About to purchase an Outwell Montana 6

[HolyDrinker]

We are debating whether or not to get the awning. We are a family of 4. DH thinks it might be overkill, but I think the extra space will be really useful (for beach stuff, drying clothes etc) when we go on a long summer holiday next year. Does anyone have the awning? Is the extra space worth the cost in your opinions?

Also. I am tempted by the carpet they sell to go in the living space. But it's £100. Anyone know of any cheaper alternatives?

Thanks.

[DoristheCamel]

I dont have experience of this exact tent but have also been looking at it.

If you use the tent for longer holidays then get the extension.

I have a smaller 6 berth tent which I used alone for weekends but for week long and my main 2 to 3 week camping trip in the summer my extension comes out and is an absolute godsend for space, cooking, drying wet towels (swimwear/wetsuits), dumping muddy wellies, wet coats and so much more.

Honestly, always look for more space than you think you will need if you intend to do longer trips in it otherwise you will regret it later on and buying one in the same colourscheme may not be possible in the future.

[HolyDrinker]

Thank you. That's my thinking too, especially as the kids get older and want/need more space. Now to persuade DH!

[Grittzio]

We have a Montana, bought as a bundle which included carpet, carpet is ok, not sure we would have paid £100 for it as it's like a fleecy picnic blanket type thing. We will however be investing in the awning for our next camping trip just as previous poster said to gain more living space and so far on our camping trips we haven't had rain, but one day we will, and we will have our awning to cook under.

[HolyDrinker]

So, is the footprint the same as the groundsheet you mention? Gets pegged under the tent, right?

[HolyDrinker]

How much did you pay for your bundle, if you don't mind me asking Grizztio?

We've seen a Montana for £389 online, but extension will be more obvs. Wonder if we should hold our nerve and see if they come down further in price in the autumn.

[13Stitches]

The Montana 6 is a great tent! It's been around for a few years now so should be a pretty cost effective one.

Check the bargain bins in Go Outdoors and any other camping shops, you can often get the carpet on sale.

It probably will go on sale over winter, but you might need to scour the internet for it (it's popular!).

[Kiffykaffycoffee]

We are family of 4 and love our Montana 6! It's very roomy even when full of our camping clobber. We haven't needed an awning as we tend to cook outside the tent or inside if it's raining. We wouldn't have the space for one to be honest. I'd say consider how much space you have in your car first, awnings are bulky.
The carpet is a great addition, keeps it lovely and cosy. Take a dustpan and brush to sweep it with though.
You do need at least one tall, strong adult to help put it up. It's quite high and smaller adults would struggle with this as well as rolling up the doors!
Just come back from 10 days in the New Forest and could easily do 2 weeks next time!

[Grittzio]

I think we paid £450 2 years ago beginning of season though from Go Outdoors, included tent,carpet and footprint, tent packs up quite nicely. Have a few goes putting the tent up before you and watch some YouTube clips, it's really easy as long as you do it right! We got into a right pickle this year having not used it since last year!

[Honeymoonmummy]

We've had our Montana 6 for approx 4 yrs and I still love it! We have the extension and this is great for cooking/sitting in the rain and it's open so also great when sunny. We didn't go for the extension because I read that campsites can charge extra because it often takes you beyond the std pitch size. Our friends had the awning and wished they'd gone for the extension. HTH

[HolyDrinker]

We bought it today. So excited!!

We went for the awning, as my parents offered to get it for us as an early Xmas gift. I think we'll only end up using it on big summer adventures really, and I think I'd be willing to trade off a few pounds for the extra space in that instance.

Desperate to try it out now. Hoping for a mild September so we can do a quick weekend away somewhere.