Dutch Tent Inflates Into Mobile Basecamp in Minutes

Camping just got a whole lot easier thanks to a Dutch company that's been perfecting inflatable tents since 1981.

Karsten Tents, a family business that claims to have launched the world's first commercial inflatable camping tent over four decades ago, just released the ToW (Tent on Wheels). It's a lightweight trailer that inflates into a spacious 11.5-foot square tent in minutes, complete with a super-queen memory foam bed raised off the ground.

The clever design solves one of camping's biggest challenges: giving parents a comfortable sleep while kids enjoy the full tent camping experience. The trailer becomes an elevated sleeping platform inside the inflated tent, leaving plenty of floor space for additional campers on the weatherproof canvas floor below.

Setup couldn't be simpler. The tent inflates around the small trailer using air beams instead of traditional poles, reaching 7.4 feet high at its peak. When packed down, the entire system stands just over three feet tall for easy towing behind almost any vehicle.

Karsten partnered with Dutch trailer maker Easy Caravanning to create the ToW, building on a relationship that started in 2019. The collaboration brings together Karsten's decades of inflatable tent innovation with Easy Caravanning's lightweight trailer expertise.

The Bright Side

This isn't just about one clever product. Karsten's modular design means families can expand their setup as needs change. Campers can attach tunnel segments, awnings, and additional tents to create a custom basecamp that grows with them.

The ToW represents something bigger than convenient camping gear. It shows how established companies with deep expertise can still innovate by rethinking basics, turning 40 years of tent-making knowledge into solutions for modern outdoor enthusiasts who want adventure without sacrificing comfort.

The trailer's lightweight design also means better fuel efficiency and the ability to tow with smaller vehicles, making outdoor adventures accessible to more families. Plus, the trailer itself provides natural stability, reducing the need for complicated stake and guy-line systems that frustrate newcomers to camping.

For families hesitant to try tent camping because of comfort concerns, the ToW offers a genuine middle ground between roughing it and full RV camping. Parents get their mattress and elevated bed while kids experience the authentic sounds, smells, and excitement of sleeping under canvas.

Getting outside just became a whole lot more inviting for everyone.