Outdoors

Pole-less Giga tent inflates itself in three minutes

Pole-less Giga tent inflates itself in three minutes
Aerogogo's Giga tent, along with a self-inflating mattress which is part of the same Kickstarter campaign
Aerogogo's Giga tent, along with a self-inflating mattress which is part of the same Kickstarter campaign
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The Giga tent packs quite small when not in use
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The Giga tent packs quite small when not in use
Aerogogo's Giga tent, along with a self-inflating mattress which is part of the same Kickstarter campaign
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Aerogogo's Giga tent, along with a self-inflating mattress which is part of the same Kickstarter campaign

Some people find tents with poles to be a little too fiddly to set up, which is one of the main reasons why inflatable tents were invented. Aerogogo's Giga tent takes the easiness factor a step further, by automatically inflating itself.

With most inflatable tents, the user has to attach a pump to the tent, then manually inflate the latter's integrated frame. It's admittedly not that difficult, but it is one more time-consuming task to perform when setting up camp.

By contrast, the Giga incorporates its own battery-powered electric pump, which the user simply switches on (by pressing a button) after laying the tent flat on the ground. That pump proceeds to inflate the tent's four-beam frame at a rate of 20 liters (5.3 gal) per minute, automatically stoping after three minutes, when the tent is fully inflated.

The pump is IPX5 water-resistant, so it should survive getting rained on. One 5-hour USB charge of its 2,000-mAh lithium battery is reportedly good for 30 inflation cycles.

The Giga tent packs quite small when not in use
The Giga tent packs quite small when not in use

The tent itself packs down to a 50 by 20 by 20-cm (19.7 by 7.9 by 7.9-in) package when deflated, tipping the scales at 3.6 kg (7.9 lb). Once inflated, it measures 210 cm (6.9 ft) per side and sits 136 cm (4.5 ft) tall, offering 4.8 square meters (51.7 sq ft) of interior space. According to Aerogogo, it can accommodate two adults and two small children – from the looks of things, though, those kids would have to be pretty small indeed.

The tent's shell is composed of a mix of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and polyester fabric. It does have a waterproof "cap" on top, but to be truly protected from the rain, buyers will have to purchase an extra full-size rain fly.

Should you be interested, the Giga is currently the subject of a Kickstarter campaign. Assuming it reaches production, a pledge of US$229 will get you one – the planned retail price is $399. Potential backers are advised to check with company about how to order a rain fly before committing.

As part of that same campaign, Aerogogo is also offering a self-inflating camping mattress. It's available in single and double sizes, pledges for which start at $99 and $129 respectively. Setup of both the mattress and the tent is demonstrated in the following video.

GIGA Mattress and Tent: World's First One Key Automatic Inflation Mattress and Tent

Source: Kickstarter

9 comments
9 comments
Uncle Anonymous
I wouldn't buy one of these tents for several reasons. First, at 7.9 pounds, it's a little heavy for backpacking and second, at 51.7 sq ft, it's small for car camping. And lastly, I'm competent enough to put up a tent.
Rustgecko
Correct me if I am wrong but it seems to me all they have done is combine a blow up tent and a pump. I purchased a blow up tent, and like everyone else, a pump. The tent is for 6 or 8 people (its huge) and cost me about the same price as this tent, the pump cost me a few quid; does the job perfectly ok. May take more than 3 minutes, but certainly not much more, and has never been an issue. I don't really see what they have added.
Miss Bea Have
I am left wondering if folks that find it a difficulty to pitch a modern tent should be out in the bushes. I am thinking that those folks are being encouraged to be where they are not really equipped to be.
Martin Pravda
How about a compressed air bottle instead of a battery-powered electric pump?
PoconoPuppy
"compressed air bottle". Yes, like the little CO2 cartridges when repairing a flat bicycle tire. I wonder how much of the 8 lb is the pump?
PAV
I don't understand why you would need the pump integrated. Pumps are cheap and small and portable. Plus a separate pump allows you to reverse it and deflate the item.
One situation I will concede is that the separate pump could detach if not attended to.
ljaques
Those who can, do. Those who can't, go e-camping. (wink) I still have some 22 year old fiberglass tent pole sections AND the $22 tent, and an intact 30 year old aluminum section, with internal cord and springs.
Nik Bermudez
I can put up my fiber pole tent in less than 2 mins. Pole tents are sturdier against wind and heavy downpour. This tent is for child's play.
Rustgecko
Quote
"Stability of air tents vs pole tents
I think a common misconception is that air tents are less stable than pole tents. I can totally understand: the first image comes to mind when I hear ‘inflatable’ is a bouncy castle.....As for stability when everything is right: the airbeams will always have the advantage of being more flexible. Under considerable load – in high winds for example – airbeam will perform better. Most air tents are stable enough to withstand gale force winds, as long as they are pitched correctly."