5 Best Ozark Trail Backpacks Feb 2024

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. Also, learn the seven principles of “Leave No Trace” to keep the backcountry beautiful.

At 35 liters, this pack is perfect for day trips or for hikers who don’t need to carry a lot of gear on the trails. Also a good choice for youngsters who are new to hiking, or who need a rugged pack for toting school items. With access to the Ozark Trail available year-round, hikers will need to prepare differently for each season. Ozark springs see a lot of rain and varied temperatures; Ozark summers tend to be hot, muggy, and wet; Ozark winters can drop below freezing. Wet weather is common to the Ozark climate, especially in late spring through summer, and fosters a breeding ground for bugs, mosquitos, and ticks.

I managed to fit my headlamp, lighter, map, compass, and some tp in the pocket. 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 ozark trail canopy restart that particular step. This tent was close to foolproof when it came to the rain fly because it was already connected. Walmart has up to 50% off select Ozark Backpacks and Daypacks! Grab a hydration compatible backpack for $13.96 or Go Bag for $15.53.

Get your questions about the Ozark Trail 10L Backpacking Daypack answered from our team and the Pro Community right here on the page. Plus, join discussions with other members about gear, guides, and more. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Choose this pack if you prefer a smaller yet spacious design, as it has useful features and the durability of larger options. On the small side, so it won’t work for hikers who need a spacious pack.

ozark trail backpack

The weather was going to be great and the hammock was where I wanted to be during the restful moments of the day. In the following paragraphs I share just a few design features that, in my opinion, make this a well-designed product. 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.

What’s more, the OT offers many things to see and experience for both seasoned and first-time backpackers. Today I immediately loaded it up and went out for a few hours. For water and OJ I use Vapur anti bottles which aren’t bulky at all. My glucose meter and keys went in the small outside pocket.

I’ve carried it in bad weather, including rain and snow. 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.

By default, this unexpectedly ended up being my go-to daily bag for several months. It’s been stuffed to capacity with almost everything I had to carry, including, but not limited to, outerwear, lunch, groceries, laptop, iPad, a Bose speaker, and combinations thereof. My shoulders did not chafe nor rub or irritate while walking and I did not get any bruising on my hips.

I backpack in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada. And I do day hikes in Sequoia National Park and on the coast. If you’re looking for a daypack, or a carry-on that fits everywhere, this is the deal. Especially at the clearance price you can get now. I bought this pack recently on a whim while shopping Walmart. I needed a day pack and didn’t really have lots of time to search at REI for the various styles provided having only gone to one store.