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 is the better tent overall, rated 3.4 to 2.8. The Trustmade Scout Max leads on value, weather and weight. The Trustmade Scout Max costs $1,956.10 less ($1,198 vs $3,154.10).
Thule Basin
#29 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Trustmade Scout Max for value ($39.49 per sq ft of bed ($1,198, 30.3 sq ft) vs $109.95 per sq ft of bed ($3,154.10, 28.7 sq ft)), weather (3,000 mm waterproof rating vs 1,500 mm waterproof rating, 4 season) and weight (169 lb for 30.3 sq ft of bed (5.6 lb per sq ft) vs 176 lb for 28.7 sq ft of bed (6.1 lb per sq ft)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every hard shell tent; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Trustmade Scout Max | Thule Basin |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Value 30% | 100 $39.49 per sq ft of bed ($1,198, 30.3 sq ft) | 43 $109.95 per sq ft of bed ($3,154.10, 28.7 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 12 169 lb for 30.3 sq ft of bed (5.6 lb per sq ft) | 0 176 lb for 28.7 sq ft of bed (6.1 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 88 3,000 mm waterproof rating | 44 1,500 mm waterproof rating, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 32 2 in mattress, anti-condensation mat | 50 mattress and extras not published (neutral score used) |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Trustmade Scout Max | Thule Basin | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Hard shell | Hard shell |
| Opens | Pops straight up | Pops straight up |
| Sleeps | 3 | 2 |
| Mattress | 52 x 84 in | 51 x 81 in |
| Bed area | 30.3 sq ft | 28.7 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 2 in | - |
| Anti-condensation mat | Yes | - |
| Built-in lights | Yes | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 300 g flame retardant poly-cotton ripstop canvas | 260 g cotton and polyester, coated |
| Waterproof rating | 3,000 mm | 1,500 mm |
| Season rating | - | 4 season |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 169 lb | 176 lb |
| Closed size | - | 84 x 55 x 12.75 in |
| Open size | 84 x 52 x 60 in | 84 x 55 x 42.75 in |
| Closed height | 7 in | 12.8 in |
| Static load | - | 660 lb |
| Dynamic load needed | 165 lb | - |
| Ladder | 91.2 in | - |
| Setup time (maker) | 1 min | 1 min |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |