The Ozark Trail (OT) is one of America’s premier distance hiking trails. Mostly divided into linked sections, the trail winds through 390 miles of rolling hills, stone bluffs and cool streams in central and southern Missouri. I’ve had this pack for 2 years and I’ve beaten the living daylights out ozark trail backpack 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.
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.
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 ozark trail chair 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.
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.
It’s kind of a standing joke with me and my blue bag in Peru, Europe etc… I love it and for $17 at Walmart it is still my go-to bag for the last 10 years. While much of the trail is under shaded tree canopy, you’ll ozark trail backpack still want to use sunscreen to prevent any burns. Browse Ozark Trail’s top-rated backpacks and more. If you’re running a script or application, please register or sign in with your developer credentials here.
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. Camp out at the top overnight, catching a glimpse of a full sky of stars if it’s clear. I’ve carried it in bad weather, including rain and snow.
Whatever you use should be placed in your trash bag and carried out. I use an empty coffee bag for trash because it’s light and can be folded down to the size needed. At the end of the trip, the bag goes into the trash. Super lightweight yet has a 40-liter capacity. Size is perfect for day trips, smaller individuals, and teens.
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.
I drooled over all the lightweight packs from the major manufacturers for a few years. There’s no way I can justify paying five times more for something that might carry just as well. I plan to pick up another if/when this one wears out. All told, I’ve had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. Keeping the load under 15 pounds seems to be the key.
My glucose meter and keys went in the small outside pocket. I did instantly notice the difference of carrying a lighter bag. I also don’t really prefer single compartment stuff bags, but, this works for what I need. Determining when and where water will be available is part of route planning. Monitoring rain in the area you’re going to hike and contacting locals can help you determine if smaller creeks might act as water sources. Last fall when hiking dry sections of the Ouachita Trail, we planted water caches for insurance, but this involved driving to pick up empty jugs after the trip.