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Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
- Portal Outdoor Alfa (Editor’s Choice)
- Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes (Luxury Choice)
- Vango Odyssey Airbeam 500 (Waterproof Choice)
Camping is an incredible way to explore the great outdoors and enjoy the wonders of nature with your family. With the right tent and a little bit of sunshine, you can create memories that are sure to last a lifetime. Of course, finding the perfect tent can be a nightmare – particularly if you don’t want to spend hours fiddling with tent poles and stakes. The good news is that the best inflatable tent could change your camping experience forever.
Air tents and inflatable tents use state-of-the-art pump technology to take the hard work out of camping. Rather than needing a whole family to put up a 4 person tent, with the best family tent, you can have your temporary home away from home set up by yourself in a matter of minutes. These unique camping accessories come with spacious living compartments, sheets to protect against insects, and all the durability you need to withstand the unpredictable British summer.
However, like many camping tools on the market today, it can be difficult to decide what kind of inflatable tent you require at first glance. There are so many models of inflatable tents to choose from that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. To keep the stress of planning your family camping trip to a minimum, we’ve done some of the hard work on your behalf. Today, we’re going to talk you through a range of inflatable tent reviews to help you discover the most excellent camping accessories that money can buy.
Best Inflatable TentX Reviews – Top 7 Picks
Portal Outdoor Alfa (Editor’s Choice)
If you want one of those incredible inflatable tents, but you don’t want to pay a fortune for it, then this Portal Outdoor Alfa tent could be just the best air tent for you.
Equipped with large panoramic windows to help you make the most of the scenery and a separate bedroom with 5-person sleeping capacity, this temporary home is sure to be a must-have for your next camping trip.
The Alfa 5 person tent offers a simple solution for families who want to make the most of the great outdoors without the excess effort. The sewn-in groundsheet protects against unwanted insects and moisture, and there’s a large porch area for when you want to sit back and relax in nature. The Alfa family tent also features roll-up window blinds for additional privacy when you need it.
Quick and easy to pitch, the Alfa tent has undergone extensive testing, so you can rest assured that it will hold up to a range of weather conditions. Additionally, it comes with a robust carry case so you can keep your investment protected on the go. One small niggle is that the doors don’t have insect mesh on them to protect against bugs. Additionally, it can get quite dark inside the tent because of the colour of the material.
Pros:
- Inflates in seconds with the included pump
- Separate bedroom and living space
- Sewn-in groundsheet to protect against insects and moisture
- Strong carry case included
- Large windows with available privacy blinds
Cons:
- Quite dark inside
- There are a few gaps where insects can creep in
- No insect guards on doors unlike other inflatable tents
Coleman FastPitch Air Valdes (Luxury Choice)
If you’ve been looking for the best inflatable tent to suit a large group of people or for a big family camping, then this could be just the product you’ve been searching for.
The Coleman Fastpitch Air Valdes is an excellent piece of camping equipment, complete with pole-free pitching so you can have your home away from home ready in minutes. Inside, you’ll find 3 extra-large blackout bedrooms with plenty of room for your entire tribe. Also, there’s a large living area that’s spacious enough for a table and chairs.
This fastpitch Air Valdes comes with a 100% waterproof and UV proof guard to protect you against all kinds of weather. What’s more, there are plenty of PVC windows to provide you with extra light during the day. Likewise, you can pull down the covers to have some privacy at night.
Whether you’re planning a festival trip with friends or you’re getting back to nature through a family camping, the Coleman offers a truly luxurious camping experience unlike any other inflatable tents. The pump and manometer required to get your tent up and ready for action are included with the kit. Moreover, the blackout bedrooms are particularly impressive in this tent, as they’re capable of clocking up to 99% of daylight – for a less disruptive snooze.
While this tent is pretty good at keeping moisture and insects out, if you do have to open the doors to improve circulation, then the insect mesh isn’t going to do you much good. Additionally, the zips can be very difficult to handle, as they often get snagged.
Pros:
- Excellent fast pitch air tent technology
- Three XXL black-out bedrooms capable of reducing 99% of light
- 100% waterproof material with UV protection
- Large living room area
- PVC windows with covers available
Cons:
- Not a lot of ventilation compared to other inflatable tents
- Insect nets aren’t much good for smaller bugs
- Zips snag quite easily
Vango Odyssey Airbeam 500 (Best Waterproof)
If you’re looking for the best blow up tent that won’t leave you feeling cramped or overheated while you’re out on your next big adventure, the Odyssey Airbeam 500 could be just the thing for you.
Taken from the leading line of Vango air tents, the Odyssey Airbeam 500 includes the same pole-free pitching and inflatable beam structure that you’d expect from any Vango tent. Additionally, the Protex 70 denier waterproof and fire retardant flysheet is sure to keep you feeling comfortable in any weather.
Aside from the patented TBS II tension band systems to protect you and your family against the wind, you can also expect fully taped seams to defend against moisture too. What’s more, the Odyssey Air 500 comes with full stand-up height throughout, so you won’t have to spend your entire weekend crouching when you’re moving around in your tent.
