RooftopTentCompare

Darche Basecamp 2200 vs Thule Approach 2 L

The Darche Basecamp 2200 and the Thule Approach 2 L are both softshell tents in the same part of the market, which makes them a genuine head-to-head rather than a comparison across categories. Darche and Thule take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.

The Approach 2 L is 19 kg lighter at 68 kg against 87 kg, which on a factory roof rated for 68 to 75 kg is often the difference between a legal fit and a rack upgrade. Inside, the Basecamp 2200 gives 5.06 m² of sleeping floor against 4.47 m², about 13 percent more, though both are rated for 4. The Basecamp 2200 lists $961 lower, at $2,639 against $3,600.

Canvas differs too: 260gsm Ripstop Polycotton Canvas body; 210D Ripstop Polyester Oxford fly against 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant. The Basecamp 2200 adds integrated LED lighting, which the Approach 2 L does not offer. Closed, the Approach 2 L sits 5 cm lower on the roof — 28 cm against 33 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.

Darche

Basecamp 2200

The Basecamp 2200 is a large fold-out softshell rooftop tent rated for four people, using a 65mm high-density foam mattress. It has an integrated LED strip, twin panoramic sky windows and fine insect mesh on all windows, and an annex is available separately. A 2.3m telescopic ladder and transit cover are included.

  • Four-person capacity, the largest in Darche's softshell line
  • Twin panoramic sky windows
  • Annex-compatible and transit cover included
  • No published weight or dimensions

Thule

Approach 2 L

The largest Approach 2, with a 4.47 m² four-person floor. It is the only four-person tent here that stays under 70 kg, which keeps it inside the dynamic roof limit of several full-size trucks and SUVs.

  • Lightest four-person tent here at 68 kg
  • 4.47 m² floor
  • Heating port and panoramic skylights
  • 183 cm closed width needs a wide rack

Which one to pick

Take the Basecamp 2200 if the budget is fixed. Take the Approach 2 L if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Beyond that the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex, cargo rails — are where the remaining difference lies.

Every specification, side by side

Side-by-side specifications for Darche Basecamp 2200, Thule Approach 2 L
Specification

Darche

Basecamp 2200
Softshell
  • Cheapest
  • Most floor space
Check current price

Thule

Approach 2 L
Softshell
  • Lightest
Check current price
Overview
TypeSoftshellSoftshell
Opening styleFold-outFold-out
Sleeps44
Season rating—4-season
List price$2,640— best of the tents compared$3,600— worst of the tents compared
Weight and size
Weight192 lb— worst of the tents compared150 lb— best of the tents compared
Packed length4 ft— best of the tents compared4 ft 1 in— worst of the tents compared
Packed width7 ft 4 in— worst of the tents compared6 ft— best of the tents compared
Packed height13 in— worst of the tents compared11 in— best of the tents compared
Living space
Sleeping length7 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared8 ft— best of the tents compared
Sleeping width7 ft 3 in— best of the tents compared6 ft— worst of the tents compared
Floor area54.5 sq ft— best of the tents compared48.1 sq ft— worst of the tents compared
Interior height—3 ft 4 in
Mattress thickness2.6 in— best of the tents compared2.4 in— worst of the tents compared
Setup and build
Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice.~5 minest.3 min
Shell materialCoated Heavy-Duty Compressed Alloy base—
Fabric260gsm Ripstop Polycotton Canvas body; 210D Ripstop Polyester Oxford fly600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant
Warranty3years—
Features
Integrated LED lightingYesNo
Heater / HVAC port—Yes
Roof skylightYesYes
Annex availableYesYes
Solar ready——
Carries cargo on top——
Sources
Last verifiedDarche product pageThule product page

Related comparisons

Or read the full spec sheets for the Darche Basecamp 2200 and the Thule Approach 2 L.