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

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

More than once in the dark I’ve attached a rain fly upside down and we had to restart that particular step. This tent was close to foolproof when it came to the rain fly because it was already connected. I also liked how my head wasn’t directly beside the door, which often occurs for an… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

For the second overnight hike in which I used the pack, I left the hammock at home and stuffed an REI Stratus insulated pad and lightweight bivy inside. I was a little concerned with how the straps would distribute weight. Prior to taking it out on the trail, I did give it two coats of… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

To resolve this issue, I do not fill it completely up with heavy stuff. Honestly, most of my trips it’s a quarter full and the water bladder and extra water bottles are what makes it heavy. After the last few trips and hiking with a near empty bag, I decided to get a 20-liter bag… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

Be prepared to adjust plans based on the conditions you encounter. Have backup plans in case of gear and equipment failures. So, I reached out on the private Facebook group “Ozark Trail Section Hikers and Backpackers” and eventually talked to seven other successful OT thru-hikers. A thru-hike can begin at the Onondaga State Park and… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight. I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. Backpacking stoves are a convenient way to boil water for dehydrated meals and… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

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. This tent was close to foolproof when it came to the rain fly because it was… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

My glucose meter and keys went in the small outside pocket. I did instantly notice the difference of carrying a lighter bag. I also don’t really prefer single compartment stuff bags, but, this works for what I need. Backpacking Light community posts are moderated and here to foster helpful and positive discussions about lightweight backpacking.… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

Also included are side profile daisy chains for carrying items externally. It is made with a low-profile adjustable sternum strap to help you get the perfect fit and air-mesh padded shoulder straps and back panel for comfortable carrying without a frame. It is also hydration compatible and comes with an included 2L reservoir so you… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains

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

The R&D team at Wilson put their minds together and came up with a pretty ingenious design. But while spending time in nature, I find its expression most beautiful and abundant. Let’s go on a hike together and talk about optimization. If you are using your phone for navigation, bring a paper copy of a… Continue reading The Ozark Trail: A Guide to Hiking Missouri’s Mountains