The RISE AirNest Inflatable Tent has been turning heads ever since its Kickstarter debut and splashy social media ads—sometimes literally. From the iconic shot of the tent floating on a pristine alpine lake to the viral YouTube clip of RISE co-founder Todd bodyslamming it WWE-style to prove its durability, the AirNest caught our attention.
At Paddling Life, we had to find out for ourselves: Is the AirNest just a gimmick, or a game-changing addition to the camping world? We got our hands on one and put it through the paces on lakes in the Colorado high country, the Moab Utah desert, and even at a soccer tournament. Here’s what we found.
First Impressions
From the moment we unboxed the AirNest, the quality stood out. The tent comes in a thoughtfully designed backpack-style carrying case with double compression straps and padded shoulder straps. Even small details, like the embossed lettering on the handle, speak to the craftsmanship.
What’s Included
- AirNest Tent
- Inflatable Mattress
- Detachable Vestibule
- AIRBANK Electric Pump & Powerbank
- Manual SUP Pump
- Backpack Carry Bag
- Tent Pegs & Reflective Guylines
Specs & Dimensions
- Interior Square Footage: 42.5 sq. ft.
- Vestibule Square Footage: 39.56 sq. ft.
- Total Square Footage: 82.06 sq. ft.
- Width: 74.8″ (190 cm)
- Length: 74″ (188 cm)
- Height: 63.8″ (front) / 52.1″ (back)
- Packed Weight: 22.9 lbs. (10.38 kg) including tent, mattress, backpack, and stakes
- Packed Size: 26″ x 12″ x 15″ (~67L)
Note: Add another 2.78 lbs. for the electric pump.
This is not a lightweight backpacking tent—it’s built for car camping, river trips, or base camps where weight isn’t the main concern.
How We Tested the AirNest
Naturally, the first test was on water. The floating tent concept may have grabbed attention online, but after trying it, we agree with Water Sports Foundation: sleeping overnight while floating isn’t a good idea. Staying dry is tough, getting in and out is risky, and late-night bathroom breaks? Forget it.
The internet has been poking fun at this idea too:
That said, our younger testers declared it “the greatest thing ever” as a floating fort. It’s a fantastic novelty for daytime play.
On land, the AirNest really does shine. Setup is incredibly fast with the included electric pump, and the integrated air mattress is comfortable and supportive. Inside, we appreciated the smart design features—plenty of mesh storage pockets and an overhead gear line perfect for lights or drying clothes. Add the vestibule, and you nearly double the usable space to over 82 square feet, with ample room to stash gear out of the weather.
In windy conditions, the tent stayed secure with the supplied stakes and guylines. And with no poles to bend or snap, setup and teardown are hassle-free.
Durability
Our main concern was whether the AirNest would suffer the dreaded “leaky air mattress syndrome.” After multiple trips in the Colorado mountains and Utah desert, we were impressed. The 420D Oxford Ripstop Nylon fabric is puncture-resistant, and the built-in ground tarp adds an extra layer of protection. No leaks, no sagging, and no rude awakenings on the ground.
Creative Uses
Because the AirNest was born from unorthodox thinking, as well as on rivers and lakes we also tested it in an unconventional setting: a youth soccer tournament. Set up on the sidelines, it quickly became the team’s VIP lounge. Parents and players ducked inside for shade, a dry spot during passing showers, and even a nap on the air mattress between games. Compared to a basic pop-up canopy, it felt downright luxurious.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Canadian innovation, high build quality
- Comfortable built-in air mattress
- Quick, easy setup with no poles to fuss with
- Spacious with included vestibule
- Versatile—great for car camping, river trips, or even soccer sidelines
- A whole lot of fun
- Included electric pump also inflates SUP’s, tubes, and inflatable furniture.
Cons
- Heavy: Over 25 lbs. with mattress and pump—too bulky for backpacking
- Pricey at $1,099 USD (though fair when compared to buying tent, vestibule, pad, and pump separately)
- Not intended for actual overnight use as a floating tent
Price & Value
At first glance, $1,099 USD feels steep. But when you consider that it’s a tent, air mattress and an electric SUP pump it actually becomes reasonable. When compared to our normal camping setup – Big House Tent ($499) + Vestibule ($179) + Tarp ($50) + Inflatable insulated sleeping pad ($269) + Electric SUP Pump ($170) = $1,167 USD. Adding those up separately, and you’re well over the AirNest’s price point.
For those who already own a SUP pump, we’d love to see RISE offer a slightly cheaper “tent-only” option. More color options would also be a welcome addition.
Final Verdict
The RISE AirNest Inflatable Tent is more than a viral gimmick—it’s a genuinely innovative, well-made piece of camping gear. While too heavy for backpacking, it’s perfect for car camping, rafting trips, festivals, floating forts, or backyard adventures. Comfortable, durable, and undeniably fun, it’s one of the most unique tents we’ve tested in years.
For paddlers, campers, and outdoor lovers who already appreciate inflatable technology in rafts and SUPs, the AirNest feels like a natural extension. RISE embraced unorthodox thinking and delivered something both practical and playful. And for that, Paddling Life salutes them.
Check them out at https://riseoutdoor.ca/