is as simple as pitching. Open the valves to release the air, fold the fabric, and roll it into its bag. It usually takes less than ten minutes.
