The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

The Ozark does need those pegs in the ground to be self-standing so setting up on rocks would be infeasible (at least without applying some clever tenting skills). Not the best ozark trail backpack choice for long trips or hikers who need to carry a large amount of gear. A perk of hiking lesser-traveled trails are fewer (or non-existent) permits and parking fees.

Before you leave home be sure to let a friend or family member know where you’re going and what you’ll be doing. Indicate how many days you will be gone and approximately where you plan to stay each night. The entire trail is open to hikers and offers easy and moderate hiking conditions.

ozark trail backpack

If you are using your phone for navigation, pack a paper copy of a map in case you lose signal or find yourself without battery. Trail maps are free to print at home or are available for purchase at the online store. Tent, hammock or open-air camping — choose your camping style ozark trail canopy based on experience and comfort level. Be prepared to face changing weather conditions out in the wilderness. Water sources such as rivers and streams may only be available seasonally. Ozark Trail maps are a great resource to help identify places where you can access water.

A variety of websites have it currently priced for less than $50. Many higher quality tents could cost 3 or 4 times that amount. The top pocket I keep my cellphone, battery chargers, an extra camera battery, wallet and sunglass case. At the bottom, I keep a towel, first aid kit, and few other items, I may need. The easy access pockets (really just give you access to the main pack) I keep an extra pair of knee sleeves and socks.

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. I tried actually sewing one on, but I don’t have the right size buckle to go with the strap, so might won’t hold tight. I might actually pick up another for my son to use.

Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to sweltering afternoons. Consider bringing several sets of clothing so you have options for hiking and spending time at camp. Wear layers to be comfortable in any weather, and pack rain gear to stay dry. The Yeti has the most streamlined design of the three coolers, staying true to the original Yeti look and feel. The overall product weight of this cooler is 37lbs empty which is inline with the Pelican, but 7lbs heavier than the Ozark Trail cooler.