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Are you planning an outdoor vacation, longing for the freedom of sleeping under the stars, in unique locations, far from the hustle and bustle of traditional accommodation? How about a tent? But not just any tent: an inflatable tent, synonymous with ease, comfort and adaptability. With the right choice, turning a corner of nature into your temporary home becomes child’s play.
But with so much choice, how can you be sure to select the perfect inflatable tent for your needs? This guide is here to help. From light weight to quick set-up and resistance to the elements, every criterion counts!
What is an inflatable tent?
Inflatable tents are easy to transport, as they are lightweight and take up little space when uninflated. There are no rigid poles. All you have to do is inflate it using an air pump. So there’s no difficulty in obtaining protection for the night. This ease of use is much appreciated after a long day’s hiking.
With fewer parts and a simpler structure, inflatable tents are also easier to maintain. They’ll quickly become your ally of choice for all your expeditions!
Inflatable tents are a very practical piece of equipment, but you need to choose carefully if you want to be completely satisfied.
There are many inflatable tent models to choose from, and it’s essential to make the right choice for an enjoyable stay!
The different criteria to consider when choosing an inflatable tent
Before choosing your inflatable tent, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
Choosing your tent according to your destination
The first thing to think about is your destination. This will enable you to select the ideal inflatable tent. For example, if you’re planning a holiday in the heart of the forest, your tent will need to be waterproof. So make sure you choose a particularly waterproof fabric for maximum protection.
Take a look at the standard, which considers a fabric to be waterproof if it has a minimum of 1,200 schmerber. A polyurethane fabric is an optimal choice. This material has a weather resistance ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 schmerber. So you can stay dry during your stay, even if the place you’re visiting is humid and experiences many rainy days.
It’s also important that your future inflatable tent is windproof. This will be essential if you’re staying by the sea, or if the weather is windy. The tent should have a resistance value of at least 5 on the Beaufort scale. As a general rule, an inflatable tent can withstand winds of 75 to 85 km/h if the value is 9, or gusts of 89 to 102 km/h if the value is 10.
For a stress-free stay in windy conditions, it’s essential to choose an inflatable tent that can withstand strong gusts of wind.
Travel considerations when choosing an inflatable tent
Depending on your trip, you’ll need to choose the perfect tent. For example, if you’re hiking or walking a lot, a lightweight tent is essential. A tent with a fiberglass frame is recommended. If you’re traveling by car, an aluminum or steel frame is ideal. Although heavier, it’s also stronger.
Material is also important. If you’re looking for a tent, as you’ve seen, the most common materials are cotton and polyester. Make sure you select a material for your inflatable tent that dries quickly to avoid getting cold. Likewise, choose models that don’t tend to overheat under the sun. These two materials are therefore to be preferred.
Fresh and Black technology is also recommended. It keeps you cool and dark, even when the sun is out. Another material frequently used for tents is polycotton, which has many advantages. It’s UV-resistant, highly breathable, lightweight and lasts longer. However, it’s important not to store your polycotton tent while it’s still damp, and to take good care of it.
The capacity of your inflatable tent, an important criterion
Another criterion to take into account is the number of people who will be using your inflatable tent. You’ll need to choose a model that suits the number of occupants, so you’ll be comfortable and have enough space. The shape of the tent can also influence capacity. In the shape of a pyramid, an inflatable tent can accommodate more people, giving them more living space.
Inflatable tents come in different models and capacities. You’ll need to take into account the size of your mattresses to make the right choice, and adopt the tent whose dimensions correspond to those of your mattresses. That way, the mattresses won’t overlap, and you’ll sleep more peacefully.
Choosing a tent according to shape
Inflatable tents come in a variety of shapes. The classic tent (or tunnel) can accommodate up to 8 people. You can choose between 2 adjoining rooms or two separate rooms around the central living area. This latter tent is ideal if you’re traveling with a teenager who wants to remain independent, or if you’re with another couple.
You can also choose an inflatable roof tent if you’re planning a road trip.
Finally, the bubble tent is a model to choose if you want to watch the sky by day, or by night, from the shelter of your tent.
