Tag: backcountry

A reader emailed several good questions while preparing for a backpacking trip on the Ozark Highlands Trail. I enjoy responding to these type of inquiries and decided to write this post. We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that’s designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space.… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

Every pound does add up and if you cut the weight down by 5+ lbs. On the outside you will find two side pockets and rigging that can be used to tighten the bag, hold extra gear, and an option to hold trekking poles. The pockets work great for holding 32 oz Nalgene bottles or… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

On the other hand, accessing the tent from the middle, or on the long side, gives one more degree of freedom. Assuming a symmetrical tent, like the Ozark Trail, my head could be placed at either end and both options would feel equally ozark trail backpack comfortable. In fact, my particular tent spot wasn’t completely… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

You won’t wake the neighbors up when you are pulling this down your dock. Rounding out the exterior is a lid that features 4 cup holders and inch notches for measuring your catch of the day. I’ll be totally honest, I was not expecting this cooler to be as nice as it was. It’s easy… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

One of the best parts of hiking is settling around a campfire at the end of the day and enjoying a hot meal. You may find it helpful to make a list of meals for each day you are out on the trail to ensure that you are not over- or under-packing for your trip.… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

If you need a large pack, or are heading on a days-long adventure, this pack won’t work for you. This is the Russian Doll of the bag world, the bag going inside of the bigger bag. It also comes with a removable, drawstring style daypack. However, I have found that bag to be rather small,… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

All told, I’ve had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. Keeping the load under 15 pounds seems to be the key. I really wanted to use it for our fall two-nighter on the AT, but was unable to fit my bivy with a 20 degree Kelty Cosmic down bag inside. I contemplated… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

The Ozark Trail cooler is made from polyethylene, which is the most common kind of plastic in use today. The coolers remained in the same location for the duration of the 6 day test, only being opened to snap daily progress pictures. The Pelican also features a different pull handle than the Yeti and Ozark… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

The legs are locked into place with old school metal push button locks, something you won’t see on many modern pop up tents now-a-days. These push locks get very difficult to use over time, especially if the tent is used on the beach and exposed to sand and saltwater, causing rust build up. Many newer… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums

In fact, my particular tent spot wasn’t completely flat so I quickly rotated my sleeping bag so that my feet weren’t above my head all night. It was pretty easy to make adjustments from the side door access. Just about every other daypack I’ve had falls apart under the weight of my books (med school).… Continue reading how bad of an idea is Ozark Trail gear? Backcountry Beginners Backcountry Forums