Thule Approach 2 L vs Yakima SkyRise HD
The Thule Approach 2 L and the Yakima SkyRise HD 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 Yakima take noticeably different approaches to the same problem.
The SkyRise HD is 16 kg lighter at 52 kg against 68 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 Approach 2 L gives 4.47 m² of sleeping floor against 3.47 m², about 29 percent more, and it sleeps 4 to the SkyRise HD's 3. Headroom separates them further: 121.92 cm in the SkyRise HD against 102 cm, which is the difference between sitting up to dress and doing it lying down. The SkyRise HD lists $601 lower, at $2,999 against $3,600.
Canvas differs too: 600D recycled polyester ripstop, water resistant against 600D Ripstop Polyester. Closed, the Approach 2 L sits 13.909999999999997 cm lower on the roof — 28 cm against 41.91 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
Yakima
SkyRise HD
The SkyRise HD is Yakima's heavy-duty softshell rooftop tent, built from 600D ripstop polyester with a 3000mm PU coating and a removable 210D polyester rainfly, plus an expansion pop-out that covers ladder access. Its published open dimensions are 126"/96" long by 56" wide with a 48-inch peak, and it weighs 131.5 lbs. Yakima rates it 4-season, includes a memory-foam mattress, anti-condensation mat and lockable clamps, and backs it with a limited two-year warranty.
- Heavier-duty 600D ripstop polyester shell compared with the lighter SkyRise SL
- Rainfly and pop-out extend to cover ladder access
- Includes memory-foam mattress, anti-condensation mat and lockable clamps
- Heavier than Yakima's SkyRise SL at 131.5 lbs
Which one to pick
Take the SkyRise HD if your roof load limit is the binding constraint. Take the Approach 2 L if you need the sleeping room more than you need the lighter tent. 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— best of the tents compared | 3— worst of the tents compared |
| Season rating | 4-season | 4-season |
| List price | $3,600— worst of the tents compared | $2,999— best of the tents compared |
| Weight and size | ||
| Weight | 150 lb— worst of the tents compared | 115 lb— best of the tents compared |
| Packed length | 4 ft 1 in— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 10 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 | 16.5 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Living space | ||
| Sleeping length | 8 ft— best of the tents compared | 8 ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Sleeping width | 6 ft— best of the tents compared | 4 ft 8 in— worst of the tents compared |
| Floor area | 48.1 sq ft— best of the tents compared | 37.4 sq ft— worst of the tents compared |
| Interior height | 3 ft 4 in— worst of the tents compared | 4 ft— best of the tents compared |
| Mattress thickness | 2.4 in | — |
| 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 | 600D Ripstop Polyester |
| Warranty | — | 2years |
| 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 | Yakima product page |
Related comparisons
Or read the full spec sheets for the Thule Approach 2 L and the Yakima SkyRise HD.