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 3.1. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier leads on warranty, value and comfort. The Tuff Stuff Elite wins on weight. The CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier costs $626 less ($2,399 vs $3,025).
Tuff Stuff Elite
#17 in Soft shellFull review
One 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 $3,025$3,025
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 warranty (2-year warranty vs 1-year warranty), value ($51.76 per sq ft of bed ($2,399, 46.3 sq ft) vs $58.93 per sq ft of bed ($3,025, 51.3 sq ft)) and comfort (3 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated, 2 skylights vs 2.8 in mattress, anti-condensation mat not stated).
- Choose the Tuff Stuff Elite for weight (194 lb for 51.3 sq ft of bed (3.8 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 | Tuff Stuff Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 61 $51.76 per sq ft of bed ($2,399, 46.3 sq ft) | 51 $58.93 per sq ft of bed ($3,025, 51.3 sq ft) |
| Weight 20% | 49 198 lb for 46.3 sq ft of bed (4.3 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 |
Specifications
| CVT Pioneer Mt. Rainier | Tuff Stuff Elite | |
|---|---|---|
| Sleeping | ||
| Shell | Soft shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 | 5 |
| Mattress | 71 x 94 in | 77 x 96 in |
| Bed area | 46.3 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 | 198 lb | 194 lb |
| Closed size | - | 79 x 48 x 16 in |
| Open size | 125 x 71.5 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 | - |