Canvasdale

Air tent

By the Canvasdale team · Last checked

An air tent is a tent whose frame is made from inflatable tubes instead of poles. You pump the tubes up, and the air holds the shape. Setup and packing depend on the pump and the maker's method, so check both before you buy.

Where you'll see it

Air tents appear on product listings, usually with "air" or "inflatable" in the name. Campsite pages rarely mention them, but a site may ask whether you need a pump or a particular pitch. The word tells you the frame is inflated, so the pump, the packing time and the repair kit all become part of the decision.

What to check

  • Whether a pump is included, and which type the maker says it needs.
  • The maker's inflation instructions, including how to avoid overfilling the tubes.
  • How the maker says to deflate and pack the tent, because it can take longer than folding poles.
  • Whether a repair kit for the tubes is supplied or sold separately.
  • The pitch size on the product page, compared with the pitch you plan to use.
  • Pole sleeve: the fabric tube that holds a pole in a pole tent, which an air tent does not use.
  • Flysheet: the outer layer, which still covers an air tent.
  • Groundsheet: the floor layer, which you check in the same way as any other tent.

Read more: inflatable vs pole tents and, if one fits, the tent size calculator.