Almost every aspect of owning and operating a camper trailer is tough. They are expensive, a pain to tow, hard to park, hard to store, and still, they may not be everything you’re looking for. However, the Winnebago Hike 100 might change a lot of those pain points. The hike is cheaper, easier, and cooler than most other campers on the market. The Winnebago Hike 100 is one of the best small campers for small trucks and SUVs.

Looking for the best small campers, dig the Winnebago Hike 100

Many companies are trying to sell us on the simple, thoughtless idea of more, more, more. EarthRoamer and other monster overland campers, while cool, is so expensive and overkill that very few will ever own one, much less see one. Although the world tells us we need more and bigger things, there are many advantages to going in the opposite direction. 

Smaller campers are advantageous in so many ways. For one, they tend to be much cheaper. This lower barrier for entry makes the segment more inclusive and more fun. For two, they are easier to tow, park, and maneuver off-road if that’s where you are heading. Lastly, they don’t require a massive, $50,000 pickup truck to move around. These three factors are typically what stands in the way of camper ownership, but the Winnebago Hike 100 has an answer for each stumbling block. 

How much does Winnebago’s small camper cost? 

Since this model is coming in 2022, Winnebago hasn’t announced official pricing yet. However, using other models as a guide, we can probably figure out a reasonable estimation for the cost of the best small camper. 

The regular Winnebago Hike is about twice the size of the Hike 100, and that model starts at $29,605. While even that isn’t a crazy price for a 20+-feet-long camper trailer, the Hike 100 comes in at just under 16 ft, toe to tip. Given its dramatic size difference, Gear Patrol guesses that the Hike 100 could start as low as $25,000 but could be even cheaper. 

Are smaller campers easier to park and tow? 

Of course! This is one of the biggest benefits of going with a small camper like the Winnebago Hike 100. Only weighing 3,000 pounds; basically, anything with a tow hitch can handle towing the Hike 100. While this camper is crazy lightweight and very approachable, always make sure you understand the limits of your vehicle before towing anything. 

Aside from it being super light and easy to pull, small campers make the ins and outs of towing much less of a headache. Even though the Hike 100 is 16x7ft, it is still a full-blown camper. 

The interior is perfectly sized for a couple and maybe a couple of critters (dogs or kids). That being said, the Hike 100 is really meant as more of a base camp for outdoor activities. The Hike 100 features awnings on three sides, delivering shade from sun and rain to more than 200 square feet of extra space around the trailer, shielding the outdoor kitchen nook, door, and storage access points. The awnings also reconfigure to become a changing room or privacy partition for the outdoor shower, should you feel like cleaning off outside. Not only is this feature cool, but it’s also practical in adding tons of extra useable space for the tiny camper. 

A small truck or SUV can easily handle the Winnebago Hike 100

As I mentioned earlier, this camper is small and lightweight. This means that you don’t have to figure out how to move it around. Most small trucks and SUVs can easily handle 3,000lbs. 

Winnebago made the most of the tiny platform by using good taste and creativity. Even in this tiny camper, Winnebago managed to squeeze a queen-size bed in the back with a smaller loft bed above that can also be used as a storage compartment. If this layout isn’t to your liking, don’t sweat it, there are plenty more. The Winnebago Hike 100 offers many optional floor plans like dining areas with drop-down beds, bunk bed/dinette combinations, couch/Murphy bed combos, and loft bed/drop-down bed combinations. 

Although the Hike 100 has tons of features like a full wet bathroom, it doesn’t have a true kitchen. The only cooking device it has is a microwave instead of a usual range top and oven.

You gotta love a small camper

There are a few downsides to a small camper, but overall, smaller camper trailers are easier to work with, cost less, are more maneuverable, easier to park, better looking, easier to store, and the list goes on. 

As always, when it comes to campers, the only real rule is that you have to decide what’s best for you and your needs. If you don’t need a massive camper that sleeps six, why pay for it and subject yourself to the hassle of towing and parking such a rig? Small campers are the best campers, and the Winnebago Hike 100 is one of the best small campers for small trucks and SUVs.