Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThule announced the Outset for a spring/summer 2024 consumer launch, but that announcement did not confirm a U.S. launch. The tent is also absent from the current Thule U.S. rooftop-tent category page reviewed here. That absence does not prove it was never sold in the United States, so its U.S. launch and current availability remain unconfirmed by the official evidence cited below.
What Thule announced—and what it did not confirm
Thule’s 2023 product announcement said the Outset would launch to consumers in spring/summer 2024. It described the product as a tent that mounts directly to a car’s towbar, but did not specify a U.S. launch date or establish U.S. sales. Read Thule’s announcement.
Thule’s current U.S. rooftop-tent category page does not list the Outset. A missing category listing is not proof that the tent was never sold in the country, but it does mean the reviewed official U.S. catalog does not confirm that it is currently offered. Check Thule’s U.S. rooftop-tent category for current listings.
How the Outset works
The Outset is a towbar-mounted, elevated tent, rather than a tent carried on the vehicle roof or set directly on the ground. Thule says it can be detached at camp so the vehicle can be used separately, and that the tent tilts to allow trunk access. The manufacturer describes one-person installation using wheels and a towbar attachment, setup in minutes, and a 7 cm mattress; those are Thule’s product claims, not independent test results. Thule Australia describes the tent as sleeping three. See Thule Australia’s Outset product page.
#1 Best Overall
- Can accommodate up to two people
- Constructed from coated 600 denier and a 260g poly-cotton blend made to withstand the elements of any season
- Tent fabric is UV resistant and withstands the elements of any season
- Mesh panels offer plenty of ventilation and open for more airflow
- Four, large internal pockets for storing gear and camping accessories
North American model 901530: dimensions and fit checks
Thule’s North American manual identifies the Outset as model 901530. Use its figures for that model rather than mixing them with specifications for the Australian model 901520, which has a different listed weight.
| North American model 901530 specification | Manual figure |
|---|---|
| Weight | 160 lb (72.6 kg) |
| Open dimensions | 104 × 64.5–70.1 × 56.7 in |
| Closed dimensions | 27.6 × 35.4 × 56.7 in |
| Maximum hitch load shown in the manual illustration | 163 lb (74 kg) |
The manual says the tent is not recommended for vehicles with more than 7.5 ft (230 cm) between the rear-wheel axle and hitch receiver. Its illustration’s 163 lb maximum hitch load is not a universal fit guarantee: confirm the limits and requirements for the specific vehicle and hitch, and follow the complete instructions for the exact product. Read the North American installation and safety manual.
Rank #2
- Vehicle-specific fit kits for cars with naked roofs, fixed points, flush rails, mounting tracks or custom rack installs
- Compatible with Thule roof rack foot packs. For recommended rack solutions for your vehicle, please check the Thule Buyer’s Guide
- Please check the Thule Buyer’s Guide (link below) to find the fit kit for your specific vehicle
- Please check the Fit Guide on the manufacturer's website to find the fit kit for your specific vehicle
What U.S. buyers can verify now
Thule U.S. lists an Outset organizer, model 901894, that attaches to the tent and has six compartments, waterproof sections and mesh pockets. Its product page showed a price of $129.95 when reviewed; price and stock can change. An accessory listing confirms the organizer, not that the tent itself is available to order. Check the U.S. organizer listing.
Thule U.S. lists other rooftop tents, including Widesky and Approach, but the reviewed pages do not provide a like-for-like comparison with a U.S.-sold Outset. Before choosing an alternative—or pursuing an Outset listing from another seller—check the product model, vehicle and hitch compatibility, and whether the seller can confirm U.S. support and availability.
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Rank #3
- Organizes shoes, gear, and other items for easy access and protection from the elements
- Keeps your gear dry and protected from rain and mud with a weatherproof design
- Remains attached to the Thule Outset when the tent is folded
- Organize your gear efficiently, with both waterproof sections and mesh pockets for easy visibility and access
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
