NEMO AirSupported Technology® (Nemo AST) is a system of low pressure inflatable tubes, which called airbeams, and lightweight pumps that provide a high performance alternative to traditional poles. Airbeams are made of two layers like a bicycle tube and tire. An outer layer provides the shape, strength, and puncture resistance, and a thin replaceable inner bladder holds the air. Airbeams have some remarkable properties that can be a real advantage in the backcountry. In every AST™ tent model, airbeams make setup of your tent fast and simple. They are also easier and less expensive to repair than metal poles. NEMO AST™ also stands up better to high winds, since there are no poles to break, and can be packed into smaller and more irregularly shaped spaces like the hull of a kayak or panniers on a bike.

ADVANTAGES OVER POLES




AIRBEAM ANATOMY

1. Dimension-Polyant Multi-Laminate X-PLY® Fabric
2. Velcro® Straps for Attachment Inside Tent Shell
3. Tape Reinforced Triple Zig-Zag Seam Construction
4. Velcro® Panels for Securing Airbeam Ends Inside Tent Shell
5. Bladder Access Pocket
6. Hypalon® Valve Reinforcement
7. Quick-Disconnect Inflation/Deflation Valve
8. Protective Cap for Valve
9. Round Airbeam End with Abrasion-Resistant Base
10. Deflation Valve
11. Replaceable Internal Airbeam Bladder

NEMOID™ FOOT PUMP

12. Welded Construction
13. Dump-Check Valve™
14. Quick Disconnect
Weighs 3.6 oz. and stores flat.

INTEGRATED PUMP

15. Welded Construction
16. Moisture-Release Valve™
17. Quick Disconnect
Weighs 2.3 oz. and stores flat.


REPLACEABLE BLADDER

The outer sailcloth shell of the airbeam provides the shape and puncture resistance of the airbeam, but the polyurethane bladder inside actually holds the air. Every tent comes with at least one spare bladder. The airbeams should never be damaged during ordinary use, however accidents do happen. In the event of a puncture, the spare bladder is tied to the damaged bladder and the damaged bladder is pulled out of the airbeam to put the new bladder in place. The damaged bladder can then be patched with the included patch kit and kept as a spare.




 
 
 
REMARKABLE STRENGTH

When properly inflated, NEMO's airbeams can be considerably stronger than traditional aluminum tent poles. In one test, the larger Morpho airbeam withstood more than twice the downward force compared to a standard tent pole. One of the great advantages of airbeams is that even if you bend them all the way to the ground, they simply spring back into shape. Optimal air pressure for a NEMO airbeam is between 7 and 9 psi. NEMO pumps are designed to deliver exactly the right amount of pressure





 

TEMPERATURE RANGE 
 
NEMO AirSupported Technology™ is capable of withstanding a wide range of conditions as well as dramatic changes in temperature. At its recommended inflation pressure of 7psi, a swing from freezing point (32 F) all the way to the most searing heat (120F) only increases the airbeam pressure to 8.2 psi -- not even close to the 20psi minimum burst pressure of the airbeams. Starting in intense heat (120F) and dropping to freezing point (32F) results in a pressure of 5.9 psi -- still plenty of pressure such that you probably wouldn't even notice the difference. The tents can withstand reasonable winds and weather with as little as 4 psi of pressure. More reasonable temperature fluctuations such as from 90F to 50F produce less than 1 psi of change.