I would go for the awning as you can roll up the front to make it more of an extension when the weather is hot and it would double up your living space and free up the main part of the tent when required if, like us you decide to take more friends camping or if your 16 year old wanted to go!! we just use a cheap pop up tent as an over flow bedroom in the main part of the tent !! Whatever you decide I hope you really enjoy your Montana as much as we do !!!!!