Among the lifted rigs and custom builds at SEMA 2024, one product stood out for its simplicity and smart design. Thule’s new Outset hitch-mount tent offers a quick-deploy camping solution that bridges the gap between ground tents and rooftop systems—without the permanent commitment.
The annual SEMA Show has once again come to a close, leaving behind the familiar buzz of innovation echoing through the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Among the endless displays of lifted rigs, custom builds, and new overland gear in the West Hall, one product kept drawing me back. This product wasn’t the loudest or flashiest, rather it represented an ongoing shift in how we approach camping and products that enable us to get outdoors.
At the Thule booth, tucked in amongst their newest roof racks and storage systems, sat the Thule Outset, a new hitch-mounted car tent that hints at where the next wave of outdoor products might be headed, with a priority focus on the versatility and convenience of a quick-deploy setup.
Upon seeing the new product for the first time, it resembles a cot-style tent, elevated off the ground thanks to its detachable platform base. During the booth demonstration, the tent was set up and taken down in mere minutes.
It’s a quick-deploy ground tent with the convenience of hooking up to your vehicle’s hitch and unhooking when you need to leave your campsite. Featuring a built-in 2.7-inch mattress, there’s ample room to store bedding on top, making it even more convenient when prepping for your expedition.
The sleeping footprint measures at 88.6 x 52.8 inches, making it longer than a queen bed and allowing taller campers to sleep comfortably. It’s marketed as a three-person, all-season tent featuring a canopy fabric made from breathable, water resistant 600D polyester ripstop. Large doors and windows provide unobstructed views of the outdoors, while standard bug screens and solid panels help maintain privacy inside.
If you do face inclement weather, Thule has thought of that too. The Outset includes a built-in deployable rain cover to keep you protected from the elements. Inside, there are multiple gear pockets to keep your nighttime essentials such as headlamps, phones, and toiletries neatly organized.
The internal height of the tent is 44.5 inches, which is fairly standard for most ground tents. The Outset fits 2-inch receivers only, excluding vehicles with 1.25-inch receivers.
Additional Tech Specs:
- Sleeping capacity 3 person
- Dimensions (Open) 104 x 56.7 x 70.1 in
- Dimensions (Closed) 56.8 x 29 x 35 in
- Sleeping footprint 88.6 x 52.8 in
- Peak internal height 44.5 in
- Weight 163 lbs.
- Static weight capacity 662 lb
- Fits 2” receivers only
The Thule Outset is designed for campers looking for a different kind of setup who don’t want to mount and sleep in a rooftop tent, or whose vehicles simply can’t accommodate one, but who still want something more elevated than a traditional ground tent. This convenient, quick-deploy, cot-style tent mounts to the rear of your vehicle, freeing up space inside the cabin or in your truck bed for other essential camping gear.
One of its biggest advantages is how much it simplifies setup. It only takes one person to mount it to a receiver hitch, and the wheeled carrying bag makes it easy to roll to and from your vehicle. Thule also paid close attention to functionality.
You can maintain full trunk access while the tent is mounted, as the Outset can tilt and rotate down to the ground allowing your trunk or tailgate to operate unobstructed. When you are on the road or storing the tent, a fitted travel cover keeps the tent protected and clean.
Quick-Deploy Tents Are Gaining Momentum
There’s been a clear momentum in the growing segment of quick-deploy tents. Campers are shifting away from the “rooftop everything” mindset and prioritizing modularity, versatility, and ease of set-up across multiple vehicles.
The Thule Outset fits the mold, appealing to a wide range of camping and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those with multiple vehicles. Though it comes at a premium, the Thule Outset is a compelling solution that bridges the gap between traditional tents and full-on camper systems.
Access More Great Stories!
For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.
No comments yet