The AirPitch range has inflatable poles

US outdoor brand Kelty has launched a range of tents featuring inflatable poles.

Hot on the heels of Vango, which reintroduced the pump-up tents to the world a couple of years ago, the innovative Kelty AirPitch technology has replaced the more usual aluminium poles with inflatable sections to allow for quick pitching.

Kelty claims its two AirPole points and dual-action floor pump allow a camper to have the one-piece tent up and ready to in less than a minute.

The AirPitch range is hitting the UK now, with families and base campers firmly in mind. You won’t want to go backpacking with the four-person Mach 4, weighing in at more than 9kg and the six-berth Mach 6 tipping the scales at 12.5kg.

Kelty said campsite comfort and convenience is the name of the game with the AirPitch Mach 4 retailing at £429.99 and Mach 6 at £529.99).

“Not only do they inflate in less than a minute and have an integrated rainfly, but they include removable sleep rooms for added versatility,” Kelty said. “The large vestibules provide ample storage space and are the perfect place to relax in shelter at the end of a busy day.

“Unlike aluminium or fibreglass poles which can break or bend, Kelty AirPoles are strong and flexible and, as they’re only filled with air, always return to their original shape.

“With no additional parts needed to set up the tent, there are no parts to misplace or figure out what goes where.”

The Mach 4

The AirLift 4 and AirLift 6 have more floor space and are lighter, weighing just over 8kg for the 4-person version. They are also bundled with footprints.

Both the Mach and AirLift tents include taped floor seams, internal storage pockets and noiseless zips.

When it’s time to leave, the user can simply pull the plug on the tent, watch it deflate in seconds, pack it away and go, Kelty says.

More details are on the Kelty website.