Trustmade Scout Max
#13 in Hard shellFull review
For budget buyers who want a quick opening hard shell for two at about half the price of the big brands.
Amazon $1,198$1,198
The Trustmade Scout Max rates 3.4 among hard shell tents; the Thule Approach 2 M rates 3.0 among soft shell ones. The Trustmade Scout Max costs $1,801.95 less ($1,198 vs $2,999.95).
Thule Approach 2 M
#23 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
These two sit in different type classes (hard shell and soft shell), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own type peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | Trustmade Scout Max | Thule Approach 2 M |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $39.49 per sq ft of bed ($1,198, 30.3 sq ft) | 21 $89.16 per sq ft of bed ($2,999.95, 33.6 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 12 169 lb for 30.3 sq ft of bed (5.6 lb per sq ft) | 63 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 88 3,000 mm waterproof rating | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 32 2 in mattress, anti-condensation mat | 32 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Trustmade Scout Max | Thule Approach 2 M | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Pops straight up | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 | 3 |
| Mattress | 52 x 84 in | 51 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 30.3 sq ft | 33.6 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2 in | 2.4 in |
| Anti-condensation mat | Yes | - |
| Built-in lights | Yes | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 300 g flame retardant poly-cotton ripstop canvas | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | - |
| Season rating | - | 4 season |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 169 lb | 128 lb |
| Closed size | - | 49 x 56 x 11 in |
| Open size | 84 x 52 x 60 in | 95 x 56 x 40 in |
| Closed height | 7 in | 11 in |
| Static load | - | 660 lb |
| Dynamic load needed | 165 lb | - |
| Ladder | 91.2 in | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 1 min | 3 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |