Air Shelters
Air shelters swap rigid poles for inflatable beams, so a full living or shade shelter goes up in minutes from a single pump. Land & Sea stocks New Zealand's leading inflatable shelters, led by Zempire, for campers who want space without the fuss of poles.
The trade-off is worth understanding: air shelters cost more and weigh a little more, but they pitch fast, flex in the wind rather than snapping, and pack away without loose poles to lose. Pair one with sunwalls and covers for shade and wind protection, and compare it against our pole shelters to decide.
Want to see how quickly one pitches? call into the Land & Sea concept store at 36 Pollen Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland for a hands on look, or shop online with fast, tracked delivery right across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about air shelters
How do I inflate an air shelter?
Connect the pump to the inflation valve and pump until the beams are firm, then close the valve. Many air shelters use a single inflation point that fills every beam at once, so the whole structure is up in a few minutes with one pump. A pressure gauge on the pump helps you avoid over-inflating.
Are air shelters stable in the wind?
A well-pegged air shelter performs very well in wind, because the air beams flex and spring back rather than bending or snapping like a rigid pole can. As with any shelter, pegging every point and guying out the corners is essential, and in severe weather it is safest to drop or pack it down.
What happens if an air shelter beam is punctured?
The beams sit inside protective sleeves and run well below their burst pressure, so punctures are uncommon, but if one happens the beam can be patched or replaced with a repair kit. Because each beam is usually isolated, a single issue does not collapse the whole shelter.
How do I pack up a wet air shelter?
Deflate the beams, shake off loose water and debris, and roll it up to travel, then dry it completely at home before storing. As with any shelter, packing away damp for long periods invites mould, so air it out fully at the first opportunity.
Do air shelters need pegging down?
Yes, always. The air beams give an air shelter its shape, but pegs and guy ropes are what keep it anchored against wind. Peg every point and add guy ropes at the corners, and use weights on hard ground where you cannot peg.
Are air shelters worth the extra cost over a pole shelter?
If quick, easy setup and packing matter to you, many campers find them well worth it, especially for frequent trips or when setting up alone. If you camp occasionally and do not mind poles, a quality pole shelter costs less and does the same job. It comes down to how much you value the convenience.