Howling Moon Deluxe vs Vickywood BAOBAB AIR 135
The Howling Moon Deluxe and the Vickywood BAOBAB AIR 135 are both softshell tents in the same part of the market, which makes them a genuine head-to-head rather than a comparison across categories. Howling Moon and Vickywood take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
The BAOBAB AIR 135 is 5.5 kg lighter at 42.5 kg against 48 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Floor area is close to identical at 2.88 m² and 2.86 m², so neither wins on sleeping room. The Deluxe lists $259 lower, at $1,350 against $1,609.
They open differently: the Deluxe is a fold-out and the BAOBAB AIR 135 an inflatable. That is not cosmetic — it decides whether headroom is even across the tent or tapers towards one end, and how much of the roof the tent occupies when closed. Canvas differs too: 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated against 280 g/m2, 3,000 mm water column, UV 50+. Closed, the BAOBAB AIR 135 sits 9 cm lower on the roof — 27 cm against 36 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
Howling Moon
Deluxe
The Deluxe is Howling Moon's entry-level softshell fold-out tent and the base model of the range, offered in widths from 1.2 m to 2.4 m. It uses a 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canopy with a 75 mm high-density foam mattress and ships with an extension ladder and a UV-stabilised welded-seam PVC travel cover. It is compatible with the brand's extension/annex.
- Uses the same 380gsm poly-cotton canvas as the higher softshells
- Compatible with Howling Moon's extension/annex
- Multiple width options from 1.2 m to 2.4 m
- Manufacturer does not publish warranty or season rating
Vickywood
BAOBAB AIR 135
The BAOBAB AIR 135 is Vickywood's inflatable folding tent, using a single-chamber air frame that unfolds as it inflates rather than poles. It sleeps 2 on a 220 x 130 cm area, has two roof windows and dimmable USB-C LED lighting, and the maker states inflation takes over a minute. It is the lightest-weight option among Vickywood's folding models by published figures.
- Pole-free single-chamber inflatable frame
- Low packed height (27 cm) and modest weight
- Two roof windows and dimmable USB-C LEDs
- Mattress thickness not published
Which one to pick
Take the BAOBAB AIR 135 if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Beyond that the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex, cargo rails — are where the remaining difference lies.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Inflatable |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Season rating | — | — |
| List price | $1,350— best of the tents compared | $1,610— worst of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 106 lb— worst of the tents compared | 94 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | — | 4 ft 7 in |
| Packed width | — | 3 ft 11 in |
| Packed height | 14.2 in— worst of the tents compared | 10.6 in— best of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 7 ft 10 in— best of the tents compared | 7 ft 3 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 3 ft 11 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 31 sq ft— best of the tents compared | 30.8 sq ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 3 ft 11 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft— best of the tents compared |
| Mattress thickness | 3 in | — |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | ~5 minest. | ~5 minest. |
| Shell material | — | Aluminum honeycomb base |
| Fabric | 380gsm military-spec poly-cotton canvas, fluorocarbon impregnated | 280 g/m2, 3,000 mm water column, UV 50+ |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | — | Yes |
| Heater / HVAC port | — | — |
| Roof skylight | — | Yes |
| Annex available | Yes | Yes |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Howling Moon product page | Vickywood product page |
Related comparisons
Or read the full spec sheets for the Howling Moon Deluxe and the Vickywood BAOBAB AIR 135.