Which Dometic Inflatable Tent Suits Your Next Adventure Best?

Myrthe is in the market for a new tent, so we sent her out into the wilds of Aotearoa/New Zealand to give three inflatable tents from Dometic’s Inflatable Tent range a spin.

I love weekend adventures! Whether it’s a roadie, a camping trip or an overnight hike, in my opinion a good weekend is one spent outside. But two things have recently changed my weekend missions – we sold our campervan and we adopted a dog.

Even though it was bittersweet to say goodbye to van life, I was looking forward to getting back to pitching a tent instead. There’s something about sleeping in a tent versus a van that feels a lot more like I’m immersing myself in nature.

For our first few van-less trips we used our small, lightweight hiking tent, but it quickly became clear that this wouldn’t work in the long run. Firstly, the tent was nowhere near big enough for two people plus a dog. And secondly, we tend to bring a LOT more stuff when car camping than on an overnight hike.

So it was decided. We’d acquire our first real ‘family tent’. A tent made for car camping trips, where weight isn’t an issue but space, comfort, and durability are key. The opportunity to try out Dometic’s Inflatable Tent range came at the perfect time, as we got to try out three tents with different sizes and unique features:

• Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC, a 2-person camping inflatable swag
• Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX, a reliable, inflatable tent for up to four people
• Dometic Santorini FTK 2X4 TC, a large family/group tent

With a long anniversary weekend coming up, we gathered a motley crew of friends and dogs and took the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC and the Dometic Santorini FTK 2X4 TC to try. We decided to set up camp halfway along the Great Alpine Highway for a weekend of bouldering in Castle Hill and hiking in Craigieburn. Little did we know the Dometic tents would truly be put to the test, with gale-force winds and freezing temperatures!

Not being keen for another cold camping trip, we took the Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX out for a much more relaxing trip to one of Dunedin’s beaches.

Dometic Pico FTC Inflatable Swag

Size: 1 person / 2 person
Weight: 8.5kg / 10kg
Cost: $799 / $899
Key features: Quick inflatable set up, lightweight compared to traditional swag, built-in mattress, canopy, backpack style carry bag

What’s the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC like to use?

It had taken us a couple of hours to make our way up to Springfield, where we would be setting up camp. With very little daylight left, we set about pitching the tents. Luckily, with a single inflation point and only a few pegs required, the set up of the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC is very straightforward. Add the integrated inflatable mattress to the mix, and it couldn’t have been easier to set up our home for the night.

I loved the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC at first sight! I’ve never seen or owned a swag before, but looking at the Dometic swag, it quickly became clear that this is a very clever little tent – or probably better to say, a really roomy swag!

The Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC boasts some great features, for example the option to use the included poles to turn the entrance into a canopy, which can be set up at different angles. The swag is made from Weathershield™ TC, a durable technical cotton material that’s fully weatherproof and reduces condensation. With the Kā Tiritiri o te Moana/Southern Alps just up the road, it was literally freezing when we used the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC, but we were warm, dry, and cosy all night.

Besides the large front entrance, the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC has two big windows at either side, with a cover at the top to protect against rain. With both windows and the front entrance featuring a mesh layer behind the weatherproof polycotton, we managed to create some mean airflow while keeping any unwanted animals out (and wanted animals in).

Due to the durable material as well as the integrated mattress, the Dometic Pico FTC 2 TC isn’t what you’d call a lightweight tent. However, with a total weight of 10kg and the backpack straps on the bag, it’s light enough so you could carry it from your car to that super scenic spot where people with campervans and roof tents won’t be able to set up.

Dometic Reunion FTG Inflatable Tent

Size: 4-person / 5-person
Weight: 11.5kg / 13.1kg
Cost: $599 / $699
Key features: Easy set up, good price point, spacious while still being compact

What’s the Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX  like to use?

The Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX is listed on the Dometic website as one of its bestsellers, and after trialling it, I’m not surprised! After a relaxing weekend camping with our dog along the beautiful coast of Dunedin, these are a few of my favourite features about this mid-sized family tent. 

First up, the set up of the Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX is unbelievably simple, I think it took us all of four minutes to inflate the tent, using its single external inflation point. While not quite tall enough to stand up, the Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX is very spacious and can fit a family of up to four. Or, if you’re like me and prefer having all your stuff in the tent, it’s a very comfortable size for a couple (plus a dog). 

The Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX is a dome-style tent, and the sides have large mesh panels that meet up with a sewn-in groundsheet, which makes the tent fully bugproof. The outer fly can be removed, which is a great way to allow for more ventilation on those hot days (or to sleep under the stars on hot nights!). 

All four internal corners of the Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX have a mesh pocket, a really helpful feature to keep track of smaller items like phones and car keys. The rear of the tent has a storage area, which is perfect to store some larger items out of sight while still being covered in case of rain. 

With all these features, the Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX really packs a punch and makes for a great tent. My absolute favourite aspect though, is that this tent is made of Weathershield™ REDUX, which is woven from recycled plastic bottles – how cool is that?!

Dometic Santorini FTK

Size: 2-4 person / 4-8 person
Weight: 22.1kg / 28.3kg
Cost: $1,399 / $1,699
Key features: Massive, great for families, integrated canopy to sit outside while being sheltered from sun and rain

What’s the Dometic Santorini FTK  like to use?

My first thought was that a large tent like the Dometic Santorini FTK would be more complicated to set up. Turns out that’s not true for these inflatable tents! Similar to the other two tents, The Dometic Santorini FTK was set up and ready for use in less than ten minutes after arriving at our campsite in Springfield.

In contrast to the mid-sized REDUX, the Dometic Santorini FTK is tall enough to stand up in. Besides the entrance, it has four large mesh windows with blinds which can be adjusted from the inside.

This is especially useful if the weather changes at night, as you don’t have to leave the tent to close the windows. The Santorini FTK also has a rear ventilation panel to create even more airflow.

The Dometic Santorini FTK has, similar to the other two tents in the series, a Quickpitch™ Guying System, which can be set up in seconds by pegging the bottom strap taut and adjusting the buckle to apply the right amount of tension. The straps are reflective, which is super handy when I’m finding my way back to the tent by torchlight after a midnight pee.

The biggest advantage of the Dometic Santorini FTK has to be the integrated canopy. What a great way to be able to sit outside while being protected from both sun and (light) rain! It’s a layout that definitely suits the hotter Australian climates better than the horizontal rain we sometimes get in New Zealand though.

Due to our proximity to the Kā Tiritiri o te Moana/Southern Alps, we had all sorts of weather during our night in the Dometic Santorini FTK, including gale-force winds. Initially, it made me nervous to have such a large tent up in rough conditions, but the Dometic Santorini FTK handled the gusts like a pro. I guess that’s the biggest benefit of this inflatable tent series, no more broken tent poles!

Which of the Dometic Compact Tent Series is right for me?

After putting these inflatable tents through their paces, I can wholeheartedly recommend Dometic’s Inflatable Tent range. All three tents are easy to set up, made of sturdy and durable materials, and each tent’s specific features are well thought out.

If you want something small and simple, but more comfy than a mattress in the back of your car, the Dometic Pico FTC 2 is a great option. You’ll love the ease of the integrated air bed, as well as the big windows on either side that can be fully zipped open or close while lying in the tent.

The Dometic Reunion FTG 4 REDUX is the perfect in-between size, offering plenty of space without being excessive. Come rain or shine, this tent will ensure a comfortable camping trip.

And for those who like camping without being cramped or with big crews, the Dometic Santorini FTK is the tent for you. No need to hold back, bring all your mates as well as all the toys, we’re going camping!