Maggiolina or Columbus

[Lemsteraak]

I've had a bunch of RTTs, including a Columbus and a Maggiolina, here is how I would sum up:

Folders - Excellent use of space, and really adaptable. Downside, they tend to be colder and a pain to open and close especially in bad weather. Not so good in really inclement areas like PNW, but excellent for temperate areas like South Africa, maybe that is why they are so popular there.

Maggiolina - Think of them like a little mountaineering tent, maybe that is why they are so popular in Switzerland and Germany. They could easily design the top go higher but it is low to keep the warmth low. You would think claustrophobic, normally I have a real problem here, but I think because the fabric breathes so well, I really like the tent and I don't have a problem with the size. I've hear others object, but I've never hear a complaint from owners.

Columbus - The shape makes this tent well suited for warmer climates and AutoHome makes it a little lighter. For example, the mattress is a little thinner to save weight. Not really noticed until it gets below freezing, then the mattress feels "hard". This design came from France, and can be adapted to suit most all climates.

I think it is important to talk about materials. Look at he different fabrics for the Columbus and Maggiolina. The shape of the Maggiolina with vertical walls, allows the use of a really breathable fabric, it is almost a mesh. I far prefer the this fabric to the Columbus' and just about anything I have seen. This allows the tent to be really comfortable in warm summer weather, but in very cold windy stuff, the winter hood is a welcomed addition. AutoHome nailed it with this fabric, it makes the tent. This isn't to say the fabric on the Columbus is bad, just completely different, far more water resistant, less breathable, not as tactile, but well suited to the shape and design.

If the choice was up to me, I'd have my 20 year old Maggiolina On Line, but my wife prefers the Columbus. The shape is better suited for her, she gets up in the middle of the night and the added headroom makes it easier to change. I modified our Columbus to work for me too. I'm out in colder weather so I have a condensation mat under, acts like a box spring and traps another layer of air for insulation making the mattress feel softer and warmer. Once you get your tent, it is 90% there, you need to make it yours, to fit your needs. Bottom line, don't stress, they are both good, but remember to listen to your partner.

[fubuki]

but remember to listen to your partner.

Wise words.

[fubuki]

Well I finally made a decision. Ordered a small Airtop in white. Decided against the black after much debate, but it was mostly for aesthetics. I'll update when I get it.

[kilimats]

Well I finally made a decision. Ordered a small Airtop in white. Decided against the black after much debate, but it was mostly for aesthetics. I'll update when I get it.

have patience, post some picture when you get it on top

[luke wl.]

I just ordered a Medium Airtop here in Boulder. Two more Maggiolina's in colorado woohoo!

[Corey]

Standing by waiting for roof top tent pics.
Actually I am sitting down.

[kilimats]

i've got my winter hood on last month i'll prob snap a few this week

[fubuki]

My Airtop is sitting up at Slee Off Road. I probably won't mount it up until next month though.

[outdoornate65]

I'm heading up there today to look at the demo model he got in....I assume at the same time he got yours. Want me to snap a picture?

My Airtop is sitting up at Slee Off Road. I probably won't mount it up until next month though.

[sierraglen]

I've used a Magiolina Extreme on my Liberty for about 6 years. I love it. I've camped in Alaska and up and down the AlCan in temps down to freezing, pouring rain, and recently in wind in Death Valley. I've always stayed dry and comfortable. A couple of modifications. The soft pop metal in the crank can get deformed, so I had a guy remove the whole turning screw and replace it with a steel one to which he welded a hexagonal bolt on the end. My wife opens and closes it with a battery powered electric drill that we take on extended trips for repairs, etc. It opens in this way in about 1 minute! As a backup, I use what looks like the world's stoutest Allen wrench. If or when I need another one, I'd consider the carbon-fiber version for weight, because the thing is a little heavy for two people to put on and off the roof of the car. Also, I've modified the top rack system to accomodate a spider net to hold loose ends on extended trips.