The Thule Approach M delivers a luxurious sleeping experience with cavernous interior space and a thick dual-density foam mattress that comfortably fits two adults and a pet, as GearJunkie found. Its robust construction features an aluminum base and 600D polyester canopy, while Downtown-Mag praised the convenient bayonet lock mounting system for simplifying attachment to roof bars without complex hardware. However, the tent weighs 128 pounds, requiring two people for initial installation, and multiple reviewers noted that setting up the rainfly is challenging due to difficult tension rod placement. This rooftop tent suits campers prioritizing comfort and build quality over quick setup ease, while those seeking a lighter or faster-to-deploy option should look elsewhere.
Full review
Interior volume and mattress comfort
The Thule Approach M distinguishes itself through a cavernous interior that reviewers consistently describe as luxurious for its class. GearJunkie noted the tent comfortably accommodated two adults and a dog, highlighting the dual-density foam floor which provides significant support compared to thinner alternatives. This spatial advantage allows occupants to sit upright and change clothes without feeling confined.
OutdoorGearLab rated the Approach highly for space and comfort, emphasizing how the innovative engineering maximizes usable volume within a standard softshell footprint. The mattress thickness of two inches surprised some reviewers who were accustomed to thicker inflatable pads, yet it proved sufficient for comfortable sleep on hard aluminum platforms. Engearment reported that even with multiple adults and a dog inside, there remained ample room for additional gear or sleeping pads, making the layout highly practical for families or groups sharing the elevated space.
Bayonet lock mounting system
The mounting mechanism represents one of the most praised features of this rooftop tent. Downtown-Mag highlighted that Thule utilizes bayonet locks rather than traditional locking nuts, which are notoriously difficult to tighten above head height with a ratchet. This design allows users to secure the tent rails directly to the roof bars using wing nuts that resist loosening from vibration during travel. The system significantly reduces installation friction compared to competitors that require complex hardware manipulation.
To ensure proper tension without over-tightening, Thule includes a 4Nm torque wrench in the package. Engearment and Downtown-Mag both emphasized the value of this tool, noting it provides consistent clamping force across all bolts with a satisfying click when the correct torque is reached. The mounting brackets attach from underneath the crossbars, allowing users to position the tent on the roof rails before final securing, which simplifies alignment. While initial setup requires lifting the 128-pound unit onto the vehicle, the actual attachment process is streamlined and secure.
Setup speed and fabric management
Once mounted on the roof rack, deploying the tent for use is remarkably fast. The process involves unzipping the perimeter of the black Cordura cover, extending the integrated aluminum ladder, and pulling the tent body outward. Reviewers noted that the ladder serves as both an access point and a structural support element when fully extended.
However, closing the tent requires careful attention to fabric management to avoid zipper damage. Engearment warned that failing to tuck all loose materials back into the tent body before zipping the cover resulted in snagging during their first attempt. The travel cover completely separates from the tent structure, meaning campers must store it inside their vehicle rather than leaving it attached to the rack. This separation was cited as a minor inconvenience by GearJunkie, who noted that while the cover is durable, its detachment adds an extra step compared to integrated softshell designs.
Rainfly installation challenges
A recurring criticism across multiple reviews concerns the difficulty of installing the rainfly. GearJunkie and Engearment both described the process as frustrating, primarily due to the placement of tension rods that must be inserted from inside or outside the tent depending on vehicle height. The flyshee requires precise alignment with the canopy windows to maintain proper ventilation while blocking precipitation, a task complicated by the limited visibility once the tent is elevated.
Despite these installation hurdles, reviewers agreed that the rainfly performs well when properly deployed. It effectively blocks wind and rain without significantly compromising interior airflow. Engearment noted that they often skipped using the rainfly in fair weather due to its complexity, relying instead on the water-resistant 600D polyester canopy which proved sufficient for light moisture. The trade-off between weather protection and setup ease remains a notable point of contention among users who prioritize quick camp turnaround times.
Skylights and ventilation performance
The Approach M features four large panoramic skylights backed by mesh screens, which reviewers praised for stargazing capabilities. OutdoorGearLab highlighted these windows as a major strength, allowing occupants to view the night sky without opening the main door. The clear window panels in the rainfly also permit visibility during inclement weather, maintaining a connection with the outdoors even when fully enclosed.
Ventilation management is critical for preventing condensation buildup. Blog.OutdoorProlink reported that while the tent performed well in wind and rain, proper airflow adjustment was necessary to avoid moisture accumulation inside. FionaOutdoors.co.uk advised keeping windows open slightly during sleep to ensure air circulation, particularly when using the thick foam mattress which retains heat. Engearment observed no condensation issues on a cold night with minimal wind, suggesting that strategic window placement can effectively mitigate humidity concerns.
Build quality and material durability
Construction materials reinforce the tent's reputation for robustness. The base utilizes welded aluminum tubes with an aluminum cap sheet, providing a rigid foundation that reviewers described as bomber. GearJunkie emphasized that every component, from the burly zippers to the telescoping ladder, felt exceptionally high-quality compared to other softshell tents in the market. The canopy fabric is made of 600D polyester ripstop, which offers substantial resistance to abrasion and tearing.
Engearment noted that while hard-shell tents are often preferred for durability, the Approach M's materials hold up well against rugged off-road conditions. The thick canvas-like feel of the fabric instills confidence in wind and rain protection.
Ladder ergonomics and access
The integrated aluminum ladder is a load-bearing component that requires careful positioning. The ladder folds neatly against the tent body when closed, eliminating the need to transport a separate climbing device.
Accessing the interior involves climbing from ground level to the roof platform, which some reviewers found initially wobbly but quickly became manageable. FionaOutdoors.co.uk mentioned that agility is required for safe entry and exit, particularly in low-light conditions or when carrying gear. The ladder's design integrates seamlessly with the tent structure, providing a secure foothold once properly angled.
Strengths
- +Outstanding interior space and comfort with a spacious footprint that accommodates two adults and a child or dog, featuring a thick dual-density foam mattress.
- +High-quality construction using robust materials including an aluminum base, 600D polyester canopy, and burly zippers that reviewers describe as bomber.
- +Quick setup time of under three minutes once installed on the vehicle, with simple ladder deployment and fabric unfolding.
- +Innovative bayonet lock mounting system allows for easy attachment to roof bars without finicky locking nuts, aided by a provided 4Nm torque wrench.
Watch-outs
- −The travel cover completely separates from the tent body during use, requiring storage in the vehicle rather than stowing on the rack.
- −Installation of the rainfly is described as challenging and frustrating by multiple reviewers due to tension rod placement.
- −Significant weight (128 lbs / 58 kg) requires two people for initial roof installation.
How it compares
The Thule Approach M provides a thicker dual-density foam mattress for superior comfort compared to the SanHima Hotham's thin memory foam option. While it shares similar weight constraints with the Rugged Ridge Outland, its bayonet lock mounting system simplifies installation on roof bars more effectively than the finicky locking nuts often associated with heavy hard-shell setups.
Rating sources
“In short: Thule Approach M is extremely comfortable and spacious for two-plus — almost luxurious.”
Our 4.7 score is the average of the 2 scored reviews above; 5 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
