How To: Backpack the Ozark Trail

Instead, they will probably be happiest settling for the Bishop Pass and using the substantial money they save to upgrade other components of their overnight kit. Or, throw down a few more bucks on a bag like the REI Co-op Magma 30, which is lighter weight and more comfortable, but just a touch less warm. The combination of their light weight and a fold-down frame makes folding wagons especially handy for everyday use, including getting in and out of a car or on and off public transportation. We’ve seen people using these wagons around the neighborhood and at the beach, as well as for gardening, outdoor concerts and movies, and sporting events. I even ran into a PTA parent who was using a wagon to schlep a used printer to school.

The material is easy to wipe clean, and during our testing it didn’t grow any mildew when stored damp. Even after over a year of use, the wagon didn’t lose any ability to fold or unfold ozark trail canopy smoothly. Like the Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Cart (our pick for use on sand), the Mac Sports Outdoor wagon has an easy-to-use, telescoping handle.

These qualities eliminate any usefulness this bag could have for human-powered adventures. Instead, it’s a model that’s exclusively suited for car or RV camping. Great for hiking in warm weather, thanks to the breathable construction, mesh straps, and hydration bladder hook up. Car campers seeking a cozier two-person option should consider the Teton Sports Mammoth Queen. This massive bag features a classic flannel lining that we think some folks will prefer over the slippery nylon lining found inside many other bags. The interior dimensions are also generous to ensure you and your sleeping partner have all the space you need to sleep comfortably.

Depending on your preferred camping style, we’ve also outlined some of our favorite tents to help you set up your perfect home away from home. If you feel the need to up your camping game all around, we have compiled a dream camping gear list that includes all of our favorite items to take on a weekend (or weeklong) ozark trail backpack adventure. Backpacking sleeping bags are generally designed with a hood and a tapered sarcophagus shape that minimizes materials while maximizing thermal efficiency. Keep in mind, however, that the tapered shape of a mummy bag reduces the space for your legs, so some folks may find them uncomfortable.

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. Here the 30-mile Current River section picks up, following the river for two miles before veering south toward Stegall Mountain. Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain.

Serious backpackers, however, should really consider spending extra for the MegaLite, or another bag from Western Mountaineering or Feathered Friends. Bags from these specialty manufacturers usually cost more than high-end models from other companies, but in our opinion, they greatly outperform premium models from their competitors. It was the perfect size bag to hold water bottles and a few other important things in it. When my bag got wet from a few rides, it easily and quickly dried because of its thin material, I really liked that. The bag has one large compartment and then a smaller one on the front/side. We like that this pack has a lot of pockets including a zipper that allows you to access the middle of the pack without opening the top.