Bring a dedicated bear canister or hang a bear bag for all food and other aromatic items that might attract a bear’s attention. Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Missouri Ozarks on the Ozark Trail. The 430-mile trail system is comprised of mostly linked trail sections that wind through rolling hills and valleys, past stone bluffs and along sparkling streams. The route extends from the St. Louis metropolitan area southwest through the Ozarks. 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. Despite this minor drawback, the Ozark Trail backpack performs exceptionally well in many situations and is definitely worth considering. Determining when and where water will be available is part of route planning. Monitoring rain in the area you’re going to hike and contacting locals can help you determine if smaller creeks might act as water sources. Last fall when hiking dry sections of the Ouachita Trail, we planted water caches for insurance, but this involved driving to pick up empty jugs after the trip. One downside was that I did experience a manufacturing defect — the sterner strap kept sliding out from the top, which was frustrating to say the least. But overall, I highly recommend this backpack for its versatility and style. While this is made of a lightweight water resistant material, it does not have a built in rain flap. 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. 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. 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. Offers high-quality outdoor equipment at competitive prices, making outdoor adventures accessible to all. While this pack won't work for everyone, it's a practical size for day trips, light travelers, and kids. While we share insights and celebrate the adventures that outdoor gear like Ozark Trail can offer, our site is independently run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts. Not the best choice for long trips or hikers who need to carry a large amount of gear. Choose this pack if you prefer a smaller yet spacious design, as it has useful features and the durability of larger options. While this pack may not be big enough to carry all the gear you need for longer treks, it offers many of the features you would want at a good price. I also appreciate the separate laptop compartment, which protects my valuable electronics whenever I’m on the go. It’s been a perfect addition to my work setup, and I love the versatility of being able to wear it like a backpack or carry it by the padded top and side handle. Its 25-liter capacity provided ample space for all my essentials, from books to electronics and more. The adjustable shoulder straps made carrying a fully loaded pack a comfortable experience, perfect for long school days or camping trips. The Ozark Trail Backpacks come equipped with a range of features and accessories that enhance your backpacking experience. In my search for the perfect daypack for my outdoor adventures, the OT Backpack 25L Yakutat Daypack Backpack became a game changer. I loved the cute color combination, but more importantly, it was functional and durable. Its design was thoughtful, with multiple pockets and compartments that made organizing my gear a breeze.