inflatable tents?

[fwop]

has anyone used (or heard about experiences) with inflatable tents? It seems they would save time, space, weight, and may be a good alternative for a traditional rooftop tent...
here are some links -- the second one has a tent w/ inflatable mattress for a the bed of a truck:

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1129524,00.html
http://www.tentsontrucks.com/airtent.html

 

[Moody]

They now make a line with traditional poles...so it must not be so 'innovative' if they back away from it... Guys in the industry didn't have a lot of positive words to say about it.

 

[jkam]

Nemo makes a tent that inflates for backpackers.
I know a guy that has one and uses it for motorcycle camping.
Light weight, easy to setup and packs small with no metal poles.

http://www.nemoequipment.com/nemo-morpho-tent

 

[Brian McVickers]

There are really two companies making inflatable tents for consumers:
Nemo and AirZone. Nemo is far superior in design and fuction. AirZone is a bit more pedestrian, if you will. Nemo actually made one inflatable roof top tent for testing, but they ultimately felt there was not market to support production.

I have been in the process of developing an inflatable roof top tent. At this point the only thing holding me back is time and maybe some cash for prototyping. I know, I need a better excuse - right! It will deploy just as fast as a traditional RTT but I expect to shave about 100lb off the traditional RTT weight.

The military has been using inflatable shelters for around 10 years. They even have a division designated to their development. Everything from troop tents to airplane hangars.

Brian

 

[Ursidae69]

Very cool info. Thanks for the various links.

 

[fwop]

yes, thanks for all of the info.

It seems like an inflatable would be natural for a rooftop tent -- the air mattress could be part of tent and inflate all at once.

 

[NeilWilson]

I remember going camping with some friends a long time ago, one couple had an inflatable tent. They set it up & started inflating the framework, a short while later the thing blew out with a loud bang, once we had all composed ourselves after rolling around the floor laughing we had to help them string the thing up to a nearby tree. Good trip though all the same.:beer:

Neil

 

[Lynn]

Saw this on eBay tonight.

Hope it's been cleaned well :0