With summer on the horizon and Overland Expo West about to commence, a lot is happening in the camping domain. So much so that it’s apparently become difficult to keep track of what each brand is bringing. Luckily, we have some friends bringing us camping news religiously, and courtesy of which we have come across Cube Solo Air Tent, a $240 tent designed for adventurers who travel light but refuse to compromise on comfort.
First spotted by New Atlas, Cube Solo Air Tent is a successor to Cube Air Tent, which South-African trailer manufacturer AlphaGo unveiled last year. Interestingly, the Cube Air Tent was designed by AlphaGo, but the Cube Solo Air Tent is manufactured by Cube Air Tent. That is because AlphaGo spun the tent line off into a standalone brand. As a result, Cube Air Tent now stocks inflatable outdoor gear, including the Cube Solo Air Tent.
The company opted for the same premium materials and inflatable air-beam technology used in its previous models. What has, however, changed considerably is the time taken to pitch the tent. Unlike the Cube Air Tent, which took at least four minutes to inflate completely, the Cube Solo sets up in 15 seconds, creating a strong, weatherproof shelter for solo explorers, photographers, hikers, and overlanders.
The question now is, how? The Cube Solo uses a reinforced inflatable air-beam frame. In simple terms, the tent structure inflates instantly using the built-in air pump. “Simply press the pump and the tent rises into shape in approximately 15 seconds,” the company claims.
Since the company pitches this as “Cube Solo Air Tent”, it’s pretty evident that it can house a single person. The Cube Solo Air Tent boasts a floor space of 87 inches long and 35 inches wide, spacious enough for a 7-foot-tall person to lie down comfortably. For an average-height person, the extra space can keep accessories.
The tent’s outer canopy is made of high-strength laminated technical fabric designed for durability and weather protection. Heavy-duty TPU air beams provide a rigid and stable frame once inflated. The tent also comprises a blackout interior coating that helps reduce internal light for better sleep and improved comfort. Other features include a heavy-duty groundsheet, designed to protect the tent base from rough terrain and moisture.
To ensure ventilation and not curtail any outside view, the tent features windows at both front and rear ends, making the model fully transparent. This window mesh, as reported by New Atlas, creeps up into the roof, delivering views straight out to the horizon and up to the night sky. In case of adverse weather conditions, all the windows and doors can zip closed with laminated weatherproof fabric. The interior is coated in blackout fabric for dark, comfortable sleeping well after sunrise.
Also Read: Karsten Launches Tent on Wheels, Includes Elevated Bed and Plenty of Floor Space
Despite being a single-person tent, it isn’t ultralight, and the brand refrains from marketing it that way. Weighing 18.7 lbs, it is nine times the weight of CrossPeak 2, and ten times the weight of Durston X-Mid 2, two of the most lightweight and durable options on the market. Both tents, however, don’t offer the interior space that the Cube Solo Air Tent delivers. When packed, the tent measures 31 x 18 in x 18 inches, implying it can easily be stacked in a car boot upon leaving.
That said, there are obviously some perks and equal trade-offs involved with the Cube Solo Air Tent. But, all in all, it’s a good investment for those seeking a single-person tent for solo camping. On the downside, the Cube Air Tent is only offering shipping within South Africa and Namibia starting in mid-May. So, if you are in Australia, North America, Europe, or any other part of the world, you might have to wait just a little longer.
