kama jania designs bolt tents for lightning strike protection

kama jania designs bolt tents for lightning strike protection
all images courtesy of kama jania

the probability of getting struck by lightning is statistically very rare, but alas, storm-attributed deaths and injuries stretch into the low thousands on an annual basis. about 96% of those struck were in open environments when hit. a majority — as you may expect — come from frequent participators in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and climbing. industrial designer kama jania’s ‘bolt’ line of tents was created to increase the safety of those unfortunate to be in the wrong place when the weather turns.

‘bolt half’

the tents: ‘bolt-half’, ‘bolt-one’, and ‘bolt-air’, are ultralight and easy to erect, making them ideal for day-trips and several night excursions alike. the largest of the three, ‘bolt-one’ is perfect for the latter. the ‘bolt-half’, is a slightly smaller but no less worthy tent that weighs in at 1.2kg. designed more for single overnights, the size allows for quick setup in places that — like the situation it’s intended for — are less than perfect. ‘bolt-air’ is the lightest of the three, and as expected, the smallest. like the ‘half’, it is intended for single night excursions.

of course, protection from lightning is the most crucial component of the product line. all three tents were tested with conditions similar to the peak current of an actual strike using a high-current generator. an electrode, imitating a tourist’s head, was placed within each as well. the entire ‘bolt’ line offers full lightning protection in accordance to both direct and ground strikes. 

‘bolt half’ assembly 

‘bolt half’ components

‘bolt one’

‘bolt air’ environmental render 

bolt air components 

bolt half/bolt one lock

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom