Roof top tents in the winter??

[Deleted member 1276]

I've searched, but haven't found any definitive info on using roof top tents in the winter. Maybe someone can point me in the direction of a thread discussing this?

I'm interested in hearing forum members' experience with using their roof top tents in the winter. Specifically, but not limited to, owners of the Magiolina and the Columbus hard shelled tents.

My guess is that most of the people here (guess - could be very wrong) are living somewhere in the Western US and see lots of sun. Maybe most don't use the tents in the winter at all....

But I plan on using one year-round. I'm still in the process of deciding which tent to buy, but am leaning towards the Magiolina Airland and the Columbus (Variant I think it is called) that shares a very similar footprint and profile when closed.

Has anyone used these tents in the winter? How do they do? Has anyone used theirs in heavy snow conditions or other extreme weather conditions?

Thanks.

 

[Mike S]

Maggiolina and Columbus in cold weather

Brett

The Maggiolina and Columbus excel in 4 season camping. Both these tents have been used in cold climates in Europe, North America, and Asia. I will share my thinking on the question...

Both the tents are built with a 1"+ thick bottom platform - a foam/fiberglass composite designed for great strength and insulation. The Columbus has a 2-3/4" thick closed cell foam mattress, and the Magiolina has a 3-1/4" thick closed cell foam mattress. This combination of insulating platform and thick mattress provides about 4" to nearly 5-1/2" of insulation under the tent occupant.

The Maggiolina is built much like a cold weather mountain tent - the roof is lower than on traditional tents to trap body heat and warm the entire interior, and to resist the sometimes very high winds found in wintery alpine conditions. The additional headspace (59") of the Columbus Variant is nice in most climates, but for true winter conditions, the lower ceiling of the Maggiolina is warmer.

We have a second skin "Winter Cap" available for both these tents which is made of aluminized nylon fabric - lightweight and waterproof - that creates a double wall for increased insulation.

When closed during transport both tents seal against dust, rain, smow, hail, etc.

When I consider late season camping in Northern or alpine areas, I like the Maggiolina. My Extreme is fitted a Winter Cap and with a feather bed over the mattress, and a thick down quilt over the top for excellent comfort in temperatures down to and below zero. Some of our customers also use 12V electric blankets designed for RV use. Others have used heaters to blow warm air into the tent before they crawl in. They report great comfort with these. I've never gone that far, tho'.

Give us a call to discuss, if you like. Perhaps I can put you in touch with some people who use their AutoHome tents in these conditions, and you can discuss performance with them.

Mike S
888-852-2359

 

[DaktariEd]

The coldest I've been in my Maggiollina Airland was 28˚. But as noted in Mike's post, my bed was very cozy...piled on the blanket and "comforter" (actually just an open sleeping bag) and I was toasty all night...

:sombrero:

 

[Deleted member 1276]

Thanks. This is great info.

 

[BajaTaco]

For commentary on a different brand: Scott, Pasquale (DesertDude) and myself just tested the Eezi-Awn tents in what may be considered winter camping on our recent trip to the arctic ocean (in March). You can see some pics and commentary here. In short, they did fantastic.

 

[Desertdude]

We have slept in our Maggiolina down to 16 degrees in Death Valley last November. Without any tent heat it was cozy. The Maggiolina has a quilted ceiling and a 3" mattress. We use a down comforter and flannel sheets in the winter. I also had the winter cap on around the sides which gives you a bit more protection from wind. The cloth material used on the Maggiolina sides is water resistant yet breathable. During the deploy and take down, we had no issues with hard frozen material to wrap up. Takes about a minute to complete this operation. ( Best part, all the bedding stays in the tent when you close it up)

If I had a tent heater, I would have never left the tent

 

[Deleted member 1276]

Excellent. Thanks guys. Cool trip up North, BTW.

 

[K2RVR]

I have camped in a few different models a few times in the teens and low 20's even more. I would much rather be in a roof tent than a ground tent in cold or bad weather, especially packing up in the snow or rain. Much quicker to break camp and get in the vehicle with heat.

Todd