The CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali is the better tent overall, rated 3.3 to 3.1. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali leads on warranty, value and comfort. The Tuff Stuff Elite wins on weight. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali costs $126 less ($2,899 vs $3,025).
CVT’s biggest soft shell, sleeping four on an 86 x 94 in floor, for families who camp off a truck or trailer rack. At 262 lb it needs a heavy duty rack and a vehicle rated for the load.
CVT $2,899One of the biggest soft shells sold, for families of four or five with a full size truck or SUV on a heavy duty rack. The included annex adds a second room.
Amazon $3,025Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every soft shell tent; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali | Tuff Stuff Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.3/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 61 $51.64 per sq ft of bed ($2,899, 56.1 sq ft) | 51 $58.93 per sq ft of bed ($3,025, 51.3 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 38 262 lb for 56.1 sq ft of bed (4.7 lb per sq ft) | 63 194 lb for 51.3 sq ft of bed (3.8 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 57 3 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated, 2 skylights | 42 2.8 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Denali | Tuff Stuff Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 4 | 5 |
| Mattress | 86 x 94 in | 77 x 96 in |
| Bed area | 56.1 sq ft | 51.3 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 3 in | 2.8 in |
| Skylights | 2 | - |
| Built-in lights | No | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 320G ripstop canvas | 280 g cotton/poly rip stop; 420D oxford PU coated rainfly |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | Included |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 262 lb | 194 lb |
| Closed size | - | 79 x 48 x 16 in |
| Open size | 125 x 87 x 49 in | 79 x 96 x 52 in |
| Closed height | - | 16 in |
| Static load | - | 800 lb |
| Setup time (maker) | 8 min | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year |
| Released | 2025-04 | - |
