CVT Pioneer Mt. Shasta
#16 in Soft shellFull review
A slightly wider two person Pioneer for couples who want elbow room and the option of an annex. It is heavy for its size, so check the roof load before buying.
CVT $1,999$1,999
3.1/5
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile, for $300 less than the Approach 2 M.
- 3Sleeps
- 51 x 95 inBed
- 128 lbWeight
Check price at Amazon$2,699.95
Price checked October 31, 2026. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros
- A 95 x 51 in bed fits two adults with room to spare, or three at a squeeze
- Lockable mounting brackets with a torque limiting tool make fitting and removing it quicker
- Folds to 11 in tall, so it adds little wind noise and height
- Thule sells an annex, awning and anti condensation mat made for it
Cons
- At 128 lb, check that the roof and rack are rated for it while driving
- Costs far more than budget soft shells of the same bed size
- Thule publishes no waterproof rating or warranty term for it
The Thule Approach family
Every Thule Approach model we rank, smallest first. Ratings compare each against its own type.
| Model | Sleeps | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Approach S | 2 | 2.9/5 | $2,299.95 |
| Thule Approach M (this one) | 3 | 3.1/5 | $2,699.95 |
| Thule Approach L | 4 | 3.6/5 | $2,239.96 |
How it scores
The rating comes from 5 measured or published factors, each scored 0-100 against fixed reference points for its type. How we rank explains each one.
Specifications
| Model number | Approach M (901039) |
|---|---|
| Sleeping | |
| Shell | Soft shell |
| Opens | Folds out |
| Sleeps | 3 |
| Mattress | 51 x 95 in |
| Bed area | 33.6 sq ft |
| Anti-condensation mat | No |
| Weather | |
| Fabric | 600D polyester ripstop |
| Season rating | 4 season |
| Annex | Optional |
| On the vehicle | |
| Weight | 128 lb |
| Closed size | 49 x 56 x 11 in |
| Open size | 95 x 56 x 40 in |
| Closed height | 11 in |
| Static load | 660 lb |
| Setup time (maker) | 3 min |
Alternatives in this type
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
Thule Approach 2 M
#19 in Soft shellFull review
A polished, easy to mount soft shell for two adults who want a big bed and a low folded profile. It costs far more than budget tents with the same bed.
Amazon $2,999.95$2,999.95
Compare
Compare the Thule Approach M with any other tent →
More from Thule: every Thule product ranked.