THE Monte Verde 900 is a nine-berth tent and you will certainly need some of those hands when it comes to pitching this beast – despite the tunnel design. Pitching is not awkward – you just need a little help to support the weight of those five pre-angled steel poles and acres of synthetic.

It is the huge panoramic Crystal Clear windows that catch the eye when pitched – once you get over the tent’s size. Crystal Clear vinyl may be old hat but I am always surprised how clear the view is through them. Internal curtains can be zipped down to keep things private.

Long mesh vents that cap the windows work with similar vents running along the living area’s groundsheet seam. Cowls protect the window vents and those at ground level open under the outer protective valance. There is a further huge mesh vent at the back and all side doors have a rear mesh panel (these mesh panels are printed with the Vango brand logo so that you can tell they are in use). When all are open that’s a lot of ventilation!

Enter the front living area through the versatile split front door panel. Each side sports a panoramic window and can be rolled up or poled out as a porch, or rolled up together to open up the front of the tent. Facing you across the living room is another door backed by mesh panel with panoramic window to one side. This takes you into the inner sanctum, which can also be accessed via the two side doors – one having an eyebrow porch.

There are cable ports on both sides into each living area and plenty of hanging organisers and inner pockets for knickknacks. All areas have a sewn-in groundsheet.

Besides a small floating bedroom that can be used in either living area, three inner tents sit across the back wall. A pelmet hides the hanging points and is home to many of the organiser pockets. The centre tent sleeps three and one of the outer two-berths also features a clothes rail if you want to turn it into a wardrobe.

The tent has various options like a carpet and comes in a roller bag. Note the tent’s pack size and weight...

Camping says This huge tent offers loads of possibilities. Active campers will like the fact that you have that huge front living area in which to store equipment like boats and bikes. And it is somewhere to change in and out of wet, dirty gear. Of course, it can also be used to house furniture and barbecues, or as a handy playroom, or as a kitchen/dining area, or conservatory.

The facility to use the small bedroom in either living area is also useful. Place it in the outer porch to provide guests with space for themselves – and maintain your privacy. It also makes a great storage area in which to hide kit from prying eyes. Of course, there will be some who will want to use it to house a portable toilet.

There are plenty of doors into both the inner and outer living areas. And those big windows and vents keep the inside bright and airy – even once you’ve decked the tent out with all the furniture needed for that long family holiday. One thing for sure, campers using the Monte Verde will hardly get under each other’s feet.


FACTFILE

Price £650
Packed size Canvas 80cm x 40cm x 42cm (26.9kg) Poles 86cm x 20cm x 20cm (24.55kg)
Materials Outer Protex 5000 polyester – 5,000mm hydrostatic head Inner Breathable polyester Groundsheet Polyethylene
Poles Powerplus Steel
Dimensions Outer 750cm x 500cm Inner Main 180cm x 210cm; Two x 140cm x 235cm; Optional 130cm x 210cm Height 225cm (inner 215cm)

Sleeps 9
Packed weight 51.45kg
Pitching time 50 minutes
Style Tunnel
Electricity port Yes
Sewn in groundsheet Yes


CONTACT
Vango
Tel 0844 811 0535
Web www.vango.co.uk


This review was published in the March 2010 issue of Camping magazine. Order our latest issue.

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