For day hikes this is just as good as (and lighter than) my Osprey Daylite that retails for almost four times more. The padded back panel and adjustable padded shoulder straps ensured a perfect fit every time, reducing strain during long hikes. Despite its smaller size, it carried all the essentials without any discomfort. Just about every other daypack I’ve had falls apart under the weight of my books (med school). ozark trail backpack I also like the fact that for my outdoor activities, it’s designed to hold a hydration bladder. It even has a rain cover built in, which is great when I’m riding my bicycle across town on a rainy day.
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 water. If you don’t care about brand names and are pretty careful with spills, I would go with the Ozark Trail tumbler. Other than the lid, it works nearly identically to the Yeti tumbler at a much lower price. They both work very well at keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. The one thing the Yeti really has over the Ozark Trail mug, in terms of performance, is the slider on the lid.
When you have to answer nature’s call, make sure to stay at least 200 yards away from a water source and bury any solid waste at least 6 inches deep. Tent, hammock or open-air camping — choose your camping style based on experience and comfort level. Be prepared to face changing weather conditions out in the wilderness.
While the Ozark Trail doesn’t run directly through any towns, hikers may access options for resupply and services along the way, including the locales below. Please be aware that we make an effort to keep this information current. However, businesses and business conditions change, thus the information contained here is subject to change without the knowledge of the Ozark Trail Association. 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 to north. The Ozark Trail Association Trip Planner contains information on a thru-hike, including directions to Onondaga State Park and Eleven Point Western trailheads.
It also includes loops to hang your trekking poles when not in use. Includes compression straps on the sides to keep your gear stable. This pack has a lot of extra storage pockets for organization of your gear. Having a separate rain fly for a 2- or 3- person tent makes sense because multiple people can split up the weight a little easier on longer hikes. With a 1-person tent, that doesn’t really make as much sense. After all, I was carrying the whole thing and so it might as well be connected.
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. All backpacks come with adjustable straps and padded shoulder straps to ensure a comfortable fit and even weight distribution. The backpacks also feature side and front pockets, as well as compartments for organizing gear and essentials. Some backpacks even include additional features such as a water bottle holder and a hydration system compatible pocket. The one downside with integrated rain flies is the lack of ventilation and temperature control.
After Middle Fork, head into the 29-mile Karkaghne section, which mixes sweeping wetland prairies and ridge-lined valley views through the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area. Before you leave home be sure to let a friend or family member know where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Indicate how many days you will be gone and approximately where you plan to stay each night.