Ozark Trail Himont Backpack: A Value-Driven Pack for Camping, Hiking, and More

My shoulders did not chafe nor rub or irritate while walking and I did not get any bruising on my hips. I only walked about a mile away on a dirt trail to the showers but it was not a flat surface and the equiptment on my back was stable. Fast and easy to adjust and all buckles and webbing are in good quality. All told, I’ve had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. I really wanted to use it for our fall two-nighter on the AT, but was unable to fit my bivy with a 20 degree Kelty Cosmic down bag inside. I contemplated stepping down to the 45 degree bag, but thankfully, did not.

This cooler has a number of features that you would find on more expensive coolers and a few that you won’t find. Our sister site Alloutdoor.com recently reviewed a hiking backpack sold by Ozark Trail that had an overall stellar performance and it triggered a question among our staff. Is Walmart’s Ozark Trail brand a true sleeper, putting out products that deserve much more attention among outdoorsmen? With that question being floated, we decided to travel down the path of discovery and start to take a closer look at Ozark Trail and some of their products. We just completed a review of the Ozark Trail Tumbler line, which is not only budget friendly but also well performing. (This is not sarcasm.) When I was a new mom a hike with my baby on my back was a wonderful antidote to the feeling of being overwhelmed by this huge life change.

There’s no way I can justify paying five times more for something that might carry just as well. I know some will immediately dismiss my review simply because I bought this pack at WalMart. 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 system. Funds, however, were non existent and my CFO (i.e. my wife) wouldn’t increase my discretionary fund. Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to sweltering afternoons.

This cooler is not only smaller in its overall size but also a fraction of the price of the competition. Most parents and grandparents dream about sharing their passions with their kids. But what happens when your passion includes schlepping 30 pounds or more of gear through the tick-infested woods and sleeping on the ground for days on end? Which size you need really comes down to what all you plan to have in your pack. The Hilmont also includes trekking pole attachment points, plus there’s a rain fly that’s stashed away in the bottom zip compartment.

The pack size and weight is good for all my day hiking to any shower. I’m not sure if it is durable enough to hold any of my camera equipment. This pack will make great for a day at the beach with an extra change of clothes, flip flops, keys, tanning oil, towel and a iPod or stuff your lightweight sleeping bag and a jacket. The Ozark Trail 10-Person Modified Dome Tent offers a spacious, versatile, and weather-resistant design, perfect for family camping adventures. Featuring a large screen porch and easy setup, this tent provides comfort and convenience for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rounding out the exterior is a lid that features 4 cup holders and inch notches for measuring your catch of the day. I spend a great deal of time on the water every summer boating and fishing in Northern Michigan. I will often load a large cooler up at the beginning of the week and leave it on my Pontoon packed with drinks and ice. If you have a boat and bring kids or friends on the water, you know that once you leave the dock the requests for drinks start rolling in fast and furious. Sure, you can load a cooler out each morning packed with fresh ice, but it is just so much easier to cut down all that work with a cooler than can keep ice for days on end.

And once he was old enough to walk on his own, his little brother was being carried by me or my husband. There are two basic kinds of carriers you can use to tote those who can’t make it the whole way on their own. These are for babies and the smallest toddlers; check the manufacturer specifications for weight limits. The second kind of carrier is hard-framed backpack that kids can ride in for as long as mom or dad are willing to carry them. 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.

Be aware, this is a daypack, intended for lighter loads and shorter distances. It isn’t built to be on your back 8 hours a day, and it won’t support 25 pounds. Used for its intended purpose, this is one of the ozark trail backpack best hiking/backpacking deals I’ve ever come across. The Ozark Trail Gravel Bike is designed for versatile performance on both paved roads and rugged trails. Built with durability and comfort in mind, this bike is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a reliable ride.

I agree with the other reviewer though, I would not go over about pounds with this pack. Kelli is a content writer with a degree in English Education from Penn State University. As a mom and a former middle school English teacher, she has spent the last 25 years looking for good deals for her home and the classroom. This feature requires an active Backpacking Light Membership. Get Backpacking Light ozark trail chair news, updates, gear info, skills, and commentary delivered into your inbox 1-2x/week.