Thule Approach L
#5 in Soft shellFull review
A family sized soft shell with quick mounting and a low folded height, on sale for much less than the Approach 2 L. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Thule $2,239.96$2,239.96
The Thule Approach L rates 3.6 among soft shell tents; the iKamper Skycamp 4.0 Trio rates 3.5 among hard shell ones. The Thule Approach L costs $2,260.04 less ($2,239.96 vs $4,500).
iKamper Skycamp 4.0 Trio
#7 in Hard shellFull review
For couples or a couple with a child who want more bed than the Duo with the same quick fold out setup. Budget extra for the mattress.
iKamper $4,500$4,500
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 (soft shell and hard 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 | Thule Approach L | iKamper Skycamp 4.0 Trio |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value 30% | 62 $50.68 per sq ft of bed ($2,239.96, 44.2 sq ft) | 39 $116.40 per sq ft of bed ($4,500, 38.7 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) | 74 132 lb for 38.7 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 100 3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Thule Approach L | iKamper Skycamp 4.0 Trio | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 4 | 3 |
| Mattress | 67 x 95 in | 67.4 x 82.6 in |
| Bed area | 44.2 sq ft | 38.7 sq ft |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Bedding stays inside | - | Yes |
| Built-in lights | - | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | BreathWeave 320 gsm poly-cotton blackout canvas (35% recycled poly, 65% cotton) |
| Waterproof rating | - | 3,000 mm |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 150 lb | 132 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 72 x 11 in | 68.125 x 52.375 x 13.75 in |
| Open size | 96 x 72 x 40 in | - |
| Closed height | 11 in | 13.8 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 900 lb |
| Ladder | - | 88.5 in |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 1 min |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2026-04 |