Ep 40 - All About Air Tents with Zempire

[@brookehughes1134]

I’ve had the zempire TXL for 5 years now and we absolutely love it! We camp at Nambucca on the NSW coast and it has withstood many a wild storm and winds. We also have the air shelter and when the winds get so bad that the more traditional shelters are ripped apart, we simply pop the air valve and drop the shelter until the weather passes. Then just pump her back up! Love your work Zempire and Snowys where we originally bought our tent from!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Its so great to hear long term feedback @Brooke Hughes, sounds like your tent gets a great workout! Excellent suggestion on the Aerobase, even with framed gazebos we recommend pulling them down where possible in crazy weather, and its a quick and easy work around with the air shelters. ~ Lauren

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Great recommendation!

[@darylcheshire1618]

Love my tent but my main issue that I mentioned elsewhere is that I pump it up (5) and it just sits there in a heap and doesn’t pop up like in YT. One of the Zempire videos says you need to help it up. My problem is I’m only small and I can’t push it up enough. Eventually I assembled 3 segments of a tent pole and inserted the rubber tip end into the loop that holds the light and push up firmly and it just pops up. Next time I might try a little step that I bring with me. The hazard is that in the sun temperatures can reach 50 degrees in the collapsed state. So it’s necessary to pop it up quickly.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

If they haven't popped up by themselves, then they do need a bit of help once the frame is mostly inflated. Maybe try inflating it a little more before you step inside to push the roof up, once it starts it should pop into place pretty easily. ~ Ben

[@darylcheshire1618]

@@SnowysOutdoors I see the four beams like elephant’s feet, they all bend the same way. Once I went around and straightened them but the others all bend. Best to push up with tent pole assembled with three tubes. Put rubber tip in the loop that holds the light, the loop holds the pole near the apex where the four beams (elephant legs) meet. Peg out the four corners or the elephant’s feet will curl under, it won’t stand like a tripod.

[@becblackwell2210]

Love this - just found your podcast. Super long Time shopper with you guys. Many years with you.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm glad you found the podcast, Bec, thanks for being part of our Snowys community for so long. ~ Ben

[@CNile-se9xw]

Happy Birthday Lauren. 🎂🥂 Love you guys & Ryan's appearances are always enlightening. Ease of erecting & disassembly is super important as is repacking. If the Empire Air Tents were available in our day we wouldn't have looked an any alternatives. Best wishes to you all. ❤

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks so much @C. Nile!! We love having Ryan on the show, he's so awesome to chat too. I agree the air tent options out there are pretty awesome. Makes my wonder what the next 20 years in camping gear is going to produce! ~ Lauren

[@GregMarsh-f1n]

I'm using my second Zempire tent. Easy to set up. Love it.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've got lots of positive thigs to say about Zempire tents, great products. ~ Ben

[@jeffreeatizado7074]

I switched to an air tent 3 years ago and just upgraded from a TL to a Evo TM with gazebo. They are so easy to set up my two daughters 9 & 12 have set it up on their own in the dark. Stock has been scarce and I’ve finally received my connector which I’m looking forward to using this year. I also have the awning cover for short trips which I’m glad they have improved as the metal pole on my original TL broke and was impossible to replace.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The thing which will not be named has caused massive distruption to supply chains everywhere @jeffree atizado, so we completely feel your pain. Glad to hear you have the connector now though. Also love hearing about your daughters efforts, thats amazing! ~ Lauren

[@heftymerv]

Happy birthday for when you recorded the episode Lauren, I have only just seen one of these air tents the other week. I was shock at how much strength there was in the tent when setup, and Ryan is correct, it was a light bulb moment. There isn't any room for an air tent in our arsenal as yet, however one on a trailer could be an option down the track. Maybe...

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks so much @Michael Hughes! I agree, when you get a real life opportunity to see the air frame in action its almost unbelievable. I have seen a few trailer top / camper trailer options at 4WD/Camping shows, and they look good! ~ Lauren

[@jasonhutt9117]

This has to be the best reviews out cheers Whangamata New Zealand

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks for the kudos, Jason. ~ Ben

[@jasonhutt9117]

@@SnowysOutdoors I just purchased a tent lastnight

[@aretelmasian2482]

Aero TL Pro user here...must say, for first time campers, family was absolutely impressed...if we cant get out, its setup in the backyard for the weekends! Well worth the $$$s if youre looking for quality and value that will last!!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thats awesome @Aret Elmasian! You cant beat a backyard camp out sometimes. ~ Lauren

[@gregspringfield1437]

Love my Zempire air tent. So easy to put up, have had it for about 2 years now. Went camping and it was windy as, yet the tent did not move. Only issue I have is no windows in the bedroom section

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Some of their range does has limited windows in the bedroom area, I'm wondering if the intention is to keep it as dark as possible. Awesome to hear you're loving your tent, which model did you go with? ~ Lauren

