ABOUT KHYAM

For more than 40 years, Khyam has combined innovative design with proven manufacturing expertise to create tents, awnings and outdoor shelters built for dependable performance.

Originally a military equipment supplier to the British Armed Forces, Khyam is now led by Tim Roberts and Nigel Turner, who bring more than 80 years of combined manufacturing experience. In the late 1980s, Khyam introduced their patented quick-erect Rapidex system, which remains a benchmark for fast, durable shelter set-up.

Khyam offers three frame options across its shelter range: traditional pole-and-sleeve construction, air frames, and the Rapidex quick-erect frame (available in high-strength solid fibreglass or lightweight aluminium).

We are manufacturers as well as designers, with practical production knowledge that directly informs our product development.

As a direct-to-consumer brand, we invest in product quality and customer support rather than retail mark-ups. Our customers can speak directly with the team responsible for designing and manufacturing the products.

This means clear, expert advice and responsive after-sales support—without intermediaries.

 

Choosing a tent or drive-away awning pole structure:

Rapidex Frames
If speed and ease of pitching are most important—particularly for touring, frequent moves, short breaks or overnight stays—our Rapidex system is the clear choice. It is designed for simplicity and can be erected and packed away quickly.

Air Frames
If you prefer comfort for longer stays, our Air Framed shelters deliver excellent space and stability.  Air-tube tents and drive-away structures are typically larger and heavier (often packed into a single bag) and require careful pegging and guying, especially in adverse weather. Temperature changes—such as warm days and cold nights—can also affect air pressure, so it is important to monitor and adjust each pole as needed. When correctly pitched, they provide an exceptionally comfortable family camping experience.

Traditional Pole Frames
Traditional pole structures—steel or fibreglass—threaded through sleeves are generally the most cost-effective option. They can also be spacious and comfortable, but typically require the longest set-up and take-down times.

 

Our designs:
Khyam’s flagship model, the Igloo, has been in the range for nearly 40 years and remains widely regarded as one of the leading compact camping tents. Its core design has stayed largely unchanged because it continues to perform. The Rigidome range has also recently been updated and reintroduced.

Khyam shelters have been used in extreme environments—from polar expeditions to military use—and have supported multiple Land Rover challenge events, including:

·        Camel Trophy (1998)

·        Paris–Dakar (2004)

·        G4 Challenge (2006)

·        Land Rover Trek (2019)

·        

With limited ways to combine poles and fabric into a functional shelter, detail and execution matter. Over four decades, Khyam has developed a wide range of proven designs and continues to set the standard in its category.

Placing trust in your purchase:
Khyam supports customers throughout the life of their product. We carry spares and accessories and provide a repair service, with responsive, practical support from a team that knows the products inside out.

Thank you for taking the time to read about Khyam. We hope this has provided a clear overview of our heritage, our approach to quality, and our commitment to customer support.