Size is perfect for day trips, smaller individuals, and teens. Great for hiking in warm weather, thanks to the breathable construction, mesh straps, and hydration bladder hook up. Material is durable and will stand up to heavy duty use. Just about every other daypack I’ve had falls apart under the weight of my books (med school). I also like the fact that for my outdoor activities, it’s designed to hold a hydration bladder.
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 ozark trail canopy instant, but you end up with a small wrapper to carry out. My tastiest morning brew involves using espresso grind coffee and leaves no trash to carry out.
Packing-wise, I chose to line it with a garbage disposal liner. If you need a large pack, or are heading on a days-long adventure, this pack won’t work for you. While this is made of a lightweight water resistant material, it does not have a built in rain flap. If you’re on the trail for several days, toilet paper and a cathole shovel are necessities.
But while spending time in nature, I find its expression most beautiful and abundant. Let’s go on a hike together and talk about optimization. Why would you undertake a deep study of engineering design, or the design process, when you could go about design on your own and learn from your own experience?
I’ve been attempting to drop weight for the past several years, mostly because my knees can’t handle it. My shelters have gotten lighter as have my sleeping system — next in line for a diet was my carry ozark trail backpack system. Funds, however, were non existent and my CFO (i.e. my wife) wouldn’t increase my discretionary fund. Not the best choice for long trips or hikers who need to carry a large amount of gear.
We couldn’t resist a second look at Missouri’s high point as we neared the trailhead. This is a personal choice because I’d rather have some wetness on my lower body and not be sweating and cold all over. I sweat under the best of rain shells when hiking hard in moderately cold temps. The umbrella gives me a little roof to walk under, but it’s not for everybody.
On the last section of this loop, we encountered the same two hikers we’d met the day before at Maramec Spring. I thanked them for recommending the walk down Maramec Branch to the bridge. We’d only met two other hikers on the trail on this cold morning, so I chalked this up as another “small world” experience. I avoid Nalgene bottles because they’re heavy and bulky. Pouch for water storage and it doubles as a pillow filled with air and wrapped in fabric.
Many never think about the actual weight of the pack, but some are close to 5-pounds. Having a fancy suspension system doesn’t reduce the weight your feet and knees are feeling so go as light as possible with the pack. Most ultra-light packs do fine with loads of pounds. Since portions of the Ozark Trail haven’t been built yet, our goal is to walk the finished sections.
I prefer using powdered soup mixes, instant potatoes, and Knorr side dishes as a base with my own dehydrated vegetables and meat added. I purchase dried chicken from Mountain House and add it to most meals. Results are best if I place the chicken and vegetables in water when I first arrive at camp to increase their hydrating time.
At the end of our long walk on Tuesday, darkness dictated that we camp near Bee Fork, so we woke at a low elevation with damp tents. Our first task was to cross the cold and slightly swollen Bee Fork followed by 11 miles before camping at 3 p.m. Before purchasing this pack I used a more traditionally styled, and heavier, backpack for daily walks.