While much of the trail is under shaded tree canopy, you’ll still want to use sunscreen to prevent any burns. Just be prepared to face changing weather conditions out in the wilderness. Whether you’re planning an epic thru-hike or an out-and-back weekend excursion, this guide will help you get started on your Missouri adventure.
Many higher quality tents could cost 3 or 4 times that amount. Usually I share a 2- or 3-person tent when backpacking with others to split up the weight, but as mentioned we each needed to be self-contained so I brought my 1-person tent from Ozark Trail. 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. I sweated just a bit but not too much since the walk was short (and I didn’t want to sweat after a shower).
It even has a rain cover built in, which is great when I’m riding my bicycle across town on a rainy day. 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 of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it.
Physically check in by filling out a backpacking card at dedicated trailheads. Also, learn the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” to keep the backcountry beautiful. Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to sweltering afternoons. Pack rain gear to stay warm and dry, and consider bringing one set of clothes to change into at camp as well as one or two sets of clothes for hiking.
And yes again, the Ozark Trail G.1 Explorer is only available in two sizes. Apparently inspired by Kenda’s Booster Pros, the tires handled pavement commuting well. However, between myself, ozark trail chair camera equipment, racks, bags, fishing gear, and more, I’d be pushing 265 pounds on the trail. The soft sidewalls would need extra pressure to keep from bottoming out on rough descents.
The R&D team at Wilson put their minds together and came up with a pretty ingenious design. 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.
This article presents an idea that has high influenced my way of thinking about design. The article is centered on ideation and focuses primarily on how to do it well. It introduces the concept of design space, design exploration, and the trade off curve. I saw this pack at Wally World and figured, $19 for a 28-liter pack, I’d give it a shot. If it doesn’t suit my needs, one of my daughters would be able to use it.
Specifically designed for the demands of long distance backpacking, the award-winning Duplex hits the sweet spot when it comes to size, weight, and features. The Free Zip provides the versatility of a freestanding tent with all the benefits of an ultralight shelter made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric. It is truly a go-to tent for just about any backpacking trip.
Water sources like rivers and streams may only be available seasonally. OT maps are a great resource to help identify places where you can access water. Bring enough water for your trip or a way to purify water to make it safe to drink. Many of the creeks and streams look crystal clear, but it’s still smart to make sure any impurities are removed with pumps or tablets before drinking. The Explorer has the range for bikepacking through the mild hill country and unloaded rides through moderately steep terrain. But the approach to the Ozarks’ White Rock mountain wasn’t moderate.
Once done, neither worked smoothly (and the former stayed rather noisy), but they were reliable. Growing weaker and running low on patches, I made a game call. The last 200 miles would detour along a mix ozark trail canopy of paved and harder-packed gravel roads closer to highways. Flats became a nonissue without larger jagged stones to bottom out the tires. It also made economic sense, which aligns with the Walmart brand.