The Berghaus Air 6 XL is an inflatable tent which can comfortably accommodate 6 people in the sleeping area, and even more if you use the living area for sleeping (or purchase the optional side-porch awning). It includes a porch on the front as well as two side entrances, one of which includes an inflatable rain brow.
Berghaus is a British outdoor clothing and equipment brand founded in Newcastle upon Tyne, North East England, and now headquartered in nearby Sunderland. It was founded in 1966 by climbers and mountaineers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison. They gave their brand the German name ‘Berghaus’ which translates as ‘mountain house’.
The Air 6 XL can easily be set up from un-bagging to full erection in less than 30 minutes (once you’ve got the knack of how it all works). It really is easier than you might think given the size of the tent.
The tent has a waterproof rating of HH 6000. HH is short for ‘Hydrostatic Head’ and means that if you take a square tube with inner dimensions of 1-inch and place if over the outer fabric of the test, you could fill it with water to a height of 6,000mm before any water would leak through.
The tent also has an international recognised fire retardant rating of EN5912 a European standard that specifies the requirements for safety, performance, and fitness for use of camping tents. This means that the tent must be able to withstand a wind speed of 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) for a period of 10 minutes, be able to withstand a water pressure of 2,000 millimeters of water for a period of 30 minutes, and have at least two ventilation openings that are large enough to provide adequate ventilation.
The Benefits of Air Tents
There are many benefits to using an air tent, including:
- Ease of setup: Air tents are much easier to set up than traditional tents with poles. All you need to do is inflate the air tubes, and the tent will pop up into shape. This makes them ideal for people who are new to camping or who don’t have a lot of time to set up camp.
- Portability: Air tents are also much more portable than traditional tents. They are lighter and easier to pack up, which makes them ideal for car camping or backpacking.
- Durability: Air tents are just as durable as traditional tents. They are made with high-quality materials that can withstand the elements.
- Comfort: Air tents are often more comfortable than traditional tents. They have more headroom and sleeping space, and they are often quieter in the wind.
- Versatility: Air tents are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that is perfect for your needs. They are ideal for car camping, backpacking, and glamping.
If you are looking for a tent that is easy to set up, portable, durable, comfortable, and versatile, then an air tent is a great option.
This review will explain some of the pros and cons of the Berghaus Air 6 XL, which a review video at the end for those who can’t be bothered with reading all of my boring points.
Pitching a Berghaus Air 6 XL tent
Pitching the Berghaus Air 6 XL is a piece of cake after a couple of practice runs.
The first point to remember is that this tent is quite a lot bigger than the majority of tents on the market today, so it’s a good idea to ensure that you pitch your tent allowing for plenty of space for guy lines to be fully extended. The lines are usually extended at a 45 degree angle.
If you’re using the option footprint (ground sheet) you should lay this down flat and pin it down in each corner using the supplied pegs. Take car to ensure any stones or sharp objects are removed before you lay the footprint down so as not to damage the main tent later.
Unroll the tent and ensure that each corner is secured using the 4 grey heavy-duty pegs provided. This is especially important when trying to pitch the tent in heavy wind.
Next, take locate the air beam filling valve furthest away from the porch and inflate it using the air pump. These can be found behind the zipped panels on the right hand lower side of the tent.
Do not inflate to more than 5 bar as this may result in the air beam bursting. Move along from the rear of the tent and inflate each beam.
Once all of the air beams are inflated, sure the rear beam using the provided peg. Move along from front to rear, ensuring the the internal ground sheet is flat as you peg down the bass of the tent.
Before you install the guy lines, ensure that all doors and windows are fully closed. Install the guy lines working from front to rear. Check them after an hour or so to ensure they are tight. Recheck them during/after it rains.
I recommend that you initially inflate the airbeams to 4 bar and then add more air once you’ve pegged out the tent completely. This helps to pull the entire assembly together nicely.
Window Blinds
The Air 6 XL has a full set of sewn-in window blinds which provide a lot of privacy when required, but which can also be completely folded away to provide a bright and area living space. The are includes on all doors and window areas.
There are also two rood vents in the living area which pop up to allow some ventilation and reduce condensation.
Black-out sleeping quarters
The large sleeping area allows you to configure it between one large bedroom or 3 separate sleeping areas, which can be separated off for increased privacy using the sewn-in dividers.
The sleeping area – which remains clipped in to the tent when you deflate it – uses a black-out material to help you sleep for longer on bright mornings.
Placing blankets under your sleepinn mat or SIM can help prevent cold coming up through the ground and make for a better nights sleep
Electrical hookup
The tent comes with a zip pocket which allows you to pass through any cable for an electrical hookup when on a site which provides such a facility. It also has velcro cable ties to allow you to pass the cable up to the roof and secure it safely.
Can the Airbeams be removed for repair or replacement?
Yes. All of the airbeams can be removed for repair or if you need to replace them, and cost around £45 each. A puncture repair kit is included with the instructions.
The airbeams can be unzipped from their retaining section but care must be taken to deflate them first so as to prevent injury.
How does the Berghaus Air 6 XL cope in high winds?
The first time we pitched out tent was during storm Ellen, on the East Coast of England. We had gusts of 45mph but the tent faired very well, although I did have to add some additional air to the rear airbeam to prevent it folding in on me.
I made a video of the Berghaus Air 6 XL in 45mph winds so that you can see if for yourself [link opens in a new tab].
Summary
Overall, the Berghaus Air 6 XL is a very competent and well designed tent which takes into consideration all of the requirements for comfortable family camping. It’s easy to inflate and easy to pack away and provides a warm base for even the wettest and windiest weather that the British Isles might throw at you.
Whilst is it noticeably pricier than equipment non-inflatable tents, we think the convenience and size make it worth every penny.
Like this? You can also check out my essential equipment for family camping article.
Here’s the video:
Businessman, camping enthusiast, Formula One fan and Real Ale drinker.
