Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 from Thule - rooftop tent brings compact overlanding comfort to US SUVs

By Daniel Foster, ad hoc news New Launch Desk. Reviewed June 30, 2026, 12:09 PM ET. Details in the imprint.

The Thule Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 is the kind of rooftop tent you first notice in a grocery store parking lot, folded like a low gray box above a dusty Subaru Outback. A ladder clicks down, fabric smells faintly like a new backpack, and two kids peer out from the zippered window.

What the Ayer 2 actually is

Thule positions the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 as a compact, soft-shell rooftop tent for up to two people, designed to mount on standard aftermarket roof racks and crossbars. It targets US customers who want camping comfort without towing a trailer or buying a larger truck.

On Thule’s official product page, the Explorer Ayer 2 is listed with a sleeping footprint of about 84 x 48 inches and an approximate weight in the 100 pound range, which keeps it within the roof-load limits of many crossovers and mid-size SUVs. The tent’s soft shell folds into a PVC travel cover for highway use.

Materials and weather protection

The Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 uses a polyester-cotton tent fabric with UV protection and a separate rainfly, a setup aimed at handling typical three-season camping, including mild rain and chilly nights. Thule specifies the fabric as 260g polyester cotton and notes coated seams to combat water ingress.

Inside, the tent includes a high-density foam mattress with a removable cover, which feels closer to a firm futon than a typical inflatable pad when you press a knee into it in a showroom. Windows and doors use mesh panels to limit bugs while still allowing airflow on hot evenings.

Fit with US vehicles and racks

For US buyers, compatibility with existing roof racks is a core issue. Thule notes the Explorer Ayer 2 works with many Thule and other-brand crossbars as long as dynamic and static weight limits of the vehicle roof are respected. That makes it relevant for owners of popular SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

In a typical REI or specialty rack store, staff will emphasize weight and bar spread—how far apart the crossbars sit—before they’ll recommend mounting the Ayer 2 on a smaller crossover. One Denver-based rack installer, Mark Jensen, tells customers to “treat the tent like a person on the roof” when reading load labels, including when snow or gear is added.

US availability, pricing and retail presence

Thule sells the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 directly in the US through its online store and via outdoor retailers, including chains like REI Co-op and regionally focused rack specialists. The rooftop tent segment has become a visible part of their merchandising, often showcased on a lifted pickup at the front of the store.

While exact pricing can shift with promotions, Thule and major retailers generally list the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 in the roughly mid-range rooftop tent bracket, below larger Explorer models but above entry-level car camping setups like standard ground tents. Buyers are encouraged to check current online and in-store pricing for precise figures.

Rooftop tent vs ground tent experience

On a practical level, the Ayer 2 is about changing how you camp. Climbing the aluminum ladder at dusk, shoes crunch on the rungs and then brush against the fabric as you swing into the tent. The view is different: above the mud, a bit closer to the tree line.

Compared with a ground tent, the rooftop concept offers a more level sleeping surface once installed, since the mattress sits on the tent’s platform rather than uneven dirt or gravel. Many US owners appreciate that they can keep gear packed inside the tent when folded, reducing time packing and unpacking between sites.

Setup, takedown and day-to-day use

Thule describes the setup process for the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 as straightforward: you remove the PVC cover, unfold the tent using the ladder, then install the rainfly and guy lines as needed. In practice, it often takes a new owner 15 to 30 minutes the first few attempts, then less once they memorize the routine.

Takedown means reversing the process, refolding fabric and ensuring nothing pinches between the hinges. Owners on US overlanding forums report that the first truly windy night or unexpected frost tests whether the fly and guy lines were correctly installed, pushing some to refine their setup technique on the next trip.

Comfort for two people

The mattress footprint is sized for two adults, though the tent works best if at least one occupant is comfortable with a slightly narrower bed than a standard queen. Shoulder-to-shoulder, there’s enough room for two sleeping bags and a small duffel at the feet.

Ventilation comes from mesh windows on multiple sides, with zippered fabric panels when colder temperatures arrive. On a warm August night in Utah, you can unzip the side windows, feel the breeze slide through, and hear camp neighbors in ground tents below, while your own gear sits locked in the vehicle.

Durability, fabric care and maintenance

Because rooftop tents live outside the car’s cabin, UV exposure and weather cycles matter more than for indoor gear. Thule advises owners to dry the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 fully before long-term storage and avoid extended exposure to strong sun when not in use. That’s standard advice for polycotton tents.

Zippers, ladder joints and mounting hardware need occasional inspection, especially after rough forest roads or highway speeds with crosswinds. Many experienced rooftop tent users keep a small kit of silicone zipper lubricant, spare bolts and adjustment tools in the car, a habit that makes short work of minor issues.

How this fits into Thule’s strategy

Thule Group has been systematically expanding from roof racks and cargo boxes into broader outdoor lifestyle products, including rooftop tents through its acquisition of Tepui. The Ayer 2 sits at the smaller end of the Explorer range, a way for the company to reach owners of lighter vehicles and urban SUVs.

In Thule’s investor presentations, the outdoor and car-camping segment is described as a growth area, tied to travel and recreation trends that include “micro-adventures” and weekend trips rather than long expeditions. Products like the Ayer 2 align with that narrative: more comfort than a basic tent, without the cost of a dedicated RV.

Stock context for US-focused readers

For retail investors watching the outdoor equipment market, the Tepui Explorer Ayer 2 is one piece in Thule Group’s larger portfolio, alongside bike racks, cargo carriers and child trailers. Thule Group stock is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm (STO: THULE, ISIN SE0007158910) in Swedish kronor and has no US ADR.

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information is provided without warranty; prices and availability may change at short notice. Not investment advice and not a buy or sell recommendation. Securities trading carries risks up to total loss.