[@gregspringfield1437]

@@SnowysOutdoors I have the Aero TL Lite

[@skuzy]

Thank you for a brilliant video. One question as I do a decent amount of winter camping - but NOT in snow. how cold are these tents given they are filled with air? Compared to say a canvas tent.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The air poles won't make much difference to the warmth of the tent. There are actually canvas versions of air tents too. Canvas breathes and is thicker than polyester so it will be more comfortable inside in most conditions, but not to the point of it making that much difference. ~ Ben

[@2017Toy]

Do the AeroSpeed tents have an Awning ?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The vestibule 'door' can be pegged out like an awning, and its a good size - they also have a Aerobase connector for a seamless connection to the shelters aswell. ~ Lauren

[@trudysorrells9535]

I have an Empire Air tent, and absolutely love it.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thats great! ~ Lauren

[@serendigity]

I have been camping with one of these air tents. The only issues we had were soft sand and strong wind and the supplied pegs lifting out of the ground. Better after market pegs are essential for soft sandy ground. And the other issue was getting the tent deflated and back into the bag quickly and easily. I guess practice will make perfect here.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I reckon a bit of practice will see you getting the tent back in the bag easily. Make sure you fold the tent in such a way that the air is always pushed towards the open valves, otherwise it gets stuck in the pole sections and makes the tent bulkier to pack. ~ Ben

[@skuzy]

Hi, why do these zempire air tents also have roof covers available to purchase? Are there issues with water proofing or condensation?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

It does two things, Joe. Firstly it protects your tent from tree sap, bird droppings and debris. Secondly provides an extra layer of thermal protection from the sun making it cooler and more comfortable inside. The tent itself is completely waterproof though. ~ Ben

[@reddyman6915]

@@SnowysOutdoors I have the TS EVO and bought a roof cover as well recently. The instructions say black side up ?? silver side down ?? I thought the silver side reflects the sun from the tent . Thanks .

[@SnowysOutdoors]

@@reddyman6915 I've asked Zempire about this, and their response was that there was no difference inside or out regardless of which colour faces upwards, and their rationale behind the silver side facing down is to reduce UV degradation. I assume this is on account of the silver surface being a PU coating that will degrade quicker than the black material if it was facing the sun. Hope that clears it up for you. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

A belated happy birthday to you, Lauren! 😊

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thankyou @Coralie of Jump With No Fear, I'm loving the birthday revamp! ~ Lauren

[@rasta77-x7o]

When my old school tent dies i will try one of these next, love the idea!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm of the same opinion, Nethiuz, I like the idea of not having all the metal poles. ~ Ben

[@trudysorrells9535]

How long will a tent stay up for?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Until you take it down, generally. Bare in mind that tents aren't designed as permanent shelters though, and will likely have a shorter lifespan if they are used as one. ~ Lauren

[@darylcheshire1618]

Regarding size, I would love to use the Pronto 10 (for one person) but the main factor is that it weighs 24kg compared to the Pronto 5 (16kg) and my old conventional tent of 9kg.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The Pronto 10 is pretty big for one person, but it would give you heaps of living space. ~ Ben

[@ryandavies236]

Why is there no stock available? Especially on the Evo range!

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We've got stock dropping almost everyday at the minute @Ryan Davies, the Evo range is due over the next 2 weeks with pre-order options available. As soon as it lands we'll get it straight on the truck on its way to you! ~ Lauren

[@ryandavies236]

@@SnowysOutdoors thanks Lauren. I’ll put the preorder in today 👍🏻

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Belated happy birthday Lauren. One for the wish list! Love the compact size when packed and ease of set up and pack down. Great for car camping! Just wish they were even lighter. Has Zempire considered doing one in the ultra lightweight hiking fabric, but based on the standard Evo TS Airtent?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks so much @Fiona Ludbrook!! I know Outdoor Connection have done a small adventure one called the Adventure Air Tent, but not a larger standard camping one with light fabric. Ultra Lightweight fabric is lightweight at the cost of durability, so it isnt practical to create a larger car camping tent with these types of materials. Also, with the highly technical fabrics that do tend to last abit longer, the price of a bigger tent covered in it would be exorbitant. ~ Lauren

[@darylcheshire1618]

I use the Bunnings screw type tent pegs and a impact driver. Much nicer than hammering 18 tent pegs.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Have heard that from a few people! ~ Lauren

[@christophertar6808]

Happy Birthday Lauren 😃

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thankyou @Christopher Tar, so happy to be getting the celebratory feels all over again! ~ Lauren

[@Pago77]

I imagine one advantage of air tent is the if you had to pack it away wet, you can easily set it up at home for drying out on your driveway or lawn.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Yep, that's one of the many advantages of an air tent. ~ Ben

