Thule Approach M

What We Think

Rooftop tents promise hotel-level comfort in the backcountry, but most deliver cramped quarters with sloped walls that make you feel like you're sleeping in a nylon coffin.

The Thule Approach M is the rare exception: a softshell design with genuinely vertical walls and a 33.6-square-foot floor that feels more like a bedroom than a tent.

It scored a 8.1 overall, with premium build quality and owner satisfaction that justify serious consideration despite the serious price tag.

User Reviews

Owner feedback on the Approach M is remarkably consistent, earning a perfect 10 in User Reviews.

The most common praise centers on those massive panoramic skylights, which owners describe as transformative for stargazing and ventilation alike.

The three-minute deployment time isn't marketing exaggeration: multiple owners report achieving it on their first attempt, even solo.

Lockable mounting brackets also earn frequent mentions from owners who appreciate leaving the tent mounted between trips without security concerns.

Quality & Durability

At 147 pounds, the Approach M is built like furniture, and that heft translates to a 9 in Quality & Durability.

The aluminum pole structure and overall construction quality suggest this tent will outlast your vehicle, which is exactly what you want from a $2,700 investment backed by Thule's limited lifetime warranty.

The Tuff Stuff Ranger Overland scores slightly higher overall at 8.4 and costs nearly $1,000 less, but it weighs 132 pounds with less interior volume, and Thule's reputation for build quality is harder to match.

Weather Resistance

Three-season rooftop tents live or die by their ability to handle rain, and the Approach M scored a 9 in Weather Resistance.

The softshell design with quality seam sealing keeps occupants dry in sustained rain, though condensation can be an issue in cold, humid conditions.

Adding a condensation mat to the sleeping platform is a worthwhile investment for shoulder-season camping.

Ease of Use

The Approach M scored an 8 in Ease of Use, with that three-minute pitch time being the headline feature.

However, a recurring theme in negative reviews is the square ladder rungs, which owners find uncomfortable on bare feet during middle-of-the-night bathroom trips.

The separate travel cover also draws complaints: it's an extra step during setup and breakdown that competitors like the Yakima SkyRise HD Medium have eliminated with integrated designs.

Initial roof installation is also a two-person job that requires some muscle.

Space & Comfort

The 7 in Space & Comfort might seem low for a tent that markets itself on livability, but context matters.

The 40-inch peak height is standard for rooftop tents, meaning you're sitting up, not standing, and the rated three-person capacity is optimistic for adults.

That said, those vertical walls make the 33.6 square feet feel significantly larger than competitors with sloped designs, and the skylights add psychological spaciousness that specs don't capture.

Value for Money

At $2,700, the Approach M scored a 5 in Value for Money, and there's no way around it: this is a premium-priced tent.

The Smittybilt Overlander 4 Person sleeps the same capacity for $1,300, less than half the price.

If this tent makes our list of the best rooftop tents, it's not because of value but because of execution.

Who It's For

The Approach M is for overlanders who view their rooftop tent as a long-term investment rather than a camping accessory.

If you're building out a dedicated adventure vehicle and want the tent to match the commitment, this delivers.

Couples who occasionally bring a child will find the space workable, but two adults who value elbow room is the sweet spot.

The Bottom Line

The Thule Approach M scored a 8.1 by delivering on the promise that most rooftop tents only hint at: genuine comfort, bombproof construction, and a setup time that's actually fast.

The price is the caveat, full stop.

If $2,700 doesn't make you flinch, this is one of the best softshell rooftop tents you can buy.