Cooler Throw Down: Does Ozark Trail Stack up with Yeti and Pelican?

One thing I noticed was that the backpack’s zippers can be a bit tricky to open, especially when your fingers are wet or muddy. However, this didn’t deter me from using the backpack, and it didn’t seem to be a significant issue for my friends either. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. The Ozark Trail passes through areas owned by several different organizations and governmental agencies, so the route may be marked with different signs. Common signs include the white and green Ozarks Trail sign and a brown sign with a white silhouette of a hiker or a silver diamond, both used as markers by the U.S. Tent, hammock or open-air camping — choose your camping style based on experience and comfort level.

I’ve been using the Ozark Trail 30 Liter Commuter Backpack for a couple of weeks now, and I must say, it’s been quite the companion. Not only is it super roomy, but it also has several thoughtfully designed pockets for organization. One of my favorite aspects is the hidden front accessory pocket that keeps important items nearby without making them easily accessible.

On the other hand, accessing the tent from the middle, or on the long side, gives one more degree of freedom. Assuming a symmetrical tent, like the Ozark Trail, my head could be placed at either end and both options would feel equally comfortable. In fact, my particular tent spot wasn’t completely flat so I quickly rotated my sleeping bag so that my feet weren’t above my head all night.

The warranty period varies depending on the specific product, but it generally ranges from 1 to 3 years from the date of purchase. For more information on the warranty period, customers should consult the product’s user manual or contact Ozark Trail customer service directly. A perk of hiking lesser-traveled trails are fewer (or non-existent) permits and parking fees. The Ozark Trail does not have permit, parking, or registration requirements for its trail sections. 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’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.

Each pack is hydration compatible and feature side water bottle pockets to keep refreshments within reach. On the 35-liter pack there are plenty of options for storage with a top zippered accessory pocket with a tricot-lined pocket inside for sunglasses or other important items. The larger pack also features side accessory pockets for extra storage and an ultra-padded back panel and waist belt for added comfort. There are also bottom compression straps for camp pads or other items. Other features include a rainfly and reflective accents for safety when hiking and the red recycled polyester fabric material is a perfect unisex backpacking option. Ozark Trail backpacks can be used for numerous outdoor activities, from day hikes to long backpacking trips.

To ensure versatility, consider choosing a backpack with multiple compartments and pockets for organizing gear. Some backpacks may also include additional features like external straps, hydration pockets, or built-in rain covers to accommodate a variety of needs. The one downside with integrated rain flies is the lack of ventilation and temperature control. We had great weather – not too hot and not too cold – but it did rain for about 5 minutes.

The 430-mile trail system is comprised of mostly linked trail sections that wind through rolling hills and valleys, past stone bluffs and along sparkling streams. The route extends from the St. Louis metropolitan area southwest through the Ozarks. The one thing the Yeti really has over the Ozark Trail mug, in terms of performance, is the slider on the lid. After extensively reviewing the data from the travel logger, we found that—drumroll, please—the two tumblers performed exactly the same. I’ll pause for shock value, but there’s no real difference between the two other than the price tag and that the Yeti is dishwasher safe. Estimated shipping time ozark trail chair is approximately 3-5 business days from the time your order is placed and is subject to change.

Choose this pack if you prefer a smaller yet spacious design, as it has useful features and the durability of larger options. Overall, it could have been roomier, but the weight savings were attractive to me with only one spar instead of two. 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. Thru-hiking is defined as hiking the contiguous 230-mile backbone of the Ozark Trail in one trip. A thru-hike can begin at the Onondaga State Park and proceed southward to the Eleven Point Western trailhead, or move in the opposite direction from south ozark trail chair to north.

We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. The Ozark Trail cooler is made from polyethylene, which is the most common kind of plastic in use today. The heat wave we were hit with in Southeast Michigan was less than enjoyable and I have included those details below. So, I have to say that I was really surprised with how this test turned out.

They both work very well at keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Also, once the water reached about 80°F, both mugs were able to maintain that temperature for a few hours, meaning you can enjoy your tea or coffee for a long time. It shouldn’t be cleaned with bleach or put it in the microwave or freezer. You do get a few color options with the Ozark Trail and it comes with a lifetime warranty to boot. The Pelican also features a different pull handle than the Yeti and Ozark coolers as well. I do think the Pelicans pull handle is the lowest on my list of the three.