Backpacking stoves are a convenient way to boil water for dehydrated meals and instant coffee without adding a lot of weight to your pack. It’s a working document that I update from time to time. I must interject a note about coffee here as I consider it essential! I sometimes use Mount Hagen instant, but you end up with a small wrapper to carry out.
The stitching wasn’t as good as the premium brand but, it was still a well-built bag that should last if I didn’t over stuff it. We’ve scouted the best routes, from easy day hikes to epic overnight bike-packing.Find detailed itineraries, directions, and maps right here. While this pack won’t work for everyone, it’s a practical size for day trips, light travelers, and kids.
I was fitted for a 45-liter bag since I needed to carry camera equipment, extra socks, knee sleeves, and extra supplies my wife didn’t need to deal with. 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.
Every pound does add up and if you cut the weight down by 5+ lbs. Then it’s worth it for me to have a smaller bag. ozark trail backpack Super lightweight yet has a 40-liter capacity. Size is perfect for day trips, smaller individuals, and teens.
The easy access pockets (really just give you access to the main pack) I keep an extra pair of knee sleeves and socks. Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight. I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. Fit and finish were pretty good — no loose seams or stitching. Stitches appeared evenly spaced and of uniform distance from the fabric edges.
Wetlands give way to ridgelines at the start of the Blair Creek section. The 26-mile route follows Blair Creek south as it carves down a valley through oak-hickory-pine forest before merging with the emerald waters of the Current River. Here the 30-mile Current River section picks up, following the river for two miles before veering south toward Stegall Mountain. Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain.
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. Before purchasing this pack I used a more traditionally styled, and heavier, backpack for daily walks. I recently attended a seminar that explained the major difference of carrying lighter gear while outdoors. Here’s another AWESOME thing about the Ozark Trail Atka day pack.