Best air tents for family camping in the UK

If you’re planning a family camping trip in the UK, choosing the right tent can make all the difference. Air tents, also known as inflatable tents, have quickly become a popular alternative to traditional pole tents. Thanks to their easy setup, spacious interiors, and strong weather protection, they’re ideal for families who want convenience without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re heading to the Lake District, the Cornish coast, or a local campsite, an air tent offers a stress-free way to pitch up and enjoy your break. In this guide, we review the 10 best family air tents available in the UK, including both affordable and premium models from trusted brands like Decathlon, Berghaus, Coleman, and more.

Benefits of air tents for families

Air tents are easier to set up than traditional pole tents, since their inflatable beams replace poles. They pitch quickly (often in 15–30 minutes) with a pump, and you don’t have to search for or connect many poles. This reduces setup hassle. The integrated beams also mean there are fewer parts to lose, and many designs use durable materials to withstand strong winds and rain. They also often include blackout or darkened bedrooms, helping campers sleep better by blocking early-morning light. Overall, air tents give families a spacious, comfortable camping setup with fast pitching and robust weather resistance.

Top 10 family air tents

Decathlon Quechua Air Seconds 4.1 (4-person) – Decathlon

The Quechua Air Seconds 4.1 is a four-person inflatable tent with Decathlon’s Fresh & Black technology to block light and heat. It uses three integrated inflatable tubes for its frame and has a large porch/living area, giving more space than a typical 4-person tent. It’s lightweight and compact when packed.

• Pros: Very quick to pitch and excellent blackout bedrooms.
• Cons: Requires a separate air pump (not included) and the flysheet is only 2000 mm hydrostatic head (moderate waterproofing).

Decathlon Quechua Air Seconds 6.3 (6-person) – Decathlon

The Quechua Air Seconds 6.3 is a six-person tunnel tent with three bedrooms and a vast living space. It shares the Fresh & Black design to keep the interior dark and cool, and uses an all-in-one inflatable structure for very fast pitching. The tent sleeps six campers, but the bedrooms can be a bit snug.

• Pros: Spacious sleeping zones and strong blackout effect.
• Cons: Heavy at 25.8 kg, pump not included, and with a 2000 mm flysheet it’s only moderately waterproof.

Berghaus Air 400 Nightfall (4-person) – Amazon/Berghaus

The Berghaus Air 400 Nightfall is a family tent for four, featuring two darkened “Nightfall” bedrooms and a bright central living area. It uses inflatable beams for quick setup (around 20 minutes to pitch). The tent has excellent waterproofing (6000 mm hydrostatic head) and a windproof tunnel shape.

• Pros: Very rapid inflation and teardown, plus a high waterproof rating and a well-ventilated porch space.
• Cons: Smaller interior than some 4-person tents, and it’s relatively heavy.

Berghaus Air 600XL Nightfall (6-person) – Amazon/Berghaus

The Berghaus Air 600XL Nightfall is a large inflatable tent for six people. It uses a tunnel design with multiple inflatable beams. It has a spacious lounge and Nightfall darkening fabric in the sleeping pods for better sleep.

• Pros: Solid build quality, excellent blackout technology, and very fast inflation.
• Cons: Very heavy and bulky compared to smaller tents, and it is quite expensive.

Berghaus Air 6XL Polycotton (6-person) – Berghaus

The Berghaus Air 6XL Polycotton is a luxury 6-person tent with a polyester-cotton blend outer. It’s a tunnel-style design with five inflatable beams and features multiple side doors and excellent ventilation. The tent is built to last.

• Pros: Extremely spacious interior and very high-quality materials.
• Cons: Very heavy (about 49 kg) and very costly.

Kampa Hayling 4 Air (4-person) – Amazon/Kampa

The Kampa Hayling 4 Air is a four-person tunnel tent divided into three zones: a front porch, a central living area, and two attached double bedrooms. It uses four inflatable arch-beams (AirFrame) for setup (about 15 minutes). The outer is available in polycotton for breathability. The living area is well-appointed with large windows.

• Pros: Great layout and features (6000 mm waterproof rating) and a sturdy inflatable frame.
• Cons: Weighty (about 31 kg) and relatively expensive.

Eurohike Air 600 (6-person) – Amazon/Go Outdoors

The Eurohike Air 600 is an affordable 6-person tent. It uses a three-tube inflatable frame and weighs only 18.7 kg. It has a basic tunnel layout with a roll-up front panel for entry.

• Pros: Very low price and a 4000 mm waterproof-rated flysheet.
• Cons: No covered porch or side door, and it can feel cramped if fully loaded.

Outwell Colorado 5 Air (5-person) – Amazon/Outwell

The Outwell Colorado 5 Air is a five-person inflatable tent with two darkened bedrooms. It features Outwell’s Rigid Air System and a canopy-covered porch. The layout provides a large living area to relax.

• Pros: Quick to pitch, roomy living space, and an integrated front canopy.
• Cons: Quite heavy (26.6 kg) and relatively expensive (~£850).

Dometic Ascension FTX 601 TC (6-person) – Dometic

The Dometic Ascension FTX 601 TC is a premium 6-person tent with polycotton fabric. It has multiple robust 12 cm-diameter air poles, and it’s enormous and heavy (67.5 kg), but offers caravan-like comfort with features like dark bedrooms and zip-out canopy doors.

• Pros: Extremely well-made with advanced features for comfort.
• Cons: Very expensive and very heavy.

Coleman Weathermaster 6XL (6-person) – Amazon/Coleman

The Coleman Weathermaster 6XL Air is a 6-person tunnel tent with three “BlackOut” bedrooms and a large living area. Coleman uses thick, durable fabrics and includes a front porch space for shade. The design is practical and reliable.

• Pros: Very well-made and excellent blackout sleep zones.
• Cons: Heavy and modest on additional luxury features (no polycotton option).

Comparison of top family air tents

Conclusion

Air tents have transformed family camping by making setup quicker, sleeping more comfortable, and bad weather less of a worry. Whether you’re looking for a compact option under £200 or a luxurious home-from-home, there’s a tent on this list that will suit your needs. For budget-conscious families, options like the Eurohike Air 600 or Quechua Air Seconds 4.1 offer incredible value. Those seeking space and top-tier comfort should consider the Berghaus Air 6XL or Dometic Ascension FTX. Whatever your choice, investing in a good air tent means less stress and more quality time outdoors with the family.

FAQs

Are inflatable air tents durable?

Yes. Modern air tents are built with strong fabrics and reinforced inflatable beams. Many come with puncture-resistant TPU tubes and sealed seams. With proper care, an inflatable tent can last for many seasons.

How long does it take to pitch an air tent?

Typically 10–30 minutes, depending on size. Inflating even a large family tent is usually faster than assembling poles, since you just pump air into each beam. Teardown is similarly quick.

Can inflatable tents handle bad weather?

Yes. Good family air tents are made to be waterproof and windproof. Many have 3000–6000 mm hydrostatic head ratings on the flysheet. The aerodynamic tunnel shape and sturdy air frames help shed wind. These tents are generally designed to withstand heavy rain and strong winds when properly pitched and staked.