Are Pop-Up Trailers right for Your Pack?

We’re Jess and Maddy, along with our two dogs—together, we make up Our Wandering Pack. After feeling burnt out from our nonprofit careers, we decided it was time to prioritize our joy and spend more of our life outdoors. Part of that decision led us to a world of RVs and trailers. In the process, we spent DAYS researching the options, and now we’d like to share what we’ve learned with your pack!

Our Wandering Pack includes Dakota a yellow lab that was gotten from a farm in Kentucky during the Covid-19 Pandemic. She has been a staple in our pack for four years. This means she was here for all of our OG car camping days! She would THRIVE in a pop-up trailer… as long as the rest of the pack wasn’t tagging along too!

Pop-up trailers are a unique and budget-friendly way to explore the great outdoors. If you’re curious about how a pop-up trailer might fit into your pack’s next adventure, keep reading!

What Is a Pop-Up Trailer?

A pop-up trailer (also called a tent trailer) is a small, towable RV with collapsible walls and a roof that “pops up” once you’re at your campsite. When collapsed, it’s compact and easy to tow; when expanded, it offers cozy living and sleeping space. It’s kind of like a hybrid between tent camping and RVing, which makes it a perfect introduction to the RV lifestyle for your pack.

**Why Your Pack Might Love a Pop-Up Trailer**

Lightweight & Easy to Tow
- Unlike heavier travel trailers or fifth wheels, pop-ups can often be towed by smaller SUVs or crossovers. This opens the door for your pack if you’re not ready (or able) to invest in a large tow vehicle.
Budget-Friendly
- Pop-ups are typically more affordable than larger RVs, making them an attractive option for packs on a tighter budget.
Closer to Nature
- With canvas sides and screen windows, you can hear the crickets at night and enjoy the fresh air—without fully roughing it in a tent.
Small Storage Footprint
- When folded, pop-ups take up relatively little space, which can be a big plus if your pack has limited driveway or garage room.

Types of Pop-Up Trailers

Classic Tent Trailers
- These have canvas sides that fold down over a hard base. They’re lightweight, budget-friendly, and give that authentic “camping under the stars” vibe.
High-Wall Pop-Ups
- These feature taller walls and more interior cabinetry, offering a bit more kitchen counter space and storage for your pack.
A-Frame Pop-Ups
- Instead of canvas, these pop-ups have hard side walls that fold into an A-shape. They’re sturdier, more weather-resistant, and often include better insulation and security.

Pros and Cons of Pop-Up Trailers

Pros:

Easy Towing: Ideal for smaller vehicles and new towers.
Lower Cost: Great for packs looking to enter the RV world without a huge investment.
Compact Storage: Convenient at home and in tighter campsites.
Nature Connection: You can enjoy fresh air and the sounds of the outdoors.

Cons:

Set-Up Time: While not complicated, raising and lowering a pop-up can still take more time than just parking a hard-sided trailer.
Weather Sensitivity: Canvas sides can let in moisture, cold, and heat more easily than hard walls.
Limited Amenities: Smaller kitchen areas, fewer appliances, and sometimes no built-in bathroom.
Durability: Over time, canvas can wear out or become damaged.

**Why Our Wandering Pack Didn’t Choose a Pop-Up Trailer**

As much as we appreciate the simplicity and affordability of pop-up trailers, we decided they weren’t the perfect fit for Our Wandering Pack. With two dogs and our plans for full-time RV living, we wanted a more robust space that required minimal set-up. However, if we were looking for an easy way to camp on weekends or during short trips, a pop-up might have been a serious contender!

**Is a Pop-Up Trailer Right for Your Pack?**

Consider these questions if you’re thinking about a pop-up trailer:

Vehicle Capacity: Do you have (or are you willing to buy) a tow vehicle that can handle a pop-up?
Budget: Pop-ups are a great budget-friendly option, but factor in upgrades like a portable bathroom or additional storage if you need them.
Camping Style: If your pack loves being close to nature but wants a bit more comfort than a tent, a pop-up could be perfect.
Frequency of Travel: For occasional weekend getaways or seasonal trips, pop-ups are great. For full-time living, you might find them less comfortable.

Conclusion

Pop-up trailers offer an accessible, budget-friendly, and nature-centric way for your pack to explore the open road. If you’re craving more of a “camping” experience without sacrificing all the comforts of an RV, pop-ups could be your ideal match.

Have you or someone in your pack tried out a pop-up trailer? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Leave us a comment or question below to keep the conversation going.

From Our Wandering Pack to yours—enjoy the Adventures, Friendship, & the Road Ahead!

-Maddy&Jess

Our Wandering Pack