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

This same toe was a problem earlier on the Ouachita Trail, but I tolerated the discomfort on both trips. If you’re searching east of the Rockies for stunning scenery, technical terrain, and a long hike option sans the AT crowds, this is your pick. The only issues I have with the bag is that the stitching isn’t as good as you might find on the more expensive bags and its weight. The more expensive will use higher quality materials that are generally stronger and lighter weight. All this means that your bag will be a little heavier than a premium bag when fully packed.

For anyone in the market for a cooler that works and won’t break the bank, I would absolutely take a serious look at what Ozark Trail has to offer. But by the end of the test, it was still going strong—for far longer, in total, than Black Diamond’s advertised run time of five hours on high. Lace up your boots, throw snacks (and water) into your backpack — along ozark trail outdoor equipment with a compass, paper map, plus whatever else you need — and get out on one of these day hikes. We guarantee you’ll experience natural wonders like no other when you step foot on one of our paths. Outdoor enthusiasts will find hundreds of miles of amazing Arkansas trails designed for day hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, off-roading and kayaking.

Before purchasing this pack I used a more traditionally styled, and heavier, backpack for daily walks. I recently attended a seminar that explained the major difference of carrying lighter gear while outdoors. Here’s another AWESOME thing about the Ozark Trail Atka day pack. It’s sized to fit every airline’s carry-on size requirements. My son and daughter each took one of these on a trip through Europe and they carried it on every plane, train, and bus they rode without any problems. It’s also small enough that it wasn’t inconvenient for them to have it with them everyday.

I prefer to use my local outfitters, suppliers, and bookstores for most backpacking purchases. Ultimately, the good design for this product was that it was sized right for what I needed, both in dimensions and weight. Not too small, but not too large (and thus wasteful) – a Goldilocks design. After all, I had to be sensitive to weight as we were required to carry our own water for 10 miles as there were no options for filtering during that stretch.

You’ll arrive at Big Bluff, the highest overlook along the winding waterway at 500 feet. It’s perfect at sunset or on a chilly day when the trees are coated in frost. At 3 miles, this hike in northwest Arkansas, inside Buffalo National River, leads you to a rock jutting out from a verdant hillside. Accessible year-round, Lost Valley (located in Buffalo National River) comes complete with a gushing waterfall.

I contemplated stepping down to the 45 degree bag, but thankfully, did not. Once they expanding their manufacturing capabilities, Activa began producing canopies for retail shelves under their own Z-Shade brand. They signed exclusive partnerships with Sam’s Club, Lowe’s, Academy Sports, K-Mart, and started filling the shelves with affordably priced instant shelters of all shapes and sizes.

I know some will immediately dismiss my review simply because I bought this pack at WalMart. I’ve been attempting to drop weight for the past several years, mostly because my knees can’t handle it. My shelters have gotten lighter as have my sleeping system — next in line for a diet was my carry system.

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. While this pack won’t work for everyone, it’s a practical size for day trips, light travelers, and kids.