The Path Less Traveled #010 Ozark Trail 30L Hiking Backpack Review

Includes Trekking pole attachment points, compression straps and a sleeping bag compartment. I carried this daypack back n forth on a trail to the shower while camping. The bag stayed in place on my back using the sternum strap. Just about every other daypack I’ve had falls apart under the weight of my books (med school). I also like the fact that for my outdoor activities, it’s designed to hold a hydration bladder.

Because of this we realized we didn’t have all the gear we needed. We had our shoes, trekking poles, and water bladders. They were more camera bags and short-day sling bags designed to be warned for light duty walking or short hikes where all I need is water and place to store my wallet, phone, and trail snacks.

Once your family is hiking distances on a regular basis, invest in some boots. Kids’ boots are cheaper than adults, and they often outgrow them before they wear them out, so they can get a lot of use by multiple kids. As always, make sure to bring the “Ten Essentials”, extra food ozark trail canopy and water, sunscreen etc. It was one of those planned events in 2020 that was delayed for years, from what else, but the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the trip was three years in the making, the anticipation was doubly intense. I keep my keys a small Leatherman in that pocket.

Enjoy views of the Ozark landscape as you gain 500 feet of elevation up 2.5 miles to the top of Stegall Mountain. Camp out at the top overnight, catching a glimpse of a full sky of stars if it’s clear. 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. Keep an eye out for a short spur trail between Sutton Bluff campground and Highway TT which leads to Grasshopper Hollow, the largest fen (peat-forming wetland) in non-glaciated North America. The entire trail is open to hikers and offers easy and moderate hiking conditions.

The Ozark Trail 45 Liter Backpacking Backpack has all the features of a premium bag but at a lower budget friendly price. It has everything you need to get a beginner started with backpacking. Features taken directly from Walmart.com sales page. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking.

Has a hip belt to displace the load off your shoulders. Includes a place to connect your hydration bladder. Today I immediately loaded it up and went out for a few hours. For water and OJ I use Vapur anti bottles which aren’t bulky at all. My glucose meter and keys went in the small outside pocket.

If you need a large pack, or are heading on a days-long adventure, this pack won’t work for you. 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.

ozark trail backpack

This pack fits me fine and is very comfortable for lightweight loads. I use it as a day pack when doing multi-day hikes. It’s light enough that I don’t mind putting it in my backpack and it takes up almost no space at all. And on summit day, I sure am glad I have a daypack! For day hikes this is just as good as (and lighter than) my Osprey Daylite that retails for almost four times more.

Much of it is also accessible for mountain biking and horseback riding. Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top daypacks. The set-up was understandably a few steps shorter, which is always nice when setting up in the dark. More than once in the dark I’ve attached a rain fly upside down and we had to restart that particular step.