Thule Approach 2 M
#19 in Soft shellFull review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile. It costs far more than budget tents with the same bed.
Amazon $2,999.95$2,999.95
2.9/5
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.
- 2Sleeps
- 43 x 82 inBed
- 110 lbWeight
Check price at Thule$2,299.95
Price checked October 31, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- At 110 lb it is light for a rooftop tent, so more factory roof racks can carry it
- Lockable mounting brackets with a torque limiting tool make fitting and removing it quicker
- Folds to 11 in tall, so it adds little wind noise and height
- Thule sells an annex, awning and anti condensation mat made for it
Cons
- The 82 x 43 in bed is narrow for two adults
- Expensive for the bed size it gives
- Thule publishes no waterproof rating or warranty term for it
The Thule Approach family
Every Thule Approach model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own type.
| Model | Sleeps | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Approach S (this one) | 2 | 2.9/5 | $2,299.95 |
| Thule Approach M | 3 | 3.1/5 | $2,699.95 |
| Thule Approach L | 4 | 3.6/5 | $2,239.96 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | Approach S (901031) |
|---|---|
| Sleeping | |
| Shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Mattress | 43 x 82 in |
| Bed area | 24.5 sq ft |
| Anti-condensation mat | No |
| Weather | |
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop |
| Season rating | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional |
| On the vehicle | |
| Weight | 110 lb |
| Closed size | 43 x 48 x 11 in |
| Open size | 84 x 48 x 35 in |
| Closed height | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb |
Alternatives in this type
Rhino-Rack Soft Shell Roof Top Tent
#20 in Soft shellFull review
A light, low profile two person soft shell for smaller SUVs and racks with modest load ratings. The thin mattress and short floor make it better for one or two shorter sleepers.
Northridge4x4 $1,799.99$1,799.99
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
Compare
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