Quick Summary
Inflatable tents pitch in 10–20 minutes, can't snap in high winds, and are easier for solo campers — but cost more and are heavier. Poled tents are cheaper, lighter, and use proven technology — but take 30–45 minutes to pitch and poles can break.
Our recommendation: Go inflatable if you camp frequently or pitch alone. Go poled if you're on a budget or prioritise weight.
One of the biggest decisions when buying a family tent is whether to go inflatable or poled. Both have their loyal fans — and both have genuine advantages. Here's an honest breakdown to help you decide.
How Do Inflatable and Poled Tents Work?
Poled tents use fibreglass or steel poles threaded through sleeves or clipped to the tent body to create the structure. They've been the standard for decades and are tried, tested, and trusted.
Inflatable (air) tents replace poles with air beams — tubes that you inflate with a pump. The result is a rigid, strong structure that goes up in a fraction of the time.
Are Inflatable Tents Worth It?
✅ Pros
- Fast setup — most inflate in 10–20 minutes with no poles to thread or clip
- No broken poles — air beams are flexible and won't snap in high winds; they simply bend and spring back
- Easier for one person — no wrestling with long poles solo
- Impressive headroom — pre-shaped air beams create excellent internal space
❌ Cons
- Higher price — inflatables typically cost more than equivalent poled tents
- Pump required — you need to carry and use a pump (most come supplied)
- Puncture risk — rare, but a damaged air beam needs repair; repair kits are usually included
- Heavier — air beams add weight compared to lightweight pole systems
A great example: the Vango Savannah Air 600XL — a 6-person inflatable tent with Vango's AirBeam® technology, designed for families who want fast, stress-free pitching.
Are Poled Tents Still a Good Choice?
✅ Pros
- More affordable — generally better value at the same capacity
- Lighter — fibreglass poles weigh less than air beams
- No pump needed — one less thing to carry or forget
- Proven technology — decades of refinement; easy to repair in the field
❌ Cons
- Longer setup — threading poles and clipping can take 30–45 minutes for a large family tent
- Poles can break — especially in strong winds or if mishandled; replacement poles are available but it's an inconvenience
- Harder solo — large poled tents really benefit from two people pitching
Great examples from our range:
- Kampa Dawlish 6 Tent 2026 — a 2026 6-person poled tent, well-built and ideal for families
- Kampa Sandwood 3 Tent — a compact 3-person poled tent, great for couples or smaller groups
- Vango Savannah 600XL — the poled version of the Savannah, for those who want Vango quality at a lower price point
Which Should You Choose — Inflatable or Poled?
| Inflatable | Poled | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup time | ⚡ Fast (10–20 min) | 🕐 Longer (30–45 min) |
| Price | 💰 Higher | 💰 Lower |
| Wind resistance | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
| Weight | ⚖️ Heavier | ⚖️ Lighter |
| Solo pitching | ✅ Easier | ⚠️ Trickier |
| Repair in field | ⚠️ Patch kit needed | ✅ Spare pole |
Go inflatable if: you camp frequently, value quick setup, or often pitch alone.
Go poled if: you're on a tighter budget, prioritise weight, or camp less often.
Either way, come into our Newquay store and we'll help you find the right tent for how you camp.
Frequently Asked Questions: Inflatable vs Poled Tents
Are inflatable tents as strong as poled tents in wind?
Yes — in many cases, inflatable tents perform better in high winds than poled tents. Air beams are flexible and bend with the wind rather than resisting it, which means they're less likely to snap or fail. Poled tents can suffer broken poles in strong gusts, whereas air beams simply flex and spring back into shape.
How long does it take to pitch an inflatable tent?
Most inflatable family tents can be pitched in 10–20 minutes, compared to 30–45 minutes for an equivalent poled tent. You simply peg out the tent, attach the pump, and inflate the air beams. There are no poles to thread through sleeves or clip into place.
What happens if an air beam punctures?
Punctures are rare, but if an air beam does get damaged, most inflatable tents come with a repair kit included. You can patch the beam in the field, or in the worst case, replace the individual beam. It's worth noting that air beams are made from tough, durable materials designed to withstand normal camping use.
Are inflatable tents worth the extra cost?
If you camp frequently, the time saved on pitching and the convenience of solo setup make inflatable tents well worth the investment. They also tend to have better headroom and are easier to maintain since there are no poles to break or lose. If you only camp once or twice a year, a poled tent may offer better value.
Can one person pitch an inflatable tent?
Yes — inflatable tents are generally much easier to pitch solo than poled tents. Since there are no long poles to thread, one person can peg out the tent and inflate it without needing a second pair of hands. This is one of the main reasons solo campers and couples choose inflatable tents.
