There's a huge argument about which tent frame is better, air or poled - both have their positives and negatives - though the pattern seems to be shifting towards air tents as a more popular choice. They certainly have their benefits, but there are also drawbacks, such as increased condensation, larger pack size and heavier weight.

What are Air Tents?

Air tents, or inflatable tents, swap traditional poles for air-filled beams. Instead of wasting time with rigid poles, you grab a pump included with the tent, inflate the tent, and watch it take shape like a giant outdoor balloon animal (but far more practical). They're relatively new to the scene (2010 onwards), but they’ve gained quite the fan club. Also, manufacturers are developing technology to introduce air beams, which can be inflated from a single beam rather than being inflated individually.

Inflatable Pro's

• Easier to pitch
• Time-Saving
• Flex in windy conditions.
• Perfect for Touring Campers
• Large sizes for the family
• Easier to Pitch and take down on your own
• Fewer parts to leave behind on the campsite

Inflatable Con's

• Risk of increased condensation inside the tent.
• Packing away the first few times can sometimes be harder until you learn the best setdown process.
• Large pack sizes and higher weights.
• One carton, where as poled tents can be split into several cartons.

What are Poled Tents?

Poled Tents have been around for many years and are a tried and trusted classic. They usually need the poles constructed together and feeding through a sleeve on the tent. There are both fibreglass and steel pole structures, both of which have advantages and disadvantages.

They’ve been the go-to for decades, and for good reason. Usually, poled shelters are lighter than their inflatable counterparts, so they are ideal for visiting festivals or when needing a small pack size for that next hiking trip.

Poled Pro's

• Poles are made to be lightweight, very portable, and easy to replace.
• Inexpensive to fix if a pole is broken.
• Less condensation inside the tent
• Much more lightweight
• Steel Poles offer the strongest structure in windy conditions.
• Cost-effective - Air products are still more expensive when compared price-wise to a poled equivalent.

Poled Con's

• More difficult to set up.
• Poles can suffer breakages in strong winds.
• Can suffer accidental damage when setting up, especially in strong winds
• It might be a struggle for one person to set up a larger poled shelter and would require several people.
• It is time-consuming to pitch.

Are there Quality Differences between Pole and Air?

Poled products are cheaper to manufacture, so the price point is lower. This does not mean they are inferior products. Often, the most important factor to check is the quality of the fabric and the hydrostatic head, as these will indicate the product's quality and durability.

It is important to note that poles and inflatable tubes have different qualities. Typically, the stronger the pole or the thicker the tube, the better the product will be and the more durability it will offer.

Types of Pole:

Fibreglass Pole and Sleeve

• Easy to repair
• Different thicknesses, between 8.5mm and 13mm depths.
• Thicker poles are used on heavier fabrics to ensure the product can maintain the weight of the fabric.

Steel Poles

Steel pole tents are dying out due to the cost of the steel and the product's weight, which is a real shame, as the durability and strength they offer in adverse conditions are unbeatable.

• It often comes in two cartons due to the weight.
• It isn't easy to repair the poles.
• They can suffer rust and oxidisation if not well cared for.
• Becoming too expensive to manufacture with tents.

Alloy Poles

• They reduce weight and are ideal for lightweight backpacking tents.
• Add cost compared to fibreglass poles.
• Offer great strength of structure once pitched.

Types of Inflatable Tube:

• PVC - More entry-level air products have PVC beams.
• TPU - TPU is much stronger and more ideal for polycotton or heavier fabric tents.
• Depth of Beam - 8cm, 10cm and 13cm depth beams are available, all offering different strengths and durability.

Which Tent should you choose?

Most tent ranges are manufactured in pole and inflatable models; truthfully, you should pick the correct tent based on your budget and the camping trip you wish to undertake.

Air Tents: 

Great for convenience, bags of extra space and lots of comfort. There would be an increase in the cost of when compared with poled equivalents, and there would be more weight to transport around the campsite. Air tents often win out for ease of use and spaciousness for families.

Poled Tents

If you prefer to keep it lightweight, traditional, and cost-effective, then a Poled shelter would suit you better. Spare poles can often be purchased, and many fans of poled tents have many years of happy camping experience.

Remember, the best tent is the one which would suit your camping style, and both systems have their fans for different reasons.