Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro
#13 in Hard shellFull review
For one person or a couple with a mid size SUV or truck who want a low, insulated clamshell that opens in seconds.
Freespirit Recreation $2,895$2,895
The Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro rates 3.2 among hard shell tents; the Thule Approach 2 S rates 2.8 among soft shell ones. The Thule Approach 2 S costs $395.05 less ($2,499.95 vs $2,895).
Thule Approach 2 S
#22 in Soft shellFull review
A light, quick to mount two person soft shell for couples or solo campers with a smaller vehicle. The bed is narrow for the price.
Amazon $2,499.95$2,499.95
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different type classes (hard shell and soft shell), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro | Thule Approach 2 S |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 42 $112.42 per sq ft of bed ($2,895, 25.8 sq ft) | 12 $102.10 per sq ft of bed ($2,499.95, 24.5 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 23 134 lb for 25.8 sq ft of bed (5.2 lb per sq ft) | 43 110 lb for 24.5 sq ft of bed (4.5 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 100 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) | 32 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Freespirit Recreation Aspen Pro | Thule Approach 2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Clamshell | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 45.5 x 81.5 in | 43 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 25.8 sq ft | 24.5 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | - | 2.4 in |
| Bedding stays inside | Yes | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | Tri-Layer (poly-cotton fill between two layers of 210D ripstop) | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | - |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | None offered | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 134 lb | 110 lb |
| Closed size | 86.5 x 51.25 x 7.375 in | 43 x 48 x 11 in |
| Open size | - | 84 x 48 x 35 in |
| Closed height | 7.4 in | 11 in |
| Static load | 750 lb | 660 lb |
| Ladder | 90 in | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 0.5 min | 3 min |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |