Inflatable outdoor products used to be terrible; we can’t count how many times we’ve woken up with a hip on cold, solid ground when yet another “indestructible” inflatable mattress self-destructed. Most older overlanders and campers have been traumatized by these products to the point that they would prefer that only the tires on the vehicle are inflatable, nothing else. Material technology has progressed significantly since those early options, and inflatable products are making a comeback in a big way. From stand-up paddle boards to vehicle toppers to tents and now roof tents, they promise to solve the problems of storage, weight, and setup without puncturing at the mere sight of a sharp blade of green grass.
Dometic recently introduced the Rarotonga FTT Redux inflatable range of camping tents to the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region. Featuring the newly developed Weathershield Redux (redux means “brought back”) material and constructed with all-new polyester, woven with 100 percent recycled plastic bottle yarn, Dometic has affirmed that the environmentally friendly tent is not only lightweight but also, importantly, extremely reliable.
The Dometic Rarotonga tents are designed as comfortable and versatile family camping tents that use Dometic’s Multi-Point Inflation technology for a simple setup with a manual pump or your onboard air compressor. The Rarotonga is available in four- or six-berth options providing generous space for a family, group of friends, or as a “base camp” for those travelers who need extra space for gear. Both tents provide generous living proportions, including an integral enclosed porch area and a structure that maximizes head height all the way across the width by employing near-vertical walls.
Key Features
- Large mesh windows help increase air circulation, reduce condensation, and add comfort in hot weather.
- A unique rear storage area is located behind each model’s inner tents and is ideal for storing luggage, clothes, and other bulky items.
- Multi-Point Inflation Air Frame technology ensures a strong structure and easy setup.
- Post-consumer recycled polyester provides reliable protection from the elements.
- Reflective Quickpitch guy rope system
- Includes inner tent, front canopy groundsheet, storm straps, hand pump, pegs, and a carry bag
We like the idea of an inflatable tent that sets up quickly with minimal fuss and no poles!
Rarotonga Redux Tents are available in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market from £1,275.
We are excited to hear through the grapevine that a host of new inflatable products are launching soon from Dometic. The new range will include a stand-alone modular shelter (with an optional inner sleeping tent), a “tunnel” shelter that inflates at the rear or side of a vehicle, smaller tents, a dog kennel, and a “hub annex” which connects to the side of the stand-alone shelter and a “drive-away awning.” These are all very exciting, clean, attractive, and robust-looking products. But, there is another product that we are excited to see launched in the European market in 2023 (what about the USA?!): an inflatable rooftop tent.
We have so many questions: When does the US get this magic? Does it deflate via compression? Is the mattress included? Does it inflate with the rest of the structure?
I scoured the European press releases and discovered the following,
“With our high-performance 12 V pump included, the Dometic TRT 140 AIR is fully inflated and ready to support your outdoor adventure in minutes. This versatile rooftop tent utilizes our ultra-sturdy, single-point inflation AIR Frame and an integrated foam mattress to provide fast, effective shelter for up to two people. The Dometic TRT 140 AIR features breathable technical cotton material and mesh windows throughout, reducing condensation and providing comfort in cold and warmer climates.”
We can only hope these inflatable products will eventually become available internationally.
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