Thule Approach S
#21 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
The Thule Approach S is the better tent overall, rated 2.9 to 2.8. The Thule Approach S costs $200 less ($2,299.95 vs $2,499.95).
Thule Approach 2 S
#22 in Soft shellFull review
A light, quick to mount two person soft shell for couples or solo campers with a smaller vehicle. The bed is narrow for the price.
Amazon $2,499.95$2,499.95
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 S | Thule Approach 2 S |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 18 $93.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,299.95, 24.5 sq ft) | 12 $102.10 per sq ft of bed ($2,499.95, 24.5 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 43 110 lb for 24.5 sq ft of bed (4.5 lb per sq ft) | 43 110 lb for 24.5 sq ft of bed (4.5 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 S | Thule Approach 2 S | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 43 x 82 in | 43 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 24.5 sq ft | 24.5 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 | 110 lb | 110 lb |
| Closed size | 43 x 48 x 11 in | 43 x 48 x 11 in |
| Open size | 84 x 48 x 35 in | 84 x 48 x 35 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 660 lb |
| Ladder | - | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 3 min |