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 costs $300 less ($2,699.95 vs $2,999.95).
Thule Approach 2 M
#19 in Soft shellFull review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile. It costs far more than budget tents with the same bed.
Amazon $2,999.95$2,999.95
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.
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 | Thule Approach 2 M |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | 21 $89.16 per sq ft of bed ($2,999.95, 33.6 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 63 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) | 63 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 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 M | Thule Approach 2 M | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 | 3 |
| Mattress | 51 x 95 in | 51 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 33.6 sq ft | 33.6 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 | 128 lb | 128 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 56 x 11 in | 49 x 56 x 11 in |
| Open size | 95 x 56 x 40 in | 95 x 56 x 40 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 660 lb |
| Ladder | - | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 3 min | 3 min |