Maggiolina AirLand Roof Top Tent Review

Maggiolina AirLand Roof Top Tent Review

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My intentions with my FJ are setting it up for daily driver, off roading, overlanding, and expeditions. In this article I’m going to discuss the the Maggiolina AirLand medium tent, which was purchased in March of 2008. Most of the mods I have done to the rig are to make it self sufficient when away from home, so the AirLand is a very necessary item. This roof top tent allows me to camp on a whim so to speak, since it only takes a few minutes to set it up once you are parked.

I did an extensive amount of research online and in various outdoor forums, and came to the conclusion that this tent was the right one for me. Since it will pretty much be on the rig full time, a hard shell model was the best choice. I decided that other options that have canvas tops may not hold up quite as well  to the elements. This style is also easier to setup than most others on the market, and it is a well proven model used by many overland/expedition teams around the globe. Setting it up is as simple as inserting a hand crank in the side and turning it to lift the lid up and raise the canvas. Storing the tent is also very simple, just reverse the crank and stuff the canvas inside of the unit. It doesn’t get any simpler than that. (Video Demonstration)

 

The Manufacturers website lists the fabric as ‘very breathable’, so it can be put away wet then aired out later. That feature is a big plus to me since it’s always a little damp up here in the northwest.

Sleeping in the tent brings back childhood memories of building tree forts (if you were into that sort of thing). It’s a cool/safe feeling being up off of the ground and not having to worry about rain puddles or mud entering your tent. I’ve been camping my entire life, and I love that this tent stays much cleaner than tents on the ground. It would be very hard to go back to a ground style tent after spending time high and dry.

The Maggiolina AirLand model I own has an insulated ceiling and a nice thick mattress, which keep it warm and cozy even on the coldest of nights. I spent a few nights in it up at Mt. Rainier National Park last summer, the temperature dropped to near freezing. Luckily the design of this tent helps hold in the heat, so I wasn’t cold at all. It was a little chilly outside the down comforter, but I slept like a baby under the comforter with flannel sheets. It was just like sleeping at home.

I can’t think of any negative issues at all with this tent. I do wish I had more vacation time so I could be out enjoying it even more. I look forward to many years of use I  plan to get out of the AirLand, and can’t wait for the 2009 camping season to arrive.

Corey Tando is the admin/co-founder of the popular Toyota truck/SUV forum YotaTech.com. He's an avid outdoorsman / overlander, and FJ Cruiser owner.
Corey can be reached at www.yotatech.com or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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