Thule’s Camp Shelter Fixes What Rooftop Tents Get Wrong

Thule presents a more accessible alternative to traditional elevated tent designs.

A woman dressed in black is standing next to a silver-gray Volvo XC40, pulling a large black wheeled suitcase. The scene is set on a cobblestone surface in front of a modern concrete wall and a black metal gate. The woman is smiling and looking down at the suitcase.

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Published December 27, 2025

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Initially released in Europe in mid-2024, the Thule Outset made its debut stateside this year. The hitch-mounted, raised-ground shelter avoids many of the frustrations common to rooftop tents.

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Instead of mounting on the roof, the Outset attaches to a car’s 2-inch receiver hitch and sits only about a foot off the ground, making access easy for kids, pets, and older adults.

A family camping scene with a man sitting on a folding chair, a woman standing with a child on her shoulders, and a car equipped with a rooftop kayak and an attached tent extending from the rear. The tent is set up on a grassy field near a tree, with a small campfire burning in front of the seated man. The background features a misty, forested hillside bathed in warm, golden light. — Keep your tent off the ground without having to climb on top of your car.

Despite its low height, it offers a roomy sleeping space that comfortably fits up to three people and is rated for all-season camping. At 163 pounds, it’s light enough for one person to install, and when packed, it’s about the size of a rear-mounted bike rack.

A man sits inside a modern, elevated gray tent with an extended canopy, set up on a grassy area near a lake. To the left, a gray SUV is parked with two black bags on the ground beside it. To the right, a woman dressed in black holds a baby and walks barefoot near a stroller. In the background, there are forested mountains partially covered by clouds. — Air flow, moisture management and accessibility are all improved with the Outset’s design.

The design improves usability with large windows, multiple doors, and solid ventilation and views. Its rear-of-car mounting is more aerodynamic than a roof-mount, helping preserve fuel efficiency while leaving roof space free for additional gear.

A major perk is that once you set up camp, you can detach and lock the tent, allowing you to drive away while leaving your campsite intact.

However, the Outset doesn’t come cheap — it retails for about $4,700. Still, for frequent campers or families, its ease of use, comfort, and convenience may justify the premium compared to a standard rooftop tent.