If you’re simply going to the beach or other destination where you won’t be carrying very far, you can prioritize other features over comfort. Because backpack coolers are a type of soft cooler, many use open-cell foam because it’s more flexible while still insulating, though not as well as the closed-cell foam of a hard cooler. However, there are a few backpack coolers that do use closed-cell foam. Closed-cell insulates better but generally costs and weighs more, so be sure you’re willing to pay literally and figuratively for the increased performance. The Hiking Backpack Eagle bag is our top choice for the best Ozark Trail backpack.
The abrasion-resistant material held up well in our lab testing, and the waterproof material kept liquids from falling in or out of the pack. With access to the Ozark Trail available year-round, hikers will need to prepare differently for each season. Ozark springs see a lot of rain and varied temperatures; Ozark summers tend to be hot, muggy, and wet; Ozark winters can drop below freezing.
Some hikers may choose to continue on Trace Creek to the Taum Sauk section, but OT thru-hikers should head west onto Middle Fork/John Roth Memorial section to complete the longer route. This hilly 26-mile segment gains over 2,600 feet of elevation over a contoured landscape crossing brooks, streams, and wetlands, as well as small savannahs of oak and hickory hardwoods. Camp at Highway DD trailhead near the section’s start or Harper Spring around the 15 mile-mark. While this is made of a lightweight water resistant material, it does not have a built in rain flap. This roomy and practical backpack works well for a multi-day hike.
Physically check in by filling out a backpacking card at dedicated trailheads. Also, learn the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” to keep the backcountry beautiful. One of the best parts of backpacking is settling around a campfire and enjoying a hot dinner after a long day of hiking. You may find it helpful to make a list ozark trail canopy of meals for each day you are out on the trail to ensure that you are not over- or under-packing for your trip. Exploring Missouri’s scenic Ozark backcountry is one of the best reasons to head out on the trail. The Ozark Trail Association marks and improves the trail and ensures backpacking campsites are well maintained.
We particularly like the double compartments of this pack, making it ideal for overnights in the wilderness. And because of its total waterproofness and heavy-duty puncture-resistant outer, we’d have no hesitations taking this on a boat, kayak, or SUP. I’ve had this pack for 2 years and I’ve beaten the living daylights out of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it. I don’t make it a habit of buying my gear from Walmart, but this was a excellent purchase. I use this pack on a daily basis to carry my office clothes while I ride my bike to work and to carry light loads while out Geocaching.
This pack has a lot of extra storage pockets for organization of your gear. Our testers loved the very light weight and ease of carrying the Igloo Pursuit 24-Can cooler. In particular, they enjoyed the padding on the back and straps and how not bulky the pack was, especially compared to others ozark trail backpack tested. Igloo uses a durable and water-repellent outer material yet somehow keeps the weight of this pack down to just 2 pounds. While the double-compartment organization of this pack is fantastic, our smaller testers didn’t like how bulky and wide the straps were on their shoulders.
We were also impressed by the waterproofness of the cooler, mainly how it holds moisture inside. Walmart says it uses a Microban lining to help waterproof it, and resist odors and stains. A welded, waterproof exterior is puncture- and UV ray-resistant.
Just be prepared to face changing weather conditions out in the wilderness. Water sources like rivers and streams may only be available seasonally. OT maps are a great resource to help identify places where you can access water. Whether you’re planning an epic thru-hike or an out-and-back weekend excursion, this guide will help you get started on your Missouri adventure. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.