An intriguing new addition to the world of outdoor camping gear comes in the form of the Bajao Cabin tent. Engineered by German paddler Christopher Mantz, this unique tent uses your inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP) as its foundation, converting it into a floating campsite.
The idea is as innovative as it is simple. Your SUP is a large, flat platform, usually taken on water-based trips, that can be easily made comfortable with a slight deflation. Mantz saw an opportunity to augment its utility by enabling campers to pitch a tent on it.
Constructed as a one-person tent, the Bajao Cabin comprises an inflatable fabric frame that is then covered with an inner polyester mesh lining and an outer waterproof flysheet. The flysheet is fabricated from 40-denier silicone-coated ripstop polyamide, ensuring resilience against water and weather elements.
The Bajao’s design is such that the frame is placed over the paddler’s existing SUP. To enhance stability while on water, two inflatable “sidepipes”, resembling pontoons, are positioned along either side of the board. This addition widens the SUP’s base, decreasing the likelihood of it tipping over when afloat.
However, the utility of the Bajao Cabin tent is not confined to aquatic environments. Mantz suggests it can also be set up on challenging terrains, like rocky or wet grounds, where conventional camping might be tricky. In such scenarios, the SUP functions as a waterproof cushion. Furthermore, the tent can also be pitched on car tops, as many paddle boards are transported.
The Bajao Cabin tent can also be used traditionally, pitched directly on the ground with the SUP excluded. To enhance comfort in this mode, it incorporates a 150-denier waterproof polyester floor, so campers won’t have to sleep directly on the ground. Despite these many features, the entire setup weighs only 4.8 kg (10.6 lb), making it relatively lightweight and portable.
Currently, the Bajao Cabin is the subject of an Indiegogo campaign, with the hope of reaching production soon. A pledge of $413 during the campaign will secure one of these innovative tents, with the anticipated retail price being $653. Given its multifaceted functionality and clever design, the Bajao Cabin tent represents a fresh, practical addition to camping gear for outdoor enthusiasts.
Source: Indiegogo