One interesting feature of this inflatable Odyssey 500 is the addition of an “AirZone.” Using high and low-level ventilation panels, the Vango team have made sure that you get plenty of air conditioning and fresh circulation into your tent while you’re sleeping. This keeps your risk of condensation or overheating to a minimum.
According to an airbeam tent review, the Odyssey 500 does suffer from a few issues when it comes to things like providing a complete barrier against insects. The groundsheet isn’t fully connected to the floor. Furthermore, heavy ventilation means that there are more places for bugs to creep in.
Pros:
- Easy to use air beam structure
- Protex 70 denier fire retardant and waterproof material
- Vango patented TBS II tension band system
- Lights out inner tent for sleeping
- AirZone technology for ventilation
Cons:
- Bedroom separator is flimsy and doesn’t offer much of a barrier
- Insects can get in quite easily as compared to some inflatable tents
- Groundsheet isn’t fully connected to the rest of the tent
Vango Odyssey Airbeam 600 (Best for Family)
The Vango Airbeam 600 inflatable tent features a state-of-the-art inflatable beam structure designed to take the stress and headaches of pole-based pitching off your shoulders. Within a matter of minutes, you can have your family tent up and ready to use – no sweating or struggling required.
The Odyssey 600 was designed with waterproof and fire retardant materials to give you peace of mind wherever you decide to spend the night. There are also fully taped seams throughout to keep you comfy and warm if the temperature starts to drop.
This inflatable tent also comes equipped with Vango’s patented TBS II Tension band system, which keeps your inflatable shelter stable and secure in windy conditions. With front and side entry, a full linked-in groundsheet, and a “lights out” inner tent for sleeping, the Odyssey 600 model is an excellent choice for a family tent. For extra comfort, you’ll find plenty of homey features like full-length mesh doors, stand-up head height central areas, and lantern hanging loops.
One downside, however, is that there are no pockets or storage in the living area. Furthermore, even with the black-out sheets, the 6 person tent space can be quite bright on sunny days – unlike other inflatable tents. Since the groundsheet isn’t fully fastened to the bottom of the inflatable tent, there is some room for insects to crawl into the sleeping area if you’re not careful, too.
With all the amazing features outweighing the unfavourable ones, we are hailing this product as our best family tent.
Pros:
- Quick and easy pitching with Airbeam structure
- Vango patented TBS II tension band system for windy conditions
- 70 denier waterproof and fire retardant materials
- Lights out inner tent for sleeping
- Front and side entry options to choose from
Cons:
- Lights out bedroom could be darker
- No insect tent protection in the inner bedroom area
- No storage or pockets in the living space unlike some inflatable tents
Coleman FastPitch 4-Man (Best 2-Bedroom)
As your children start to get a little older or you decide it’s time to start going on camping trips with your friends, a tent that offers sleeping space for two separate groups can become increasingly valuable. The Coleman FastPitch air tent comes with two XXL black-out bedrooms, perfect for couples sharing the same tent, or for a family camping.
According to the air tent reviews about this product, just because the Coleman tent is larger in size, doesn’t mean that it’s more difficult to erect than any other air tents. The pole-free pitching solution ensures that you can automatically inflate all three inner poles simultaneously, with just one person and a double-action pump.
Alongside your two bedrooms, the Coleman inflatable tent also provides access to a large living room and porch area where the whole gang can relax and unwind together. What’s more, the material of this tent has been chosen for its ability to protect not just against rain and wind, but dangerous UV rays as well. Whatever the weather, you can rely on the Coleman Fast Pitch tent.
There were a few small niggles that some reviewers had with this product, such as the fact that the outer ropes weren’t very durable, and that the material of the air tubes can be fragile, unlike other inflatable tents. Be careful when you’re putting this tent up.
Pros:
- 2 XXL blackout bedrooms
- Fast and easy to set up
- Large living area and porch
- 100% waterproof and UV-proof material
- Excellent size for big family camping
Cons:
- Quite heavy to carry (though carry bag is included)
- Air tubes are fragile compared to other air tents
- Outer ropes aren’t very durable
Vango Airbeam Portland
This convenient and reliable inflatable Airbeam tent offers families everything they need for a convenient and reliable camping experience. The inflatable air beam structure means that you don’t have to worry about poles when you’re setting up your tent. All you need to do is get your tent out of its case and it will be ready to go in a matter of minutes.
This Vango Portland tent comes with a dual-action pump so you can get your home away from home set up as quickly as possible. The 3000 mm HH rating means that you get a powerful performance from the fabric of this tent, without having to compromise on lightweight performance.
Unlike some of the other inflatable tents on the market, this product also comes with a convenient linked-in groundsheet. You can link your groundsheet into the tent to keep any bugs, moisture, or cold at bay. Plus, you can roll the groundsheet away and store it separately if required.
To help with lighting, the Vango comes with a set of diamond clear windows, which allow you to sit up and enjoy the morning, without having to crawl outside. You can even check the weather before you go outside. There’s also a handled zipper carry bag included.
There are a few downsides to this tent, however, such as a lack of available storage options within the bedroom area. Additionally, it’s challenging to unclip the groundsheet if you want to move it away from the rest of the tent. This tent isn’t perfect for those over 6 feet.
