CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier
#9 in Soft shellFull review
A three person soft shell with a 71 x 94 in floor and an optional annex, for small families on longer trips. At 198 lb it needs a strong roof rack.
CVT $2,399$2,399
The CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier is the better tent overall, rated 3.4 to 3.2. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier leads on value and comfort. The Thule Approach 2 L wins on weight. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier costs $1,200.95 less ($2,399 vs $3,599.95).
Thule Approach 2 L
#14 in Soft shellFull review
A family sized soft shell from a big rack brand, with quick mounting and a low folded height. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Amazon $3,599.95$3,599.95
Prices 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.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier for value ($51.76 per sq ft of bed ($2,399, 46.3 sq ft) vs $81.44 per sq ft of bed ($3,599.95, 44.2 sq ft)) and comfort (3 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated, 2 skylights vs 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated).
- Choose the Thule Approach 2 L for weight (150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) vs 198 lb for 46.3 sq ft of bed (4.3 lb per sq ft)).
Scores side by side
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. Rainier | Thule Approach 2 L |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 30% | 61 $51.76 per sq ft of bed ($2,399, 46.3 sq ft) | 28 $81.44 per sq ft of bed ($3,599.95, 44.2 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 49 198 lb for 46.3 sq ft of bed (4.3 lb per sq ft) | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 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 | 32 2.4 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated |
| Warranty 15% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier | Thule Approach 2 L | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 | 4 |
| Mattress | 71 x 94 in | 67 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 46.3 sq ft | 44.2 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | 3 in | 2.4 in |
| Skylights | 2 | - |
| Built-in lights | No | - |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 320G ripstop canvas | 100% recycled 600D polyester ripstop |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | - |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 198 lb | 150 lb |
| Closed size | - | 49 x 72 x 11 in |
| Open size | 125 x 71.5 x 49 in | 96 x 72 x 40 in |
| Closed height | - | 11 in |
| Static load | - | 660 lb |
| Ladder | - | 102.4 in |
| Setup time (maker) | 8 min | 3 min |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Released | 2025-04 | - |