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 is the better tent overall, rated 3.6 to 3.2. The Thule Approach L leads on value. The Thule Approach L costs $1,359.99 less ($2,239.96 vs $3,599.95).
Thule Approach 2 L
#14 in Soft shellFull review
A family sized soft shell from a big rack brand, with quick mounting and a low folded height. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Amazon $3,599.95$3,599.95
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 Thule Approach L for value ($50.68 per sq ft of bed ($2,239.96, 44.2 sq ft) vs $81.44 per sq ft of bed ($3,599.95, 44.2 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 L | Thule Approach 2 L |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 62 $50.68 per sq ft of bed ($2,239.96, 44.2 sq ft) | 28 $81.44 per sq ft of bed ($3,599.95, 44.2 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 32 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Thule Approach L | Thule Approach 2 L | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 4 | 4 |
| Mattress | 67 x 95 in | 67 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 44.2 sq ft | 44.2 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | - | 2.4 in |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 150 lb | 150 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 72 x 11 in | 49 x 72 x 11 in |
| Open size | 96 x 72 x 40 in | 96 x 72 x 40 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 660 lb |
| Ladder | - | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 3 min |