The Complete Guide to Air Tents
Air tents have transformed the camping experience, offering a quick and hassle-free alternative to traditional pole tents. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the outdoors, an air tent can make your trips more enjoyable with its fast setup, spacious design, and excellent durability.
At OLPRO, we call all our inflatable tents and awnings "Breeze" to highlight their quick-pitch, air-beam design. Unlike traditional pole tents, our Breeze range inflates in minutes, making camping easier and more enjoyable. From the Cocoon Breeze V2 to the Abberley XL Breeze, every model in our collection is designed for maximum comfort, reliability, and ease of use.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about air tents, including how they work, whether they are reliable in windy conditions, and how to maintain them. We'll also explore the best air tents, and the best air awnings for campervans and motorhomes.
How Do Air Tents Work?
Unlike traditional tents that use metal or fibreglass poles, air tents use inflatable beams that provide a sturdy structure. These beams are filled with air using either a manual or electric pump. This innovation makes pitching a tent significantly faster and easier.
Why "Breeze"?
At OLPRO, we designed our Breeze air tents and awnings to be:
✔ Quick to pitch – Most air tents in our Breeze range inflate in under 10 minutes.
✔ Strong in wind – The flexible beams handle gusts better than rigid poles.
✔ Spacious and comfortable – Designed with multiple compartments and generous living space.
✔ Lightweight & Compact – Packs down efficiently for easy transport.
If you’re looking for the best family air tents in the UK, consider the OLPRO Discovery Breeze 6 Berth Inflatable Tent or the OLPRO Blakedown Breeze 4 Berth Tent. Both offer excellent durability, comfort, and weather resistance.
Are Air Tents Any Good in Wind?
One of the most common questions campers ask is, "Are air tents good in wind?" The answer is yes!
Air tents are designed to be highly wind-resistant because their flexible beams absorb gusts better than rigid poles. However, to ensure stability, follow these tips:
- Secure all guy ropes and storm straps so they are taut.
- Use heavy-duty pegs on soft or wet ground.
- Inflate the beams to the correct pressure (usually 7 PSI) rerer to our YouTube Video here on how to correctly inflate an air beam.
- Position the tent with the lowest side facing the wind to reduce resistance.
For added security, pair your air tent with a high-quality air awning like the OLPRO Cocoon Breeze Inflatable Campervan Awning, which provides extra shelter and protection.
Can Air Tents Deflate?
Air tents are incredibly durable, but some factors can cause them to lose air:
- Incorrect Inflation – Over- or under-inflation can affect the tent's structure.
- Valve Issues – Always ensure the valve is fully closed after inflating.
- Punctures – Though rare, small leaks can occur. Most air tents come with repair kits to fix minor issues.
If you experience a tent rip, don’t worry! You can repair a rip in a tent using a strong adhesive patch or specialist tent repair tape. For larger damage, check out our tent repair kits.
How to Inflate and Deflate an Air Tent
Using an electric pump is the fastest way to set up an air tent.
How to Inflate an Air Tent:
- Connect the pump to the valve.
- Set the correct PSI (usually 7PSI).
- Switch on the pump and let the tent inflate within minutes.
Watch our YouTube video on how to correctly inflate an OLPRO Breeze Air Beam.
To deflate an air tent, simply:
- Open all the valves to release the air.
- Press down gently to remove any remaining air.
- Fold the tent neatly and store it in its carry bag.
Watch our YouTube video on how to correctly deflate an OLPRO Breeze Air Beam.
Best Air Awnings for Campervans
For extra space and protection, a campervan air awning is a must-have. Here’s how to choose the best air awning for campervans:
- Easy Setup: Inflates within minutes with an electric pump.
- Weatherproof: High-quality waterproof materials to withstand rain and wind.
- Spacious: Provides extra living, sleeping, or storage space.
Top picks include:
- Cocoon Breeze Inflatable Campervan Awning
- Loopo Breeve Inflatable Campervan Awning
How to Put Up an Air Awning on a Campervan
- Attach the awning to the campervan’s rail using a Drive Away kit..
- Inflate each beam using a manual or electric pump.
- Secure the guy ropes and storm straps to stabilise the awning.
- Check the structure and adjust if needed.
These inflatable air awnings provide extra comfort and convenience, making them an excellent investment for long camping trips.
Are Air Tents Worth It?
Absolutely! Air tents offer superior convenience, durability, and comfort compared to traditional pole tents. Whether you're looking for the best family air tents in the UK, or a reliable air awning, OLPRO has the perfect gear for your next adventure.
Top Air Tent Picks:
- Discovery Breeze 6 Berth Inflatable Tent
- Blakedown Breeze 4 Berth Tent
- Abberley XL Breeze 4 Berth Inflatable Tent
For premium air tents for camping and caravan air awnings, browse our full collection at OLPRO.
Invest in an OLPRO Breeze air tent or awning today and experience stress-free camping like never before!