Roofnest Meadowlark
#11 in Soft shellFull review
For small car owners and solo campers who want a light tent that opens fast and leaves rack space for a bike.
Amazon $1,695$1,695
The Roofnest Meadowlark is the better tent overall, rated 3.4 to 2.9. The Roofnest Meadowlark leads on weather, value and weight. The Roofnest Meadowlark costs $604.95 less ($1,695 vs $2,299.95).
Thule Approach S
#25 in Soft shellFull review
A light, quick to mount two person soft shell for couples or solo campers with a smaller vehicle. It is $200 less than the Approach 2 S with the same bed and weight.
Thule $2,299.95$2,299.95
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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Roofnest Meadowlark for weather (3,000 mm waterproof rating, 4 season vs waterproof rating not published, 4 season), value ($70.95 per sq ft of bed ($1,695, 23.9 sq ft) vs $93.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,299.95, 24.5 sq ft)) and weight (90 lb for 23.9 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) vs 110 lb for 24.5 sq ft of bed (4.5 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 | Roofnest Meadowlark | Thule Approach S |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.9/5 |
| Value 30% | 38 $70.95 per sq ft of bed ($1,695, 23.9 sq ft) | 18 $93.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,299.95, 24.5 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 64 90 lb for 23.9 sq ft of bed (3.8 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% | 35 2.5 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Roofnest Meadowlark | Thule Approach S | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 43 x 80 in | 43 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 23.9 sq ft | 24.5 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2.5 in | - |
| Anti-condensation mat | - | No |
| Built-in lights | Yes | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 190 GSM coated polycotton | 600D polyester ripstop |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | - |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | None offered | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 90 lb | 110 lb |
| Closed size | 47 x 44 x 12 in | 43 x 48 x 11 in |
| Open size | 80 x 43 x 36 in | 84 x 48 x 35 in |
| Closed height | 12 in | 11 in |
| Static load | - | 660 lb |
| Ladder | 90 in | - |
| Setup time (maker) | 1 min | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Released | 2022-10 | - |