Thule Approach L
#5 in Soft shellFull review
A family sized soft shell with quick mounting and a low folded height, on sale for much less than the Approach 2 L. Check the roof and rack ratings, as it weighs 150 lb.
Thule $2,239.96$2,239.96
The Thule Approach L is the better tent overall, rated 3.6 to 3.4. The Thule Approach L leads on weight. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier wins on comfort. The Thule Approach L costs $159.04 less ($2,239.96 vs $2,399).
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
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 Thule Approach 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)).
- Choose the CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier for comfort (3 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated, 2 skylights vs mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat).
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 | Thule Approach L | CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 62 $50.68 per sq ft of bed ($2,239.96, 44.2 sq ft) | 61 $51.76 per sq ft of bed ($2,399, 46.3 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 74 150 lb for 44.2 sq ft of bed (3.4 lb per sq ft) | 49 198 lb for 46.3 sq ft of bed (4.3 lb per sq ft) |
| Weather 20% | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season | 62 waterproof rating not published, 4 season |
| Comfort 15% | 38 mattress thickness not published, no anti-condensation mat | 57 3 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated, 2 skylights |
| Warranty 15% | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) | 25 2-year warranty |
Specifications
| Thule Approach L | CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 4 | 3 |
| Mattress | 67 x 95 in | 71 x 94 in |
| Bed area | 44.2 sq ft | 46.3 sq ft |
| Mattress thickness | - | 3 in |
| Anti-condensation mat | No | - |
| Skylights | - | 2 |
| Built-in lights | - | No |
| Weather | ||
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop | 320G ripstop canvas |
| Season rating | 4 season | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional | Optional |
| On the vehicle | ||
| Weight | 150 lb | 198 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 72 x 11 in | - |
| Open size | 96 x 72 x 40 in | 125 x 71.5 x 49 in |
| Closed height | 11 in | - |
| Static load | 660 lb | - |
| Setup time (maker) | - | 8 min |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Released | - | 2025-04 |