The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

If you’re looking for a daypack, or a carry-on that fits everywhere, this is the deal. I sweated just a bit but not too much since the walk was short (and I didn’t want to sweat after a shower). I did finish my activities very sweetly and was able to walk and hike without carrying anything in my hands.

When all folded up, it takes up about the same amount of space as two t-shirts. Overall, its a great backup to have when traveling, and very inexpensive. Surprisingly, you don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent packpack to get you started.

I can’t imagine loading this up with a lot of bulky, heavy items. I am a 6-foot tall male, weighing 185 lbs and it fits just as well as other day packs I’ve tried. Walmart had a small section of packs and for the most part I was satisfied. I decided to get this one for a light hike I was going to be doing while camping. All told, I’ve had the pack on my back for about 50 miles.

ozark trail backpack

This tent was close to foolproof when it came to the rain fly because it was already connected. In the following paragraphs I share just a few design features that, in my opinion, make this a well-designed product. This is the Russian Doll of ozark trail backpack the bag world, the bag going inside of the bigger bag. It also comes with a removable, drawstring style daypack. However, I have found that bag to be rather small, and instead, keep a collapsible daypack in the bottom of my pack instead.

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. 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. Along the way you’ll cross paths with fewer people than you can count on two hands—just keep an eye ozark trail canopy out for mountain bikers and horseback riders who frequent the multi-use sections of the trail. 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 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. The only thing I might add is a liner for wet days, like a small plastic trash bag.

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. Camp out at the top overnight, catching a glimpse of a full sky of stars if it’s clear. After Middle Fork, head into the 29-mile Karkaghne section, which mixes sweeping wetland prairies and ridge-lined valley views through the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.

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I also like the fact that for my outdoor activities, it’s designed to hold a hydration bladder. It even has a rain cover built in, which is great when I’m riding my bicycle across town on a rainy day. It was one of those planned events in 2020 that was delayed for years, from what else, but the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the trip was three years in the making, the anticipation was doubly intense. Size is perfect for day trips, smaller individuals, and teens.