The Best Backpacking Rain Jackets for Thru-Hiking in 2024

It’s a working document that I update from time to time. I must interject a note about coffee here as I consider it essential! I sometimes use Mount Hagen instant, but you end up with a small wrapper to carry out. My tastiest morning brew involves using espresso ozark trail backpack grind coffee and leaves no trash to carry out. I never carry bear spray and only used a bear canister once in the High Sierras of California where it was required. I use a bag for food and tie it in a tree, but mainly to keep the little critters out.

Exploring Missouri’s scenic Ozark backcountry is one of the best reasons to head out on the trail. The Ozark Trail Association marks and improves the trail and ensures backpacking campsites are well maintained. What’s more, the OT offers many things to see and experience for both seasoned and first-time backpackers.

Some days this bag was heavier than I would have chosen it to be. However, it took a pretty good beating and has held up. 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 silicone spray so that it would shed water.

The umbrella gives me a little roof to walk under, but it’s not for everybody. I’ve also used a poncho which kept my upper body dry, but I still get clammy. It was one of those planned events in 2020 that was delayed for years, ozark trail backpack from what else, but the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the trip was three years in the making, the anticipation was doubly intense. This hydration compatible backpack has a connection for a water bladder built in to the design.

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. Trailspace’s community of gear reviewers has field-tested and rated the top daypacks. Of course it has no side water holsters, or lid pocket, or hipbelt strap, but I think that all contributes to its low weight.

I am a 6-foot tall male, weighing 185 lbs and it fits just as well as other day packs I’ve tried. My shoulders did not chafe nor rub or irritate while walking and I did not get any bruising on my hips. I only walked about a mile away on a dirt trail to the showers but it was not a flat surface and the equiptment on my back was stable. Fast and easy to adjust and all buckles and webbing are in good quality. I bought this pack recently on a whim while shopping Walmart.

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 drooled over all the lightweight packs from the major manufacturers for a few years.