Imagine this scenario: you arrive at your chosen campsite after a long week, the sun setting as you scramble to unload your car and set up your tent before nightfall envelops the area. The scene is familiar for many car campers, where the excitement of the adventure often collides with the stress of setting up camp. This common challenge inspired a search for a solution that would streamline the setup process without sacrificing the comforts of home.
Enter the Thule Outset, a hitch-mounted tent that transforms your vehicle into a mobile campsite. "For a premium price, the Thule Outset makes pitching your tent as easy as parking your car," explains the manufacturer, emphasizing the tent's innovative design that minimizes setup woes.
The Outset caters to a variety of campers, making it particularly appealing for families of three, couples with adventurous pets, and those who desire a more comfortable outdoor experience. Its thoughtful design is intended for individuals who might struggle with assembly, including older campers or those with mobility limitations. "The Outset takes everything you thought you knew about car camping and makes it simpler, faster, and smarter," said a product representative.
What sets the Thule Outset apart is its user-friendly design. Rather than dealing with loose tent poles and confusing instructions, users can enjoy a quick five-minute setup. Mounted securely to the hitch of your vehicle, it unfolds easily from the back, removing the need for roof racks, heavy lifting, or any complicated assembly steps. "No roof racks, heavy lifting, or guessing which pole goes where," noted the representative during a product demonstration.
Constructed from water-resistant ripstop fabric and featuring a rugged aluminum frame, the Outset is built to endure the elements while providing ample comfort. The tent can accommodate up to three individuals—or two campers along with a pet—and includes thoughtful amenities such as built-in LED tail lights, generous mesh windows, and storage pockets for personal items. "The craftsmanship makes it a standout option for campers who want the speed of a roof-top setup with the accessibility of ground camping," a camping expert pointed out.
While the Thule Outset weighs in at 162 pounds, its design includes wheels that facilitate easy solo installation and transport. Additionally, once set up, users can detach it from their vehicle, allowing them the flexibility to explore without packing everything down. Although priced at $4,700, many users echo the sentiment that the convenience and high-quality design justify the investment. "It's pricey, for sure, but the convenience and craftsmanship make it worth it," said one satisfied camper.
To truly test the Thule Outset, a camping weekend outside Carbondale, Colorado, provided the perfect opportunity. Nestled among aspens and sandstone cliffs, the site proved that a hitch-mounted tent offers unparalleled ease of setup and stability in less-than-perfect terrain. "I didn’t realize how easy it was until I tried it myself," confessed a first-time user after successfully setting up the tent in a mere few minutes.
Setup begins with simply attaching the tent to the vehicle's hitch, followed by a straightforward unfolding mechanism. "Setup starts by attaching the tent to your vehicle’s hitch. You simply back your car up to the connector and use the tent’s built-in wheels to roll it into place," the camper explained enthusiastically. The system's effectiveness soon became apparent, especially in an environment where uneven and rocky ground could complicate traditional tent pitching.
The Thule Outset not only simplifies the camping experience but also enriches it by allowing users to focus on the adventure rather than the logistics of setting up camp. The tent's blend of comfort and convenience, coupled with its robust design, has introduced a new era of car camping. As more outdoor enthusiasts seek experiences that combine ease with the great outdoors, the Thule Outset stands as a compelling option for those eager to embrace the wilderness without sacrificing comfort.