Thule Approach 2 L vs Tuff Stuff Overland Elite
The Thule Approach 2 L and the Tuff Stuff Overland Elite 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. Thule and Tuff Stuff Overland take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
The Approach 2 L is 20 kg lighter at 68 kg against 88 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 Elite gives 4.9 m² of sleeping floor against 4.47 m², about 10 percent more, and it sleeps 5 to the Approach 2 L's 4. The Elite lists $575 lower, at $3,025 against $3,600.
Canvas differs too: 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant against 280 g cotton/poly ripstop PU; 420D Oxford rainfly; 1000D PVC cover. Closed, the Approach 2 L sits 13 cm lower on the roof — 28 cm against 41 cm — which is drag you carry on every mile you are not camping.
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
Tuff Stuff Overland
Elite
A large 4-season softshell that unfolds over either side of the vehicle and ships with its annex room included, sleeping up to five.
- Sleeps up to 5
- Annex room included
- 4-season, six windows
- Slow ~10–15 min setup
Which one to pick
Take the Approach 2 L if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Take the Elite if the budget is fixed. Beyond that the feature rows below — heater port, skylight, annex, cargo rails — are where the remaining difference lies.
Every specification, side by side
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Type | Softshell | Softshell |
| Opening style | Fold-out | Fold-out |
| Sleeps | 4— worst of the tents compared | 5— best of the tents compared |
| Season rating | 4-season | 4-season |
| List price | $3,600— worst of the tents compared | $3,025— best of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 150 lb— best of the tents compared | 194 lb— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed length | 4 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared | 6 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Packed width | 6 ft— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft— best of the tents compared |
| Packed height | 11 in— best of the tents compared | 16.1 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft— best of the tents compared | 6 ft 7 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 6 ft— worst of the tents compared | 8 ft— best of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 48.1 sq ft— worst of the tents compared | 52.7 sq ft— best of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 3 ft 4 in | — |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in— worst of the tents compared | 2.8 in— best of the tents compared |
| Setup and build | ||
| Setup timeManufacturer's claim where published; otherwise estimated from tent type. Expect longer in practice. | 3 min | ~5 minest. |
| Shell material | — | — |
| Fabric | 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant | 280 g cotton/poly ripstop PU; 420D Oxford rainfly; 1000D PVC cover |
| Warranty | — | — |
| Features | ||
| Integrated LED lighting | No | — |
| Heater / HVAC port | Yes | — |
| Roof skylight | Yes | — |
| Annex available | Yes | Yes |
| Solar ready | — | — |
| Carries cargo on top | — | — |
| Sources | ||
| Last verified | Thule product page | Tuff Stuff Overland product page |
Related comparisons
Or read the full spec sheets for the Thule Approach 2 L and the Tuff Stuff Overland Elite.