Pros:
- Quick pitching with easy Airbeam structure
- Reliable and durable material
- Carry case included
- Link in groundsheet included
- Windows for checking the weather and getting light
Cons:
- May not have a lot of storage in the bedroom area
- Unlinking the groundsheet may be difficult
- May not be ideal for people over 6 feet
Vango Odyssey Airbeam 500SC (Best with Sun Canopy)
Finally, if you’ve been filtering through inflatable tent reviews, looking for something that you can put up in a hurry and bring down just as quickly for those impromptu camping trips out of town – look no further.
The Odyssey inflatable 500SC tent is a reliable piece of camping equipment, designed with state-of-the-art material. You can rest assured that you’ll always get a wonderful night’s sleep, even when you’re exploring the great outdoors.
This version of the Vango tent comes with a pre-attached sun canopy. Therefore, you can set up a table and chairs and enjoy the weather, without exposing yourself to too much sunshine or wind. Additionally, the lights-out inner tent in the centre of this shelter ensures that when the time finally comes to pack up for the night, you can have plenty of rest without being woken up by the sunrise.
The inflatable air beam structure of the Odyssey 500SC is excellent for anyone who hates the stress of messing around with poles and ropes when it comes to camping. Just use the double-action pump included, and you’ll have your tent ready to go in a matter of minutes. What’s more, there’s plenty of room in this tent to stand up fully and walk around freely. Thus, you don’t feel squashed or cramped.
The blackout tent in the centre of the Odyssey 500SC might not make your sleeping area pitch black, but it is pretty good. Additionally, it’s worth noting that you might have some trouble with the bedroom divider, which some reviewers suggested was ultimately see-through.
Pros:
- Reliable inflatable air beam structure
- Patented TBS II tension band system to protect against wind
- Waterproof and fire-retardant material
- Lights-out inner tent
- Attached sun canopy for extra outdoor space
Cons:
- Blackout tent isn’t dark enough for some
- See-through divider between bedrooms doesn’t offer much privacy
- Green material can make it hard to block out external light
What to Look for in Inflatable Tents?
After reading through this review for inflatable tents, you may still be asking yourself – are inflatable tents any good, and which one should I buy?”
The first thing you have to know about air tents is that they’re worth considering if you’re the kind of person who loves camping but doesn’t appreciate spending hours getting their sleeping area ready when they want to be enjoying the great outdoors.
Airbeam technology and pole-free tents reduce the amount of work that goes into a camping adventure, so you can spend more time making memories with your loved ones.
Unless you happen to be a master at pitching tents, an inflatable tent can be a great way to save yourself a lot of time and effort. However, these camping accessories are also often more expensive than the cumbersome traditional tents.
Key Factors to Consider
Like most things in life, when you decide that you do want to invest in an air tent, the next thing you’ll have to do is figure out what kind of features you can’t do without. There are many different inflatable tents to choose from on the market, and each option comes with its own features to consider.
To make sure that you’re confident with your choice, make sure that you look at the following factors:
a. How Big is the Tent?
How many people do you want to go camping with, and how large does your tent need to be to accommodate everyone? Do you want something that just has plenty of bedrooms, or do you require a tent that comes with a living area, too, where people can relax when they’re not ready to go to sleep?
b. How Easy is It to Use?
Make sure that the tent you use is easy to set up and comes with a pump so you can keep the amount of effort you have to use to a minimum. It’s a good idea to make sure that you’re comfortable putting the tent down, too, unlike traditional tents.
c. Do You Need a Porch Area?
If you plan on spending some time unwinding just outside of your tent, a porch area can protect you from unwanted UV rays during camping. This canopy will make it easier to enjoy a nice meal with your friends and family.
d. Are Blackout Bedrooms Important?
Blackout bedrooms are areas within your tent that have been designed with darker materials to protect against light. These could be essential if you don’t want to wake up early – thanks to the sunrise.
e. Weather Protection
Most inflatable tents will be waterproof, but you might need more than that to protect you against the unpredictable weather in the UK. Think about whether your tent can also defend you from high-gust winds and UV rays, too.
f. Additional Accessories
Does your tent come with attachments that might make your camping experience more comfortable such as an air pump for pitching the tent and a carry case for storing it? Are there storage pockets and other storage areas where you can keep your belongings when you’re inside of your tent?
Choosing the Best Inflatable Tent
Choosing the best air tent isn’t always an easy process. There are a lot of different products out there to choose from, and each comes with its own benefits and negatives to consider. Our advice is to take some time thinking about the features that you need from your air tent before you begin looking.
Overall, we think that the Portal Outdoor Alfa tent is the best product out there. Undergoing extensive tests against a range of conditions, you know that this tent will provide adequate protection wherever you wish to use it. This is made sure by its sewn-in groundsheet and the high-quality materials with which is made.
The robust carry case makes it easy to transport to your next destination, while the roll-up blinds and outdoor porch area mean that you can enjoy every area of your tent no matter the weather.
Easy to set-up and perfect for families, no need to look any further as our Editor’s choice really does have it all.
Good luck in finding your favourite air tent! Let us know about your top products in the comments below.
