How To: Backpack the Ozark Trail

(For ones that did not come with a recommendation, we filled them with cans and ice in a ratio that a user realistically would choose). Once filled with ice and cans of beverages, we let them sit for a while. We also let them sit overnight, and then took a temperature reading at 24 hours after filling to see how they would hold up for an entire day (for purposes of camping or other extended activity). Carhartt uses its classic 1200-denier polyester and some proprietary durable water repellent to boost the durability of this pack.

The next section along Trace Creek is an enjoyable, quiet walk in the woods. 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.

Keep an eye out for a short spur trail between Sutton Bluff campground and Highway TT which leads to Grasshopper Hollow, the largest fen (peat-forming wetland) in non-glaciated North America. We stand by our high-quality products and your satisfaction is guaranteed. 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.

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 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 trail chair 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. What’s more, the OT offers many things to see and experience for both seasoned and first-time backpackers.

We also found we could actually pack the claimed 24 cans with room for ice. Walmart claims the cooler will hold ice for days and our testing proved that’s likely in most conditions (we have not tested it in extreme heat yet). Our testers were impressed by how intact the ice remained after a few hours, especially compared to other more expensive coolers.

When my bag got wet from a few rides, it easily and quickly dried because of its thin material, I really liked that. The bag has one large compartment and then a smaller one on the front/side. Overall this is a great small bag ozark trail backpack to take along with you. I like how you can put water bottles and snacks in the main compartment and cell phone/wallet in the smaller one, so you don’t have to worry about them getting covered in crumbs or spilled water.