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

I was a bit the same as Lauren. I wondered if they were just a gimmick. But for sure once you see and feel one, you know it’s tough as guts. We had our Outdoor Connection AirPole shade cover up for two weeks camping in the Blue Mountains with some pretty wicked storms, and it was brilliant.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've heard great things about the Outdoor Connection shelters! ~ Lauren

[@624Mike]

Nice and informative for the most part. Wish the 2 of you would have directly asked about high winds and tent collapse instead of the 2 of speculating about it and him never answering the question.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Happy to answer any questions you have on that ~ Lauren

[@bignedau]

Happy b'day. Great vid full of info again. A sneaky question, do you sell stainless steel buckets ? If yes sizes and how much? Cheers.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

We dont unfortunately @magillasviews, but we have had it on the list to sus out for a while. Google might be your friend here! ~ Lauren

[@bignedau]

Thanks for replying Lauren. I found all types on eBay. Got it sorted. John.

[@normanbent7736]

Surely if they made an appropriate regulator valve that would suit a compressor there wouldn’t be any problem?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I guess this could be a solution, Norman, maybe not included with the tent to keep costs down though. ~ Ben

[@jakeandrews3276]

I'm surprised this style of tents isn't more popular in the states. Thankfully Camping world USA had Zempire tents in stock because I almost paid a lot in shipping trying to get one from the UK.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Air tents are gradually becoming more popular worldwide I think, Jake. ~ Ben

[@Bluemagoo84]

Happy birthday Lauren

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Thanks @Brenton! ~ Lauren

[@darrennorth7987]

I want to know about the windows. Everything that has a plastic window cracks after a couple of years. From tents, greenhouses to convertible cars. They all crack.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

The higher quality tents use PVC that doesn't deteriorate, crack or go yellow. UV light will eventually deteriorate anyting but given a tent doesn't live in the sun 24-7 you'll get plenty of life out of the Zempire Air Tent range. ~ Ben

[@peterelliot5627]

Thank you, hadn't thought about an air tent, will now. Seriously, may have to unsubscribe as most lead to a purchase.

[@SnowysOutdoors]

Ahhh...dont unsubscribe! We'll try to be less convincing in the future haha ~ Lauren

[@stevekenny4732]

Spent a lot on an inflatable gazebo from Zempire, didn't handle NSW south coast wind - velcro tabs popped open and flexible support poles came away. Disappointed.

[@HenryAkes13]

Typical review of air shelters/tents. I hope the retailer gave you a refund or credit towards a more traditional shelter

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I'm sorry to hear that @Jo & Steve Kenny, was that one of the new models? I have heard of this happening with the older ones, and think the newer models have taken this into consideration. I've checked in with Zempire for more info. ~ Lauren

[@darylcheshire1618]

@@SnowysOutdoorsOn my 5 I made sure one of the beams came off the velcro and I just pushed it back on.

[@cimuir]

They look great but it's a shame most models are treated with toxic flame retardant chemicals. REI, Mountain Hardware, etc have stopped using them

[@SnowysOutdoors]

I've been reading abit about this recently @Cameron Muir, and it seems as though its not so much a choice that manufacturers can make as opposed to it being a regulatory requirement in the country of business. Definately not an expert on this though and it would be interesting to see if anyone else can contribute here. I think the US have recently changed some of their regulations around it which is why there is room to move there. Perhaps there regulatory bodies in other countries will follow suit. ~ Lauren

[@cimuir]

@@SnowysOutdoors Thanks Lauren, yes, if they want to sell in the US market, manufacturers need to use FR chemicals to meet an outdated Californian standard. Outdoor industry is lobbying for change. Big players like REI are challenging it by moving ahead without the regulatory changes. The Zempire tents look great for family car camping but I'll wait until they don't use FR. Staff at Snowys could reduce their exposure risks by wearing gloves and washing hands after setting up tents. Many Europeans brands don't use FR, and neither do some Australian brands, such as Sea to Summit and Roman. We probably face bigger pollutant risks, but camping should be one place you can expect to escape all that!

[@dennistennis2225]

That guy is a Kiwi?

[@SnowysOutdoors]

He is, but originally from the US @Evan Toren...so a hybrid accent! ~ Lauren

[@StasonSmith]

looks like this people don't go camping much they just sell the gear.. ))

[@SnowysOutdoors]

And exactly what does someone who camps a lot look like, @Stason Masson? ~ Lauren

[@StasonSmith]

@@SnowysOutdoors its not the look its what you say.

[@fionaludbrook8193]

Lauren and Ben are both long term regular campers. Snowys don't do the hard sell, just offer exceptional information and customer support, no matter how big or small our spend and what sort of gear we are buying! Many of us have requested info on air tents. If you don't like them, or want info about them I am surprised you bothered to watch this episode!