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 rates 3.1 among soft shell tents; the Thule Basin rates 2.8 among hard shell ones. The Thule Approach M costs $454.15 less ($2,699.95 vs $3,154.10).
Thule Basin
#23 in Hard shellFull review
For couples who want one roof box that is both a cargo carrier and a quick pop up tent. Others get more bed and weather protection for the money.
Amazon $3,154.10$3,154.10
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 (soft shell and hard 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 | Thule Approach M | Thule Basin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.1/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 29 $80.25 per sq ft of bed ($2,699.95, 33.6 sq ft) | 43 $109.95 per sq ft of bed ($3,154.10, 28.7 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 63 128 lb for 33.6 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) | 0 176 lb for 28.7 sq ft of bed (6.1 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 44 1,500 mm waterproof rating, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Thule Approach M | Thule Basin | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Pops straight up |
| Sleeps | 3 | 2 |
| Mattress | 51 x 95 in | 51 x 81 in |
| Bed area | 33.6 sq ft | 28.7 sq ft |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 260 g cotton and polyester, coated |
| Waterproof rating | - | 1,500 mm |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 128 lb | 176 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 56 x 11 in | 84 x 55 x 12.75 in |
| Open size | 95 x 56 x 40 in | 84 x 55 x 42.75 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | 12.8 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 660 lb |
| Setup time (maker) | 3 min | 1 min |