Tuff Stuff Ranger 65
#12 in Soft shellFull review
A wide, sturdy soft shell for three adults or a couple with a child, at a fair price. The short warranty and 164 lb weight are the trade offs.
Amazon $1,705$1,705
The Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 is the better tent overall, rated 3.3 to 3.2. The Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 leads on value and comfort. The Thule Approach 2 L wins on weight. The Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 costs $1,894.95 less ($1,705 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 Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 for value ($40.83 per sq ft of bed ($1,705, 41.8 sq ft) vs $81.44 per sq ft of bed ($3,599.95, 44.2 sq ft)) and comfort (2.8 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated vs 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated).
- Choose the Thule Approach 2 L for weight (150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) vs 164 lb for 41.8 sq ft of bed (3.9 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 | Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 | Thule Approach 2 L |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 78 $40.83 per sq ft of bed ($1,705, 41.8 sq ft) | 28 $81.44 per sq ft of bed ($3,599.95, 44.2 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 59 164 lb for 41.8 sq ft of bed (3.9 lb per sq ft) | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 50 waterproof rating not published (neutral score used) | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 42 2.8 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated | 32 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 | Thule Approach 2 L | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 | 4 |
| Mattress | 65 x 92.5 in | 67 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 41.8 sq ft | 44.2 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2.8 in | 2.4 in |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 280 g poly cotton rip stop; 420D polyester oxford PU coated rainfly | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Season rating | - | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 164 lb | 150 lb |
| Closed size | 65 x 48 x 15 in | 49 x 72 x 11 in |
| Open size | 65 x 96 x 52 in | 96 x 72 x 40 in |
| Closed height | 15 in | 11 in |
| Static load | 800 lb | 660 lb |
| Ladder | - | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 3 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |