The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Air Tent

Gone are the days of wrestling with fiddly tent poles! Air tents, using inflated beams instead of traditional poles, have revolutionised camping for families and groups across the UK. Offering quicker pitching, impressive stability, and spacious designs, it's no wonder they're the go-to choice for hassle-free holidays under canvas. If you're considering making the switch or upgrading, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Why Choose an Air Tent?

• Lightning-Fast Pitching: Inflate the beams with a pump (usually included), and your tent structure is up in minutes. No more deciphering pole sleeves or connectors.
• Superior Stability: Air beams provide excellent wind resistance and structural integrity, often outperforming traditional pole tents in adverse weather with nothing to snap under tension.
• Spacious Interiors: The flexible nature of air beams allows for larger, more open living areas and taller ceilings without complex pole structures.
• Easier Handling: Lighter and more compact than bundles of long poles, packed air tents are often easier to transport and store.

• Safer for Kids: No risk of snapping poles or sharp ends during pitching or play.

The Rise of Air Tents in the UK

Since pioneering brands like Vango introduced the first mainstream air tents around 2011, inflatable tents have rapidly gained traction amongst UK campers. Their initial promise of easier, faster pitching proved irresistible for families and groups. Seeing their success, other leading manufacturers such as Outwell and Outdoor Revolution quickly developed their own sophisticated air frame systems. Over the past decade, significant improvements in materials, beam design, and overall construction have transformed air tents from a novel concept into a dominant, highly trusted choice for hassle-free camping holidays.

Key Considerations When Buying Your Air Tent

1. Size & Berth: How many people need to sleep comfortably? Remember, a "5-berth" often means 5 sleeping bags side-by-side – consider sizing up for storage space and living comfort. Think about future needs, too.
   
   

2. Bedrooms: Do you need separate sleeping pods for privacy? How many? Consider bedroom layout (side vs. transverse) and whether they have darkening technology (like Nightfall or Blackout bedrooms) for better sleep, especially with young children.

3. Living Space: This is your communal area. Consider:

   • Standing Height: Essential for comfort, especially in larger tents. Most family air tents offer good headroom throughout.
   • Size & Layout: Do you want a large open-plan living area, or defined zones for lounging, cooking, and dining? Look for features like removable panels or adjustable curtains.

   • Porch/Canopy: A covered entrance area is invaluable for storing muddy boots, cooking in the rain, or just relaxing sheltered from the sun or showers.

4. Pitching & Packing:

   • Pump: Most tents include a manual pump. Double-action pumps are efficient. Consider if you might want an electric pump (check compatibility).

   • Pack Size & Weight: Larger tents naturally pack bigger and heavier. Ensure your car can accommodate it, and you're happy lifting it.

5. Durability & Weatherproofing:

   1. Hydrostatic Head (HH): This measures waterproofness. Look for at least 2000mm HH for the flysheet, ideally 3000 mm+ for the groundsheet, especially for UK conditions.
   2. Material: Polyester or Polycotton flysheets are common. Polycotton offers better temperature regulation but is heavier.
   3. Taped Seams: Essential for preventing leaks.
   4. Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial to reduce condensation. Look for multiple adjustable vents.
      

6. Additional Features:

   • Included Footprint/Groundsheet: Protects the tent floor and is often sold separately – a package deal offers great value.
   • Storage Solutions: Pockets, gear lofts, and inner hanging points keep your tent organised.
   • Luminous Guylines: Safer for navigating around the tent at night.

   • Pre-angled Beams: Improve stability and internal space.

Top Air Tent Picks at Towsure

Here are some fantastic air tent options available now, catering to different needs and budgets:

Outdoor Revolution Camp Star 700 Air Tent Package

A super-sized, spacious family tent

Experience cavernous comfort! The Camp Star 700 is designed for larger families or groups who prioritise living space. This package includes essential extras for a complete setup.

• Key Features:

  • Massive 7-berth capacity with huge living area.
  • The package includes carpet, footprint, and pump.
  • QuickPitch Air System with colour-coded valves.
  • Multiple large windows and doors for light and access.
  • Darker bedrooms for improved sleep quality.

  • Excellent headroom throughout.

Vango Savannah Air 600XL Tent Package

Winner of the Out & About Live Camping Awards Best Family Tent for 2025

Award-winning family camping excellence. The Savannah Air 600XL combines proven Vango quality, innovative features, and a superb living experience, all included with a protective footprint.

• Key Features:

  • Prestigious 2025 Best Family Tent award winner.
  • Spacious 6-berth with large lounge and separate sleeping zones.
  • Includes a protective footprint.
  • Vango's TBS® II Tension Band System for exceptional stability.
  • Protex® 70D polyester flysheet (5000mm HH).
  • Darker bedrooms (Vango's Nightfall® system).

  • Large front door and side access.

Outdoor Revolution Atom 500 Family Air Tent

Great value 4+1 air tent

Perfect for families seeking a smart balance of space, features, and affordability. The versatile 4+1 layout offers flexibility for guests or extra storage.

1. Key Features:

   • Spacious 5-berth (4+1) layout.
   • Large front canopy with roll-back door.
   • QuickPitch Air System.
   • Pre-angled beams for enhanced stability and interior space.
   • Darker bedrooms.
   • Multiple vents and windows for airflow.

   • Great value proposition.

Outwell Tennessee 5 Air Tent

Featuring 3 zones for relaxing, cooking and dining, and sleeping

Luxury and organisation define the Tennessee 5. Clever zoning creates distinct areas for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing, making family camping incredibly comfortable and clutter-free.

• Key Features:

  • Innovative 3-zone layout (sleeping, kitchen/diner, lounge).
  • 5-berth capacity.
  • High-quality construction and materials.
  • Excellent headroom and large doors.
  • Multiple storage pockets and organisers.
  • Pre-angled beams.

  • Tinted windows reduce glare.

Vango Teepee Air 300 3-Person Tent

Bringing the convenience of air tents to a smaller tent - a glamping style tent, great for festivals. Spacious but not too hefty.

Air beam convenience meets trendy teepee style! Perfect for couples, small families, or festival-goers who want quick pitching, unique looks, and a surprisingly roomy interior without the bulk of a large family tent.

• Key Features:

  • Unique and stylish teepee design.
  • Single AirZone® beam for incredibly fast pitching.
  • Spacious dome-free single living/sleeping area.
  • Much lighter and more compact than traditional family air tents.
  • Ideal for weekends, festivals, and shorter trips.
  • Good headroom in the centre.

  • Durable 75D Stormshield® polyester flysheet.

Ready for Effortless Adventures?

Investing in an air tent transforms your camping experience, turning setup from a chore into a quick, simple task and providing a sturdy, comfortable home away from home. By considering your group size, desired space, and key features like weatherproofing and bedrooms, you can find the perfect inflatable haven for your next UK escape. Explore the fantastic range of air tents at Towsure today and discover how easy and enjoyable camping can be!