Thule Approach 2 M review

Quick verdict: Ideal for weekend campers and small families who want a spacious, quick-to-deploy basecamp without the bulk of a hard-shell overland rig, offering excellent sleep comfort and smart ventilation for three-season trips.

• Our rating: 4.2 / 5
• Best for: weekend overlanders and car campers
• Capacity: 3 people
• Type: Soft-shell rooftop tent
• Price range: ~$3,000 USD
• Where to buy: Thule

At a glance: pros & cons

Pros

• Spacious interior with panoramic skylights and a 102 cm (40.2 in) peak height.
• Exceptionally fast deployment (<3 minutes) thanks to a simple unfold-and-lift design.
• Eco-friendly, highly durable 600D recycled polyester fabric with a versatile 3-mode rain cover.
• Excellent out-of-the-box comfort: 6 cm dual-layer foam mattress, angled-step ladder, and integrated heating port.

Cons

• Heavier at 58 kg compared to modern compact hard-shell alternatives.
• Soft-shell folding process takes slightly longer and requires more careful alignment in wind.
• Premium price point with practical comfort add-ons (awning walls, anti-condensation mat) sold separately.

Key specs overview

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Comfort and interior space

Sleeping comfort

• Mattress feel: Medium-firm, comparable to a quality guest room bed.
• Support: Even weight distribution with no noticeable pressure points for side sleepers up to 190 cm / 110 kg per person.
• Condensation handling: Good airflow via full-perimeter mesh doors/windows and a built-in heating port to run a small portable heater or AC when temperatures swing.

Interior volume and ergonomics

• Headroom: Peak clearance of 102 cm allows comfortable upright sitting at the highest point, with natural tapering toward the walls.
• Layout: Panoramic ceiling/side windows, 4 internal mesh pockets, exterior gear loops, and an angled-step ladder that makes climbing in/out feel stable and natural.
• Family use: Perfect for parents + one child or two adults with ample gear space; three slim adults will fit comfortably but with limited elbow room when side-by-side.

If comfort is your top priority, you may also want to compare it with the iKamper Skycamp 2.0 Mini and the Tepui Autana.

Setup, installation, and everyday use

Installation on the car

• Compatibility: Works with crossbars supporting up to 65 kg dynamic load. Requires a minimum bar spread of 79 cm (31 in). Compatible with Thule Xscape, Xsporter Pro, and most aftermarket T-track crossbars.
• Installation difficulty: 2 people needed, ~45-60 minutes for first install using the included torque-limiting wrench.
• Instructions and hardware: Clear step-by-step PDF/video guides with pre-drilled alignment markers and anti-vibration locking brackets.

Daily setup and pack-down

• Setup time: From parked to ready-to-sleep in ~3 minutes.
• Pack-down time: About 3-4 minutes with practice. Requires folding the hinges inward and securing the travel cover straps in a specific sequence to avoid trapping fabric.

Consider whether you often arrive at camp in the dark or bad weather; quicker tents can make a big difference on the road.

Weather resistance and durability

Performance in wind and rain

• Wind stability: Stable and secure when properly staked or guyed, with minor fabric flutter in sustained gusts over 90 km/h.
• Waterproofing: Fabric rated at 4.5/5 for water resistance; the removable rain cover features sealed seams and three deployment modes for varying conditions.
• Snow and cold: Capable 3-season performer with excellent cold-weather comfort when paired with the optional anti-condensation mat and heating port; not rated for heavy, persistent snow loads due to the flexible softshell roof.

Materials and long-term durability

• Shell and hinges: The welded aluminum tube frame and reinforced aluminum cap sheet resist torsional flex and highway vibration exceptionally well.
• Fabric, zippers, and stitching: 100% recycled solution-dyed 600D ripstop polyester paired with heavy-duty YKK zippers and double-stitched stress points holds up excellently to UV exposure and abrasion.
• Ladder: Angled aluminum steps provide confident footing with only slight flex under maximum loads, safely rated for 150 kg dynamic climbing.

If you plan extended trips or leave the tent permanently on your roof, durability is critical; this model is built for long-term camp reliability.

Aerodynamics, noise, and fuel consumption

• On-road noise: Noticeable wind hum above 100 km/h, but significantly dampened by the low-profile 28 cm folded height and smooth aluminum shell.
• Impact on fuel consumption: Approximate increase of 0.4-0.6 L/100 km to expect on your vehicle.
• Height and clearance: Adds 28 cm to vehicle height (without counting the bars).
• Max speed: It is recommended not to drive faster than 110km/h with the roof tent installed.

Storage, packing, and living with it

• Interior storage when closed: The integrated mattress stays in place, leaving minimal extra space; best paired with a rear-mounted cargo box or interior vehicle bags.
• Covers and straps: Heavy-duty zippered PVC travel cover with reinforced stress points and quick-release tension buckles for rapid deployment.
• Off-season storage: Fully clean and air-dry all compartments, leave mesh panels open to prevent mildew, and store in a cool, dry indoor space away from direct UV exposure.

Who is the Thule Approach 2 M best for?

The Thule Approach 2 M rooftop tent is ideal if:

• You are a weekend overland couple or small family.
• You value quick camp setup, spacious interior living, and reliable all-season comfort.
• Your vehicle is a mid-size SUV or pickup with 65 kg dynamic roof load and robust crossbars spaced at least 79 cm apart.

You should probably look elsewhere if:

• You need a true heavy-duty 4-season alpine tent for high-altitude expeditions (e.g., frequent heavy snow/winter camping).
• Your car’s roof load rating is limited (e.g., capped at 50 kg dynamic).
• You prioritize ultra-fast, one-handed hard-shell closure over maximum interior volume.

Alternatives to consider

If the Thule Approach 2 M is not a perfect fit, here are solid alternatives:

Use these alternatives to cross-compare weight, price, and features, and choose the tent that fits your trips and your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

Will the Thule Approach 2 M fit my car?

In general, it fits vehicles with:

• A roof load rating of at least 65 kg (check your manufacturer’s manual).
• Compatible roof racks (standard crossbars with a minimum 79 cm/31 in spread).

When in doubt, ask the retailer with your exact vehicle model and factory roof load rating.

Can I leave the tent on my car all year?

Technically yes, but consider:

• Increased fuel consumption (0.5-0.8 L/100 km depending on speed/aero).
• Continuous UV and weather exposure accelerating fabric aging; a breathable winter cover is highly recommended.
• Local regulations regarding roof load limits and insurance conditions.

How long does it take to learn setup and pack-down?

Most users are comfortable after 2-3 weekend trips; expect setup in under 3 minutes with practice and a familiarized folding routine.

Final verdict: should you buy the Thule Approach 2 M?

If you are looking for regular weekend car camping and your vehicle can support it, the Thule Approach 2 M is a premium, comfort-focused rooftop tent.

• Strong points: Spacious layout, rapid setup, eco-friendly fabric, and excellent sleep comfort out of the box.
• Weak points: Heavier than hard-shells, slower to pack down in bad weather, and premium price with several key accessories sold separately.

👉 Ready to hit the road?
Check the latest price and availability for the Thule Approach 2 M here.

Internal links

• Best rooftop tents for overland car camping
• Rooftop tent buying guide
• How to choose a roof rack for your tent

Review videos

• Official Thule Approach 2 Setup Walkthrough: [YouTube Link]
• Independent 3-Month Field Test & Condensation Review: [YouTube Link]