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 3.3. The Thule Approach L leads on weight. The Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 wins on value. The Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 costs $534.96 less ($1,705 vs $2,239.96).
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
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 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)).
- Choose the Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 for value ($40.83 per sq ft of bed ($1,705, 41.8 sq ft) vs $50.68 per sq ft of bed ($2,239.96, 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 | Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Value 30% | 62 $50.68 per sq ft of bed ($2,239.96, 44.2 sq ft) | 78 $40.83 per sq ft of bed ($1,705, 41.8 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) | 59 164 lb for 41.8 sq ft of bed (3.9 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 50 waterproof rating not published (neutral score used) |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 42 2.8 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 0 1-year warranty |
Specifications
| Thule Approach L | Tuff Stuff Ranger 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 4 | 3 |
| Mattress | 67 x 95 in | 65 x 92.5 in |
| Bed area | 44.2 sq ft | 41.8 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | - | 2.8 in |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 280 g poly cotton rip stop; 420D polyester oxford PU coated rainfly |
| Season rating | 4 season | - |
| Annex | Optional | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 150 lb | 164 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 72 x 11 in | 65 x 48 x 15 in |
| Open size | 96 x 72 x 40 in | 65 x 96 x 52 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | 15 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 800 lb |
| Warranty | - | 1 year |