Every item in your kit counts when you’re heading into the great outdoors overnight. Or rather, the weight of it does.
Whether you’re off for a wholesome weekend of family camping or heading to a festival for a weekend of dancing and drinking with your best mates, you may come to rue the contents of your backpack - especially if you have to lug it over an unfeasible number of fields and hills.
While there are some non-negotiable items on the kit list - tent and sleeping bag, say - other camping gear can be made lighter by thinking outside of the box.
Going inflatable means you can lighten the load by omitting a proper framework altogether, relying instead on thoughtful construction and quite a bit of air.
And if you’re not going camping, inflatable designs can still be used at home as temporary furniture around the home, puffed up when extra guests arrive to make things more comfortable and deflated when they’re gone for compact storage.
Are there any downsides? If poorly made, there’s a risk of punctures which can put the whole purchase out of commission, especially if the company hasn’t provided repair kits. Buoyancy is another issue: inflatable furniture has a habit of seeping air if the seal isn’t watertight. Keep an electric pump on hand to keep the air and tension topped up.
While inflatable furniture has its pitfalls, it’s still an excellent alternative to traditional camping gear and a playful option for furnishing kid and teenage bedrooms.
We’ve rounded up the best options below to help you sort through the digital pile.
Shop the best inflatable furniture now
Intex Flocked Inflatable Pull Out Camping Sofa
This inflatable sofa bed is perfect for camping, giving you support to sit upright during the day and pulling out into a Queen-size bed when it’s time for a snooze. Made from PVC and covered with a tactile canvas finish, the double lock valve stops leaks in its tracks. While it can be fully inflated in just five minutes, it doesn’t come with a pump so don’t forget to buy one before you head off. It even comes with integrated cupholders to keep your drink steady. Throw on a blanket over the seat to up the style points.
Buy now £50.00, Argos
Ozark Trail Lilac Moon Chair
With a soft flocked surface and inviting lilac shade, this moon chair is perfect for kids and adults alike. Air is pushed into two chambers while a coil beam construction inside offers a good level of support. Made from PVC and weighing just 1.4kg, the chair comes with a repair patch to resolve any accidents should they occur.
Buy now £14.00, George
Intex Inflatable waterproof flocked top surface Corner Living Room Air Mattress
Who says you can't feel at home while camping? If you've got the space and the people, your crew will adore this vinyl corner sofa unit, which can seat four of your favourite people. Complete with seat cushions, it measures 0.76D x 2.57W x 2.03H metres yet only weighs 4kg. Setting it up is easy: the 2-in-1 valve comes with extra-wide openings for speedy inflating and deflating. It's also a good temporary solution to use if you're waiting for a traditional sofa to arrive.
Buy now £91.99, Amazon
Easy Camp Comfy Camping Lounge Set
Prepare to kick back and relax with this inflatable lounge set from Easy Camp. Comprising a spacious chair and a matching footstool, it’s ridiculously easy to set up and weighs just 2kg, making it a lightweight essential that you won’t want to leave home without.
Buy now £43.99, John Lewis
YAWN Air Sofa Bed
Ideal for camping or keeping for surprise visitors, this inflatable sofa bed with anti-roll arms from Yawn can seat and sleep two people comfortably. The multifunctional piece comes with a travel carry bag and an electric air pump, so you’ll have everything you need to hit the ground running.
It can bear weights of up to 250g, yet only weighs 5.7kg which is perfect if you’re planning to drive to your camping pitch. Comes with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Buy now £69.99, Currys
Inflatoast Inflatable Couch Blow Up Chair
Whether you’re going camping, fishing or hiking or just need extra seating options in the house that won’t take up too much room, this inflatable duo gives you two places to perch.
The inflatable couch comes with a matching footrest which can be used as a stool too. The brand advises customers to let the PVC design warm up indoors first as inflating for the first time in low temperatures can cause the plastic to become hard and brittle, making it easier to break.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon
Inflatable Lounger, Air Sofa Hammock
Get the kids running around to fill this inflatable sofa with enough air to sit on. It's harder than it looks but once achieved and best managed by excitable little ones with energy to spare.
Buy now £33.99, Amazon
ReadyBed Double Inflatable Camping Air Bed and Sleeping Bag
We’re up for anything that makes our lives easier, and this airbed with an integrated sleeping bag has won us over for streamlining the camping experience. The top-rated design offers plenty of room with double bed-size proportions and can inflate in 60 seconds with the help of a pump (not included).
As well as an attached XL sleeping bag, pillows are included too! Less things to pack means less chance of forgetting something crucial. Comes with a carry bag and repair kit.
Buy now £80.00, Argos
Intex Floating Recliner Inflatable Lounge
Lying flat on your back isn’t always the most comfortable position if you’re planning a day-long pool sesh. This 180 x 135cm armchair-style inflatable lounger is the perfect design to have you gliding on the water, and makes cocktail-sipping much easier thanks to two integrated cup holders. Priorities, people.
Buy now £22.99, Amazon
