getting back into camping after a long time away, this time with 4 kids and 3 dogs in tow. one of my kids has learing difficulties and uses a special pushchair etc.
my old tent was a montana 6, great tent and that was going to be my starting point for our new family hobby, but is it the right choice?
I've no experience with air tents, what do people think of them, how reliable are they? etc.. any input would be greatly appreciated.
Ok.... here we go on the 'Marmite' debate again! War may be declared! Yes it's a question that comes up quite regularly, and pretty much falls into two warring camps of those who 'air' and those who 'pole'!
I'm sat on a wall with no definitive preference, as horses for courses, and I've got poled tent AND a poled caravan awning, but also a airbeam caravan awning. They get used as whichever is the most appropriate, but cannot favour one over the other, very happy with both types in the right circumstances.
Pro and Cons to both, end of the day it comes down to what suits you best.
Perhaps one of the biggest drawbacks with an air tent is the bulk and weight, especially when talking big family tents, and costs can be quite high too. I've got a old Glendale 5 poled tent, which is first cousin to your Montana, now that is a bulky and heavy beast when packed, BUT, the steel poles can be separated from the flysheet, so you can have two smaller and lighter packs to deal with, NO SUCH luxuries with a air tent, it's just one big heavy fairly unwieldy bag! - Critical questions are, can you fit it in your vehicle, and can you lift it without busting something, I kid you not, some of them are monsters that will fight you - check the packed size and weight carefully!
Reliability was not great with early air versions and they failed quite young on too many occasions, and really not the sort of thing you want to buy s/h! Current versions are much better, and the technology has matured through a few generations now, but not entirely unknown for the odd duff manufacturing batch to slip through, recalls, complaints etc. Though MOST of the negative comments about reliability you will read will be referring to older air tents, but the prejudice lingers on.
End of the day, for a similar style tent, there is little to choose between air and pole on erection time, you spend most of your time on the pegging out anyway, where a air tent can really win out is how many people it takes to erect, a big poled tent usually takes two or more people, a air tent may be a one man job!
Now time for the debate to start - Let war commence
Pole tent v Air tent ?
Simple …Weight ( air heavier ) and ease of putting up ( air far easier to erect and take down )
Warning : You buy cheap you buy twice as they say.
If you are buying an Air tent and can afford it go for something top quality like Zempire.
I use an Aluminium poled tent too ( Vango Galaxy 300 ) when away on my own.
BTW its great to see that Vango are selling them again.
I think Monty15 pretty well nailed the debate between pole or air beam. I was considering an air beam tent but none of todays 4 berth, air beam tents, would give me the versatility of my Outwell Trout Lake 4. Putting up an air beam is undoubtedly quicker but you still have to peg it down and set everything else up. I have never had an issue with the aluminium poles on the old Trout, which have withstood some very strong winds and storms. Personally, I will only consider an air beam tent when I can no longer erect my TL4 on my own.
Quote: Originally posted by bordertroot on 25/9/2022
Hi Beetlecrusher ,its the Outwell Clipper M. see my review.
Thanks, Bordertroot. I read your review and looked at the photo`s too. Nice tent and looks very sturdy. I considered the Outwell Rock Lake 3, similar in design to yours but made from blue polycotton. It didn`t meet my requirements at the time but I may get one in the next couple of years if I start to struggle erecting the Trout. I mainly camp solo these days.
The one of the main advantages with an airbeam iis it's way it can handle the weather especially the wind . I have a Kampa Studland 8 polycotton . I had previously the pole and original Kampa Polzeath 8. No debate.....air wins
Quote: Originally posted by Madscot1066 on 10/10/2022
The one of the main advantages with an airbeam iis it's way it can handle the weather especially the wind . I have a Kampa Studland 8 polycotton . I had previously the pole and original Kampa Polzeath 8. No debate.....air wins
They dont break in the wind but they can be very noisy
Always used pole tents, Then bought cheap air tent (aldi) last year for a trial. I liked it so much I bought an Airedale six berth air tent for this year.
------------- Certified member of the Outwell Appreciation Society.
My friends reckon I should be certified anyway. And they should know!!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Pole Tent v Air Tent
via mobile 12/9/2022 at 11:50pm
