Product Review

Thule Widesky Tent Review: Is It the Right Rooftop Tent for You?

The Thule Widesky Hardshell Tent is one of those pieces of gear that's easy to appreciate once you've spent a few nights using it. It takes the idea of a rooftop tent and refines it with a comfortable interior, quick setup, and thoughtful features that make life at camp just a little easier.

Whether you're heading out for a weekend paddle, a road trip through the Rockies, or just escaping the city for a couple of nights, the Widesky is designed to get you settled quickly. After all, the best part of camping probably isn't wrestling with tent poles while your friends are already making coffee.

Navigate To:

• What is a hardshell rooftop tent?
• Who is the Thule Widesky Hardshell Tent for?
• Setup and Ease of Use
• Comfort and Interior Space
• Construction and Weather Protection
• Features and Design
• Vehicle Compatibility and Important Considerations
• Other Rooftop Tents Available

What is a hardshell rooftop tent?

If you're new to rooftop tents, the names can be a little confusing. The biggest difference is simply how they're built.

A hardshell rooftop tent stores inside a rigid shell while you're driving. When it's time to camp, the shell opens up and the tent is ready in moments. Compared to a traditional softshell rooftop tent, there are fewer steps involved, and packing up in the morning is usually much quicker.

The aluminum shell also protects the tent while you're travelling, helps keep everything cleaner between trips, and generally stands up well to years of use. Another nice bonus is that many hardshell tents let you leave your bedding inside, so packing for the next adventure takes a little less effort.

Like any rooftop tent, you'll want to make sure your vehicle and roof rack system are rated to support it before heading out. If you're not sure, then feel free to call us or pop into the shop. We'd be happy to see if your set-up can accommodate a rooftop tent.

Who is the Thule Widesky Hardshell Tent for?

The Thule Widesky makes sense for people who spend a lot of time travelling by vehicle and want camping to feel a little less like work. It's a great option for overlanders, photographers chasing sunrises, or anyone who finds themselves setting up camp in a different place every night.

It's probably a bit more tent than someone heading out once every summer needs, but if you're regularly sleeping outside, the extra comfort and convenience become pretty noticeable. Sometimes it's the little things - like not crawling around trying to find that last tent pole in the dark - that you end up appreciating most.

Setup and Ease of Use

The first thing most people notice about the Widesky is how quickly it goes from travel mode to campsite.

Release the exterior latches and the gas-assisted struts do most of the heavy lifting. Within a minute or two you've gone from parking the vehicle to having somewhere comfortable to sleep.

If you're moving camp every day, or you've ever arrived after sunset and just wanted your bed ready, it's a feature you'll probably appreciate. Packing up is equally straightforward, which means less time folding fabric and more time getting on the road.

Comfort and Interior Space

One thing we like about the Widesky is that it feels like somewhere you'd actually want to spend time, not just somewhere you crawl into at bedtime.

The interior has plenty of headroom, large windows that let in lots of natural light, and a mattress that converts into a sofa configuration. If the weather isn't cooperating, it's easy to sit inside with a book, plan tomorrow's adventure, or simply enjoy your morning coffee without feeling cramped.

It's built for two adults, meaning the sleeping space is generous, a whole 6.5 x 4.2 ft (200 × 130 cm) generous. Plus, the overall layout feels open thanks to the tent's height and wide doors.

Construction and Weather Protection

Camping in Canada usually means preparing for a little bit of everything. Sunny evenings can turn into snowy, windy nights surprisingly quickly.

The Widesky uses an aluminum hardshell paired with a reinforced aluminum honeycomb floor to create a sturdy platform. The canopy is made from recycled 600D ripstop polyester that's designed to balance durability, breathability, and year-round weather resistance.

Large mesh windows help keep air moving on warmer nights, while mosquito screens keep the less welcome campground visitors outside. The rear rainfly adds another layer of protection when the forecast doesn't quite match your plans.

Features and Design

Some of the nicest features on the Thule Widesky Hardshell Tent are the ones you don't necessarily notice until you're actually camping.

It features dimmable LED lighting that plugs into a power bank or any other USB power source, so you’re not digging around for a headlamp every time you need to find something after dark. The ladder can be mounted on different sides of the tent, which is surprisingly handy depending on how you've parked or what's around your campsite.

There's also an exterior accessory track for adding compatible gear later on, and even the ladder storage bag doubles as an organizer once camp is set up. None of these features are flashy on their own, but together they make the tent feel very well thought out.

Vehicle Compatibility and Important Considerations

As we mentioned before buying any rooftop tent, it's worth spending a few minutes checking your vehicle's specifications.

The Widesky weighs approximately 67 kg and has a static weight capacity of 300 kg. Your vehicle's dynamic roof rating, roof rack system, and crossbar spacing all need to be compatible. The tent requires a minimum crossbar spread of 70 cm for proper installation.

If you're not sure what works with your vehicle, that's one of those questions we're always happy to help answer. Getting the right rack setup from the beginning makes everything easier later.

Other Rooftop Tents Available

The nice thing about Thule's rooftop tent lineup is that there isn't really a one-size-fits-all option. Each model does something a little differently. But keep in mind these are all soft-shelled, so they function a bit differently than the Widesky.

The Thule Tepui Foothill is a favourite for paddlers because of its narrow folded footprint. It leaves room on your roof for a kayak, bike, or cargo box, making it a smart choice if your adventures involve more than just camping.

The Thule Foothill 2 follows a similar philosophy, offering a compact design that's easy to live with while still providing a comfortable place to sleep.

If interior space is your top priority, the Thule Approach is worth a look. It offers a roomy interior that's great for longer trips or anyone who likes having a little extra elbow room.

The Thule Widesky Hardshell Tent sits at the premium end of the lineup, bringing together quick setup, thoughtful features, and a comfortable interior. Plus, it has several different add-ons you can get to really customize it to your liking. Everything from an Anti Condensation Mat to a Rooftop Tent Organizer, to Side Door Rainflys.

Whether it's the right fit really comes down to how you like to travel and camp, but if convenience is high on your list, the Thule Widesky Hardshell Tent is certainly one that's worth considering.