Thule Rooftop Tent
Thule Rooftop Tents: Elevated Camping, Engineered for Exploration
Thule entered the rooftop tent space with the kind of conviction you'd expect from a brand that has spent decades engineering premium gear transport solutions. When Thule acquired California-based RTT pioneer Tepui in 2018, the overlanding community took notice — and Thule doubled down by developing its own signature line of rooftop tents alongside the Tepui catalog. The result is one of the most thoughtfully engineered RTT lineups on the market today, spanning softshell, hardshell, and even hitch-mounted configurations.
A Lineup Built for Every Camper
Thule's rooftop tent family covers a broad range of adventure styles. The Thule Approach is the flagship softshell series, available in S, M, and L sizes to accommodate two to four sleepers. The modern outward-angled tent shape maximizes interior volume, while a premium dual-density foam mattress — with a supportive base layer and a soft upper — delivers a genuinely comfortable night's sleep above the ground. Lockable mounting brackets cut roof installation time in half compared to traditional RTTs, and once you arrive at camp, the tent deploys in under three minutes.
For active campers who don't want to sacrifice roof real estate, the Thule Foothill takes a different approach. When folded, it measures just 61 cm wide — roughly half the footprint of most rooftop tents — yet unfolds to the full interior space of a traditional two-person tent. Its telescopic internal frame poles allow one-person setup, and a low-profile design that sits only 24 cm above the roof rack improves aerodynamics on the highway and garage clearance at home.
Newest to the lineup, the Thule Widesky is a hardshell RTT that redefines how campers spend time inside a vehicle tent. A scissor-lifted roof creates generous headroom, and a dual-purpose mattress converts into a sofa via an integrated backrest — turning the tent into a lounge as easily as a sleeping space. A 270-degree array of tall mesh windows and dimmable interior LED lighting round out the experience.
For those whose vehicles lack adequate roof load ratings, the Thule Outset mounts directly to a towbar or hitch, keeping the roof completely free while still offering the elevated comfort of a traditional rooftop tent.
What Sets Thule RTTs Apart
One of Thule's most compelling differentiators is its commitment to real-world testing. Every rooftop tent passes through the Thule Test Center™ in Hillerstorp, Sweden, where tents are subjected to climate cycling chambers simulating extreme heat and cold, long-distance vibration simulations, and multiple crash tests at varying speeds and loads. Thule also pre-installs mounting rails on the tent base at the factory, meaning on-vehicle installation is streamlined from the moment you open the box.
- Softshell models (Approach S/M/L, Foothill): Lightweight, spacious interiors, panoramic skylights and windows, compatible with optional awnings and annex walls
- Hardshell models (Widesky): Seconds-long deployment, convertible mattress-sofa, dimmable LED interior, superior all-weather protection
- Hitch-mounted (Outset): Ground-level access, towbar mounting, detachable from vehicle at camp
- Universal fit: Suitable for compact cars through full-size trucks and SUVs with compatible roof racks
- Accessories ecosystem: Awnings, annex walls, shoe organizers, fitted sheets, and anti-condensation mats let you customize your camp setup
Whether you're planning a weekend warrior escape or a month-long overlanding expedition, Thule's rooftop tent lineup offers a solution that balances installation ease, on-road performance, and camp-side comfort at a premium level. Browse the full selection of Thule rooftop tents to find the right fit for your vehicle and adventure style, or explore the complete Thule brand catalog for racks, cargo solutions, and accessories to complete your build.
