Thule Approach M
#18 in Soft shellFull review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile, for $300 less than the Approach 2 M.
Amazon $2,699.95$2,699.95
The Thule Approach M is the better tent overall, rated 3.1 to 3.0. The Thule Approach M leads on comfort. The Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent wins on value and weight. The Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent costs $899.96 less ($1,799.99 vs $2,699.95).
Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent
#20 in Soft shellFull review
A light, low profile two person soft shell for smaller SUVs and racks with modest load ratings. The thin mattress and short floor make it better for one or two shorter sleepers.
Northridge4x4 $1,799.99$1,799.99
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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Thule Approach M for comfort (mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat vs 1.6 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated).
- Choose the Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent for value ($62.73 per sq ft of bed ($1,799.99, 28.7 sq ft) vs $80.25 per sq ft of bed ($2,699.95, 33.6 sq ft)) and weight (99 lb for 28.7 sq ft of bed (3.5 lb per sq ft) vs 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every soft shell tent; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Thule Approach M | Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 29 $80.25 per sq ft of bed ($2,699.95, 33.6 sq ft) | 47 $62.73 per sq ft of bed ($1,799.99, 28.7 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 63 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) | 73 99 lb for 28.7 sq ft of bed (3.5 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 50 waterproof rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 20 1.6 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Thule Approach M | Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 | 2 |
| Mattress | 51 x 95 in | 51.2 x 80.7 in |
| Bed area | 33.6 sq ft | 28.7 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | - | 1.6 in |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Built-in lights | - | Yes |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 600D ripstop polyoxford, PU coated (CPAI-84) |
| Season rating | 4 season | - |
| Annex | Optional | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 128 lb | 99 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 56 x 11 in | 49 x 53.5 x 8.3 in |
| Open size | 95 x 56 x 40 in | - |
| Closed height | 11 in | 8.3 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | - |
| Setup time (maker) | 3 min | - |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |