The age-old joys of camping are many: from the serene connection with nature to the rejuvenating embrace of fresh air. But if there’s one thing that has consistently been a buzzkill for many an outdoor enthusiast, it’s the laborious task of pitching tents. Enter Aerogogo’s Aerotent Series, the new generation inflatable tents that promise to revolutionize the camping game.
Most campers will recall wrangling with stubborn tent poles and intricate instructions, often culminating in a less than sturdy shelter. Aerogogo aims to replace these frustrations with convenience, taking cues from brands like Heimplanet and Dometic. Instead of the traditional rigid tent poles, Aerogogo employs inflatable supports or what they term as “air columns”.
The Aerotent Series: Sphere and Moon
Aerogogo has unveiled two models in its new Aerotent series: the Sphere Tent and the Moon Tent.
Sphere Tent
A slightly larger offering, the Sphere Tent compresses down to a neat 73 x 37 x 38 cm (28.7 x 14.5 x 15 in), weighing about 16.5 kg (2.2 lb). Given its size, it’s better suited for car trips or bikepacking adventures with pedal assistance. The design is a fusion of fabric/TPU air columns interweaving over a robust PU5000mm waterproof, tear-resistant 150D Oxford fabric dome. When expanded, it can house four to eight campers in a spacious area of 300 x 300 x 200 cm (118 x 118 x 78.7 in). Other features include a skylight, three mesh windows, three doors, a detachable groundsheet, and additional camping essentials like poles, stakes, ropes, and a carry case.
Moon Tent
A slightly smaller counterpart, the Moon Tent provides a unique two-pod design with a sheltered space in between. It expands to 320 x 230 x 165 cm (126 x 90.5 x 65 in), accommodating two to four individuals. This model boasts a PU2000mm waterproof rating and, while it lacks windows, it has three doors. The Moon Tent does not come with a groundsheet, but it does provide a removable bug mesh (with an option to upgrade), a carry bag, poles, stakes, and ropes. It packs down to 70 x 30 x 30 cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 11.8 in) with a weight of 9.3 kg (20.5 lb).
Giga Pump 80: The Heart of the Inflation
Central to these inflatable tents is the Giga Pump 80, a battery-powered unit designed to effortlessly inflate the tents. This cylindrical device, with dimensions of 82 mm (3.2 in) by 155 mm (6.1 in) and weighing 0.74 kg (1.6 lb), connects to an air input valve on the tent. With a remarkable rate of 30 liters per second and a maximum pressure of 70kPa, this pump can inflate the Sphere Tent in just five and a half minutes. A 2,000-mAh battery powers the pump and requires approximately 4.5 hours to fully charge, boasting an operation time of 50 minutes per charge.
Pricing and Availability
For those intrigued by these innovations, Aerogogo’s Aerotents are currently sourcing production funds on Kickstarter. Pledges start at US$799 for the Moon Tent, which includes the Giga Pump 80 – a neat 40% off the projected retail price. The Sphere Tent, along with the Giga Pump 80, is available for pledges starting at $1,199, representing a similar discount.
As with all crowdfunding endeavors, potential backers should exercise caution and due diligence. However, given the already funded status of the campaign, shipping is anticipated to commence in October.
In conclusion, Aerogogo’s Aerotent series offers a glimpse into the future of hassle-free camping. With innovation at its core, these tents could be a game-changer for many outdoor adventurers.
Source: Aerogogo
