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Speaking as someone who bought a Montana 6 a couple of weeks ago following all the praise for it on here and has just returned it for a refund I would advise doing a search for the threads on porch problems etc. before you decide,

Thanks for the advice, will do.

Sorry did not finish eerlier post about problems I found with the Montana 6. These problems were:

1. Rust inside poles which made them hard to get together and apart.

2. Poles do not lock in place even when fully engaged which causes the curved roof poles to twist when the tent is raised.

3. Porch pole too tight and causes the cups the ends sit in to press into the tent flysheet very hard. While many may accept this as a 'feature' and it did not cause problem in first year of use I think it will cause wear and weakness in the flysheet over time and consider it to be a design fault which will cuase problems for tent owners in time.

4. SIG was very tight and hence came up very high (off ground) at doors (especially in porch). This is a BIG problem if you have young children as the resulting hurdle to get into the tent is too high for them to manage safely.

I am sooooo glad that I took the time to firstly join and now to ask for advice.  OH is now is two minds, wants the tent, doesn't want the problems. (not that odd I know).  It is interesting that people have not only had problems but have had differing problems.  Outwell's Montana range, whilst not high end, is also not that cheap.  I am with the Hartles in that I want the tent cos I think Outwell have a really good concept here and it ticks lots of boxes for me, OH and my 4 (next month) year old. I think I want to do what you are doing and just keep going though tents until I get the one without the problems.

HARTLES, I notice that you are from Colne, just up the M65.  Where have you gone for your tent?

Pauline

paulinekezza - after returning out Montana 6 we have plumped for an Outwell Indiana 6 instead. Main reasons for this are:

1. It does not have the porch with its inherent design faults. And instead it has a much more useful large front canopy included in the price.

2. It has a bathtub groundsheet instead of the over-tight SIG of the Montana. This avoids all the problems of the whole thing being too tight and makes it easier to take down and pack away (not like trying to deflate a giant balloon). Also the kids can get in and out without tripping over.

3. It is virtually the same size and shape as the Montana 6, has identical inner tent, and the flysheet is made out of the same material (albeit a different colour).

4. It is about £80 cheaper than the Montana in the current end of season sales.

Quote: Originally posted by giggler on 17/9/2006

 

SKEZZA..............how on earth do you get it up and pegged in 15 minutes.it takes us about an hour...............but with a jippy back I'm worse than useless!!!!..........whats your top tips as we've tried it a few ways and havn't found the 'easiest' yet

---

 hiya giggler

we have had our tent up and down so many times this season, that it is second nature now.i can only tell you what works for us,hope it helps you out too. oh and i know what you mean about having a bad back, im recovering from a broken pelvis

when packing up we always make sure we roll the tent up from back to front, so we know which way the tent will face when it comes to pitching again.

we are each ` in charge` of our own side (we dont swap sides) whilst we are pegging down the fly at the back,the kids are making up the poles and taking 4 legs and 2 arches to each side, then they can go off and explore.

i put my arch in, attach my leg and ring & pin, OH attaches leg then lifts up (put your foot in front of the pole,stops the slipping and acts more as a lever) i let go and peg out the rear guys, whilst he finishes that one and he starts the next.

the porch takes very little time and i do that whilst he checks every things ok.

it took abit of working it out at first,but we got there in the end

ps just to add my 2p`s worth.. we havent got rusty poles, the porch pole fits just as it should, the sig lays flat (except on a slope!) it has never leaked even in torrential rain and has stood up to 50mph gusts

We have had some problems with ours, we had the first flysheet replaced but the second seems to be OK, (missing a tab on the side door to attach rolled up door but not too big a problem as we have the side canopy). See Gallery for pics.

We could do with cutting the porch pole down as it does dig in a little, any advise would be welcomed M.K.M.H.

Other than these small troubles it is a fantastic tent and well suits our needs. It also gets alot of attention on site! If you get a good one I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Sorry, not been on for a few days - keep having to work for a living n not enough hours in day to do both

Would like to say a big thanks to everyone who posted.  I have pretty much decided to buy one and see what happens.  I have also decided not to go for the cheapest price, but to go somewhere that are easy to deal with regarding returns and not a million miles away for same reason.

Thanks again.  I will let you know how I get on.

Pauline

Well, I've taken the plunge and bought one.  Think we will be going away this weekend to have a bash at putting it up/testing it. (Think I should sell tickets cos it will either be a comedy at best or a horror at worst.

I have been on three weather sites and they all say something different (which proves if you want to know what the weather is doing, look out the window) There are lots on them on this tent

Just had a look at the poles and we have RUST!!!  Aaaarrraaggghhh.

Still gonna give at go now we have the darn thing.  Winfields have been pre-warned they may see it again.

Heres hoping we and you all have a good weekend.

Our Monty 6 is excellent, we are 5'4 and 6' and cope well, no problem even in wind (his not mine!).  Re: badger proof - not sure as our Old English Sheepdog can get out when zipped in, she just pushes at the zip until it undoes enough to sqeeze out!