Since portions of the Ozark Trail haven’t been built yet, our goal is to walk the finished sections. We began working our way from south to north with the Eleven Point, Between the Rivers, and Current River sections. For this hike, we’ll continue north on the Blair Creek, Karkaghen, and Middle Fork John Roth sections. If you need a large pack, or are heading on a days-long adventure, this pack won’t work for you. While this pack may not be big enough to carry all the gear you need for longer treks, it offers many of the features you would want at a good price.
This pack fits me fine and is very comfortable for lightweight loads. I use it as a day pack when doing multi-day hikes. It’s light enough ozark trail canopy that I don’t mind putting it in my backpack and it takes up almost no space at all. And on summit day, I sure am glad I have a daypack!
Make sure to let a friend or family member know what you’re doing and where you’re going. Tell someone how many days you’ll be gone and approximately where you think you’ll stay each night. Physically check in by filling out a backpacking card at dedicated trailheads.
For day hikes this is just as good as (and lighter than) my Osprey Daylite that retails for almost four times more. I carried this daypack back n forth on a trail to the shower while camping. The bag stayed in place on my back using the sternum strap. At 35 liters, this pack is perfect for day trips or for hikers who don’t need to carry a lot of gear on the trails. Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items.
Also included are side profile daisy chains for carrying items externally. This pack was also designed for maximum comfort. It is made with a low-profile adjustable sternum strap to help you get the perfect fit and air-mesh padded shoulder straps and back panel for comfortable carrying without a frame. It is also hydration compatible and comes with an included 2L reservoir so you can stay hydrated on the trails. It’s hard to guess which kids will take to hiking like a fish to water and which ones will beg off.
Consider bringing waterproof shoes and treating your clothes ahead of time with permethrin to repel insects. In the colder seasons insulating layers are a must, and a good rain shell for you and rain fly for your tent are necessary year-round. If you’re searching east of the Rockies for stunning scenery, technical terrain, and a long hike option sans the AT crowds, this is your pick. Of course it has no side water holsters, or lid pocket, or hipbelt strap, but I think that all contributes to its low weight. For the water bottles I just use Platypus .5 liter and 1 liter flat style bottles, which you can fit in the main body of the pack on top of your other gear.
Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top daypacks. It’s a working document that I update from time to time. Get your questions about the Ozark Trail 10L Backpacking Daypack answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more. On the small side, so it won’t work for hikers who need a spacious pack.
I tried actually sewing one on, but I don’t have the right size buckle to go with the strap, so might won’t hold tight. I might actually pick up another for my son to use. I also use a Marmot 20 liter pack which does have a thin hipbelt, but it is more limited space-wise and weighs a couple of ounces more. My shoulders did not chafe nor rub or irritate while walking and I did not get any bruising on my hips.
I cut post-it notes into strips and stick them to the map where I think we might camp. I move them around while planning, sometimes ozark trail backpack even after changes are made while on the trail. I sometimes enjoy not knowing exactly where we’ll stop to spend the night.
We’ve scouted the best routes, from easy day hikes to epic overnight bike-packing.Find detailed itineraries, directions, and maps right here. Be aware, this is a daypack, intended for lighter loads and shorter distances. It isn’t built to be on your back 8 hours a day, and it won’t support 25 pounds. Used for its intended purpose, this is one of the best hiking/backpacking deals I’ve ever come across.