Ozark-St Francis National Forests Hiking:Backpacking

It’s equipped with a laptop sleeve that doubles as a hydration pack pouch. This backpack also has a handy bottom compartment that’s perfect for carrying shoes or a sleeping bag. Comfort is of utmost importance in a camping backpack because these bags are often used to carry heavy gear. Ozark Trail backpacks are designed ergonomically with the comfort of the wearer in mind.

Once I got home my wife helped me fit the bag to my size and shape. We loaded the bag up with everything we might need for a 10-to-12-hour day out on the trails. Wetlands give way to ridgelines at the start of the Blair Creek section. The 26-mile route follows Blair Creek south as it carves down a valley through oak-hickory-pine forest before merging with the emerald waters of the Current River.

I include links to some items mentioned, but am not endorsing products or sources. I prefer to use my local outfitters, suppliers, and bookstores for most backpacking purchases. The ozark trail canopy trail is currently composed of thirteen sections, most of which are joined to other sections, though some gaps exist. The sections vary in length from 8 to 40 miles (13 to 64 km).

I avoid freeze dried meals because of their saltiness, expense, and packaging. I prefer using powdered soup mixes, instant potatoes, and Knorr side dishes as a base with my own dehydrated vegetables and meat added. I purchase dried chicken from Mountain House and add it to most meals. Results ozark trail sleeping bag are best if I place the chicken and vegetables in water when I first arrive at camp to increase their hydrating time. For me, planning campsites involves guesswork and looking at topographical maps. I cut post-it notes into strips and stick them to the map where I think we might camp.

Pack a file for smoothing the toenails during your trip. Many trip failures can be traced to the planning process or something overlooked in preparation. Even on the best of trips, I usually learn of things I should have done differently, often related to travel distance, packing, or food. A reader emailed several good questions while preparing for a backpacking trip on the Ozark Highlands Trail.