I asked a very similar question last year (link below). I, like Camper Pete am a real fan of the quality of the Outwells although this year's Hartfords are quite different from last year's. My friend got the Vango and is really happy with it - especially the extra porch size. The Hartford porch is a little small but this year there's a new canopy to go with it. I love the windows in the Hartford - much better than the Vango I think. Although I do love our Hartford, if I could choose again, I would seriously consider the Outwell Montana 6. Best thing to do is go to a tent show and have a good look around. Good luck!
We've just been looking at these tents...I like the Hartford as it''s nice and bright, brighter than the Diablo...Only reason we aren't getting either is the bedrooms...we tried a double coleman airbed in the bedroom of the hartford and the roof was just too close for comfort..felt quite claustrophobic..i'm tall too so I think that makes me want more height....really want the monty 6 but too big for us so kyham yale it is!
good luck...it's so difficult!
------------- tills
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I've a diablo 600 and it's a great tent...same as 900 but one less bedroom. I've viewed the 2006 Diablo and harford xl and there's pro's and con's with each, you'll have to weigh up what's more important to you.
The Diablo has a bigger porch which personally I find really useful. The Hartford is a lot brighter inside as it has bigger windows and a skylight in the living area.It can feel a bit like going into a cave sometimes with the Diablo. The bedrooms in the Hartford are quite small but to be honest neither offer much in the way of headroom and the bedrooms in both do tend to suffer from a bit of sag. I don't think there would be much between them as far as pitching goes...allow about an hour.
Now the Hartford with the addition of the Outwell canopy might be an option worth considering.
Personally I've decided on an Outwell Nebraska this year. I don't know what your budget is but I'm sure you'll be delighted with either tent, they are both good choices, and like I said, I think it just comes down to your personal preference.
We have the Diablo 900, three weeks in cornwall last year and we even enjoyed the rain, we have got the 2005 model and it is really light inside and very very warm, it takes us around 45 mins to put up but for a real family tent it's worth it.
Gee.......i can only thank everyone of you for your replys.....we have gone back to the camp shop ( 20th time ).and was there about two hours.....and finally decided on the vango diablo 900. £329:99.......the outwell hartford was £299:99 + a canopy at £69:99......a total cost of £370.....going by all your reviews we decided on the vangodiablo 900 .and look forward to be going on our camping trip in two weeks....mind you i will be putting up the tent at the weekend a few times for practice....dont want to be arriving on campsite and look a doungnut .
please keep me informed about anything else i should know.....love you all.....want to swing lol
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I dont know about the other one but the Diablo aint too good in hte wind ,we saw one totally flattened at the weekend due to the wind and many other tents around it survived ,the montana stood proud and didnt budge an inch !
Quote: Originally posted by nickandsally on 06/4/2006
whats the hartford like to put up in the rain and wind plz
like most tents, annoying, and even more annoying as its inner first..
make sure everyone knows there job, do it as quick as and dont worry too much about the inner it will soon dry out and its waterproof anyway so you shouldnt get a leak..
our main rule when speed and efficiency are top priority is to know your job.. and smile about it..
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Topic: vango 900 or outwell hartford xl
two hours.....and finally decided on the vango diablo 900. £329:99.......the outwell hartford was £299:99 + a canopy at £69:99......a total cost of £370.....going by all your reviews we decided on the vangodiablo 900 .and look forward to be going on our camping trip in two weeks....mind you i will be putting up the tent at the weekend a few times for practice....dont want to be arriving on campsite and look a doungnut 
