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The 2006 are poles are actually identical to the modified 2005 ones.  They are just silver instead of brown.  The weight is the same for the 2006 poles.  Using the video pitching method doesn't mean that the whole weight of the poles is on the fabric. It wouldn't really matter how much the poles weighed.  Its the direction that you lift it that matters.  When I first tried pitching the 2005 Monty 12 with all the poles in it was a real struggle but after watching the video I could see what I was doing wrong.  You have to lift from the outside in rather than the inside out.  If you lift from the inside out then you are lifting against the weight of all the poles and the fabric.  If you lift from the outside in then the only weight that you have to contend with if the pole you are lifting.  The next pole helps you lift because it is pulling the way you want to go.

But at the end of the day, there isn't really any right or wrong way, and the best way is the way you are most comfortable with.

Hi Nicola

I put the Montana 6 up in our garden last weekend. Although there were two of us doing it, I can offer some suggestions having erected the full tent within 40 minutes. I found it very easy to erect, although it was obviously easier with two adults.

First step of course would be to undo all of the guy ropes. Then rather than inserting ALL of the poles first and adding to the weight of the flysheet, I would start at the back of the tent (Bedroom end) and insert the bendy middle pole. While it it still on the ground, attach the two made up side poles. Then with the help of your kids, raise the back end of the tent to full height. This part will be a bit tricky, but so long as you are able to hold the poles steady yourself, get the eldest lad to secure the guy ropes at the back end, once you have done all this, you will be able to let go of the tent and it will not collapse. You can then proceed to insert the next middle pole followed by the side poles and between you, raise this section and guy down again. Do the same with the other two sections and you will only be left with finishing off the rest of the pegging down around the tent. You should be able to manage it with help from your little ones.

Packing the tent away again is a different kettle of fish. Once you have slackened all the guy ropes and removed all pegs, it will obviously be easy to take the poles out and collapse the tent. However, getting it back in the bag is quite a strenuous effort, and we had several attempts before we managed it. As long as you get as much air out as possible, and then fold it until you get it to the correct width for the bag, it will roll up and go in with a lot of effort. You will probably need to roll it a few times to get the air out.

I am sure that for all the effort erecting and then packing the tent before and after use, It is well worth you persevering with it because the Montana 6 is a fantastic tent and you will be living in comfort while using it. You could change it for a smaller and not so well made tent which is easier to put up and take down, but you will lose out on the quality and comfort.

Sorry that I have waffled a bit, but I hope this helps you decide.

Jeff

Hi everybody,

Thanks for all your advice (so far!).  I'm going to have another go at pitching the Monty next weekend whatever the weather.

The outlaws have a massive garden as opposed to my postage stamp so that might make the process a little easier.

I've been reading another thread about problems with the current range of Montana's and I wondered if my flysheet was wrongly stitched as try as I might I couldn't get the pins into the poles of the section I did manage to put up.  Also one of the poles is no longer attached to the metal connecting wire - is this likely to be a problem?

Nicola

Nicola

Quote: Originally posted by cathij0269 on 01/5/2006

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http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/directory2/details.asp?revid=654&typeid=

click on the website link

go to "tents"

"montana 12"

"pitching way"

they demonstrate puttingup/taking down on a montana 6 in video - sadly the people on the video aren't available to buy online

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This and the other videos on their website have to be the best telly I`ve watched all  night. Spot the mum walking in red high heels on her new SIG. The deathtrap EHU they`re threading lovingly through the EHU access. The family that are camping with no possessions except sleeping bags and mats in their huge tent. And it was comforting to see the scars on  the hand of the man demonstrationg the ring `n pin system.

There is more...lots more. But I don`t want to spoil it for you.

This seems to be a common problem with the Outwell steel poles.  It never happened on my 2005 model but has happened several times on my 2006 model.  Normally below the metal spring there is some black elastic that is attached to a clip further down.  This clip tends to move and moves upwards so the whole structure comes up.  I have 3 roof poles that now keep doing this.  I knock them back down again with a long steel rod.  I had one replaced when it went the first time but the new one has since gone.

Although I love the Outwells, every single one I have had has had initial pole problems.  The first Hartford XXL I had when they first came out were supplied with too thinner poles so they would snap in the slighest bit of wind.  Outwell replaced them and then it was fine ( thicker poles ).  I then got the Montana 12 and the poles had to be replaced due to splitting.  I now get the 2006 model and this keeps happening.

was talking to the salesman about putting up out monty 6 he said you can do it on your own by

pegging the groundsheet down at the corners then put one of the middle poles in does not mater which one, he said at this point it will stand up on its own