Helsport AirFlow II® Ventilation System

Proper ventilation of your tent will prevent condensation, dramatically improving the living environment inside. Because of this, improving airflow has been a primary focus at Helsport for many years.

In co-operation with the laboratories at NTNU/SINTEF in Trondheim, Norway, we have developed an advanced ventilation system for our tents, which: 

• Remarkably reduces condensation in both inner and outer tents
• Provides an improved inner environment
• Increases sleeping comfort Before we describe how the AirFlow ll®ventilation system works, it is important to understand the issues of condensation, ventilation and air exchange inside all tents.
  

Sources of Condensation

There are three main sources of condensation in tents - ambient air humidity, humidity from the ground below the tent and humidity from the occupants. Condensation build-up greatly increases when high humidity and cold temperatures occur together. It collects on cold surfaces making the outer tent and ground sheet most vulnerable. When the tent is shaken by wind or rain, condensation can even fall into the tent giving the impression of a leak. Condensation will also easily occur between the ground sheet and your mattress as well as in the vestibule area, which doesn’t have a ground sheet (particularly when cooking or storing wet gear).

Ventilation

Ventilation ensures an even and steady flow of fresh air into the tent which increases the level of security, improves the quality of sleep and removes condensation. Best results are achieved with a constant and controlled stream of air through the tent.

Air Exchange

Air exchange is a quick and complete change of air inside the tent in order to secure a quality atmospheric and thermal inner climate - similar to opening the windows in your car while driving.

Atmospheric inner climate 

High levels of CO2 = “heavy air.” The human body needs approximately one litre/second of fresh air to avoid overexposure to CO2. Clinical studies with NTH/SINTEF have proven that AirFlow II® ventilation is capable of surpassing those levels of fresh air by a comfortable margin, thereby ensuring a pleasing climate for all occupants of the tent. Test results with tents without AirFlow II® concept show inadequate fresh air exchange and therefore for high levels of CO2 gas.

Thermal Inner Climate

The AirFlow II® ventilation system combats condensation by providing an air channel between the inner and outer tents that ventilates both the channel and the inside of the tent itself. Humidity caused by condensation drastically reduces the insulating properties of clothing and sleeping bags and creates a damp feeling inside the tent. By providing a steady stream of fresh air into the tent, AirFlow II® will greatly improve your comfort level.

The hanger system ensures proper distance between the inner and outer tents and proper air flow. Tents with two doors have the possibility for total of air exchange. The picture below shows Helsport’s new 360° zipper opening now found on a number of our PRO and X-TREM tents.

Skirt Ventilation

Our skirt ventilation system can be adjusted by colour-coded shock cord from inside the tent. Skirt ventilation provides maximum airflow between the inner and outer tents to prevent condensation.

Ventilation seen from the outside

Ventilation seen from the inside