As with all the inflatable tents we’ve reviewed, the Air 600 comes with a fully sewn-in groundsheet and a 4000mm hydrostatic head waterproof flysheet. Dimensions are 465cm (L) x 385cm (width) x 210m (height) which is not the largest for a 6-person tent. However, the width at nearly 4m is substantial.

An optional awning or canopy can provide protection from the sun and rain, creating a shaded area from which to enjoy the outdoors without having to stay inside your tent. 10) Extra features The Ascension 601 TC is a proper 6-person tent with a 4.4m bedroom width split between the six people. This is a significant space of 73cm average width per person – much higher than the typical 60cm given to each person in cheaper tents. The 401 also has similar space per person. As mentioned, head height in the Antrim is substantial due to the pre-angled airbeams used to support the tent. They give an excellent arch and make walking around easy, even for tall folk like me. Most tents have thin, collapsible poles made from fibreglass. They often fold up into a compact size and are connected by an elastic cord. They're usually flexible and will need to be bent to fit the shape of the tent canvas during pitching. There is an access hatch for the electric hookup cable to be passed through, which seems like an easy feature to include, but is missed by many manufacturers – we need our mod cons! Maybe not for the tallest campersWhen this is not being used, the whole front of the tent can be opened up to create a fantastic air flow and viewing perch. The downside of having to clip in that sleeping pod when required is that you have to make sure there is room for it at the end of each day – forward planning is necessary by keeping furniture out of the way. Once the tents are up, we closely inspect the interior of each one and rate them on how likely campers are to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience that meets their needs.

There are five airbeams in total which take a fair bit of pumping because of the height of the overall structure. There’s a lot of air in them there beams! It is true that the inflatable tents are typically slightly more expensive than their pole-based siblings, but the price differential is reducing as the technology gets more mature. We feel that the ease of use outweighs the slightly higher cost. There are a few design points that it’s worth being aware of before you buy the Portal Alfa. The height is limited to 190cm (about 6ft2) in the front and 180cm (about 5ft 11) in the bedroom. This means that if you’re taller than this then you will be stooping a little inside. Not necessarily a massive issue, but worth pointing out. Secondly, the side windows in the lounge area are quite high up and not that large. Consequently, it can feel a little dark inside if the sun isn’t shining outside. The front windows are fine, but can be a little creased. However, for the price you are paying this is definitely not a bad compromise. Despite its large size, the Coleman Mosedale 5 is surprisingly easy to pitch due to its simple tunnel construction. With two bedrooms and a spacious living area, the Mosedale can comfortably house a family of up to 5 people.

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The drive to recycle old plastic is an excellent initiative because it helps reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill and harming the environment for future generations. I’m not particularly “green”, but for me it’s a no-brainer to choose a product which can make a difference in this way – especially when you consider that the Joro 600XL is made with the equivalent of 261 plastic bottles! Dimensions and Layout To make the decision a little easier, here are our top 3 tips on purchasing your perfect family tent. This latter point – the feel – shouldn’t be underestimated. The Berghaus 6XL feels like a luxury ‘proper’ tent. The kind you used to go off camping in with the scouts. It is a quality item and really will not disappoint. Absolutely no condensation in the mornings either. It's very common for manufacturers to be generous about the number of people they say can fit inside their tents. The number they give will be technically true, but it probably won't account for the space needed for campers' belongings, or the space people need for a comfortable night's sleep.