Always treat any water for drinking and cooking along the trail. Specific water sources are indicated on Ozark Trail online and printed maps. I backpack in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada.
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 ozark trail chairs can stay hydrated on the trails. This pack fits me fine and is very comfortable for lightweight loads. It’s light enough 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!
Have backup plans in case of gear and equipment failures. “Park services all but abandoned trail maintenance because of COVID. Ticks were unavoidable given the amount of growth encroaching on the trail,” she said.
The 38-degree air temperature actually felt good, perhaps more so since I knew the sun was about to warm up my 16-mile trek to Klepzig Mill. I am a 6-foot tall male, weighing 185 lbs and it fits just as well as other day packs I’ve tried. For the second overnight hike in which I used the pack, I left the hammock at home and stuffed an REI Stratus insulated pad and lightweight bivy inside. I was a little concerned with how the straps would distribute weight. Prior to taking it out on the trail, I did give it two coats of silicone spray so that it would shed water.
I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. Not the best choice for long trips or hikers who need to carry a large amount of gear. A great pack for day hikes, hunting and weekend camping. While this is made of a lightweight water resistant material, it does not have a built in rain flap.
Furthermore, I didn’t plan on being in the tent other than during the nights, so a roomier but heavier 1-person tent wasn’t desirable. The weather was going to be great and the hammock was where I wanted to be during the restful moments of the day. Drinking water is a serious consideration for any thru-hike. Even at the driest part of the year, there are many water sources on the OT, but it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items. With the added height of an inflatable pillow and sleeping pad my head height was indeed close to the curvature of the tent ceiling but there was still enough room. I did have a few inches along the edge for some clothes, a water bottle, and a headlamp, but that could have been made wider with a narrower sleeping pad.