The front and hip straps make it very comfortable and takes alot of the pressure of your shoulders and back. I priced other internal frame daypacks before my trip and this was by far the cheapest. I took this pack on a 5-day mountain bike ride from Pittsburgh, Pa., to Washington, D.C., and it performed very well. A brute on the scorecard, but this long par 3 plays drastically downhill.
If you’re outfitting your whole family for the first time, it’s cost prohibitive. That’s why I was so pleased with how well the Kelty Discovery Element 6 handled my testing protocol. With just two crisscrossing poles, it was a cinch to put up. Given that the poles connect into sleeves at opposing corners (rather than fiddly grommets), it was arguably one of the easiest family tents to set up that I’ve tested. If you’re a first-time camper worried about the hassle of tent setup, this one is a great choice.
In addition to hiking, the park is great for activities such as eagle watching, fishing, camping, and more. 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.
It is the first public-access golf course designed by 82-time PGA TOUR winner, Tiger Woods and his golf course design firm, TGR Design. The final pole—a separate fiberglass section that holds the rainfly out over the door was surprisingly difficult to insert. I barely remember setting up the NEMO Aurora Highrise 6P Tent, which is about the highest praise I can ozark trail chair offer. Insert the two longest poles through the crisscrossing sleeves, anchor them into the grommets at opposite ends, and secure a handful of tabs to pull the body taut. The bathhouse in the horse camp is closed until further notice. With two burners big enough to fit the average-sized pot, saucepan, or kettle, you can cook balanced and diverse meals quickly.
A 225-acre gem in Jefferson County, Valley View Glades offers just one trail, but it’s worth the trip, taking visitors through wooded hollows and wildflower-filled fields. An overlook near the trail’s end provides one final glimpse of the land’s namesake. We owe thanks for Queeny Park to Edgar Monsanto Queeny, who was a horseman and naturalist as well as CEO of a chemical company. Once you’ve passed the barn, stables, and erstwhile dog museum, you’re officially on the trail. Next come the clover and alfalfa fields, then “the edge,” its wild cherry and sassafras a habitat for birds and bunnies.
In the colder seasons insulating layers are a must, and a good rain shell for you and rain fly for your tent are necessary year-round. Make sure to let a friend or family member know what you’re doing and where you’re going. Tell someone how many days you’ll be gone and approximately where you think you’ll stay each night. Physically check in by filling out a backpacking card at dedicated trailheads.