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Three Things To Know:
- Fast, Easy Setup - Uses Air Frame technology, just pump it up in minutes, with an integrated inflatable mattress for all-in-one convenience
- Durable, Breathable Fabric - Made from Weathershield™ TC polycotton, it’s weather-resistant, reduces condensation, and stays comfortable in hot or cool conditions
- Portable and Complete - Weighs about 8.5 kg and packs into a backpack-style bag. Includes pump, mattress, poles, pegs, and repair kit, everything you need in one kit
Our review:
Setup and Portability
Build and Materials
Comfort and Usability
Accessories and Add-Ons
Check availability at Dometic and Ultimate Outdoors
I’ve always been a bit sceptical about inflatable tents, preferring the sturdiness of carbon fibre poles. However, seeing their increasing popularity combined with a few conversations with inflatable tent owners at campsites, I was intrigued to try one out.
I recently took the Dometic Pico FTC 1x1 TC inflatable tent on a camping trip to North Devon, to see how it held up, and also to see if it could change my mind about inflatable tents.
Dometic was founded in 2001 as an offshoot of Electrolux, the company traces its engineering roots back to early innovations in refrigeration technology. They now make a range of outdoor equipment from tents to coolers to campervan interiors.
- Price: £450.00
- Weight: 8.45kg
- Dimensions: 255cm x 90xcm x 90xcm (depth x height x weight)
Setup and Portability
Having not used an inflatable tent before I was intrigued to see if it really was as easy as people claim to put it up.
The Dometic Pico FTC 1X1 TC weighs 8.45kg and comes in a handy backpack-style bag making it easy to carry to and from a pitch site. While not the lightest option, I was easily able to carry its weight.
It comes with an in-built blow up mattress, pump, an awning with adjustable alloy poles, pegs and a repair kit. Using the heavy duty pump I was able to blow the whole tent up in minutes, and it was incredibly satisfying seeing it take form in front of me.
It was equally easy to take down in a matter of minutes, although you do need to sit or lie across it for a while to get all the air out, and it easily went back in its bag.
Build and Materials
I was impressed with the Pico FTC 1X1 TC’s solid build. The Air Frame beams made the tent feel stable without the hassle of traditional poles, and it handled some gusty winds during my trip without flexing too much. The Weathershield™ TC polycotton fabric felt breathable and comfortable, keeping condensation to a minimum, even overnight.
The metal poles and heavy-duty pegs made the canopy setup easy and sturdy, and overall the reinforced seams and zippers gave me confidence this tent could last for many trips, and the canopy held up well with the rain.
Comfort and Usability
The integrated mattress was a nice touch, leaving more space in my pack for other items, however, I had a few issues with it. The whole tent including the mattress is inflated from just one external inflation point, and while the tent inflated fully and stayed inflated, the mattress did not.
I inflated it three times in total and it slowly let the air out, and I woke up on the floor. This may have been user error, but I really struggled to see what the cause might have been over a puncture, despite this being the first time I used the tent.
Despite this I was impressed with how comfortable this tent was to be in. It felt like a cosy, weatherproof cocoon with plenty of space for larger items, and the wet weather shelter at the entrance made it feel even bigger. The fact that the whole side opens up as a door makes it quite a sociable tent if camping with others, as you can be fully visible and chat with your fellow campers while still sitting in the tent.
Accessories and Add-Ons
As I mentioned, the incorporated mattress is a great idea, it just didn’t work on my first try but I will be trying again.
The awning is also great, and easy to put up, and the backpack style carrying back is also really handy.
The stepped entrance was also good at keeping ground moisture out of the tent, and the fully sealed doors and weather-protected windows kept insects firmly out of the tent. The window awnings were also great. Simply pegging them out added another layer of protection against the elements. The peg straps also felt strong and durable, and overall this tent felt comfortable, sturdy and easy to use.
Value For Money
At £450.00 this is a big investment, however, with its useful features, durable material this is a comfortable and innovative tent that is built to last.
Sustainability?
While the Dometic Pico FTC 1X1 TC Inflatable Tent doesn’t specifically mention sustainable materials, Dometic has recently introduced the new material WeatherShield REDUX which is lightweight polyester made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. Similarly as of 2022 all factories in Europe are powered by renewable energy, which has allegedly lead to a 17% reduction in CO2 emissions, according to Dometic's website.
Should You Buy It?
Yes, if you’re looking for a durable, comfortable, one-person tent that can face the elements head on then yes.
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- Find out more in our guide to the best tents.
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