Air tents, inflatable tents, blow-up tents… whatever you call them, these game-changers are transforming the way Aussie families camp. More and more people are ditching the individual swags and setting up under one spacious air tent instead. Quick to pitch, simple to pack away, and rock-solid in the wind — here’s everything you need to know before grabbing an inflatable tent for your next adventure.
What is an Inflatable Tent?
An inflatable air tent is a modern twist on the traditional pole tent. No poles, you ask? That’s right — instead of relying on fiberglass or metal poles, these tents use inflatable beams or air tubes. With the help of a manual pump (included) or an electric pump, you simply fill the beams with air and your tent takes shape. Think of it like the tech behind inflatable paddle boards, kite-surfing gear, or even your bike tyres.
They come in a range of sizes and popular shapes like dome and tunnel tents. Designed with convenience and comfort in mind, inflatable tents are a top pick for campers who want stress-free setup without skimping on durability.
Why Choose an Inflatable Tent?
Quick Setup – Forget threading poles in the dark. These quick-pitch tents can be fully inflated in just a few minutes. Handy when it’s raining or you rock up late.
Easy Pack Down – Pack down can be even faster than setup with inflatable tents as you simply deflate the air tube, fold, roll & pack into the bag. This is ideal for when you need to hit the road quickly.
Stability – Air beams are surprisingly strong. When properly inflated, they flex with the wind rather than snapping like poles, making them extra resilient in bad weather.
User-Friendly – Even beginners or solo campers can pitch one with ease. Zempire Air Tents come with the fly pre-attached, so there’s no fiddling around.
Family-Friendly – Many designs (like Zempire) offer multiple rooms, darkened sleeping pods, tall head height, and loads of space. Perfect for group trips or camping in comfort.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Size & Capacity – Are you camping solo, as a couple, or with a family? Choose a tent with the right number of rooms and sleeping capacity. Remember brands like Zempire offer unique connection options to their range of Air Gazebos so consider this when calculating the overall space needed.
Weight & Pack Size – Inflatable tents are usually bulkier than traditional tents due to their air beams. They are not designed for backpacking, but are perfect for car camping, boat camping and 4WD adventures. While they are heavier, this also provides extra stability in high winds.
Pump Type – Most come with manual pumps (similar to a bike pump), but are compatible with select electric pumps. Check what’s included and how large your tent is. Some smaller Zempire tents can be inflated in under 1-2mins with a manual pump, but large canvas tents take around 5mins so are easier going electric.
Weather Resistance – Look for waterproof ratings, ventilation options, and stability features. Air Tubes can inflate up to 1 PSI for every 10degC change in temperature but rest assured it is highly unlikely an air tube would burst from overheating. For example the lowest burst strength of a Zempire Air Tube is around 35PSI and you only need to inflate their tents to a range between 7-12PSI.
Camping Style – Do you camp often? Air tents are ideal for regular campers given their easy and fast setup and pack down time. Larger air tents are perfect for lengthy camping trips given their size & space provides a luxury base camp to stay for long periods.
Tips for Using an Inflatable Tent
Practice at Home – Inflate your tent before your trip so you’re familiar with the process.
Mind the Pressure – Don’t overinflate the beams; follow the recommended PSI to avoid damage (mainly to the pump as you’re more likely to break the manual pump before a tube).
Pick Level Ground – Just like traditional tents, a flat, dry surface ensures comfort and stability.
Carry a Repair Kit – While very rare, punctures can happen. Most tents come with patches—carry them along with duct tape. Select Zempire air tents have air lock taps so if you get an unlikely puncture, you can keep your tent inflated while you source a spare beam.
Deflate & Pack Carefully – Follow the instructions and roll your air tent, don’t stuff it. This protects the air beams and extends the tent’s lifespan.
Ready to join the air tent revolution? With hassle-free setup and more time to relax, you’ll swap campsite stress for special camping memories in no time. For the best inflatable tents in Australia, check out BCF’s range today!
About the author
Matt McIvor
Matt from Zempire is an avid surfer, adventurer and camping dad. With a long history of working with Zempire helping test their award-winning camping gear in New Zealand’s wild conditions, he’s an experienced advocate for Zempire's air tent technology. Matt is hugely passionate about making camping more comfortable, easy and fun for his daughter (and dog), plus Zempire’s global following of devoted fans.