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 2.7. The Thule Approach S leads on weather and weight. The Thule Foothill 2 wins on value. The Thule Foothill 2 costs $200 less ($2,099.95 vs $2,299.95).
Thule Foothill 2
#23 in Soft shellFull review
A narrow, low profile two person tent for people who need roof space for bikes or boats as well as a bed. The bed is small for the price.
Amazon $2,099.95$2,099.95
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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Thule Approach S for weather (waterproof rating not published, 4 season vs 1,500 mm waterproof rating, 4 season) and weight (110 lb for 24.5 sq ft of bed (4.5 lb per sq ft) vs 122 lb for 25 sq ft of bed (4.9 lb per sq ft)).
- Choose the Thule Foothill 2 for value ($84 per sq ft of bed ($2,099.95, 25 sq ft) vs $93.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,299.95, 24.5 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 S | Thule Foothill 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 2.9/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 30% | 18 $93.93 per sq ft of bed ($2,299.95, 24.5 sq ft) | 26 $84 per sq ft of bed ($2,099.95, 25 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 43 110 lb for 24.5 sq ft of bed (4.5 lb per sq ft) | 32 122 lb for 25 sq ft of bed (4.9 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 | 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 Foothill 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 2 | 2 |
| Mattress | 43 x 82 in | 45 x 80 in |
| Bed area | 24.5 sq ft | 25 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | - | 2.4 in |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Waterproof rating | - | 1,500 mm |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 110 lb | 122 lb |
| Closed size | 43 x 48 x 11 in | 84 x 25 x 11 in |
| Open size | 84 x 48 x 35 in | 84 x 49 x 37 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb | 660 lb |