Thule’s New Rooftop Tent May Be Small, but It Comes with a Sofa

Most automotive rooftop tents serve a single purpose, and that’s to provide a high-rise sleeping quarters when out in the wilderness. But not Thule’s latest Widesky.

Typically, pop-up roof tents only offer enough space to fit a camping mattress. Maybe some places to store things.

Thule’s Widesky, however, comes with a sofa. That alone means this could very much be a world-first.

Possibly the world’s first mobile futon

Thule

Okay, yes. Thule’s Widesky doesn’t come with the sort of sofa that you’d expect to find in your grandparents’ living room. However, the Widesky features a futon-like mattress with a support system that can convert the bed into a sofa-like area.

So, rather than just being relegated to a sleeping quarters, the Widesky can also transform into a rooftop hangout. That pretty much makes it the world’s first-ever mobile futon. Or, an automotive rooftop pop-up tent and futon combo. (Or both.)

Thule Widesky in Detail

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If it sounds complicated, as some rooftop tents and futons tend to be, it really isn’t. According to Thule, the structure is a simple, compact aluminum shell.

It deploys like any other rooftop tent, pivoting open like a clamshell at one end and raising at the other with ease, thanks to pneumatically assisted supports. A flat mattress deploys inside to provide a typical two-person bed arrangement.

Thule

From there, it gets fancy. All one has to do is raise the notched backrest support (similar to the kind you find on pool- and beachside deck chairs) and voila.

“With Thule Widesky, we focused on creating a refined hardshell experience that feels just as comfortable during the day as it does at night,” Kajsa Levinsson, Thule’s Senior Category Manager, said in a statement. “It’s designed for people who value comfort and smart design, and who want a rooftop tent that invites them to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.”

Thule has more tricks up its sleeve

Thule

Being a Thule rooftop tent, the Widesky also isn’t short on features. The side curtains feature built-in panoramic doors for easy ventilation and excellent outward views.

Integrated LEDs also provide lighting for the space when the sun disappears into the horizon. All the structural pieces and surrounding fabrics are water-resistant, so you can even enjoy the views in wet weather.

Thule

For ease of access, the included aluminum ladder can be placed at any of the tent’s openings. The Widesky also includes a sturdy multi-purpose storage back for the ladder, plus a hanging organizer for holding extra gear.

Despite its many features, the whole system weighs less than 150 pounds. As such, just about any car can handle the tent (well, plus a roof rack to keep everything anchored).

Availability and pricing

Should you be interested in all this fancy rooftop awesomeness, you’ll have to set aside a few pretty pennies. Pricing for the Widesky starts at $3,999.95, and it’s set to go on sale this month.

Thule

Thule Widesky

• $3,999.95 at Thule USA

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