We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. 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. As far as coolers go, there is not a ton of innovation that can be done to enhance the rotomolding process itself, so most companies will focus on their end product’s design to set them apart from the competition.
There’s no water there without walking down a couple hundred ft of steep elevation to the river so carry it in. Point F literally dumps out into the parking lot at Bass River Resort. The whole section is very well marked and we never had any problems staying on the trail. I pack needed items in small containers when possible to save weight.
In general, we prefer hydration packs that fully separate the main compartment from the reservoir storage, allowing you to organize your gear without a bulky bladder getting in the way. Last but not least is the Nathan TrailMix 12L, a popular hydration pack ideal for multi-sport use. If packs like the REI Co-op Flash 15 and CamelBak Octane 22 above have caught your eye, ozark trail canopy the Nathan TrailMix 12L is another one to consider. CamelBak spearheaded the on-the-go hydration category decades ago, and despite a surge of designs from pack specialists like Osprey and Gregory, their products are still decently competitive. Joining the running-vest-inspired Octane and minimalist RimRunner on our list is the Fourteener 26 (and women’s Fourteener 24).
Since portions of the Ozark Trail haven’t been built yet, our goal is to walk the finished sections. We began working our way from south to north with the Eleven Point, Between the Rivers, and Current River sections. For this hike, we’ll continue north on the Blair Creek, Karkaghen, and Middle Fork John Roth sections. Many trip failures can be traced to the planning process or something overlooked in preparation.
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Since it is the upper section of the trail the highest single elevation gain you will see is only about 200 ft making for a good trip for almost anyone. 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. Includes Trekking pole attachment points, compression straps and a sleeping bag compartment. Just about every other daypack I’ve had falls apart under the weight of my books (med school).
All told, if you like the style of a running hydration vest but prefer a bit more features and durability for hiking (we especially love the removable backpanel that doubles as a sit pad), the Flash 15 is a solid pick. Staying hydrated is essential to being alert and limber on the trail, and nothing makes the process easier than a hydration pack. These relatively inexpensive pieces of gear come ready to go, including a daypack and integrated hydration bladder—all you need to do is add water.
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. Like the Ozark Trail 45 Qt Rolling Thermocooler, the Pelican 45QW Elite Wheeled Cooler includes a lid with inch notches and also includes centimeters for those outside of the United States. Similar to the Ozark Trail cooler, the Pelican features orange wheel rims and also has orange clasp accents. You can get this cooler in three colors, Tan which is featured here, as well as graphite and white.
With access to the Ozark Trail available year-round, hikers will need to prepare differently for each season. Ozark springs see a lot of rain and varied temperatures; Ozark summers tend to be hot, muggy, and wet; Ozark winters can drop below freezing. Wet ozark trail canopy weather is common to the Ozark climate, especially in late spring through summer, and fosters a breeding ground for bugs, mosquitos, and ticks. Consider bringing waterproof shoes and treating your clothes ahead of time with permethrin to repel insects.
Having a fancy suspension system doesn’t reduce the weight your feet and knees are feeling so go as light as possible with the pack. 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. You’ll find this area along the Indian Creek and Rocky Creek flush with shut-ins, water-eroded rock formations unique to the Ozarks that feature complex systems of plunge pools, rivulets, and shallow waterfalls. Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain.